WATCH: French sniper Bampara Kouyate silences Bangkok with vicious knockout of Thai hero Jo Nattawut at ONE 170

Bampara Kouyate captured the biggest win of his promising career under the ONE Championship banner last Friday, Jan. 24.

Competing on the supporting card of ONE 170, the French-Malian striker pulled off an upset against 'Smokin’ Jo Nattawut in a featherweight Muay Thai clash, thrilling a sold-out crowd at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Check out the highlights of that matchup below:

After a cautious start with both fighters exchanging kicks, Kouyate struck first with a knockdown, catching Nattawut's kick and responding with a straight right hand.

Moments later, he added another knockdown, breaking through Nattawut’s defense. Kouyate sealed the victory with a third knockdown, landing another right hand that left his Thai opponent unable to continue, silencing the partisan audience in attendance.

With the victory, Kouyate improved his record to 36-2, positioning himself as a potential challenger for reigning featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai PK Saenchai.

On the other hand, Tawanchai put on a dominant performance, successfully defending his world title against Superbon in their highly anticipated rematch that headlined ONE 170.

The 25-year-old star displayed his signature speed and power, landing explosive combinations that had Superbon reeling in the opening salvo

Tawanchai ramped up the intensity in the second round, knocking his Thai compatriot down three times to clinch a technical knockout victory and retain his crown.

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Tawanchai vs. Bampara Kouyate in 2025?

Bampara Kouyate’s impressive victory over Jo Nattawut at ONE 170 is anticipated to shake up the promotion's featherweight Muay Thai division.

Before their showdown in Bangkok, Nattawut held the No. 2 spot in the rankings, while Kouyate was positioned at No. 4.

With his win over Nattawut, Kouyate could potentially rise two places in the top five, displacing both Nattawut and current No. 3-ranked contender Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.

As Tawanchai PK Saenchai wrapped up his rivalry with Superbon at ONE 170, a future encounter with Kouyate seems to be the natural next step for the Thai megastar later this year.