"It's harder to knock opponents out in kickboxing" - Tawanchai admits inability to unload full arsenal in first meeting vs Jo Nattawut

Tawanchai PK Saenchai narrowly escaped with the victory the last time he shared the ring with his compatriot, 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut.

Given the razor-close nature of their first encounter last year, the pair will run it back at ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga on Prime Video next month, with Tawanchai putting his featherweight Muay Thai strap on the line.

With the match taking place under kickboxing rules, the dynamic 25-year-old was somewhat limited with his offensive attacks.

While Tawanchai's elite punches and kicks still ripped Nattawut apart, it was clear he couldn't fully utilize his mastery of 'The Art of Eight Limbs.'

This played in Nattawut's favor, as he was able to go the distance with the PK Saenchai star and made the fight closer than many expected.

Despite his inability to put the 34-year-old veteran away, Tawanchai said he had no regrets. He told Sportskeeda MMA;

"I'm not disappointed [that I didn't finish Jo Nattawut] because I know that, unlike Muay Thai, it's harder to knock opponents out in kickboxing."

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The biggest factor, of course, was Tawanchai being unable to use his fearsome clinch game and wicked elbows to punish his aggressive foe.

This allowed Nattawut to get in close range and score combos against the Thai champ.

Rewatch Tawanchai vs Jo Nattawut 1, here:

Tawanchai admits being 'too cocky' against underdog Jo Nattawut

Considering he was able to vanquish his previous opponents with relative ease, Tawanchai got overly confident against Nattawut at ONE Fight Night 15.

He admitted in the same Sportskeeda MMA interview:

"What I've learned from the first fight is that I was too cocky. I will not make the same mistake again in this fight."

Now, Tawanchai has the chance to unleash his full arsenal in four-ounce gloves in his highly-anticipated do-over with 'Smokin Jo'.

Don't miss this epic firefight at ONE 167, live on US Primetime, on June 7 from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The full event is free for Prime Video subscribers in North America.