Tawanchai PK Saenchai, the reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion, is set to return to kickboxing after a lengthy hiatus, seeking redemption in the process. The 26‑year‑old Thai fighter will face China’s Liu Mengyang in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 137 on December 19, the promotion’s final event of 2025. Tawanchai’s last outing was in March at ONE 172, where he suffered a shocking defeat to former interim ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Masaaki Noiri. Since then, he has been nursing injuries and has also started a family.
Now fully recovered and more determined than ever, Tawanchai is eager to showcase his skills at peak condition against Liu, also known as “Spirit Dragon.” At the ONE Media Day Thailand press conference, he said, “My preparation has been very good, totaling almost three months. I am absolutely ready to fight at full capacity.” He also thanked his fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging that he owes them for sticking with him through his struggles.
Liu Mengyang presents a formidable challenge, having defeated Noiri by unanimous decision earlier this year. The Chinese star is riding a high note after a recent win over Shadow Singha Mawynn and will look to earn a title shot at Tawanchai’s expense. Determined to make a statement on his return, Tawanchai vowed to finish the fight with an explosive performance: “I will be showing ‘Tawanchai’ in 100 percent kickboxing form. No need to over‑adjust; I’ll just go in with the skills I have. The match has a good chance of ending early, but it depends on which side it happens to.”
ONE Friday Fights 137 can be watched for free on watch.onefc.com and on ONE Championship’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The event promises an exciting conclusion to the promotion’s 2025 calendar, with Tawanchai’s kickboxing comeback as a highly anticipated highlight.
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