Jo Nattawut Vows to Silence Critics Against Mohammad Siasarani At ONE Friday Fights 137

Three straight losses stripped away the invincibility that once surrounded Jo Nattawut, replacing his aura with whispers questioning whether age and adversity finally caught up to Thailand’s former world title challenger.

The critics grew louder after his devastating first-round knockout loss to Bampara Kouyate at ONE 170 this past January, yet those doubts only fuel the fire burning inside the 36-year-old veteran as he prepares to step into Lumpinee Stadium’s ring against Iranian bruiser Mohammad Siasarani at ONE Friday Fights 137: Tawanchai vs. Liu on Friday, December 19, in Bangkok. The two will battle in a featherweight Muay Thai clash that is guaranteed to steal the show.

Nattawut’s tumultuous stretch includes losses to featherweight kings Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Superbon — elite competition that would test anyone — yet the Kouyate knockout stung deeper than any defeat before it. The Thai striker never got to showcase his arsenal, caught by a punch before demonstrating the skills that built his reputation across decades of competition.

“Regarding the last fight, I’m a little disappointed, but that’s the game. Whoever gets hit first, gets hurt first,” Nattawut said. “Looking back, I think my preparation was okay, but I just got hit by his punch first. I didn’t even get to show anything.”

The inability to perform hurt more than the result itself, yet Nattawut refuses to let critics define his trajectory. He understands fighters live with constant scrutiny from those who love them and those who question them, maintaining focus on what matters rather than outside noise.

“People say I’ve lost my fire or I don’t belong in ONE anymore. But that’s just a normal part of life for us [as fighters]. There are always people who love you and people who hate you,” he said. “I don’t pay much attention to it anyway. We always give our best every time. I train hard. I fight hard.”

The stakes couldn’t be clearer heading into Friday’s featherweight Muay Thai clash. His preparation at Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya and Team Octopus in Atlanta has been meticulous, driven by the knowledge that words mean nothing without action inside the squared circle where his back is against the wall with nowhere to retreat.

“I’ve lost three fights in a row now. I cannot lose this time. My back is against the wall, so I have to go forward only. I cannot lose. I will definitely fight to the death this time,” Nattawut said. “I haven’t even prepared to withstand his attacks. I am prepared to trade blows. This time, we are trading strikes. It’s definitely going to be fun and crazy.”

Siasarani represents the perfect storm of danger and opportunity. The 23-year-old Team Mehdi Zatout fighter brings chaotic aggression that overwhelms opponents while smiling through punishment, a relentless pressure fighter whose promotional debut saw him stop Russia’s Michael Baranov via second-round TKO. Victory here could earn him a six-figure contract and global roster spot, creating massive motivation for the Iranian to spoil Nattawut’s redemption narrative.

“He’s a crazy fighter. I would consider him a dangerous opponent. He’s aggressive, moves forward, and is a strong, relentless brawler,” Nattawut said. “His strengths include good punching, toughness, endurance, and that craziness — that’s probably his biggest strength. He just keeps walking forward. When he gets hit, he smiles and keeps coming like he wants to get hit more. But if he smiles and opens up his face to me, I have to punch him. He asked for it, so I’ll deliver.”

An impressive triumph would accelerate Nattawut’s path toward the trilogy with Tawanchai that he craves, the rubber match that would define his legacy regardless of outcome.

“My dream is to challenge for the title. I just want to see if I’m good enough to fight for the title. I’ve done it before. Win or lose, it doesn’t matter, but fighting for the title makes me the most satisfied,” he said.