Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s journey from rising star to world champion has been nothing short of incredible. His dominance in Muay Thai, coupled with his ambitions in kickboxing, makes him one of the most exciting fighters in combat sports today
As he prepares for his clash against Masaaki Noiri at ONE 172, the world will be watching to see if he can achieve two-sport supremacy.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain—Tawanchai PK Saenchai is a force to be reckoned with, and his legacy is only just beginning.
Denis Puric’s words serve as both a warning and a challenge for Tawanchai. Entering a new combat sports environment is never easy, and history has shown that even the most dominant strikers can struggle when faced with unfamiliar territory.
If he can implement the right strategies and respect the differences of his new challenge, he has a chance to shine on one of the biggest stages in combat sports.
ONE 172 will be a defining moment for Tawanchai, and fans can’t wait to see if he will rise to the occasion.
Also Read: Who is Tawanchai PK Saenchai? Bio, Age, Career, Personal Life And More
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Tawanchai PK Saenchai: Rise in ONE Championship
The journey to superstardom varies for every fighter. Some take years to establish themselves as elite competitors, while others rise to the top at an astonishing pace.1
Tawanchai PK Saenchai falls into the latter category, skyrocketing to the pinnacle of Muay Thai in just over a year.
His impressive knockout power, technical mastery, and unwavering determination have made him one of the most dominant figures in ONE Championship.
This article delves into Tawanchai’s rapid rise, his historic title reign, and his aspirations for two-sport dominance.
From Rising Star to World Champion
Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s journey to becoming a world champion was nothing short of spectacular. Making his ONE Championship debut in May 2021, the young Thai prodigy quickly made his presence felt with his aggressive yet calculated fighting style.
His first four fights under the ONE banner saw him secure three knockout victories, putting the entire featherweight Muay Thai division on notice.
Tawanchai’s relentless pursuit of greatness earned him a title shot against then-reigning champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee in September 2022.
The showdown between the two elite Muay Thai fighters was a masterclass in striking. Tawanchai showcased his precision, footwork, and composure over five grueling rounds.
In the end, the judges awarded him a unanimous decision victory, making him the new ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai: The Historic Victory Over Petchmorakot Petchyindee
Petchmorakot Petchyindee was a dominant champion before meeting Tawanchai.2
He had successfully defended the ONE featherweight Muay Thai title multiple times and was considered one of the best strikers in the promotion.
However, Tawanchai had other plans. Their title bout was an intense battle of wits and skill. Tawanchai used his superior speed and technique to dismantle Petchmorakot’s defenses, landing precise kicks and powerful punches.
The victory was groundbreaking for Tawanchai, as Petchmorakot had never lost a Muay Thai fight in ONE Championship before.
This win not only crowned Tawanchai as the new champion but also cemented his status as a generational talent in the sport.
Dominating the Featherweight Muay Thai Division
Becoming a champion is one thing; staying at the top is another challenge altogether. Tawanchai has embraced this challenge with remarkable success, defending his title four times since claiming the gold.
Each title defense has further solidified his reputation as a dominant force. His recent fights have displayed a blend of technical brilliance and sheer knockout power, making him one of the most feared strikers in the division.
One of his most impressive performances came in January 2024 when he faced ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon.
Tawanchai dismantled his opponent, securing a second-round TKO victory that sent shockwaves throughout the combat sports world.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai: Legacy
The Pursuit of Two-Sport Supremacy
Tawanchai’s ambitions extend beyond Muay Thai. As a fighter who constantly seeks new challenges, he has set his sights on kickboxing supremacy.3
At ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23, Tawanchai will face Masaaki Noiri for the ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world championship.
This marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he looks to become a two-sport champion—an achievement few fighters in combat sports history have accomplished.
Kickboxing presents a different set of challenges compared to Muay Thai. Fighters cannot rely on clinching and elbow strikes, making precision striking and movement even more crucial.
However, Tawanchai has already shown his ability to adapt, and his striking skills are expected to translate well into the kickboxing rule set.
What Makes Tawanchai a Special Fighter?
Several factors contribute to Tawanchai’s meteoric rise and continued dominance in combat sports:
1. Precision and Technique
Tawanchai is known for his exceptional striking accuracy. His kicks, in particular, are lightning-fast and devastatingly powerful. His ability to land strikes with pinpoint precision makes him a nightmare for opponents.
2. Composure Under Pressure
Despite being young, Tawanchai fights with the composure of a seasoned veteran. He remains calm and methodical, even in high-stakes bouts against elite competition.
3. Adaptability
Fighting at the highest level requires the ability to adjust strategies mid-fight. Tawanchai has demonstrated an incredible ability to read his opponents and make necessary changes to his approach.
4. Relentless Work Ethic
Tawanchai’s rapid ascent is a testament to his dedication to training. His work ethic, combined with the expertise of his team at PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym, has allowed him to reach new heights in his career.
The Challenge Ahead: Facing Masaaki Noiri
Masaaki Noiri is a formidable opponent and one of the top kickboxers in the world. The Japanese striker has an extensive resume in kickboxing, featuring high-profile wins and multiple championship titles.
Noiri’s strength lies in his dynamic striking and aggressive fighting style. He possesses a wide arsenal of kicks, punches, and combinations that can overwhelm opponents. For Tawanchai, this will be one of the toughest tests of his career.
To secure victory, Tawanchai must adapt to Noiri’s kickboxing techniques and capitalize on his speed and precision. His ability to control distance and counter-strike will be key factors in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated bout.
A Potential Superfight: Tawanchai vs. Rodtang?
With Tawanchai venturing into kickboxing, fans have started speculating about a potential showdown with Muay Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Rodtang, known for his aggressive and entertaining style, is the reigning ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion and has also competed in kickboxing.
A fight between Tawanchai and Rodtang would be a blockbuster event, pitting two of the best Thai fighters in the world against each other.
If Tawanchai secures the interim kickboxing title, a unification bout or a superfight between these two could become a reality.
At just 25 years old, Tawanchai’s future is incredibly bright. His ability to dominate in Muay Thai and transition into kickboxing shows his versatility as a striker.
Some key milestones that could shape his legacy include:
- Defeating Masaaki Noiri to become the interim ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion.
- Defending his Muay Thai title against top contenders.
- A potential unification bout in kickboxing.
- A dream fight against Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
If he continues on this trajectory, Tawanchai could go down as one of the greatest strikers of his generation.
Also Read: Thongpoon P.K. Saenchai: Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Net Worth 2024 and More
Denis Puric Urges Tawanchai to Exercise Caution at ONE 172
Muay Thai legend Denis Puric has issued a word of caution to Tawanchai PK Saenchai ahead of his highly anticipated interim world title fight at ONE 172.
As one of the most experienced strikers in the ONE Championship roster, Puric understands the challenges of stepping into a different domain of combat sports.
With the event set to take place at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan, Tawanchai faces a tough test against a formidable opponent.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Puric shared his insights, highlighting the dangers of competing outside one’s primary discipline.
He likened Tawanchai’s challenge to his own hypothetical entry into boxing, emphasizing the vast differences in skill sets required for success.
As ONE 172 draws closer, fans and fighters alike are eager to see how Tawanchai adapts to this challenge. The event, which will be available live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com, promises to be a thrilling showcase of elite martial arts.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai: Promotion
Tawanchai PK Saenchai promoting whey protein powder brand Baam on his social media profile.
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‘It’s a Different World’
Denis Puric, known as “The Bosnian Menace,” didn’t mince words when discussing Tawanchai’s upcoming fight. He made it clear that transitioning into a different combat sports domain requires extreme caution, preparation, and respect for the new environment.
“He’s stepping into their world, right? It’s different. It’s like, if I went into boxing right now, I would get killed over there, right? Bro, it’s a different world.”
Puric’s message is simple: Tawanchai must not underestimate the nuances and dangers that come with facing an opponent in a new setting.
In the fast-paced and unpredictable world of ONE Championship, even the most skilled fighters can struggle if they do not adapt properly.
His journey to the top has been marked by hard-fought battles against some of the best fighters in the world.
Whether it’s his powerful kicks or his tactical approach inside the ring, Tawanchai has demonstrated why he is considered a top-tier Muay Thai talent.
However, as he prepares to fight for the interim world title at ONE 172, he must heed the advice of experienced veterans like Puric to ensure he remains at the top of his game.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai: Transitioning Between Combat Sports
One of the biggest challenges for any fighter is transitioning between different styles of combat sports.
Whether it’s a Muay Thai fighter entering kickboxing, a kickboxer moving into MMA, or an MMA fighter stepping into boxing, the adjustments required can be overwhelming.
Each discipline has its own set of rules, pace, and techniques that demand years of specialization. Fighters who fail to respect these differences often find themselves struggling.
Key Differences Between Muay Thai and Other Combat Sports
- Boxing – Emphasizes head movement, footwork, and hand speed, with no kicks or clinching allowed.
- Kickboxing – Similar to Muay Thai but without elbows and extended clinching, making it more fast-paced.
- MMA – Incorporates wrestling, grappling, and striking, requiring a well-rounded skill set.
Even the best Muay Thai fighters can find themselves at a disadvantage if they do not properly adjust their style when facing kickboxers or MMA strikers.
The Importance of Adaptation in Combat Sports
Adaptation is the key to success for any fighter stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Fighters who excel across multiple disciplines, like Israel Adesanya (kickboxing to MMA) or Rodtang Jitmuangnon (Muay Thai to MMA hybrid bouts), often undergo rigorous training to develop new skills.
For Tawanchai, this means:
- Studying His Opponent’s Style – Understanding how his rival fights, what combinations they prefer, and their defensive tendencies.
- Adjusting His Timing and Rhythm – Different sports have different tempos; adapting to a faster or slower pace is crucial.
- Training with Specialists – Bringing in elite kickboxers or other specialists can help prepare for the nuances of the new sport.
- Developing a Strategic Game Plan – Focusing on strengths while minimizing weaknesses will be key for Tawanchai’s success.
If Tawanchai can successfully adapt, he has a strong chance of securing the interim world title at ONE 172.
Also Read: Superlek Kiatmuu9 Declares Tawanchai Unbeatable at Featherweight
