20 Best Muay Thai Fighters Of The Modern Era You Must Know

Muay Thai is a sport of gorgeous method, devastating energy, and unimaginable self-discipline. Fighters who personify these attributes whereas utilizing their very own private model of ringcraft to ship thrilling performances typically turn out to be stars within the artwork of eight limbs.

On this article we’re going to spotlight 20 of essentially the most prolific Muay Thai fighters who’ve characterised these key traits, delivering stunning shows of Muay Thai all through their careers, to turn out to be dwelling legends within the sport.

With a world group of fighters and followers, a lot of whom struggle below completely different promotions and are ranked below numerous governing our bodies, it may be tough to collate each fighter into a transparent rating checklist. That being stated, the fighters included right here have all fought opponents on the highest stage constantly all through their careers, turning into champions worthy of being ranked amongst the very best of the trendy period. So, with out additional introduction, and in no explicit order, listed below are 20 of the very best Muay Thai fighters of the trendy period, who’re certain to turn out to be legends within the years to return.

1) Rodtang Jitmuangnon

Rodtang began his Muay Thai journey on the age of seven in his house province of Phatthalung in Thailand and at fourteen, moved to Bangkok to struggle out of the legendary Jitmuangnon Gymnasium the place he received over 250 fights whereas capturing two prestigious Omnoi Stadium Titles.

In 2018, his spectacular, fast-paced model caught the eye of ONE Championship and within the following 12 months, he claimed the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai Title towards Jonathan Haggerty. He’s since fought on the promotion a complete of 17 instances and has solely misplaced a single placing contest below the worldwide ruleset.

2) Superlek Kiatmookao

“The Kicking Machine,” Superlek Kiatmoo9, is a multi-sport world champion, ranked pound-for-pound amongst the very best on the planet in each the Muay Thai and Kickboxing rankings.

Coming from legendary Thai inventory, Superlek is the nephew to the legendary Singdam Kiatmookao and made a reputation for himself throughout the elite stadium circuit. He captured the Lumpinee Stadium title twice, in two completely different divisions in 2012-2013 while additionally being lauded as the celebrated Sports activities Authority Of Thailand Fighter Of The Yr together with his efficient Muay Femur model.

In 2021, he was signed to ONE Championship the place he defeated Daniel Puertas to seize the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title and most not too long ago, he captured the promotion’s Bantamweight Muay Thai crown when he KO’d incumbent champion, Jonathan Haggerty 49 seconds into their extremely anticipated struggle.

3) Tawanchai PK Saenchai

25-year-old southpaw, Tawanchai PK Saenchai, had a meteoric rise to the head of Muay Thai. In 2017, at simply 18 years outdated he turned the undisputed Thailand champion and the next 12 months he defeated the legendary Kulabdam thrice with iconic performances that ultimately received him the illustrious 2018 Lumpinee Stadium and Sports activities Authority Of Thailand Fighter Of The Yr Awards.

Tawanchai’s crisp, clear, and versatile southpaw placing, coupled together with his bone-breaking left kick has allowed him to defeat the likes of Saemapetch Fairtex and Petchmorakot Petchyindee. He’s additionally defended his ONE title thrice leading to him turning into ranked because the #2 pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighter on the planet in keeping with The Nation.

4) Jonathan Haggerty

Englishman Jonathan Haggerty was already a 2-time ISKA World Champion and WBC Worldwide Champion when he was signed to ONE Championship in early 2019 however it was his victory over Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title that made him a famous person on the planet of Muay Thai.

After shifting as much as the Bantamweight division, he delivered a handful of spectacular performances the place his difficult footwork, change kicks, and devastating proper hand secured him KO victories over a number of the largest stars on the ONE Championship roster. In his sensational run as a Bantamweight, Haggerty turned a multi-sport Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion and although he not too long ago misplaced his Muay Thai crown to Superlek, he’s nonetheless rated as probably the greatest Muay Farangs of the trendy period.

5) Superbon

Most of Superbon’s largest accolades come from the world of Kickboxing the place he stands because the 2016 Kunlun Championship Title, 2018 Enfusion Match Championship, and the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing champion however that doesn’t imply he isn’t one of the crucial proficient Nak Muays of this period.

Like his former stablemate Buakaw, Superbon makes use of a distinctly Thai-styled kickboxing method of counter left kicks and teeps to outscore a number of the largest names within the punch-heavy sport. He’s even defeated the likes of Marat Grigorian and Giorgio Petrosyan with this spectacular model.

Just lately, a aggressive struggle towards fellow Thai, Tawanchai for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai title and a formidable first-round KO over Jo Nattawut has reminded followers that regardless of his success within the Kickboxing area, Superbon continues to be a drive to be reckoned with within the artwork of eight limbs and deserves be ranked amongst the very best on the planet.

6) Prajanchai PK Saenchai

As a veteran of over 400 skilled fights, Prajanchai PK Saenchai has had loads of time to hone his abilities within the artwork of eight limbs. He’s a two-division Rajadamnern and Lumpinee Stadium WorldChampion who climbed to the highest of Bangkok’s elite rankings with devastating strikes and masterful shows of defensive methods.

In 2021, Prajanchai signed to ONE Championship the place he defeated legendary Thai compatriot, Sam-A, to seize the ONE Strawweight World Title in his debut bout. Although he later misplaced the title to Joseph Lasiri, he regained championship standing of their rematch earlier than shifting on to seize the ONE Kickboxing World Title, making him a champion, among the many finest on the planet in two sports activities.

7) Anissa Meksen

Not solely is French-Algerian fight sports activities famous person, Anissa Meksen, probably the greatest Muay Yings on the planet, however she’s additionally a champion in 4 separate placing disciplines, together with boxing, kickboxing, and Savate.

She’s fought on the pinnacle of all 4 sports activities, however her largest accolades come within the type of her Glory Kickboxing World Championship and the WPMF Muay Thai World Title, each of which have helped her keep within the high 2 of the world rankings since 2017.

Meksen’s fast-paced, high-volume model of combating has made her a fan favourite on ONE Championship the place her ahead stress, devastating hand combos, and chopping kicks have made her a tricky problem for any girl standing throughout from her within the ring.

8) Allycia Rodrigues

Combating out of the world-famous Phuket Battle Membership, Brazillian star Allycia Rodrigues has earned her spot as one of the crucial devastating feminine fighters on the planet with 33 victories from 39 skilled fights.

After making a reputation for herself within the Thai stadiums, Rodrigues was signed to ONE Championship and was instantly challenged with the Herculean job of going through reigning Atomweight Muay Thai Champion, Stamp Fairtex, in her debut bout. She rose to the check, defeating the Thai phenomenon over 5 rounds to assert the crown and regardless of their finest efforts, nobody within the Atomweight division has been in a position to usurp the throne from her since she claimed it in 2020.

9) Nico Carillo

Nico “King Of The North,” Carillo, is an imposing presence who has been lurking on the perimeters of the Bantamweight division for years. The twenty-five-year-old Scotsman began his Muay Thai journey on the age of 15 and rapidly rose by the UK ranks, capturing the ISKA Interim 65kg World Title and WMO World Title in 2 separate divisions in lower than a 12 months with stellar performances.

Since being signed to ONE, he has gone undefeated in 4 fights, ending all of his opponents, together with former champion Nong-O, with devastating knockouts. This spectacular run has resulted in a future struggle towards reigning Bantamweight Champion, Superlek, so sooner or later quickly the “King Of The North,” may additionally turn out to be king of the Muay Thai world.

10) Panpayak Jitmuangnon

With a formidable struggle document of 248-43-6, only a few would argue towards “The Angel Warrior,” being rated among the many finest Nak Muays of the trendy period.

Panpayak is among the most profitable fighters to ever compete in Bangkok’s elite stadium circuit. He received 4x Lumpinee Stadium and 2x Rajadamnern Stadium Titles in an exemplary 2012-2015 run. On this breakout interval, he additionally turned the one fighter in historical past to be awarded the Sports activities Authority Fighter Of The Yr award 3-times.

After being defeated by Superlek on ONE in 2022, Panpayak took a two-year break from combating however has not too long ago introduced a return to the ring, sparking hopes {that a} ONE title will quickly be becoming a member of his spectacular belt assortment.

11) Daniel Rodrigues

With a near-immaculate document of 45 wins from 46 fights, Swiss-born Daniel Rodriguez isn’t simply probably the greatest fighters of this technology, he’s probably the greatest Nak Muays of all time. After turning into each the Swiss and European WBC Muay Thai Champion, Rodriguez moved to the house of Muay Thai, Thailand, to face the largest stars of the game.

He has defeated dwelling legends corresponding to Yodwicha, Rungrat, Thananchai, and Santanfah Sitsongpeenong on his path to turning into the 2022 RWS World Sequence Champion and Rajadamnern Tremendous Welterweight Champion.

12) Regian Eersel

Aggressive, Muay Bouk stylist, Regian Eersel has constantly fought on the pinnacle of each Muay Thai and Kickboxing to turn out to be a 3x LionFight Muay Thai, 3x ONE Muay Thai, and 5x ONE Kickboxing World Champion.

Eersel makes use of excessive cardio, and a excessive work price combined with unorthodox placing to defeat a number of the largest stars of the Light-weight division. In a profession of 67 fights with 62 wins and 27 sensational KOs, Eersel has defeated a number of the finest strikers on the planet together with Nicky Holzken and Sinsamut Klimnee to turn out to be one of the crucial revered stars within the historical past of the game.

13) Chadd Collins

Australian multi-sport Kickboxer and Nak Muay, Chadd “The Shark” Collins isn’t solely the RISE Tremendous Light-weight Kickboxing World Champion, however he’s additionally the one athlete in historical past to unify the WMC, WBC, and WMO Muay Thai World Titles, all of which he nonetheless holds.

Chadd has constantly confronted the very best fighters on the planet together with the likes of Pakorn, Seksan, and Saenchai in his profession of 84 skilled fights and his quick footwork, heavy arms, and explosive kicks have propelled him to the highest of the worldwide Muay Thai rankings the place he’s presently #1 in keeping with fight press.

14) Joe Ryan

20-year-old British Muay Thai phenomenon, Joe Ryan, made historical past final 12 months when he turned the primary fighter from the UK to win a Rajadamnern Stadium Title.

This is able to have come as no shock to followers who’ve adopted the younger man’s journey. Within the two years main as much as this feat, Ryan captured the WBC European in addition to the ISKA and WMO World Titles in an immaculate run of wins. Since successful the coveted Rajadamnern belt, Ryan defeated Thai star, Beckham, to win the WBC Middleweight World Title, making him a 3x-world champion simply three years since making his skilled debut.

15) Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon

Combating out of the world-famous Jitmuangnon Gymnasium in Bangkok, Nuenglanlek is a stablemate to ONE superstars like Rodtang and Panpayak, however he’s greater than only a coaching accomplice for champions. Nuenglanlek has nearly captured the trinity of Bangkok stadium belts by turning into the Omnoi 135lb and Lumpinee 130lb Champion together with his smothering Muay Khao model.

Just lately, the Thai star defeated former ONE World Champion, Capitan Petchyindee to turn out to be the interim Rajadamnern champion, that means that yet another win is all that separates him from gathering all three of Bangkok’s most prestigious accolades.

16) Kongthoranee Sor Sommai

Followers of ONE Friday Fights can be nicely acquainted with Kongthoranee Sor Sommai. The Thai-born Muay Mat has been one of the crucial constant stars on the promotion and has fought on the celebrated Lumpinee card 10-times since 2023.

Previous to this, the explosive southpaw was a two-time Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion and with 8 spectacular wins since shifting to ONE’s international ruleset, there isn’t any doubt that this star will proceed to rise through the years to return.

17) Yodwicha Por. Boonsit

Present interim Rajadamnern Champion, Yodwicha Por. Boonsit, has extra belts to his title than we are able to checklist on this article. The stress fighter, recognized for his robust and expert Muay Thai clinch is a daily on the favored RWS promotion the place his fast-paced model of combating has allowed him to thrive within the three-round format. He has positioned runner-up within the elite World Sequence Match thrice and with wins over the likes of Daniel Rodriguez, Singdam Kiatmookao and Petchboonchu, no-one can deny that he is among the finest fighters on the planet proper now.

18) Samingdet Nor. Anuwatgym

The southpaw prodigy from Nor. AnuwatGym in Thailand is an elite Muay Femur whose clever model of counter combating has seen him turn out to be a 2x Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion and WBC World Champion.

Whereas he’s recognized for his long-range kicking exchanges, his latest fights towards Lamnamoonlek and Savvas Michael present that he’s a rounded fighter who’s comfy on the entrance foot and buying and selling from throughout the pocket as nicely.

19) Lamnamoonlek Tded99

The elite kicker from esteemed Tded99 gymnasium in Bangkok has received the RWS World Sequence Match twice, in 2022 and 2023, and a latest victory over present Rajadamnern World Champion, Samingdet in a non-title bout simply goes to show that the sky is the restrict for this Tremendous Featherweight who can also be WMC World Champion and ranked #1 in his division by the WMO.

20) Khunsueklek Boomdeksian

Khunsueklek began his profession in Muay Thai at simply 9 years outdated and after 20 spectacular fights he was invited to coach at Boomdeksian camp in Udon Thani within the north of Thailand. It wasn’t lengthy earlier than he was combating in Bangkok’s elite stadiums and in 2022, at simply 19-years of age he received his first belt, the Omnoi Stadium 118lb title.

Khunsueklek had a stellar run within the stadiums between 2019-2024, going undefeated in over 40 fights within the strategy of successful 2x Thailand titles and a Rajadamnern Stadium Belt. With just one loss on his document in over 5 years, there aren’t many opponents left to problem the star within the 118lb division.

Watch And Be taught

This text provides you the names of 20 of essentially the most adorned and revered Muay Thai fighters on the planet proper now. If you wish to be the very best you might be, be taught from the very best by taking a deep dive into the plethora of struggle footage accessible on all of those champions with the intention to emulate the kinds and abilities which have propelled them to the head of the game.