The 36-year-old Thai veteran enters on a three-fight losing streak that includes title challenges against ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai and kickboxing king Superbon. His most recent appearance ended in a first-round knockout loss to Bampara Kouyate at ONE 170 in January.
Nattawut addressed the criticism following his recent results and the questions about his competitive level.
“People say I’ve lost my fire or I don’t belong in ONE anymore,” Nattawut said.
“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. I don’t pay much attention to it anyway. We always give our best every time. I train hard. I fight hard.”
The Fairtex Training Center and Team Octopus representative acknowledged the disappointing finish against Kouyate while accepting the unpredictable nature of striking competition.
“Regarding the last fight, I’m a little disappointed, but that’s the game,” Nattawut said.
“Whoever gets hit first, gets hurt first. That’s it. 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 consecutive losses place Nattawut in a position where another defeat could significantly impact his standing in the featherweight division. He recognizes the stakes entering the contest against Siasarani.
“I’ve lost three fights in a row now. I cannot lose this time,” Nattawut said.
“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. 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.”
The 23-year-old Siasarani brings an aggressive style into the matchup. The Team Mehdi Zatout representative from Iran could earn a six-figure contract and global roster promotion with an impressive performance against the former title challenger.
Nattawut expects Siasarani’s pressure-based approach to create an action-oriented contest.
“He’s a crazy fighter,” Nattawut said.
“I would consider him a dangerous opponent. He’s aggressive, moves forward, and is a strong, relentless brawler. His strengths include good punching, toughness, endurance, and that craziness. 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.”
A victory would position Nattawut for a potential third meeting with Tawanchai, who defeated him via split decision in their Muay Thai title fight in June 2024 after winning their first kickboxing encounter.
“My dream is to challenge for the title,” Nattawut said.
“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.”
