"That's his strongest weapon" - Luke Lessei on what he must watch out for in possible showdown with Tawanchai
American striker Luke Lessei believes a showdown with ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai is inevitable.
Understandably, 'The Chef' had his eyes glued on the TV screen during Tawanchai's successful world title defense against 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut at ONE 167 last month.
This time, however, Lessei wasn't just spectating as a fan, but rather a potential challenger down the line.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA's Nick Atkin, the Dubuque, Iowa native shared his observation on the five-round slugfest between the top fighters in his division.
"So this whole fight, obviously we're thinking about me fighting them and we're seeing Tawanchai and he's mostly just throwing his left kick."
While Lessei already had a firsthand experience of how 'Smokin' Jo operates, he couldn't help but notice how his style would fare against the cerebral Tawanchai.
The fifth-ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender added:
"I think I'm a little bit more dynamic than just power kicks. Not to say that's all he has, but that's his strongest weapon."
Meanwhile, Lessei could further build his case to challenge Tawanchai one day if he can score a decisive victory this coming Friday.
The 28-year-old American will lock horns with France's Bampara Kouyate in a three-round battle in 'The Art of Eight Limbs' at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs Rasulov on Prime Video.
Watch Luke Lessei's ONE Fight Night 23 pre-event interview:
'Dynamic' Luke Lessei explains why he's a tough adversary for anyone in the division
ONE's 155-pound striking divisions are no doubt stacked with prime talent.
Luke Lessei knows he'll be in for a wild fight each time, as he continues his ascent atop the rankings.
Still, 'The Chef' remains confident he can more than hold his own against elite competition.
He told Violent Money TV in a recent interview:
"I'm trying to bring a new aura here. I feel like I can get these guys in a part of their game that I don't even know how to explain it. I just feel like I'm more dynamic than everybody."
ONE Fight Night 23 will air live in US Primetime on July 5 from Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium. The full event is free for those with a Prime Video subscription in North America.