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ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai has gained a high-profile fan in Joe Rogan, who recently expressed awe at the Thai fighter’s devastating striking ability. Tawanchai, already feared in ONE Championship, will now take on Masaaki Noiri for the interim featherweight kickboxing title at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, set for March 23 at Japan’s Saitama Super Arena.
On episode 2196 of the Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator analyzed Tawanchai’s precision and power, particularly his ability to break down opponents with kicks. With years of experience in kickboxing and taekwondo, Rogan recognizes elite-level striking when he sees it, and he believes Tawanchai’s skills are exceptional.
“It’s so goddamn good. He just slams into guys’ arms, slams into their legs. He has his snake-like movement of his ability to just slide out of the way and then counter, and then slam you with a hard left low kick,” Rogan remarked.
Beyond the praise, Tawanchai’s dominance in combat sports speaks for itself. He has already ruled the featherweight Muay Thai division with an iron fist, and now he is aiming to conquer kickboxing as well. His power was on full display when he shattered Davit Kiria’s arm under kickboxing rules in 2023. More recently, he dismantled reigning kickboxing champion Superbon at ONE 170 in January—though under Muay Thai rules.
With such a commanding track record, the 25-year-old enters ONE 172 brimming with confidence as he transitions to kickboxing. He’ll swap his 4-ounce gloves for heavier ones, but his lethal kicks and pinpoint counters remain the biggest threat to Noiri as he pursues two-sport glory in ONE Championship.