Iconic Muay Thai Legends of Yesterday and Today

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Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a combat sport that originated in Thailand. Over the years, Muay Thai fighters have made a significant impact on the sport, both in their home country and internationally. These fighters have not only showcased their skills and athleticism but have also contributed to the development and evolution of Muay Thai as a whole. It is important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of these fighters, as they have paved the way for future generations and left a lasting legacy in the world of combat sports.

The Birth of Muay Thai: A Brief History

nak muay in traditional garb


Muay Thai has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It is believed to have originated from the ancient martial arts practices of the Siamese people, who used various techniques involving strikes, clinching, and grappling. Over time, these techniques were refined and formalized into what is now known as Muay Thai.

During the 16th century, Muay Thai became an integral part of military training in Thailand. Soldiers were taught the art of Muay Thai to defend themselves and their country. It was during this time that the sport began to gain popularity among the general population as well.

The Early Legends: Nai Khanom Tom and Samart Payakaroon

Samart Payakaroon
Nai Khanom


Two of the early legends of Muay Thai are Nai Khanom Tom and Samart Payakaroon. Nai Khanom Tom is considered the father of modern Muay Thai and played a crucial role in popularizing the sport during his time. He was known for his exceptional skills and technique, which earned him numerous victories in the ring.

Samart Payakaroon, on the other hand, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time. He dominated his weight class for many years and won multiple championships. Samart was known for his speed, precision, and versatility in the ring, making him a formidable opponent for anyone he faced.

The Golden Era: The Rise of Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn and Samart Payakaroon


Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn
Samart Payakaroon

The Golden Era of Muay Thai, which spanned from the 1980s to the early 1990s, is considered by many as the pinnacle of the sport. During this time, two fighters stood out among the rest – Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn and Samart Payakaroon.

Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn was known for his relentless fighting style and devastating knee strikes. He was virtually unbeatable during his prime and held the Lumpinee Stadium World Championship title for four consecutive years. Dieselnoi’s dominance in the ring solidified his status as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time.

Samart Payakaroon, already a legend in his own right, continued to dominate during the Golden Era. He won multiple championships in different weight classes and was known for his technical mastery and strategic fighting style. Samart’s ability to adapt to different opponents and situations made him a force to be reckoned with.

The Female Fighters: The Pioneers of Women’s Muay Thai


While Muay Thai has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, to the point that women were only allowed to start fighting in the famous Lumpinee Stadium in 2021 and before that women weren’t even allowed to touch the ring because it was believed to be bad luck. Here are some stand-out female fighters in Muay Thai.

Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu

Sylvie Von Duuglas Ittu

Standing as perhaps the most documented fighter in history, Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu immersed herself in Muay Thai from her first days, capturing her journey through filming and writing. What began as documenting her experiences training with a 70-year-old Thai master in New Jersey evolved into a passion for the sport. Initially unsure about fighting, she embraced it, eventually exceeding 200 fights, an accomplishment unprecedented for a Westerner in Thailand, let alone a woman. Her journey, chronicled through videos, blogs, and fights, led her to Thailand in 2012, where she trained extensively and established herself as a prominent figure in Muay Thai journalism and fighting. With a drive to inspire and push boundaries, Sylvie continues to evolve, setting new goals and reshaping perceptions of what’s achievable in the sport. She also has an amazing blog that is full of Muay Thai history.

Anissa Meksen

Anisa Meksen

Anissa Meksen, a French kickboxing sensation, holds an impressive array of titles across various championships. Renowned as one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters globally, she has secured victories over notable opponents like Tiffany van Soest and Sofia Olofsson. Meksen’s career highlights include winning multiple championships, earning prestigious awards like Fighter of the Year, and consistently ranking among the top fighters in her division. Meksen recently signed with ARES Fighting Championship after competing for ONE Championship, where she showcased her skills in both kickboxing and muay thai bouts. Despite facing challenges, including a highly controversial split decision loss in a Glory title defense, Meksen remains a formidable force in the combat sports world, continually seeking new opportunities and achievements.

Stamp Fairtex

Stamp Fairtex

Stamp Fairtex, born Nadthawan Panthong, is a Thai Muay Thai kickboxer and mixed martial artist currently signed with ONE Championship. She holds the distinction of being the first three-sport world champion in the organization, having won titles in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA. Stamp began her combat sports journey early, training in Muay Thai from the age of 5 under the guidance of her father, himself a former Muay Thai fighter. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a local and regional champion before taking a hiatus due to a lack of opponents. At 18, Stamp joined the renowned Fairtex Gym in Pattaya, where she also started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Stamp’s career is marked by notable victories, including avenging losses and claiming titles across different combat sports. Her recent accomplishments include becoming the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion and continuing to excel in the ring as she prepares for future challenges and championships.


Jackie Buntan

Jackie Buntan

Jackielou Buntan, a Filipino-American Muay Thai kickboxer, competes in ONE Championship’s strawweight division and has challenged for the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship. She holds the number one ranking in the world for female super featherweight Muay Thai practitioners by the WBC Muaythai.

Buntan made a strong debut in ONE Championship with a win against Wondergirl Fairtex in 2021, scoring a decisive knockdown in the first round. She continued her winning streak with victories against Ekaterina Vandaryeva and Daniela López. Despite a setback in her title challenge against Smilla Sundell, Buntan bounced back with wins against Amber Kitchen and Diandra Martin. Her most recent victory came against Martine Michieletto in March 2024, solidifying her status as a top contender in the strawweight division.

Honestly there are so many amazing female Nak Muays out there we unfortunately can’t name all the amazing Muay Thai fighters out there. But that’s a good thing. Women in Muay Thai should be normalized!

The International Stars: Buakaw Banchamek and Saenchai


In recent years, Muay Thai has gained popularity on the international stage, thanks in part to the success of fighters like Buakaw Banchamek and Saenchai. These two fighters have become household names in the world of combat sports and have helped bring Muay Thai to a global audience.

Buakaw Banchamek

Buakaw Banchamek

A legendary Muay Thai fighter from Thailand, has a storied career marked by numerous championships and accolades. Known for his aggressive style, he’s won titles like the Omnoi Stadium and Lumpinee Stadium championships, as well as the K-1 World MAX championship twice. Beyond fighting, he briefly played professional football and acted in martial arts films. Despite challenges, including disputes with his former gym, he continues to compete and recently made waves in bare-knuckle boxing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.


Saenchai

Saenchai

This Muay Thai legend has dominated the sport with four Lumpinee Stadium titles across different weight divisions, earning him a reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. Renowned for his diverse techniques and international success, Saenchai’s career highlights include five King’s Cup titles and victories in over 15 countries since 2010. Despite brief ventures into boxing and disputes with former associates, he remains an active force, showcasing his skills at events like Yokkao and THAI FIGHT. His upcoming move to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship adds another intriguing chapter to his illustrious career.

The Tragic Losses: Remembering Ramon Dekkers and Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj


While the world of Muay Thai has seen many triumphs, it has also experienced its fair share of tragedies. Two fighters who left a lasting impact on the sport but were taken from us too soon are Ramon Dekkers and Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj.

Ramon Dekkers

Ramon Dekkers kicking


Ramon Dekkers, a Dutch professional kickboxer and eight-time Muay Thai world champion, was known for his fast-paced, aggressive fighting style and willingness to challenge Thai champions in their own country. Starting martial arts at 12, he excelled under Cor Hemmers and won his first title at 18. His rivalry with Coban Lookchaomaesaitong is legendary, and he gained international recognition for his skills, even receiving royal recognition in Thailand. Despite injuries, he continued to impress until his untimely death on February 27, 2013, at 43, due to a heart attack while training.

Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj

sangtiennoi


Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj, a renowned Muay Thai fighter from Thailand, won championships at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium, in addition to becoming a WMC World Champion. With over 200 fights under his belt, he later became a Muay Thai trainer at Tor Sangtiennoi gym near Bangkok until his passing on May 16, 2021. Sangtiennoi’s aggressive style made him a fan favorite, earning significant purses and leading to fights with international stars like Dany Bill and Ramon Dekkers. He also mentored Australian fighter John Wayne Parr. Unfortunately, injuries forced his retirement in 2000, but he continued to contribute to Muay Thai through coaching. He passed due to a self-inflicted gun-shot wound. Sylvie Von Duuglas has an incredible post about him if you’d like to learn more about his life.

The Future of Muay Thai: The Next Generation of Fighters


As the sport continues to evolve, a new generation of fighters is emerging to carry on the legacy of those who came before them. These up-and-coming fighters have the potential to make their mark on the sport and contribute to its growth and development.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon kicking


One such fighter is Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who is known for his aggressive fighting style and relentless pressure. He has already achieved great success in his young career and has become a fan favorite for his exciting fights. Among his achievements, he won the MAX Muay Thai 125 lb and Omnoi Stadium 130 lb titles, along with notable fights against top opponents. Rodtang also competes in ONE Championship, where he is the reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion. His career includes impressive victories and title defenses, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport. Off the ring, he recently married fellow fighter Aida Looksaikongdin after briefly becoming a Buddhist monk and then converting to Islam.

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