You’ve met the names. Now dive deeper into why these 20 best Muay Thai fighters of the modern era deserve every ounce of hype they get. Study their journeys and master their signature moves to take your martial arts game to the next level.
Breaking down the 20 best Muay Thai fighters of the modern era
Let’s jump right into our list of the top nak Muay to grace the ring in recent years:
1. Rodtang Jitmuangnon
You know Rodtang as “The Iron Man,” a nickname that reflects his relentless fighting style and resilience. Starting his journey at age 7 in rural Phatthalung, he moved to Bangkok at 14 to train at Jitmuangnon Gym, racking up over 250 wins in the Thai stadium circuit.
His trademark is a breakneck pace—relentless teeps, thunderous knees, and an iron chin that absorbs shots other fighters can’t. Since debuting in ONE Championship in 2018, Rodtang has defended the Flyweight Muay Thai title 16 times, proving he’s one of the modern era Muay Thai fighters you can’t ignore. He’s even dared to step inside the cage against the legendary Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
2. Superlek Kiatmookao
Dubbed “The Kicking Machine,” Superlek blends textbook timing with artillery‑grade kicks. A nephew of Lumpinee legend Singdam, he claimed Lumpinee Stadium gold in two divisions back‑to‑back (2012–2013) and earned Thailand’s Fighter of the Year honor. In ONE Championship, he’s added the Flyweight Kickboxing and Bantamweight Muay Thai titles to his trophy case, showcasing why he ranks among the top Muay Thai champions for versatility and ring IQ.
3. Tawanchai PK Saenchai
Southpaw phenom Tawanchai exploded onto the scene at 18 by winning Thailand’s undisputed title, then swept the 2018 Lumpinee Belt and Sports Authority of Thailand Fighter of the Year awards. His crisp jab‑to‑teep combinations, lightning‑fast elbows, and signature left kick have earned him three ONE Championship title defenses. If you study modern Muay Thai legends, you’ll dissect how his setup–strike rhythm throws opponents off balance before he lands devastating power shots.
4. Jonathan Haggerty
England’s prodigy broke the mold when he upset Sam‑A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. Already a two‑time ISKA champ, Haggerty moved up to bantamweight and exploded with switch kicks, feints, and a right hand that’s stopped stars like Rodtang’s stablemate, Reece McLaren. His blend of Western footwork and traditional Muay Thai clinch work makes him a blueprint for foreign fighters aiming to crack Thailand’s elite ranks.
5. Superbon Banchamek
Though better known for his K‑1 and ONE kickboxing reigns, Superbon’s Muay Thai pedigree runs deep—he trained alongside Buakaw and mastered the Thai‑style counter left kick. He toppled Marat Grigorian and Giorgio Petrosyan by timing their attacks and delivering crushing leg kicks in return. His recent flyweight Muay Thai bout against Tawanchai reminded fans that you can’t pigeonhole him as “just a kickboxer”; he’s a true modern-era Muay Thai fighter who blends styles seamlessly.
6. Prajanchai PK Saenchai
With over 400 professional outings, Prajanchai’s record reads like a history of Thai stadium greatness—two‑division champion at both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern. His slippery footwork, near‑invisible head movement, and pinpoint counterpunches make him a defensive wizard. Since signing with ONE in 2021, he’s held both the Strawweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing titles, proving that adaptability is key for anyone chasing the top Muay Thai champion tag.
7. Anissa Meksen
On the women’s side, French‑Algerian standout Anissa Meksen has ruled multiple rings: boxing, Savate, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. Her forward pressure and lightning‑fast combinations earned her Glory Kickboxing gold and the WPMF Muay Thai World Title. In ONE Championship, she fights like a whirlwind—spinning back fists, cutting kicks, and nonstop volume—reminding you that the best Muay Thai fighters never stop moving.
8. Allycia Rodrigues
A warrior out of Phuket Fight Club, Allycia “Queen of Muay Thai” Rodrigues stunned the sport by dethroning Stamp Fairtex for the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai crown. Her southpaw stance, heavy leg kicks, and fearless clinch entries have kept her atop the division since 2020. If you want to study a modern era Muay Thai fighter who mixes Thai‑style aggression with Brazilian toughness, her fights are mandatory viewing.
9. Nico Carrillo
Scotland’s “King of the North” learned Muay Thai at 15 and stormed UK circuits before signing with ONE undefeated. He shocked fans by KO’ing former champion Nong‑O and now sits seconds away from a title shot. His blend of Muay Femur footwork and Muay Bouk pressure illustrates the hybrid skill set you need to break into elite global promotions.
10. Panpayak Jitmuangnon
Panpayak amassed four Lumpinee and two Rajadamnern titles between 2012 and 2015, then earned a three‑peat as Thailand’s Fighter of the Year. His low kicks are legendary, and his fight‑IQ—baiting opponents into patterns before countering—remains a masterclass in ringcraft. Now back in ONE competition, he’s gunning for another world title, showing that true legends never fade.
11. Yodsanklai Fairtex
Known as “The Boxing Computer,” Yodsanklai’s 202‑74‑4 record spans over a decade at the top of the sport. His pinpoint teeps and devastating low kicks have felled dozens of world champions. When you watch Yodsanklai, notice how he controls distance—an essential lesson for anyone aiming to join the ranks of top Muay Thai champions.
12. Regian Eersel
Dutch‑Surinamese hybrid stylist Regian Eersel is a cardio machine whose unorthodox spinning strikes have made him a fan favorite. He’s a five‑time ONE Kickboxing champ and three‑time Muay Thai titleholder. His high work rate and creative angles remind you that modern era Muay Thai fighters must evolve beyond textbook technique to keep opponents guessing.
13. Chadd “The Shark” Collins
Australia’s Chadd Collins unified WMC, WBC, and WMO Muay Thai titles—no small feat in a sport fragmented by belts. His explosive kicks and heavy overhands helped him topple legends like Pakorn and Saenchai’s nephew. With 84 pro fights under his belt, his blueprint for success combines relentless pressure with sharp counters.
14. Joe Ryan
At just 20, London’s Joe Ryan became the first Brit to claim a Rajadamnern Stadium title. He followed that by capturing the WBC Middleweight and ISKA world belts in quick succession. His smooth counters and punishing leg kicks speak to the rising influence of British Muay Thai gyms in producing modern era stars.
15. Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon
Jitmuangnon Gym isn’t just Rodtang’s home—Nuenglanlek trains there, too, and smothers opponents with a crushing Muay Khao (knee) style. He’s already claimed Omnoi and Lumpinee titles, then earned interim Rajadamnern gold. One more win and he completes the Thai stadium triple crown, a rare feat that cements him among the best Muay Thai champions.
16. Kongthoranee Sor Sommai
This southpaw Muay Mat terrorized ONE’s Friday Fights, notching eight straight wins and two Rajadamnern belts before joining the global roster. His straight left hand—uncommon in Thai southpaw arsenals—can end fights early, showing that innovation is crucial for any modern era Muay Thai fighter.
17. Yodwicha Por. Boonsit
A perennial top‑five pound‑for‑pound star, Yodwicha’s pressure‑heavy style and demolition‑grade clinch have placed him runner‑up in three RWS tournaments. His wins over Daniel Rodriguez and Singdam show he can handle both fast counter‑strikers and aggressive pressure fighters—a balancing act vital for today’s champions.
18. Samingdet Nor. Anuwatgym
As a two‑time Rajadamnern champ and current WBC world titleholder, Samingdet embodies Muay Femur—grace under fire. He doles out precision teeps and counters, yet his recent pocket brawls with Lamnamoonlek and Savvas Michael prove he’s no one‑dimensional artist.
19. Lamnamoonlek Tded99
Tded99 gym’s kicking ace, Lamnamoonlek, won back‑to‑back RWS tournaments (’22 & ’23) and upset Rajadamnern champ Samingdet in a non‑title clash. His relentless low‑kick assault shows how modern Muay Thai stars combine volume with power to dominate.
20. Khunsueklek Boomdeksian
Starting at nine years old, Khunsueklek trained in Udon Thani before storming Bangkok’s stadiums. By 19, he held the Omnoi and Rajadamnern 118‑lb belts—and he’s unbeaten in over 40 stadium fights. His rise proves that talent, discipline, and the right gym can produce the next generation of Muay Thai legends.
Your next move
Study fight films of the fighters on our list, dissect their setups, and add their drills to your training. Observing what makes them the 20 best Muay Thai fighters of the modern era will give you insights that make you a better nak Muay.
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