3 Fights That Could Steal The Show At ONE 167: Tawanchai Vs. Nattawut II
ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video will feature incredible matchups from start to finish in U.S. primetime this Friday, June 7.
The main event rematch between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut for the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title is guaranteed to lift the roof off the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand – but the supporting battles should produce plenty of fireworks, too.
The lineup offers everything from rising stars to established World Champions, with all of ONE’s combat sports disciplines – Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, and submission grappling – on display.
Though it wasn’t easy to narrow down, here are the three fights that could steal the show when the action gets underway in just a few days.
#1 Johan Ghazali Vs. Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat
Johan “Jojo” Ghazali and “No.1” Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat will duke it out in a flyweight Muay Thai battle between generations.
Despite being just 17 years old, Ghazali has gone on a tear in ONE, posting five straight wins with four knockouts to establish himself as a future superstar in the sport.
The hard-hitting Malaysian-American always looks to take off his opponent’s head and is considered “the next Rodtang” by many Muay Thai fans.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Vietnamese star Duy Nhat has spent almost three decades in martial arts with a vast amount of experience in national and international competitions.
Also an explosive competitor, “No.1” has finished both of his ONE wins by KO, and he’s not heading to Thailand to be a stepping stone for an up-and-comer.
Ghazali is eager to prove he can mix it with the division’s upper echelon, while Duy Nhat wants to show that he’s not done yet. With so much at stake between two concussive strikers, expect a firefight once the opening bell rings.
#2 Kade Ruotolo Vs. Blake Cooper
As the reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion, Kade Ruotolo has already risen to the top of one sport, but he now plans on taking over another.
The American superstar will make his MMA debut in a lightweight clash against Blake Cooper, who has experience in the professional ranks following his impressive tenure as an amateur.
The real intrigue from this battle will be how the California-based grappler deals with his switch to the all-encompassing rule set against a man who has been grinding away in the game for years.
On the ground, few can match Ruotolo’s skill, but how will his striking and wrestling fare against Hawaii’s Cooper, whose sole aim will be to avoid the canvas at all costs?
Ruotolo has always shown his gameness and vows he’s ready to scrap. Cooper has already walked the walk, so it will be fascinating to see how their clash plays out.
#3 Sitthichai vs. Masaaki Noiri
Anywhere else in the world, Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong and Masaaki Noiri would be competing for gold, but in ONE’s stacked featherweight kickboxing ranks, they’ll need an impressive victory just to put their name into the mix.
Thai superstar Sitthichai was regarded as the planet’s top pound-for-pound kickboxer for many years, while Noiri has dominated Japan’s elite striking circuit in recent times, and both men are former World Champions.
They are also both master technicians – though very different stylistically. Sitthichai is one of this generation’s best outside fighters, while the Japanese striker thrives on closing the distance with pressure and unleashing power volleys of punches.
Adding to the importance of this fight, “Killer Kid” is coming off a pair of tough losses. The 32-year-old is adamant he’s as good as ever, but he needs a massive victory over Noiri to prove it.
Expect a stunning clash of skill and will when these two elite stand-up specialists stand across the Circle from one another.
