ONE 167: 3 Best Performances That Stole the Show

Last night, the Impact Arena in Bangkok became the stage for a spectacular sporting event: ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut. Featuring 22 fighters across Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, the event captivated audiences worldwide. The main attraction was the highly anticipated rematch between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Jo Nuttawut.

Originally slated for the first main card slot was a championship between ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion, Stamp Fairtex, and Denice Zamboanga. However, Stamp sustained an injury during training, forcing the title bout’s cancellation. Thankfully, thanks to the efforts of ONE Championship effort, Zamboanga still competed in a non-titled MMA bout against Neolle Grandjean. This shift elevated the Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Denis Puric clash to the co-main event slot.

While the ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawutevent was a spectacle, it wasn’t without its setbacks. ONE Championship’s star Rodtang Jitmuangnon missed weight but still fought at a catchweight. similarly, Liam Harrison, returning from a two-year injury layoff, also missed weight and subsequently withdrew from his fight. However, CEO Chatri Sityodtong honored Harrison’s fight purse.

Beyond these setbacks, the event showcased exciting moments. Mikey Musumeci, the reigning ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling Champion, returned to avenge his 2021 defeat against Gabriel Sousa. Additionally, the event marked the debut of the first ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion, Kade Ruotolo. This article dives into the three most stellar performances that truly stole the show.

Top 3 show-stealing fights at ONE 167

The first fight to steal the show on the list was the Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship rematch between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Jo Nattawut. These warriors previously met in a kickboxing match last October, where Nattawut, accepted the fight on short notice (two weeks) and delivered a close battle against Tawanchai.

In their June 7th rematch, Tawanchai appeared dominant in rounds 1 and 2, utilizing powerful leg kicks. Both fighters traded high kicks and leg attacks throughout the contest. Round 3 saw Nattawut increase the pressure, landing a solid right hand and combination punch that caused swelling around Tawanchai’s eye. However, Tawanchai regained control in the fourth round, picking off Nattawut with a sharp kick. The final round featured a close exchange of high kicks, but Tawanchai ultimately secured a majority decision victory.

The co-main event also stole the show: ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Denis Puric. Despite a valiant effort from Puric, who fought with grit and determination until the bell, Rodtang emerged victorious via unanimous decision. Nicknamed “Iron Man,” Rodtang showcased his agility and footwork early on, overwhelming Puric with his speed. Although Puric attempted a takedown Later in the fight, Rodtang countered with Powerful combinations. Both fighters landed significant blows throughout the three rounds, but ultimately, Rodtang secured the win, adding another victory to his impressive record.

The third show-stealing fight featured the return of current ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mikey Musumeci, who faced newcomer to ONE Championship, Gabriel Sousa. This wasn’t their first encounter, as they previously met outside the promotion in 2021, with Sousa defeating Musumeci. However, this time Musumeci exacted his revenge. Sousa secured an early takedown in the opening seconds, but the American grappler quickly took control. Musumeci applied a brutal calf slicer submission, forcing the Brazilian to struggle for over a minute before ultimately tapping out due to a knee crank. The victory came in a dominant display within just 3:07 minutes.

Which fight was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!