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- Muay Thai Culture News 5/21/25
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Muay Thai Culture News 5/21/25
Table of Contents
Twelve more action-packed bouts lit up Bangkok, Thailand’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium when ONE Championship took over the fabled striking venue once again on Friday, May 16. This historic arena, known for its rich history in the world of Muay Thai, provided the perfect backdrop for an electrifying night of combat sports. ONE Friday Fights 108 delivered another furious serving of Muay Thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) to the global fanbase, who were treated to a bevvy of stoppages and intense three-round barnburners across the evening. The event showcased the incredible skill and determination of fighters from around the world, each bringing their unique style and strategy to the ring.
Fans were on the edge of their seats as each bout unfolded, with fighters displaying not only their physical prowess but also their
Kongchai Chanaidonmueang delivered an electrifying and unforgettable performance to decisively stop Chokpreecha PK Saenchai, thereby extending his lead to two victories in their ongoing rivalry. This clash took place during a highly-anticipated strawweight Muay Thai rematch that had fans on the edge of their seats. From the moment the opening bell rang, it was evident that Chokpreecha was determined to exact revenge, as he unleashed a series of heavy strikes while fighting in close quarters. However, Kongchai, displaying remarkable composure and skill, was more than willing to engage in a fierce exchange of blows. Demonstrating his superior technique, he expertly sliced open his fellow Thai competitor with a precise elbow strike, effectively closing out the first round with a significant advantage.
Entering the second round brimming with confidence, Kongchai, who holds the prestigious title of Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, continued to assert his dominance. He relentlessly pursued Chokpreecha, pinning him against the ropes with unwavering determination. Seizing the opportunity, Kongchai unleashed a devastating three-punch combination that left his opponent reeling and brought the fight to a dramatic conclusion just 26 seconds into the round. This impressive knockout victory marked Kongchai's second stoppage during his tenure with ONE Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the sport. With this triumph, he improved his professional record to an impressive 75 wins and 15 losses.
Kongchai Chanaidonmueang's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he once again demonstrated his exceptional skills and tenacity in the ring. The victory over Chokpreecha PK Saenchai not only added another chapter to their storied rivalry but also showcased Kongchai's ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matchups. Fans and analysts alike were left in awe of his prowess, eagerly anticipating his future bouts and the continued evolution of his already illustrious career.
ONE Friday Fights 109 is set to take place during Asia primetime on May 23, promising an exhilarating evening for fight fans. This highly anticipated event will unfold at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium, a venue steeped in history and tradition, located in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. Known for its electric atmosphere and passionate crowds, Lumpinee Stadium provides the perfect backdrop for a night of thrilling martial arts action.
The event will showcase an impressive lineup of 12 matchups, spanning across three distinct combat sports disciplines.
In the highly anticipated headline attraction, former ONE World Title challenger Brice “The Truck” Delval is set to make a triumphant return to the organization after an absence of more than four years. Delval, who hails from Algeria, is known for his impressive skills and tenacity in the ring. He will be facing the surging Thai phenom Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri in what promises to be an electrifying bantamweight Muay Thai showdown. Delval is no stranger to high-stakes competition, having previously pushed the former long-reigning bantamweight Muay Thai king, Nong-O Hama, to the absolute limit back in 2019. In that memorable encounter, Delval dropped a closely contested split decision after five rounds of intense and frantic action, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Now, Delval is eager to make his mark once again as he steps into the ring against one of Thailand’s top young talents. The 23-year-old Yod-IQ has been on an impressive trajectory, looking almost unstoppable across his nine appearances at ONE Friday Fights. With only one loss to his name, Yod-IQ has emerged as a front-runner for the next US$100,000 contract on ONE’s main roster, making this bout a crucial opportunity for both fighters to
Long-reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues is gearing up for her next title defense, scheduled to take place on June 6 during U.S. primetime. This highly anticipated event will see the Brazilian superstar put her coveted World Title on the line against the formidable and rapidly rising Israeli phenom Shir Cohen. The bout has been announced as the new main event for ONE Fight Night 32, which will be broadcast on Prime Video from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Rodrigues has established herself as a dominant force in the atomweight division, maintaining an impeccable record since she first captured the Muay Thai crown. Her journey to the top began with a stunning victory over Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex in her ONE Championship debut back in 2020. This victory marked the beginning of her reign as the atomweight queen, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination.
After taking a brief hiatus from competition to welcome the birth of her child, Rodrigues made a triumphant return to the ring in 2023. Her comeback was nothing short of spectacular, as she successfully unified the divisional belts by defeating interim titleholder Janet Todd at ONE Fight Night 8. This victory not only reaffirmed her status as the undisputed champion but also demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her craft.
In her most recent outing, Rodrigues delivered a masterful performance against UK standout Marie McManamon at ONE Fight Night 29. Displaying her
Thai rapper MILLI has once again pushed the boundaries of her artistic and personal endeavors by stepping into the Muay Thai ring — quite literally. On the 17th of May, the trailblazing artist made her Muay Thai debut at the renowned Fairtex Fight held at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. This event marked a significant milestone in her multifaceted career, as she faced off against the formidable Chinese fighter Jiduo Jishi. Throughout all three intense rounds, MILLI demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, showcasing striking moves that she had meticulously honed during an intensive week of training at the prestigious Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya.
Despite ultimately losing the match by points, MILLI's tenacity and agility left a lasting impression on both commentators and fans alike. Her performance was so impressive that she earned the nickname “8G Right Leg,” a testament to the power and precision of her kicks. Reflecting on her experience after the match, MILLI expressed her overwhelming emotions, saying, “Wow… I don’t even know how to put it in words right now. I’ve fulfilled another one of my dreams, to fight a Muay Thai match in a real boxing ring.”
MILLI is no stranger to breaking new ground and fearlessly reinventing herself. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Thai solo artist to perform on the main stage of Coachella, one of the world's most prestigious music festivals. Since then, the YUPP! Entertainment star has continued to build a global reputation, captivating audiences with her unique sound and dynamic performances. Her viral hits, such as ‘Just Being Friendly’ in collaboration with Tilly Birds
A heartfelt fundraiser has been established in loving memory of the talented Muay Thai fighter, Nicky Cunningham. The initiative has been embraced by members of the Blood, Sweat and Tears Boxing Club, Evolve Muay Thai, and the broader Newry community, all of whom have been deeply affected by the heartbreaking news of Nicky's sudden passing on Sunday, May 18. In a touching gesture of support, Nicky's former coach, Shane McIlroy, has taken the lead in organizing a GoFundMe page dedicated to supporting Nicky's family during this difficult time.
Shane McIlroy, who shared a close bond with Nicky, offered a poignant personal tribute, describing Nicky as "a true warrior." Reflecting on their time together, Shane expressed: "I had the privilege of being Nicky's Muay Thai coach. He was a dedicated athlete who trained tirelessly, fought with passion, and emerged victorious time and again. He was a true warrior with the heart of a lion. Despite battling his own demons, the ring was his sanctuary, a place where he could channel his struggles. Muay Thai was not just a sport for him; it was his true love and the driving force that kept him moving forward. He always needed a goal to strive for, and in my eyes, he was a champion, my champion. Tragically, Nicky lost his fight against life's challenges."
Shane continued, "Life can be incredibly cruel, and in this moment of profound loss, we hope to ease the burden on his
KUCHING: In a thrilling display of skill and precision, one clean elbow strike led to one stunned opponent, marking a significant milestone for a promising Sarawakian fighter on the rise. Texas Jeremy Lo, a young and talented Muay Thai athlete, delivered a highlight-reel knockout in his most recent bout, setting the stage for his much-anticipated debut in the prestigious Rajadamnern World Series (RWS). In a remarkable performance, Texas executed a perfectly timed elbow strike against his Moroccan opponent, Hachim, securing a second-round knockout (KO) victory during the Rajadamnern Knockout event last Friday, May 16. The scene was nothing short of incredible for the 17-year-old fighter, who showcased his prowess at Thailand’s oldest and most revered Muay Thai venue, Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok. This iconic arena, which first opened its doors in 1945, has been the site of countless legendary battles, and now Texas has etched his name into its storied history.
The young fighter from Kuching has been diligently working on his physique and honing his skills, establishing himself as a rising star and a recognized force in the world of Muay Thai. Reflecting on his victory, Texas shared his initial reaction: “Honestly, after I felt my elbow clip him and saw him fall forward, I was more shocked than excited in the moment. It was my first time landing a clean elbow and scoring a knockdown with it.
Kru Juice Muay Thaibata!
A little look into the Muay Thaibata class!
Surging flyweight Muay Thai athlete Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi has emerged as one of the most electrifying strikers on the global stage today, captivating audiences with his dynamic fighting style and relentless pursuit of victory. Known for his explosive power and precision, Jaosuayai has quickly become a fan favorite, drawing attention from martial arts enthusiasts around the world. On June 6, in U.S. primetime, the 23-year-old knockout artist will step into the ring to face off against the formidable #4-ranked divisional contender Nakrob Fairtex. This high-stakes clash is set to take place at ONE Fight Night 32: Rodrigues vs. Cohen, broadcast live on Prime Video, promising an unforgettable night of action and drama.
Jaosuayai's journey to this pivotal moment has been nothing short of remarkable. A veteran of more than 80 professional bouts, he has honed his skills through countless hours of training and competition, developing a reputation for his tenacity and skill inside the ring. His experience includes nine intense battles at ONE Friday Fights, where he has consistently
Muay Thaibata Recap: Kru Juice Thai Pad holding Muay Thai clinic
ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella is considering embarking on a Muay Thai journey, but he has set his sights on a more immediate goal first. Before he ventures into the world of Muay Thai, Di Bella is determined to unify the division’s gold by facing off against Prajanchai PK Saenchai. The talented Canadian-Italian striker made headlines when he captured the interim championship belt this past March at ONE 172. In a thrilling match, he outstruck the former two-division king, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, and secured a unanimous decision victory, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination.
Di Bella's primary objective is to establish himself as the undisputed strawweight kickboxing champion. Achieving this milestone is of utmost importance to him, and he is fully focused on accomplishing it. However, once he has achieved this goal, the possibilities for his future endeavors are vast and exciting. He has expressed a keen interest in transitioning from the traditional big gloves of kickboxing to the smaller, more challenging 4-ounce gloves used in Muay Thai. This potential shift in his career path intrigues him, even if it means going against the advice of his father, who also serves as his coach.
‘I’ve Come A Long Way In My Life, But I’m Not Stopping Here’ – Inside Nakrob’s Rise To Muay Thai Stardom
Nakrob Fairtex has skillfully utilized his exceptional technical striking abilities and unwavering mindset to firmly establish himself as one of the most thrilling and promising contenders in the flyweight Muay Thai division. His journey in the sport has been marked by dedication, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, which has earned him a well-deserved reputation among fans and fellow fighters alike. Currently holding the #4 spot in the highly competitive and talent-rich division, the 26-year-old athlete is gearing up for an electrifying showdown against another formidable Thai competitor, Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi. This much-anticipated bout is scheduled to take place on June 6, during U.S. primetime, as part of the exciting lineup for ONE Fight Night 32: Rodrigues vs. Cohen, which will be broadcast on Prime Video.
Nakrob's journey into the world of Muay Thai began in an unexpected manner. His introduction to the sport came as a surprise when a local fair found itself in need of a last-minute replacement fighter. This serendipitous opportunity marked the beginning of his remarkable career in Muay Thai. In Thailand, it is not uncommon for young children to participate in full-contact Muay Thai bouts, and Nakrob was no exception. From a young age, he demonstrated a natural talent and passion for the sport, which has only grown stronger over the years.
With no formal training, Nakrob lost the fight but earned a small sum of money (about US$4.50), setting in motion his career as a professional athlete:
“I started when I was 6. It just so happened I went with my dad to watch some match at a local fair in my neighborhood. By chance, they were short one fighter, so he asked if I wanted to jump in. I was a bit of a troublemaker kid, so I just went along with it. I went up there and fought like I’d never trained a day in my life, and yeah, I lost like you’d expect because I wasn’t any good at boxing.
“I got 150 baht for that fight, but I actually did okay, so I got some tips from the crowd. I used the money to play that dart game and buy snacks at the fair.”
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