Best Muay Thai Fighters – The Undefeated Practitioners of All Times
With UFC pocketing 1.3 billion in annual revenue and boxing match purses going as high as $275 million, combat sports are at the peak of their popularity. Prominent names like Saenchai, Namsaknoi, and Apidej Sit-Hirun have dominated the Muay Thai and martial arts ring with their unique technical styles and formidable striking prowess. Thai boxers are known for their otherworldly endurance of brutal knee and elbow strikes during competitions and are some of the best all-around fighters in the combat sports world.
Thai boxing is widely referred to as The Art of Eight Limbs, as it allows punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to strike down the opponent and ensure optimal defense. This vast arsenal of moves makes Muay Thai one of the most brutal of mixed martial arts. Several MMA promotions like One Championship and Muay Thai Grand Prix showcase the sport worldwide, adding to the growing popularity of the greatest Muay Thai fighters in the US and Europe.
The Historical Rise of Muay Thai
The origins of Muay Thai trace back to 657 AD during the Haripuñjaya period when a hermit named Sukatanata established a school for liberal and martial arts. This institution taught various forms of combat, including boxing, sword fighting, archery, and the control of elephants and horses. The Royal Chronicle of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya covers several vital historical records and provides valuable insights into the development of Muay Thai between the 14th and 18th centuries.
Although the sport continued to grow, Nai Khanom Tom’s heroics in the second Burmese-Siamese war in 1767 helped Muay Thai gain widespread recognition as a dominant martial art. It became a common practice in Siam(modern-day Thailand), as every soldier learned Muay Thai for hand-to-hand combat, and children were trained in the art form from childhood.
The Development of Modern Thai Boxing Legends
Several factors contributed to the global popularization of Muay Thai, the most significant of which was Thai fighters’ participation in international competitions. The first instance occurred in 1959 when a Muay Thai match among Thai fighters occurred at the Asakusa town hall in Tokyo. This visit of Thai boxing to Japan paved the way for future collaborations and the exposure of Muay Thai to the Western world.
Fact: Muay Thai is one of the major contributors to the formation of Kickboxing, which follows a similar skill set and techniques.
The Greatest Muay Thai Fighters of All Times
As we rank the greatest Muay Thai fighters, most of them come from the ‘Golden Era’ of this martial art. During this time, many fighters came forward with extraordinary skills and techniques, making the sport more exciting and competitive. This amazing legacy has been carried to the modern era by names like The Icon Buakaw Banchamek and The Iron Man Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who possess the ability to take punishments and show off extraordinary skills.
Samart Payakaroon- The Best Muay Thai Fighter in History
Widely known as the “Muhammad Ali of Muay Thai,” Samart was a well-versed boxer who combined his skills with the art of Muay Thai, becoming the greatest performer in the history of Thai boxing. What makes Payakaroon extraordinary is the fact that he outclassed and out-maneuvered fighters with his high ring IQ, quick reflexes, and sublime technical skills during the 80s and 90s (considered the Golden Era of Muay Thai).
His exceptional boxing skills, speed, and timing helped him win four Lumpinee titles and the WBC junior featherweight boxing world championship. Throughout his storied career, Samart won over 100 fights with notable victories over Sagat Petchyindee, Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, Khaosai Galaxy, and his brother Kongtoranee Payakaroon.
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Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn
Imagine being so dominant that there’s no opponent left to fight you, and you’re forced to retire early! This was The Sky Piercing Knee Kicker, Dieselnoi, who rocked the Muay Thai world with sheer skills, brutal knee strikes, and a 6.2ft height. He remained undefeated at the Lumpinee Stadium, remaining the Lumpinee Lightweight Champion until retirement. His tall frame allowed him to hit opponents from a distance, and his superiority in the clinch and knee game made him a fearsome opponent.
His victories against the top Golden Era fighters, including Samart Payakaroon, Kaopong Sitichuchai, Pudpadnoi Worawoot, and Chamuekpet Hapalang, solidified his status as a legend.
Suphachai “Saenchai” Saepong
Standing at 5.5ft at the age of 44, Saenchai is undefeated in his last 70+ Muay Thai fights, proving that size doesn’t always matter in Muay Thai. Three words perfectly describe Saenchai and his greatness: technical superiority, bravery, and entertainment. Atop his unmatched understanding and experience of the game, Saenchai has a lighthearted attitude, often playfully taunting opponents in the ring, passing smiles, and performing dance moves. This babyface attitude doesn’t overshadow Saenchai’s achievements in Muay Thai.
He is known for facing opponents greater in size and weight than himself and coming up with maneuvers to beat them. Saenchai has won four Lumpinee Championships against greater opponents in different weight categories; a feat only someone his caliber can achieve. He was also crowned the WBC Muay Thai Diamond World Champion in 2011 and is the most decorated Muay Thai fighter in history. Saenchai’s contribution to the sport goes beyond winning titles; he has become a global ambassador for Muay Thai, introducing it to audiences worldwide through his charismatic fighting style and teaching at his gym.
Buakaw Banchamek
The list only becomes better as we move forward, ranking the modern era’s greatest Muay Thai fighter. He is the former two-time Omnoi Stadium champion, Lumpinee Stadium Toyota Marathon champion, former #1-ranked fighter in Lumpinee Stadium, Thailand Featherweight champion, two-time K-1 World MAX champion, and 2011 and 2012 Thai Fight tournament champion. He is The White Lotus Black Gold; Buakaw Banchamek!
Buakaw has bagged 243 Muay Thai victories over the course of his career by blending Western boxing with his extensive Muay Thai background. Despite turning 42 this year, Buakaw is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. Known for his unwavering fighting spirit, relentless striking, and spectacular knockouts, Buakaw’s contributions extend to popularizing Muay Thai globally, inspiring countless individuals to take up the art.
Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn
A technically gifted fighter and a self-made champion, Namsaknoi had a dream Muay Thai career. His genius mind, impressive timing, and extraordinary clinch work helped Namsaknoi bag 280 wins out of 300 professional Muay Thai fights. He was a highly popular and dominant name in the 90s and early 2000s and fought memorable battles against Saenchai, Samkor Kiatmontep, Kaolan Kaovichit, and Lamnammoon Sor Sumalee. Namsaknoi topped his god-gifted skills with a strategic approach and relentless training, becoming the longest-reigning Lumpinee Stadium Lightweight. He held the title for six years until ultimately retiring as champion in 2006 and gaining the title of ‘The Emperor.’
Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn was among the Por Pramuk camp golden boys alongside Buakwa, who brought the camp to global recognition. After retirement, Namsaknoi became a respected coach, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of fighters.
Final Words: The Influence of Greatest Fighters on Modern Muay Thai
Being a sport that has been there for centuries and played its role in creating modern hits like MMA and kickboxing, Muay Thai never got the recognition it deserved. However, the hard work of several Muay Thai legends is starting to pay off, with the first steps being the inclusion of Amateur Thai boxing in the European Games 2023 and the Paris Olympics 2024. Names like Samart Payakaroon and Dieselnoi Chor have shaped the legacy of Muay Thai for future generations. Modern-day legends like Saenchai, Buakaw, Rodtang, and Superlek have further cemented this legacy and continue to inspire young generations with their unique fighting styles and characters in and out of the ring.