Muay Thai, often referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs,” is rapidly increasing in popularity in 2023, thanks to a combination of it’s effectiveness in MMA, and to a drastic rise in major promotions, like ONE FC, syndicating Muay Thai events worldwide. Despite the boom in popularity being a recent phenomenon, Muay Thai – and by extension K-1 kickboxing – has a legacy of incredible fighters that have put everything on the line in the name of glory and entertainment. In this article, we’ll provide a beginner’s guide to six of the biggest names in modern Muay Thai.

Saenchai

Saenchai Sor. Kingstar is THE living legend in the world of modern Muay Thai. Born in 1980, Saenchai has accumulated an astonishing record of over 300 wins in his career. He has competed across various weight classes, displaying an unmatched level of skill, technique, and showmanship. His name is synonymous with grace and precision in the ring, and he is revered for his almost flawless readings of his opponents, allowing him to seamlessly work flashy techniques like cartwheel kicks. What’s more is Saenchai frequently fights opponents who are one, and sometimes two, weight classes above him… and still dominates.

Saenchai is known as a trickster in the ring, often leaning on unconventional techniques and showmanship to distract and confuse his opponents. However, behind this entertaining persona is a mastery of the fundamentals of muay thai.

Saenchai’s clash with Singdam Kiatmuu9 at Lumpinee Stadium is hailed as one of his most iconic battles. In this thrilling encounter, Saenchai displayed his exceptional footwork and evasive manoeuvres while relentlessly attacking his opponent. His precision and tactical brilliance in that fight solidified his status as a true Muay Thai icon.

John Wayne Parr

Known as the “Gunslinger” in the Muay Thai world, John Wayne Parr, hailing from Australia, has carved out an incredible career and legacy. He’s one of the few non-Thais to become a true legend in the sport. Over his extensive career, he’s secured multiple world championships and has taken on some of the toughest fighters in the business.

John Wayne Parr is renowned for his powerful leg kicks, which he uses to systematically break down his opponents. His unmatched accuracy and timing makes him a force to be reckoned within the ring. He also possesses a strong clinch game, making him a versatile and dangerous fighter.

One of his most memorable bouts was against the formidable Yodsaenklai Fairtex. In this battle, Parr showcased his incredible resilience and tenacity. Despite facing immense pressure, he displayed his ability to adapt to his opponent’s style, earning the victory and further cementing his place in the annals of Muay Thai history.

Buakaw Banchamek

Buakaw Banchamek, formerly known as Buakaw Por. Pramuk, is a Thai fighter who has become a global icon in modern Muay Thai. With a storied career that includes multiple world titles and numerous accolades, he is celebrated for his raw power and aggressive fighting style.

Buakaw is known for his ferocious kicks, particularly his devastating roundhouse kicks to the body. His striking prowess is unparalleled, and he combines his kicks with strong punching combinations to overwhelm his opponents. He has also displayed excellent defensive skills, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to land clean shots. When fighters are skilled enough to land strikes on Buakaw, his iron chin is yet another hurdle for them to overcome.

One of Buakaw’s most unforgettable fights was against Andy Souwer, a renowned Dutch kickboxer. Their encounter was a thrilling battle of contrasting styles, with Buakaw’s traditional Muay Thai approach pitted against Souwer’s kickboxing finesse. Buakaw ultimately triumphed, displaying his ability to adapt to different rulesets and fighting strategies.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon

Rodtang Jitmuangnon is one of the fastest rising stars in the Muay Thai scene, and has gained notoriety for his aggressive and unrelenting fighting style, fearlessly walking his opponents down. He is the reigning ONE Championship Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion and is seen as the future of the sport.

Rodtang is known for his relentless forward pressure and powerful combinations. His heavy hands and ability to walk through his opponent’s attacks have made him a formidable force in the ring. He often employs powerful body shots to wear down his opponents, and his clinch work is second to none.

Rodtang’s first battle with Jonathan Haggerty, a seasoned fighter from the UK, was a true fight for the ages. In this clash, he displayed his ability to overcome adversity, as Haggerty pushed him to the limit. Ultimately, Rodtang’s tenacity and explosive striking allowed him to secure a hard-fought victory, solidifying his place among Muay Thai’s elite.

Jonathan Haggerty

Speaking of Jonathan Haggerty, the London born fighter made a name for himself in the Muay Thai world by becoming the ONE Championship Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion. He is known for his technical combinations which mercilessly expose and exploit openings in his opponents defence.

Haggerty is known for his slick boxing and superb timing. He excels in the clinch and is adept at controlling the distance during a fight. His strategic approach to each bout and his ability to read his opponents’ movements make him a formidable and intelligent fighter.

Haggerty’s title-winning bout against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao was a masterpiece of strategy and skill. Going up against the experienced Thai legend, Haggerty displayed composure and adaptability, securing the victory via a unanimous decision. This victory catapulted him into the elite ranks of Muay Thai fighters.

Superbon Banchamek

Superbon Banchamek is a Thai fighter known for his versatility and knockout power. With a remarkable record in both Muay Thai and kickboxing, he has dominated the world stage with his aggressive fighting style and exceptional striking skills.

Superbon is a perfectly well-rounded fighter, excelling in both traditional Muay Thai and kickboxing rules. He is known for his powerful punches, devastating low kicks, and strategic clinch work. His adaptability to different rulesets and his ability to switch between them seamlessly make him a unique talent in the sport.

Superbon’s bout against Giorgio Petrosyan, an Italian kickboxing legend, for the ONE Championship belt was a true spectacle of striking excellence. In this highly anticipated showdown, Superbon displayed his incredible striking accuracy and power, outmatching his illustrious opponent and securing a monumental victory with a spectacular head kick knock out in Round 2. This fight cemented Superbon’s status as one of the most formidable fighters in Muay Thai and kickboxing, solidifying his legacy as a true icon in the sport.