WATCH: Tawanchai PK Saenchai's show of class after beating his close friend Saemapetch in Singapore showdown
After Tawanchai PK Saenchai sustained his first loss in ONE Championship courtesy of Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong with a close split decision loss, he was pitted against his close friend Saemapetch Fairtex in a catchweight bout at ONE: Heavy Hitters in January 2022.
The two set aside their friendship during the match, and Tawanchai got the job done against Saemapetch with a first-round knockout finish to pick up his second win under the promotion.
ONE Championship reposted the ending sequence of the match through a recent Instagram video that they captioned:
"Friendship always wins ❤️ How will Tawanchai fare against Superbon in their rematch for the featherweight Muay Thai crown at ONE 170? @tawanchay_pk"
Following that outstanding finish, the now-reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion did not even celebrate and instead went to his fellow Thai star to check on him.
Once he ensured the Saemapetch was all right, the two had a wholesome moment and were all smiles.
Tawanchai is coming off his fourth successful defense of his 26-pound golden belt when he fended off the challenge of Jo Nattawut in June 2024 in their rematch at ONE 167 when he eked out a majority decision victory.
It was his ninth triumph under the world's largest martial arts organization since his arrival in the promotion in May 2021.
Tawanchai set to defend his ONE featherweight Muay Thai crown against Superbon at ONE 169
The PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative's return to action was recently announced by ONE Championship, and he's scheduled to face Superbon in a world championship rematch on Jan. 24, which headlines the ONE 170 card inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Tawanchai aims to reassert his mastery over the reigning ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world champion and bag another world title defense to his record. The 25-year-old Thai phenom currently rides an eight-fight win streak.