“You have to evolve and face challenges” - Tawanchai marches toward the kickboxing gold anew in bout against Liu Mengyang

Reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai of Thailand has a point to prove in his return to action at ONE Friday Fights 137.

In the curtain closer of the promotion’s final event of 2025, the Thai superstar takes on Chinese upset specialist ‘Spirit Dragon’ Liu Mengyang in a featherweight kickboxing affair on Dec. 19 at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

For Tawanchai, the stakes couldn’t be any higher in this three-round fight since he needs to silence his critics.

The 26-year-old superstar took some time off after absorbing a crushing TKO loss to Masaaki Noiri at ONE 172 last March in their interim featherweight kickboxing world title showdown.

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It was a match he was winning up until the Japanese striker stormed back and finished him in the third round.

That stinging defeat sparked questions about his kickboxing credentials. Some were even quick to write off his two-sport world title aspirations.

Now, Tawanchai aims to erase all doubts the only way he knows how – through an emphatic performance.

He told ONE Championship in his pre-event interview:

“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 continued:

“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.”

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Tawanchai vows an electrifying performance for his fans

Tawanchai PK Saenchai is a man of the people, and he'll look to give his devoted followers a good show at ONE Friday Fights 137.

According to the featherweight Muay Thai king, it's the least he can do.

"I feel like if I lose this fight, then they would be very disappointed. So I have to win this fight, and consider it a victory for me and for the fans," he told the South China Morning Post.

Watch ONE Friday Fights 137 free on watch.onefc.com and ONE's social channels.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak