Chinese sensation Liu Mengyang delivered the upset of the year, stopping ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai in a mere 52 seconds at ONE Friday Fights 137 on 19 December.
The featherweight kickboxing clash at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok ended ONE Championship's 2025 calendar with a shocking result that sent shockwaves through the combat sports world.
The 22-year-old systematically attacked Tawanchai's lead leg with devastating kicks before landing a final strike that dropped the Thai champion. Unable to rise and continue, Tawanchai suffered one of the most surprising defeats of his illustrious career in less than a minute.
Despite his jubilation over the career-defining victory, Liu expressed genuine concern for his opponent.
"I feel very happy and very excited, but at the same time I'm a little worried about Tawanchai. I saw he hurt his leg and I'm a little worried about him. I hope he can recover soon," Liu stated.
The Shunyuan Fight Club representative revealed he had visualized this exact outcome throughout his training camp, demonstrating the confidence that translated to his explosive performance.
"I thought I would definitely get a KO because I did a lot of psychological training and a lot of real training. So, I think I could definitely do a KO. I knew it. I knew this was going to happen," the Chinese striker explained.
Liu immediately recognized the significance of defeating one of the sport's most accomplished champions and wasted no time calling his shot for a title opportunity.
"I think that beating him is very important for my career because this fight will make me closer to the championship and closer to my dream. For my next match, I want the belt, Superbon. Your belt! It's time to put it on my shoulder," Liu declared.
Liu's callout of ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon sets up a potential blockbuster showdown, with the Chinese upstart believing he has earned his shot at the Thai legend's ONE World Title after dismantling another elite striker in record time.
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