Two-division Lion Fight Champion Jo Nattawut and ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai are all set to reignite their rivalry in a highly anticipated rematch. This epic clash will take place in the main event of ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut 2. In their first encounter at ONE Fight Night 15, Tawanchai emerged victorious.

Despite his last win against Jo Nattawut, Tawanchai doesn’t want to take him lightly. This was revealed by the fighter in his latest interview with EssentiallySports, where he spoke about his strategy and revealed the most important factors he needs to consider when facing the 34-year-old.

Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s key factors for rematch at ONE 167

Just days before his fight, Tawanchai exudes confidence about defeating Jo Nattawut again in the Muay Thai Circle. However, the Thai Champ isn’t overlooking crucial factors, as revealed in a recent interview. Tawanchai sat down for an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, hosted by Raj Sarkar.

During the conversation, when Sarkar inquired about the most important factor for facing Jo Nattawut, the Thai Champion revealed, “I think the most important factor would be IQ the ability to adapt and change through the fight. I think that would be my most important weapon now.”

Tawanchai also pointed out that Smokin is more dangerous in the featherweight division, where the upcoming fight will take place on June 7. Nattawut previously struggled when he competed in the bantamweight division. Furthermore, just days before the fight, Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s statement about fight IQ suggests he might have the upper hand over Jo Nattawut.

However, the crucial factor is that this fight will be under Muay Thai rules, unlike their last encounter which used kickboxing rules. This allows elbows, a weapon that could significantly benefit Tawanchai, as Jo Nattawut himself admitted in a recent interview.

Jo Nattawut’s unbothered by rule changes in the Tawanchai rematch

Driven by revenge for his loss to Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Fight Night 15, Jo Nattawut, aka Smokin, is determined to dethrone the Champion. With the upcoming ONE fight contested under Muay Thai, which favors his elbows strikes unlike their kickboxing encounter, the #3-ranked Nattawut sees a golden opportunity to claim the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on June 7th.

However, speaking about the rematch with Tawanchai, the fighter revealed that the fight being Muay Tha or kickboxing didn’t matter to him-he’s always ready. “Yeah, It’s going to be an exciting fight for sure. I believe so. I don’t think that I was ever wanting this rematch to be a Muay Thai fight or [kickboxing],” revealed the 34-year-old as quoted by Sportsmanor.

Meanwhile, originally scheduled as the co-main event for ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga, the fight between Tawachai and Jo Nattawut became the main event due to Stamp Fairtex’s injury and withdrawal from her ONE Atomweight MMA World Title defense against Denice Zamboanga. Now, as the main attraction, all eyes will be on Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Jo Nattawut to see if they can captivate the audience.

Who do you think will win at ONE 167? Drop your predictions in the comments below.