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Dutch Kickboxing star, former WKA world championship winner Rob Kaman passes away aged 63

Dutch Kickboxing talent and Muay Thai striker, Rob Kaman has passed away this Sunday evening aged 63, the Amsterdam…

Dutch Kickboxing talent and Muay Thai striker, Rob Kaman has passed away this Sunday evening aged 63, the Amsterdam native’s wife, Carlotta confirmed on his official Instagram account today.

Kaman, a former WKA (World Kickboxing Association) world champion – often referred to as “Mr. Low Kick” – has been credited for utilizing some of the most vicious and devastating low kick leg techniques in the history of striking arts throughout his storied professional combat sports career.

A decorated professional kickboxing star and Muay Thai talent, Kaman competed just once in mixed martial arts in his combat sports tenure, third round TKO win against Japan native, Nobuaki Kakuda back in 1992 under the Rings Battle Dimension banner in Tokyo.

Rob Kaman’s wife confirms the Dutchman’s sad passing today

On the Dutchman’s official Instagram account this Sunday evening, a statement released by his wife, Carlotta, confirmed his passing.

“Rob has passed away,” The statement read. “I will forever love you… we will forever love you. This is Carlotta his wife – even though we’ve been separated since a while I made this account for him… Love you Min… Monique his dear sister. We will post the date of the funeral.”

Competing 112 times professionally officially in kickboxing, Kaman boasted a 98-12-1(2) professional record throughout his tenure in the sport, taking on and beating names such as Payap Premchai, Samart Prasammit, Don Nakaya Nielsen, Changpuek Kiatsongrit, Adam Watt, Marek Pitorowski, Alexey Iganshov, and holds two victories over compatriot and fellow Kickboxing icon, Ernesto Hoost – the latter by way of knockout.

What’s your favorite memory from the legendary career of Rob Kaman?

Video – Muay Thai legend Buakaw smashes Minoru Kimura with wicked second-round KO at RIZIN Lanmark 9

Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek added another highlight-reel knockout to his resume. On Saturday, March 23, Buakaw stepped inside…

Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek added another highlight-reel knockout to his resume.

On Saturday, March 23, Buakaw stepped inside the World Memorial Hall in Kobe, Japan for a clash with former K-1 Fighter of the Year Minoru Kimura as part of a loaded RIZIN Landmark 9 event.

Competing under kickboxing rules, the two fighters met in the middle of the cage and immediately began trading blows. Kimura put his power on display early, unleashing an onslaught of strikes against the Thai icon, but it was just a matter of time before Buakaw found his range and began to fire back. Just past the one-minute mark of the second round, Buakaw blasted his opponent with a perfectly-timed straight right that sent Kimura crashing to the canvas.

It was Buakaw’s 243rd career victory and 74th knockout. ‘The White Lotus’ has not lost a fight since March 2018.

“Who said this would be easy? Look at the first round. I admit that I almost didn’t make it past the first round,” he said in a post-fight interview. “If it were another fighter, they would already get knocked out. Those punches were very heavy. I will tell you that they were the heaviest punches I had been hit with in my career.”

Buakaw Banchamek adds to his legendary legacy

He is considered to be one of, if not the greatest practitioner in the history of the art of eight limbs, earning a laundry list of accolades. Buakaw Banchamek is a two-time K-1 World Max Champion, a former WBC Muaythai Diamond World Champion, a four-time WMC champion, and a Kunlun Fight Muaythai Middleweight World Championship.

In addition to his incredible history in both Muay Thai and kickboxing, he is undefeated under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner, earning wins over Erkan Varol and fellow Thai legend Saenchai.

AKA Thailand – Combat Luxury Training Resort In Phuket

American Kickboxing is known for being one of the top MMA academies in the world. The gym also has…

American Kickboxing is known for being one of the top MMA academies in the world. The gym also has an incredible sister academy located in beautiful Phuket called AKA Thailand.

Gym: AKA Thailand
Address: 47/31-32 Moo 4 Soi Sermsuk, Wiset Rd, Rawai, Phuket 83130, Thailand
Website(s): Main
Founders/Coaches: Mike Swick, Javier Mendez, Dillon Croushorn

It’s one of the great vacation destinations if you want to train Muay Thai and MMA in paradise. Read below to learn everything that you need to know about AKA Thailand.

The AKA Thailand Stories

If you’re a big fight fan, you probably are already well aware of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California. The elite gym that founder and head coach Javier Mendez built, where numerous champions have trained.

Numerous high-level fighters have trained at the gym over the years. This includes UFC and TUF vet Mike “Quick” Swick.

During the 2000s, Swick was one of AKA’s top UFC fighters, who was known for his well-rounded skills. One of the most notable aspects of Mike’s game was the speed of his striking.

Every year, Swick would make multiple trips to Thailand to work on his striking. Like many who travel to train in Thailand, Swick fell in love with the beauty and culture of the nation.

After Mike retired from fighting, he got together with AKA coach Javier Mendez with an idea. He wanted to open an AKA affiliate fight camp in Phuket, Thailand.

Build a state-of-the-art gym, where people from around the world can train in comfort while vacationing. Mendez gave his blessing and a short time later, AKA Thailand was founded.

It’s the first luxury training resort, where everyone of all skill levels can train. AKA Thailand has been open for over a decade and has countless reviews calling it the world’s best fight training resort.

AKA Thailand’s Head Instructors

AKA Thailand has incredibly skilled head coaches, who are ready to help improve your fighting skills. Check out the bios of head coaches Mike Swick and Dillon Croushorn below.

Mike Swick

AKA Thailand is run by co-founder and head coach Mike “Quick” Swick. Swick had a 10+ year fighting career, where he had fifteen pro fights within the UFC.

He is one of the originals from AKA, who has been training in Thailand since the year 2000. Mike is a well-respected trainer and no doubt will help you improve your skills during your stay.

Dillon Croushorn

Dillon Croushorn is the assistant MMA coach and BJJ instructor at AKA Thailand. Croushorn has been a martial artist for over 30 years, who has competed in everything from kickboxing to BJJ.

In his kickboxing career, Dillon has fought in over 270 amateur fights and 125 professional Thai boxing bouts. He was able to to four kickboxing world titles and 5 Muay Thai titles during his fighting career.

Dillon is also a BJJ practitioner with over ten years of training and will improve your fight game in all facets.

AKA Thailand’s Thai Boxing Instructors

Mike Swick and the AKA Thailand team were able to assemble some of the world’s best Thai boxing coaches. Here are just five of the highly-experienced Muay Thai coaches, who are ready to help you at AKA Thailand.

Kru Yuth

Kru Yuth is the head Muay Thai trainer at AKA Thailand, who is one of the most experienced trainers in Phuket. Yuth has been a Thai boxing practitioner and fighter since the age of six, who has competed in over 400 pro bouts.

In his long fighting career, Yuth was able to win 8 championship titles in multiple weight classes. He has an old school style and will put you through hard old-fashioned Thai training sessions.

Kru Son

Kru Son has over 30 years of experience in Muay Thai both as a fighter and a trainer. As a fighter, Son fought in 260 pro Thai boxing bouts and won a 128 lbs title. He’s been a trainer for years and is one of the favorites of those who have stayed at the resort.

Kru Dit

Kru Dit had an extensive 10-year fighting career, where he fought 200 pro fights. Dit is extremely passionate about Muay Thai, who loves teaching the fighting style and welcomes anyone to train with him.

Kru Chai

Kru Chai was a well-established Thai boxer, who competed at the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium at just 10-years old. Chai competed in over 200 fights and is now one of AKA Thailand’s most experienced coaches.

Kru Pond

Kru Pond has been a Muay Thai practitioner since the age of five and competed in hundreds of pro fights. Pond has been a well-established trainer for a number of years, and is one of the gym’s best counter-attack experts.

The AKA Thailand Facilities

AKA Thailand was the very first fight resort established in Thailand and has everything you need during your stay. Here are all of the facilities and amenities that the gym currently offers.

Muay Thai Training Center

The Muay Thai training center at AKA Thailand is a massive 6,000 sq ft(560 sq m) space. It’s complete with numerous heavy bags, and two standard-size Thai boxing rings to get your training in.

MMA/BJJ Facility

The MMA and BJJ Facility at the fight resort is also enormous, which is the same size as the Muay Thai area. The entire training area is fully padded with the best mats available on the market.

Fitness Building

AKA Thailand also comes complete with a full fitness building, which includes numerous weight sets and cardio machines. The fitness area also has numerous bags available if you want to include striking in your workouts.

Basketball Court

The founders of the gyms also included a full-sized basketball court on the outside of the gym. Just in case, you want to have a pick-up game in between training sessions.

Ice Baths

After 5:30, Monday through Friday, you have the option of cooling off in AKA Thailand’s large ice baths. You get to relax after your day of training surrounded by the beautiful nature of Phuket.

Showroom & Pro Shop

AKA Thailand has all of the clothes and training gear you need for your stay at their stocked pro shop. You can also purchase a wide array of vitamins and supplements at the pro shop to enhance your training.

Contender Cafe & Restaurant

Whenever you want to relax and get a bite to eat, the Contender Cafe & Restaurant is open all day. The restaurant also puts on all the major fighting events for you to watch when you’re not training.

AKA Thailand Overview

AKA Thailand is not only the first fight camp resort built in beautiful Phuket, Thailand but one of the best reviewed. Since the gym opened over a decade ago, it has received countless positive reviews from both fighters and hobbyists.

The majority of the reviews praise AKA as being one of the best gyms for tourists to come train in Thailand. Check out the gym’s website to book your next visit when you visit ‘The Land of Smiles’.

Ex-Kickboxer Andrew Tate, brother Tristan appear in Romanian court after latest arrest

Andrew Tate along with his brother Tristan appeared in a Romanian court. According to the BBC, the brothers were…

Andrew Tate along with his brother Tristan appeared in a Romanian court.

According to the BBC, the brothers were detained by Romanian police on Monday night on arrest warrants over alleged sexual offenses in Britain.

Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate officially charged following investigation in Romania

The BBC reports that a representative for the Tate brothers before the hearing described the arrest warrant as a “bewildering revival of decade-old accusations” leaving the brothers “dismayed and deeply troubled”.

“They categorically reject all charges and express profound disappointment that such serious allegations are being resurrected without substantial new evidence,” the statement said. “They are fully committed to challenging these accusations with unwavering determination and resolve.”

The allegations are from 2012 until 2015, but Tate brothers’ lawyer Eugen Vidineac told reporters he knew little information regarding the warrant and did not know if new evidence was provided by the authorities.

Andrew Tate and his brother have been battling legal troubles for years as they are being investigated by Romanian authorities over separate allegations of rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang, which they deny.

Andrew Tate’s kickboxing career

Before becoming famous on the internet, Andrew Tate was a combat sports fighter, who was primarily a kickboxer but did compete in MMA once.

As a kickboxer, Tate went 76-9-1 and last competed in December of 2020 when he defeated Cosmin Lingurar by TKO in the second round. He is on a three-fight winning streak in kickboxing and in his 76 wins, 32 have come by stoppage. Tate has also won the ISKA full-contact light cruiserweight title, as well as holding the IKF British Cruiserweight Title among other belts.

As for his MMA career, Andrew Tate fought once as a pro in 2010 and scored a first-round KO over Shane Kavanaugh at a regional show in England. As an amateur, Tate went 3-2 and did fight UFC veteran Luke Barnett in his final amateur fight, which he won by decision.

What do you make of Andre Tate’s latest appearance in court?

Jonathan Haggerty KOs Felipe Lobo in early Fight of the Year contender – ONE Fight Night 19 Highlights

Jonathan Haggerty retained his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship in an early Fight of the Year contender against…

Jonathan Haggerty retained his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship in an early Fight of the Year contender against Brazilian knockout artist Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 19 on Prime Video.

Haggerty looked to take control of the ring and create distance with his signature push kick from the get-go, but it was just a matter of time before the ‘Demolition Man’ would find his way inside and explode. That’s exactly what Lobo did, delivering an onslaught of strikes to the head and body of the defending champ in the second half of the opening round.

A sneaky uppercut finally put Haggerty on the mat with less than a minute to go in the first, but ‘The General’ answered the count and pressed on.

In the second, Haggerty and Lobo threw caution to the wind, delivering one of the most incredible rounds in combat sports history. Both men blasted the other with fight-ending bombs, but neither man would go down. In the end, Haggerty managed to send Lobo crashing to the canvas with a counter left that hit his opponent on the button.

With the fight likely tied after two rounds, Haggerty decided he’d had enough and uncorked a nasty overhand right less than a minute into the third that put Felipe Lobo away for good.

Official Result: Jonathan Haggerty def. Felipe Lobo via KO (overhand right) at 0:45 of Round 3 to retain the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship.

Check Out Highlights from Jonathan Haggerty vs. Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 19:

Jonathan Haggerty starches Felipe Lobo in the third round to close the show.

What a fuckin fight.

And still. @sportskeedaMMA #ONEChampionship #ONEFightNight19 pic.twitter.com/bdOecYCxln

— Nicolas Atkin (@nicatkinONE) February 17, 2024

Georges St-Pierre Believes Muay Thai Could Benefit From More Drama: ‘It’s the Conor McGregor Effect’

Octagon icon Georges St-Pierre believes the sport of Muay Thai could benefit from incorporating some of the drama that…

Octagon icon Georges St-Pierre believes the sport of Muay Thai could benefit from incorporating some of the drama that has made MMA one of the fastest-growing professional sports in America.

Muay Thai has seen an undeniable spike in popularity due in large part to the rise of superstars like Rodtang and Superlek, two of ONE Championship’s biggest draws in the art of eight limbs. But for fight fans, particularly in the United States, the biggest obstacle to embracing combat sports outside of MMA and boxing is the lack of drama.

Professional fighters and MMA as a whole have seen a massive explosion in popularity over the last decade and it all seemingly started with Chael Sonnen, a solid ground-based fighter who often talked his way into title fights with a WWE-style persona that had fans either dying to see him win or chomping at the bit to watch him take a beating. Either way, people were offering up their hard-earned money to see it.

Speaking with BangTao MMA — the most premiere Muay Thai and MMA training center in Phuket, Thailand during a Q&A session, former two-division UFC titleholder Georges St-Pierre suggested that Muay Thai could benefit by implementing some of the melodrama that has captivated North American crowds in recent years.

“I think what makes a fight more attractive, is not only a question of skills,” St-Pierre said. Whether it’s in Muay Thai, judo, or jiu-jitsu it’s a question of emotion, and fights are promoted on emotion. A lot of people will disagree with me because they are purists. The reason they watch a fight is to find out who is the best fighter. But most people don’t watch a fight for the same reason as us. They watch a fight because this guy said this to him and they want to see what happens.

“I’ve seen it throughout my career, it’s true. That’s why you see a lot of fighters nowadays promote themselves as a caricature, if they are mad they act like they are more mad. If they are happy they act like they are more happy. If they want to be arrogant, they want to be more arrogant.“

Georges St-Pierre Says Muay Thai Fighters Need to take a page out of Conor McGregor’s Playbook

There is perhaps no greater example of a fighter using emotion to sell a fight than Conor McGregor. The Irishman has featured in eight of the promotion’s top 10 highest-grossing pay-per-views of all time. None bigger than his lightweight title clash with UFC Hall of Famer and undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Looking back, their clash at UFC 229 in October 2018 largely failed to live up to the hype with McGregor succumbing to a fourth-round submission. But when talking about the historic rivalry, all anyone seems to remember is the intense build-up or the chaotic aftermath that saw both fighters ultimately suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

St-Pierre believes Muay Thai could benefit from a few McGregor-esque personalities in the sport, but was quick to caution that authenticity is crucial. If a fighter is simply playing a character — i.e. Colby Covington — rather than accentuating who they already are, fans will see right through it.

I think it’s the Conor McGregor effect. Conor did a lot of great things for the sport. He brought the attention to a level that was never done before. However, I believe if you want to be attractive to an audience you need to stay authentic to who you are, because if you are not it shows. Conor was great at what he did because he was authentic, but there are a lot of people who are not authentic and it doesn’t look good.

For me, I love to watch Muay Thai but for a big audience, maybe it misses a bit of charisma in terms of emotional context. That’s one of the things I think they should focus on. More on the relation between the two opponents and why they are going to fight and who said what. I know it sounds crazy but that’s how I think you promote a fight.