ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai will step back into the ring on Friday, December 19, seeking redemption and reigniting his quest to become a two-sport World Champion. The 26-year-old Thai superstar faces China’s “Spirit Dragon” Liu Mengyang in a featherweight kickboxing main event at ONE Friday Fights 137, broadcasting live from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.

After suffering his first stoppage loss in ONE Championship earlier this year, Tawanchai returns with renewed determination to prove his kickboxing credentials are legitimate and that his path to capturing a second World Title remains within reach.

The Rise, Fall, And Redemption Of A Thai Icon

Since arriving in ONE Championship in May 2021, Tawanchai PK Saenchai has been nothing short of spectacular. The PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative carved through the featherweight Muay Thai division with devastating efficiency, claiming the World Title and defending it with authority. His performances were so dominant that he appeared nearly invincible inside the ring.

With Muay Thai supremacy firmly established, Tawanchai set his sights on unprecedented glory — becoming a two-sport World Champion. His kickboxing debut could not have been more impressive, as he demolished former Glory Kickboxing World Champion Davit Kiria with a third-round stoppage in August 2023. Three months later, he added another major victory by outpointing former Lion Fight Champion “Smokin” Jo Nattawut via unanimous decision.

Perhaps most tantalizing, Tawanchai had already defeated reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon twice in Muay Thai bouts, suggesting that the kickboxing crown was well within reach.

A Harsh Reality Check Against Masaaki Noiri

March 2025, however, brought a sobering moment. When Tawanchai challenged for the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title, K-1 Champion Masaaki Noiri halted his momentum with a third-round stoppage at ONE 172 in Saitama, Japan.

It marked the first time the Thai star had been finished during his tenure with ONE Championship, shattering the aura of invincibility that had followed him throughout his rise.

“In the last fight with Masaaki, I made a mistake and got hit by his punch. I don’t feel like I performed poorly. The plan was good, but he came prepared. When I threw a knee, my guard dropped, and I got caught cleanly,” Tawanchai admitted.
“I was deeply disappointed in myself after that fight. I feel my capabilities weren’t at 100 percent, and people may feel that wasn’t the real Tawanchai. I know where the mistakes were, and I need to fix them.”

Silencing The Critics Through Evolution

The defeat sparked inevitable questions about whether Tawanchai truly belonged among kickboxing’s elite. For the proud Thai champion, those doubts became fuel for an intensive nine-month period of recovery and tactical refinement.

Rather than rushing back into competition, Tawanchai allowed his body to heal from accumulated injuries while systematically addressing the technical flaws exposed by Noiri. Back at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym, he dissected every moment of the loss, identifying defensive vulnerabilities and crafting solutions with his coaching staff.

The extended layoff was not about avoidance, but about preparation.

“I’ve been training exceptionally hard, reviewing my weaknesses, and strengthening my defense. I won’t go into detail, but just wait and see the improvements in this fight,” Tawanchai said.
“Some people might say kickboxing isn’t for me, but I believe I can adapt and prove myself. No one becomes a champion instantly. You have to evolve and face challenges.”

Additional motivation came from his personal life, as Tawanchai welcomed his firstborn son. With new responsibilities and renewed focus, he approaches this comeback fully aware of what is at stake.

The ‘Spirit Dragon’ Awaits In Bangkok

One of the most vocal skeptics of Tawanchai’s kickboxing transition is the man standing across from him. Liu Mengyang has drawn attention not only through his performances, but also through bold claims that the Thai champion is afraid to face him.

Trash talk aside, Tawanchai acknowledges that “Spirit Dragon” brings legitimate credentials into the main event. The Chinese striker owns an impressive victory over Noiri, the same fighter who halted Tawanchai’s title run, proving he can compete at the highest level.

Liu’s boxing ability and durability present a formidable challenge, though Tawanchai believes his trademark left kick will once again be the decisive weapon.

“I see Liu as a tough, durable fighter with good punching skills. That’s what’s visible right now. As for his weaknesses, you’ll have to watch the fight to find out,” Tawanchai said.
“Experience is important, and he may have an advantage there, but everything can be trained and improved. For my weapon of choice, it is still going to be that powerful left kick.”

Everything On The Line At ONE Friday Fights 137

Despite acknowledging Liu’s experience edge, Tawanchai enters ONE Friday Fights 137 with unwavering belief in his game plan. A victory could set the stage for a long-anticipated trilogy showdown with Superbon for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.

There is no margin for error. Another defeat would push that dream further away and validate the skeptics who continue to question his kickboxing future.

“This fight won’t go to the scorecards. This time, fans will see a 100 percent version of Tawanchai the kickboxer,” he declared.
“My goal is simple: I want that second belt. That drive makes me confident that I will be the kickboxing champion next year.”

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