ONE Fight Night 7 is just days away, and the anticipation among fans is building.
The main event, set for February 24, features the vacant ONE bantamweight world title rematch between Brazilian MMA rivals John Lineker (35-9) and Fabricio Andrade (8-2).
Although that battle may be under the spotlight, it’s the co-main event that could steal some of its shine.
Before the headline attraction, fans will get to see Thai phenom Tawanchai PK.Saenchai make his first ONE featherweight muay Thai world championship defense against 39-year-old Turkish knockout artist Jamal Yusupov.
While the defending titleholder will enter this clash as the firm favorite, the hard-hitting challenger has upset multiple opponents en route to this opportunity. That said, some of ONE Championship’s muay Thai fighters gave their predictions on this co-main event showdown.
John Wayne Parr: Tawanchai
Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr is picking Tawanchai to retain his title.
“The Gunslinger” believes that the featherweight muay Thai king will essentially be able to choose how he ends the fight in the ONE circle.
“Tawanchai by whatever Tawanchai wants to win by,” he quipped.
Diandra Martin: Tawanchai
Women’s strawweight muay Thai contender Diandra Martin also found it hard to go past Tawanchai, but she was undecided on how the 23-year-old would get the job done.
“Oh, that’s a hard one. I absolutely love Tawanchai,” the Aussie said.
“I feel that Tawanchai will win, either via punch knockout or going the distance.”
Danial ‘Mini T’ Williams: Tawanchai
Multi-sport strawweight contender Danial Williams followed the same pattern as his Australian compatriots, siding with Tawanchai.
“Mini T” believes Yusupov will present some challenges, but ultimately, the Thai’s immense talent and experience (he holds a 128-31-2 record) will shine through.
“As for Tawanchai, I couldn’t go against him with his skill level, youth, and performances lately. (He has) such great timing with his shots, and he’s really hard to hit. I think he wins on points and stays one step ahead of Yusupov,” Williams said.
“Yusupov seems really strong and is a tall southpaw. (But) from what I’ve seen of Tawanchai fighting a tall southpaw – like Petchmorakot (Petchyindee) – he wasn’t landing as much.”
Tyson Harrison: Tawanchai
Australia’s newest muay Thai superstar, Tyson Harrison, also picked Tawanchai to win. However, he left the door open for a Yusupov upset.
Though Tawanchai is the clear favorite, the man known as “John Wayne Noi” thinks the Turkish brawler has the power to add the reigning champ to his list of victims – a list that includes muay Thai legend Yodsaenklai Fairtex.
“I’d think that Tawanchai will win on points, but it’s also very possible for Jamal to (get the) upset with a stoppage via hands,” he said.
