Liu Mengyang says his TKO of Tawanchai brings him "closer" to dream

‘Spirit Dragon’ Liu Mengyang feels he may have earned the world title shot he believes he deserves.

Liu shocked the world once again with a first-round annihilation of featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai PK Saenchai.

The two squared off in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 137: Tawanchai vs. Liu, Saturday, December 6, where they figured in a three-round kickboxing tilt. After some heavy fire early, Liu unleashed a vicious leg kick that Tawanchai checked.

Unfortunately for the Thai superstar, the kick was powerful enough to cause an injury to his leg. Tawanchai could not continue and Liu was awarded the stoppage win.

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Afterward, ‘Spirit Dragon’ said he wanted a shot at Superbon’s featherweight kickboxing gold. He told ONE Championship:

“I think that beating him is very important for my career because this fight will make me closer to the championship and closer to my dream.”

Liu is now 3-1 in the world’s largest martial arts organization, with massive victories over former interim featherweight kickboxing titleholder Masaaki Noiri, highly ranked Muay Thai contender Shadow Singha Mawynn, and now Tawanchai.

His rise to world title contention can no longer be denied, and a shot at the belt is closer in reach than ever.

North American fans can watch a replay of ONE Friday Fights 137: Tawanchai vs. Liu on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel.

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What’s next for Liu Mengyang?

‘Spirit Dragon’ Liu Mengyang has called for a showdown with reigning ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon. The Chinese superstar is one of the fastest rising strikers in the stacked division.

Liu took to Instagram to express his intent:

“For my next match, I want the belt. Superbon, your belt! It's time to put it on my shoulder.”

Check back with Sportskeeda MMA for more on Liu Mengyang.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim