Fell In Love With Lethwei, Dropped Out Of School, And Now Nat Khat Min Is Headlining ONE Friday Fights 163

Nat Khat Min gave up school to pursue a career in Lethwei, Myanmar's brutal national combat sport. Now, the knockout artist is set for the biggest opportunity of his career as he headlines ONE Friday Fights 163 in his promotional debut.

Born To Fight

Nat Khat Min grew up in Taungoo, Myanmar, as the fifth of 12 siblings in a family where competition was part of everyday life.

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Music was always present in the household. He learned to play guitar and enjoyed singing, but nothing captivated him quite like watching Lethwei alongside his father. The brutal spectacle of bare-knuckle warriors battling with fists, elbows, knees, kicks, and headbutts sparked a passion that would ultimately define his future.

Although his father shared that love for Myanmar's national sport, he hoped his son would pursue a more stable career. Nat Khat Min had different plans.

"I just fell in love with Lethwei too much," the 26-year-old admitted. "So I dropped out of school in ninth grade, moved to Kayin State, and started fighting."

ONE Championship

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Built By The World's Toughest Striking Sport

Known as "The Art of Nine Limbs," Lethwei is widely regarded as one of the toughest striking disciplines in combat sports.

Much like Muay Thai, fighters use punches, elbows, knees, and kicks. However, Lethwei also allows headbutts and is contested without gloves, making every exchange even more dangerous.

Nat Khat Min quickly established himself as one of Myanmar's brightest talents, compiling an astonishing 32-1 professional record with every one of his victories coming by knockout.

His success now follows the path opened by fellow Myanmar athletes Thant Zin, Soe Lin Oo, and Vera Nika, all of whom have competed under the ONE Championship banner.

The Biggest Test Of His Career

Nat Khat Min couldn't have asked for a tougher debut.

Standing across from him will be Pompet Pongsuphan PK, a Muay Thai veteran with more than 110 professional victories and one of Thailand's fastest-rising stars.

Pompet enters the contest fresh off the biggest victory of his career after stopping former top-five flyweight contender Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi by third-round TKO. Another statement performance could finally earn him the ONE Championship contract he has pursued for the last three years.

Despite the challenge ahead, Nat Khat Min is embracing the moment.

"It's my first fight in ONE Championship, and obviously it's a huge opportunity," he said. "I know my opponent is very good and very tough. I just want to stand and trade with him and give all the fans an exciting fight."

Myanmar Will Be Behind Him

While this is only his promotional debut, Nat Khat Min knows he won't be walking into Lumpinee Stadium alone.

His rise has inspired fans throughout Myanmar, who see him as the country's next great representative on the global stage.

"It's such a big fight that Myanmar fans will be out in full force," Nat Khat Min said. "I'm sure it's going to be an amazing atmosphere."

With an undefeated knockout mentality and the support of an entire nation, Nat Khat Min now prepares for the biggest night of his career at ONE Friday Fights 163.