"They earned it" - Buakaw explains why Jo Nattawut-Tawanchai trilogy at ONE 169: Atlanta makes sense

Muay Thai and kickboxing legend Buakaw Banchamek is excited to see reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai defend his crown once more against 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut at ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8 inside the State Farm Arena.

In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the all-time great from Thailand explained why his compatriots deserved a trilogy fight.

Buakaw stated:

"They did well and they earned it. They showcased their true potential and presented the true art of Muay Thai."

Watch the full video below:

After Tawanchai won via unanimous decision under featherweight kickboxing rules in October 2023, Nattawut had an opportunity to exact his revenge and take the ONE featherweight Muay Thai crown from the 25-year-old in one fell swoop at ONE 167 this past June.

Though Nattawut put on one of the best performances of his career, Tawanchai's crisp striking and counters led to him retaining his spot atop the featherweight Muay Thai mountain via a razor-thin majority decision.

With the Thai stars having two extremely close bouts under their belts, fans can expect Tawanchai and Nattawut to put on a rivalry-ending showdown at ONE 169.

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Jo Nattawut receives support from American star ahead of ONE 169

American Muay Thai star Luke Lessei is optimistic that Jo Nattawut will win the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world championship from Tawanchai at ONE 169 on November 8.

In a recent video shared by ONE on Instagram, Lessei explained why he is taking his former foe's side ahead of the highly anticipated trilogy bout inside the State Farm Arena.

'The Chef' stated:

"Nattawut, cause I want the rematch to win the belt against him."

Tickets for ONE 169 are available via Ticketmaster.