There are many ratings of the best fighting Muay Thai, so we decided to make our own selection. Many of you would agree that Muay Thai is by far the toughest martial art. First of all, this is due to the high efficiency of strikes, as well as active work with arms, legs, elbows and knees.
Every year, various Muay Thai tournaments are held in the world, in which fighters from all over the planet take part. Let's highlight some of the best Thai boxing fighters of all time in this article. Feel free to add yours in comments below!
Saenchai Sor Kingstar
It's hard to find a person who hasn't heard the Saenchai name. Saenchai is a true living Muay Thai legend - one of the best and most technical Thai boxing fighters ever to compete in the sport. He is famous for his timing and playful style in the ring.
He fights all over the world and has been at the top of Muay Thai for over a decade. He easily agrees to fight with heavier and physically superior opponents (especially foreigners) and has lost only once.
No one, probably not even Sayenchai himself, knows the exact number of fights he has had - experts talk about the ratio of wins and losses as 100 to 1. If you ever wanted to see a Thai fighter who is incredibly fast, has the widest technical arsenal and is brilliant at all aspects of Muay Thai - such a person is undoubtedly Saenchai.
Orono Vor Petchpun
The winner at Lumphini stadium in the second featherweight, titled fighter of the world Thai boxing council WMC, and the world professional Muay Thai Federation WPMF. He fought his first fight at the age of 16, and became the world champion of the WMC Federation at the age of 23. During his career, he took part in 135 fights, of which he lost only 19. Currently, he trains young athletes in the Singapore MMA gym.Namsaknoy Yudhagarngamtorn
For more than 5 years he held the status of a champion, with the title of "Fighter of the Year". Known by the nickname "Emperor"he had over 300 fights, and he won 95% of them. Once he defeated Saenchai Sor Kingstar himself. In 2010, Namsaknoy got a job at the MMA Federation, where he trained young athletes for more than 5 years. Namsaknoy is still described by many as the best Muay Thai fighter in the world.
Diesel Chor Tanasukarn
From 1981 to 1985, the athlete held Lumphini's first place in the lightweight division, he defeated many famous athletes, including Samarth Payakarun in the championship fight. In 1984, Diesel faced a disqualification for using a prohibited knee strike. At the time of his retirement, he had over114 fights, of which only 2 ended in defeat. Thanks to this, the athlete is deservedly included in the list of great Muay Thai fighters.
Samart Payakoon
Samart Payakoon received his first awards as the champion of Lumphini in 1980, and later he got various medals in three weight categories. He received the title of "Fighter of the Year", three times. His main achievement is the four-time champion of the Lumphini Stadium.
Samart Payakoon became famous not only in Muay Thai, but also in boxing, becoming the world champion of the WBC Federation. Thanks to his incredible skills, Samart earned the nickname "brilliant boxer".
Outside of martial arts, he is known as a pop artist who has recorded 7 albums and an actor who has starred in 11 films. At the time of his retirement, he had 150 fights, of which only 19 ended in defeat for him. In the list of the best Muay Thai fighters in the history of the world, he occupies one of the leading positions.
Kongtorani Payakarun
Samart's brother Kongtorani Payakarun is in no way inferior to him in achievements and became a champion 5 times. In martial arts, he was no less successful. Despite the small body weight, Kongtorani competed in different weight categories, defeating opponents that were superior in physical strength. The boxer won the first place in the WBA bantamweight among junior Muay Thai fighters.
Pornsanae Shitmonchai
Pornsanae Shitmonchai has more than 300 fights, and he gained his respect for famous aggressive style in the ring. He is the champion in the second bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Pornsanae has been training since the age of 11. Until 2012, he performed exclusively in Thailand. He took part in fights arranged in MMA cages. Despite his young age, Pornsanae ended his career in 2015 right after starting a family.
Sombat Banchamek a.k.a. Buakaw Banchamek
Sombat Banchamek, better known as Buakaw Por Pramuk, is considered as one of the, if not the greatest Muay Thai fighter that has ever lived. He is famous for his power. Many fighters who had a chance to share a ring with Buakaw told, that "the power of punch explode all body inside." (c) Rustem Zaripov Thai Fight 2012
During his fighting career, Buakaw was a Lumpinee Stadium Toyota Marathon champion, two-time Omnoi Stadium champion, and multiple K-1 MAX World Grand Prix winner.
Buakaw still fighting despite his age and participates in many successful businesses.
Ramon Dekkers
Ramon Dekkers was born in Holland, but in Thailand he is rightfully considered one of the best foreign fighters. He had 186 wins, 2 draws and 35 losses. Twice he became the champion of Lumpini (Lumphini Stadium - one of the two (along with Rajadamnern Stadium) the most significant stadiums in Thailand, where fights are held according to the rules of Thai boxing), received an award for achievements in Thai boxing from the royal family. Dekkers was a multiple world champion in Muay Thai in different divisions, and also a member of the K-1 league. After he finished his career, he held many sports seminars around the world. Unfortunately Ramon Dekkers died in 2013 from a heart attack while riding a bike.
Apidaeus Sit-Hirun
Winner of the "Fighter of the Century" award and seven championship titles not only in Muay Thai, but also in Western Boxing ("Champion of Seven Titles"). Apidaeus Sit-Hirun is famous for the most powerful kicks. During his professional career, he got 340 wins, 10 losses and 1 his fight was ended in a draw. He was a trainer at the legendary Fairtex Gym in Thailand. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 72.
So this was our list of the 10 best Muay Thai fighters. It’s difficult to define who is the best, having so many extraordinary fighters in the game, so feel free to share your own thoughts.
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