WATCH: Jo Nattawut's calculated yet violent offensive approach in his kickboxing classic against Tawanchai
Jo Nattawut's number was called by ONE Championship in October 2023 when he became the short-notice replacement opponent of Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Fight Night 15.
Many expected him to lose a lopsided decision or get finished because he didn't have enough time to prepare for this match. But Nattawut proved everyone wrong and pushed the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion to full three rounds of exciting showdown.
One of his best attacks during that fight was highlighted by the world's largest martial arts organization in a recent Instagram post, and they captioned it with:
"RELENTLESS 💥 Can Jo Nattawut shut down Superbon at ONE Friday Fights 81? @jonattawut"
The video featured 'Smokin' Jo's relentless attack on Tawanchai's rear leg, which caused swelling. He repeatedly kicked them throughout the fight, and it became an effective way to slow him down.
This technique not only reduced the power of his kicks and punches but also scored points on the judge's scorecards. Unfortunately, despite the gallant effort, the former ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title challenger still came up short and received a unanimous defeat.
Jo Nattawut to face Superbon in the headliner of ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27
After that kickboxing scrap with Tawanchai, Nattawut split his next two fights: in December 2023, he won by unanimous decision over Luke Lessei at ONE Fight Night 17, and in June 2024, he lost by majority decision to Tawanchai in their rematch at ONE 167 for the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title.
Now, the Thai Top Team representative is scheduled to meet the reigning ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 81 card on Sept. 27, which goes down at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.