Tawanchai Vs. Liu Mengyang: 4 Keys To Victory In Pivotal Main Event Showdown At ONE Friday Fights 137
Redemption will equal opportunity at ONE Friday Fights 137, when reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai returns to kickboxing against upset specialist “Spirit Dragon” Liu Mengyang.
Set to go down at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium, live in Asia primetime on December 19, the two will square off in a pivotal three-round featherweight kickboxing showdown in the main event of the ONE’s final card of 2025.
Tawanchai will aim to bounce back from his stunning loss to former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri at ONE 172 and reignite his march toward two-sport glory.
Meanwhile, Liu will look to punch his ticket to a World Title shot by scoring the biggest win of his career.
Let’s break down both strikers’ clearest paths to victory.
#1 Tawanchai’s Superior Fight IQ
Tawanchai is one of the most lethal finishers in the world, whose devastating knockouts often overshadow his calculated mind. What separates the 26-year-old maestro from other powerful strikers is his cerebral approach.
Where most fighters burn energy throwing with volume, the Thai superstar hunts with patience, cataloging patterns in his mind before unleashing maximum power with zero wasted movement.
His fight IQ shines brightest in real-time adjustments. Tawanchai seamlessly shifts offensive strategies, mixing traditional Muay Thai fundamentals with creative modern tactics.
His two dominant Muay Thai performances against undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon showcase this brilliance perfectly.
At ONE Friday Fights 46 in December 2023, Tawanchai neutralized Superbon’s signature high kicks with brilliant distance control, using effective counterstriking to score a majority decision win.
The rematch at ONE 170 this past January proved Tawanchai’s adaptability, as he switched seamlessly to aggressive boxing combinations to blitz his compatriot via second-round TKO.
Against Liu, Tawanchai’s ability to exploit an opponent’s tendencies could prove decisive if the aggressive Chinese striker becomes predictable.
#2 Liu’s Explosive Punching Power
Liu Mengyang has a well-rounded arsenal, but his explosive hands are the true ace up his sleeve.
The 22-year-old Chinese phenom thrives on aggression and relentless pressure. His uncanny ability to lull opponents into close-quarters combat turns technical battles into phone booth wars that favor his dynamic power.
In his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 92, Liu pushed forward immediately against former interim kickboxing king Masaaki Noiri. He put the normally offensive Japanese striker on the back foot before unleashing a thunderous right hook for a first-round knockdown that sealed his shocking upset win.
Liu’s comeback unanimous decision victory over Shadow Singha Mawynn at ONE Friday Fights 126 showcased his resilience. After initially struggling, a pinpoint right-left counter combination turned the tide in his favor.
His compact, powerful punches generate fight-ending force, with hand speed that becomes overwhelming in tight spaces.
Facing off against Tawanchai, Liu will gain a major advantage if he can pressure forward and force the Thai superstar on the defensive.
#3 Tawanchai’s Bone-Crushing Body Kicks
While Tawanchai’s hands have grown lethal, it’s his thunderous kicks from distance that give opponents the most trouble.
The crafty switch-hitter loves to unleash his trademark liver kick from the southpaw position, targeting the midsection from a safe distance where opponents can’t hit back. Each thudding impact inflicts major damage while sapping gas tanks.
His rib-rattling body kicks neutralized “Smokin'” Jo Nattawut‘s aggressive rhythm on two separate occasions, forcing the Thai contender to hesitate.
Even when opponents block, Tawanchai’s kicks possess crushing power that breaks guards and limbs. At ONE Fight Night 13, he literally shattered Davit Kiria‘s arm in the third round with a kick.
He can also go low with devastating effect. Against Jamal “Yeniceri” Yusupov at ONE Fight Night 7, Tawanchai sent the Turkish challenger limping in agony with a leg kick TKO in under a minute.
If Liu can’t get inside, those bone-crushing body kicks will punish him from range all night.
#4 Liu’s Composure Under Pressure
At 22 years old, Liu Mengyang has proven wise beyond his years in the ring.
The Chinese star embraces being an underdog, entering each fight with unbridled confidence built on meticulous preparation.
His unwavering self-belief has delivered two monumental upset victories against high-profile opponents.
When he stepped in on short notice against Noiri, Liu showed zero nerves on the global stage. Against Shadow, he stayed calm when down on the scorecards and found his opening to snatch victory.
Even in his narrow split decision loss to Mohammad Siasarani at ONE Friday Fights 105, Liu maintained his composure throughout three grueling rounds.
Rather than making excuses, he absorbed crucial lessons about staying calm under fire and sticking to his game plan regardless of adversity.
“Spirit Dragon” thrives under pressure. If Liu can keep his poise against Tawanchai’s technical brilliance, he could deliver another career-defining upset that will further prove he belongs among the division’s elite.
