The names involved may not be recognized by most western audiences, but fight fans might want to start getting familiar with Ryuki Matsuda.
The 18-year-old kickboxer cut his teeth on the amateur circuit in Japan, fighting dozens of times and winning most of those bouts. He turned professional in 2021, quickly racking up an 11-0 professional record before opting to transition into the rules of Muay Thai. His first Muay Thai match came against fellow Japanese kickboxer Issei Ishii and resulted in a draw.
Despite the draw, Matsuda took a major step up the ladder in his second match, challenging Rajadamnern Stadium Bantamweight (118 lbs) champion Khunsueklek (81-7-3) in his second Muay Thai match. The Rajadamnern Stadium Title is one of the most prestigious straps in Muay Thai. Khunsueklek is just 18 years of age himself, but the Thai champion entered his second title defense riding a 41-fight win streak and was ranked highly on pound-for-pound lists.
Matsuda’s movement and power punching proved too much for the more experienced champion, however, resulting in a second-round knockout win for the Japanese talent. It’s a stunning upset win and likely just the beginning of a very decorated combat sports career from the young kickboxer.