Tawanchai still unsure if he wants to join Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix

ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK. Saenchai is still unsure about joining the first-ever ONE Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix even after retaining his belt last Friday

In a pre-event interview with SCMP MMA, there was a certain hesitancy in Tawanchai’s voice about joining the 16-man tournament. When pressed about it, the Thai superstar said he feared fighting against some of his closest friends for the $1 million reward - a stance he doesn’t wish to compromise regardless of wins, losses, or money.

However, after successfully retaining his belt at ONE Fight Night 7 in a quick fashion, fans are still curious to see if he’s changed his mind about the whole affair.

Speaking again to Nicolas Atkin from SCMP MMA, the 23-year-old phenom responded:

“I’m focusing on Muay Thai and kickboxing right now, the Grand Prix is still 50/50 so we will see what’s happening.”

The most anticipated Muay Thai tournament in the history of the promotion is set to kick off sometime this year. As ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed, Thailand’s rising star Sinsamut Klinmee is the first athlete to join.

This announcement has garnered massive attention and interest from the fans as well as for the future participants of the world Grand Prix. Only true warriors need to apply, and Tawanchai doesn’t lack the heart or the skills to make it happen.

On February 24, the Thai standout put away one of the most respected and dangerous power-strikers in the featherweight division, Jamal Yusupov, with a one-strike finish to the leg. It was astonishing to witness Yusupov buckle down in the first 49 seconds of the opening round after having a dominant run under the promotion.

Therefore, you can’t blame the fans for believing that Tawanchai has the manpower to take his career one step further.

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Fans react to Tawanchai PK. Saenchai latest victory against Jamal Yusupov

It can be argued that Tawanchai PK. Saenchai is the best pound-for-pound Muay Thai striker in ONE Championship.

He defeated long-reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Petchmorakot Petchyndee after five grueling rounds of battle. Never before has the young Pattaya native been tested on the grand stage like he was on Sept. 29, 2022.

The PK. Saenchai representative put on one heck of a performance to claim the featherweight strap in triumphant fashion. Thus far, fans have been impressed by his work ethic and unmatched skills inside the ring as they took to Instagram to congratulate him on his latest victory against Jamal Yusupov.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

@clubberclancy: Well done champion👏🏻 you have good power💪🏻😜55🤣I know.”

@timethai: Leg Destroyer🔥

@builtyumuang: Well deserved!🔥Let’s keep working!💯