‘I Will Definitely Fight To The Death’ – Jo Nattawut Vows To Silence Critics At ONE Friday Fights 137
“Smokin” Jo Nattawut has heard the whispers, comments, and criticisms questioning whether he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
But the former ONE World Title challenger is ready to silence the naysayers when he steps inside the ring for a featherweight Muay Thai clash against Iranian bruiser Mohammad Siasarani at ONE Friday Fights 137: Tawanchai vs. Liu, which goes down live inside Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, December 19.
This Asia primetime clash represents an opportunity for Nattawut to put an end to his three-bout skid, a tumultuous road that saw him compete against featherweight kings Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Superbon.
In his most recent outing at ONE 170 this past January, the Thai veteran suffered a devastating first-round knockout at the hands of hard-hitting French-Malian dynamo Bampara Kouyate.
But the 36-year-old refuses to let a rough patch define his trajectory:
“Regarding the last fight, I’m a little disappointed, but that’s the game. Whoever gets hit first, gets hurt first. That’s it. Looking back, I think my preparation was okay, but I just got hit by his punch first. I didn’t even get to show anything.”
For a fighter who built his reputation on massive power and technical excellence, the inability to showcase his skills stung more than the defeat.
Nattawut, however, understands that combat sports rarely follow a perfect script. Champions aren’t defined by avoiding adversity – they are defined by how they respond to it.
And he’s heard the critics loud and clear:
“People say I’ve lost my fire or I don’t belong in ONE anymore. But that’s just a normal part of life for us [as fighters]. There are always people who love you and people who hate you. I don’t pay much attention to it anyway. We always give our best every time. I train hard. I fight hard.”
The Thai, who sharpens his skills at Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya and Team Octopus in Atlanta, knows that talk alone won’t change anyone’s mind, though. The best response to doubt is delivered inside the squared circle.
As such, Nattawut has left no stone unturned leading up to this featherweight Muay Thai duel at ONE Friday Fights 137. He’s gotten all the hard work out of the way, he understands the stakes couldn’t be higher, and, more importantly, he is ready to show that true World Champions are forged in fire.
Nattawut said:
“I’ve lost three fights in a row now. I cannot lose this time. My back is against the wall, so I have to go forward only. I cannot lose. I will definitely fight to the death this time.
“I haven’t even prepared to withstand his attacks. I am prepared to trade blows. This time, we are trading strikes. It’s definitely going to be fun and crazy.”
Nattawut Expects A War Against ‘Aggressive’ Siasarani
“Smokin” Jo Nattawut’s fire and determination will be crucial because his road to redemption runs directly through one of the division’s most relentless pressure fighters.
Mohammad Siasarani brings chaotic aggression that overwhelms anyone standing across from him. Moreover, the 23-year-old doesn’t just march forward – he does so with a smile on his face. Also, he’ll be extra motivated because an impressive win could earn him a six-figure contract and global roster spot.
Nattawut, however, welcomes the challenge. In fact, he’s ready to meet the Team Mehdi Zatout product’s tenacity with the kind of calculated violence that built his reputation as one of Thailand’s most dangerous strikers.
The 36-year-old shared:
“He’s a crazy fighter. I would consider him a dangerous opponent. He’s aggressive, moves forward, and is a strong, relentless brawler. His strengths include good punching, toughness, endurance, and that craziness – that’s probably his biggest strength.
“He just keeps walking forward. When he gets hit, he smiles and keeps coming like he wants to get hit more. But if he smiles and opens up his face to me, I have to punch him. He asked for it, so I’ll deliver.”
Should he claim a much-needed triumph inside the “Madison Square Garden of the East,” there’s one thing atop his New Year’s wishlist: a trilogy with ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai.
After being bested by Tawanchai in kickboxing rules in their first encounter, Nattawut came very close to dethroning the Thai wizard when they ran it back for his Muay Thai gold in June 2024.
Despite having an eye on that rubber match, Nattawut’s top priority right now is to remind the naysayers that he hasn’t lost any fire with a definitive display at ONE Friday Fights 137.
He said:
“My dream is to challenge for the title. I just want to see if I’m good enough to fight for the title. I’ve done it before. Win or lose, it doesn’t matter, but fighting for the title makes me the most satisfied.”
