Tag: muay thai

How I defeated Buakaw – Stoyan Koprivlenski breaks down K-1 fight

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K-1 World MAXBuakaw Banchamek took a loss against Stoyan Koprivlenski during their K-1 World MAX kickboxing bout earlier in 2024. Thailand’s…

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K-1 World MAX

Buakaw Banchamek took a loss against Stoyan Koprivlenski during their K-1 World MAX kickboxing bout earlier in 2024. Thailand’s Buakaw was looking to turn back the clock and reclaim kickboxing gold, but the Bulgarian striker Koprivlenski defeated the kickboxing and Muay Thai legend over three rounds.

‘The Sniper’ Koprivlenski sat down with K-1 to break down his matchup against Buakaw Banchamek.

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K 1 2

Buakaw Banchamek

The Thai-born Buakaw Banchamek has achieved legendary status throughout his iconic career between kickboxing and Muay Thai. The striker changed the landscape of kickboxing in 2004 when he won the K-1 World MAX Grand Prix, and repeated this feat in 2006. Buakaw fought the best of a golden era generation and was decorated in gold.

Retirement is not something on Buakaw’s mind. He is aged 42 and made his professional debut in 1999, competing in the Stadium Muay Thai scene, in 2024 he is showing no signs of slowing down. Buakaw fought Saenchai in a legends Muay Thai match in BKFC, plus has taken bouts in Rajadamnern World Series.

Stoyan Koprivlenski

Bulgaria’s Stoyan Koprivlenski is a highly talented kickboxer. The 30-year-old is well known for being an incredibly entertaining striker and is frequently in fight-of-year matches. Being one of the top-ranked fighters in this division, he has dropped contentious split decision losses to reigning champions Tyjani Beztati and Kaito Ono. However, these close losses did not deter him. Instead, he was determined to pick up K-1 Kickboxing gold in 2024.

Buakaw vs Stoyan Koprivlenski

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski

Buakaw and Stoyan Koprivlenski fought in the Quarter Finals round of the K-1 World MAX 2024 – World Championship Tournament. The two strikers battled for three rounds. The Thai veteran had a great first round showing incredible speed and defense but faded with the constant pressure of ‘The Sniper’ Koprivlenski. It was quite an exciting matchup.

Ultimately, Koprivlenski would get his hand raised. Next, the Bulgarian athlete defeated Brazil’s Dengue Silva in the Semi Finals, in another barnburner of a fight. Lastly, Koprivlenski would knock out Viktor Akimov in the tournament final to take home the K-1 World MAX Championship in 2024. All three fights took place in a single evening.

Koprivlenski spoke to K-1 about his matchup, he outlined the adjustments and gameplan for the fight. The Bulgarian-born striker also explained how he grew up watching Buakaw and what a legend he is.

“[Buakaw] is my fighting hero … I grew up watching his fights,” Koprivlenski continued, “I had to be more active.” He scored a knockdown in round 2 with a head kick, and said, “I don’t think the kick was that hard but he didn’t expect it.”

See the full Stoyan Koprivlenski vs. Buakaw match breakdown below

Fans React to Rodtang’s Newest Booking “Piss poor matchmaking once again”

Rodtang ONE 169The Iron Man’ Rodtang Jitmuangnon has his next booking to defend his Muay Thai world title, and fans are…

Rodtang ONE 169

The Iron Man’ Rodtang Jitmuangnon has his next booking to defend his Muay Thai world title, and fans are not impressed. Later this year at ONE 169 hosted in Atlanta, USA, ONE Championship paired the Muay Thai champion against Jacob Smith.

Fans laugh at Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith

The Thai-born Rodtang has been a superstar for ONE Championship. The Muay Thai champion is popular on social media and has over 270 victories. Many of his recent fights have been brought into question as they are largely unworthy of facing a champion in Muay Thai. The Jacob Smith fight is one more to add to this list and fans are unhappy.

Some of the recent opponents of ‘The Iron Man’ include the debuting Edgar Tabares, winless in ONE Jiduo Yibu, lower weight class fighters such as Joseph Lasiri and Danial Williams, plus a loss to Superlek Kiatmoo9. Now, he has been paired against the UK-born Smith, an opponent ‘The Iron Man’ already defeated in a dominant fight years ago. In his most recent fight, Smith is coming off of a loss and has only had a single victory in ONE since signing with the organization three years ago. Fans let ONE know their discontent with this matchup.

MuayThaiJME on Twitter said:

“Honestly not sure how anyone can like Rodtang Hitting new lows even I didn’t think were imaginable As much as I like Jacob, he was embarrassed by Rodtang last time out, he’s coming off a loss, & that loss was to the guy Rodtang just beat Piss poor matchmaking once again Shameful.”

RISE fighter Jay Snoddon added:

“I like Jacob but this match literally makes zero sense. Jacob gets merked by Rodtang, then loses to Denis Puric who fights Rodtang and loses in Kickboxing. Now, Jacob for whatever reason gets a title shot?!?”

CombatCr said:

“A truly pathetic slice of matchmaking, a fight that absolutely no one needs to see. Rodtang is a fighter not even worth paying attention to while he’s in fights like this (that we’ve already seen, and do not need to see again at all) while there are so many better options.”

Thesilverwolfgg added:

“Just why? Rodtang easily beat Smith last time and Smith hasn’t done anything to earn this. All the title fights in ATL are beyond lopsided. Man @ONEChampionship thinks we’re really stupid out here in the west.”

On Instagram, _thomasdonnelly said:

“He only wants the easy fights? Chatri needs to stop this cherry picking bullshit”

Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith is not a match that the fight community is impressed with but it is the co-main event at ONE 169.

Tawanchai retains featherweight Muay Thai title with majority decision over Jo Nattawut – ONE 167 Highlights

Tawanchai retains featherweight Muay Thai title with majority decision over Jo Nattawut- ONE 167 HighlightsReigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai kept both his title and his unbeaten streak intact at ONE…

Tawanchai retains featherweight Muay Thai title with majority decision over Jo Nattawut- ONE 167 Highlights

Reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai kept both his title and his unbeaten streak intact at ONE 167 on Friday night.

Emanating from the sold-out Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, ONE 167 delivered a memorable night of action capped off by a Fight of the Year contender between Tawanchai and one of ONE Championship’s most versatile strikers, ‘Smokin’ Jo Nattawut.

Through the first two rounds, both fighters remained cautious, trading kicks and keeping their distance. However, that all changed in the third with Nattawut picked up the pace and began landing his far-too-hesitant opponent. Heeding the advice of his corner, the Thai titleholder began to let his hands go in the chances round, pressuring Nattawut and slowly turning the tide.

Following a very competitive fifth round, we went to the judge’s scorecards where two of the three saw the fight in favor of the champ while the third ruled it a draw.

Official Result: Tawanchai def. Jo Nattawut via majority decision.

Tawanchai

Check out highlights From Tawanchai vs. Jo Nattawut at ONE 167:

Rodtang scores unanimous decision victory in three-round war with Denis Puric – ONE 167 Highlights

Rodtang scores unanimous decision victory in Three-Round war with Denis Puric - ONE 167 HighlightsAfter delivering one of the greatest Muay Thai fights of all time in September, Rodtang Jitmuangnon made his long-awaited…

Rodtang scores unanimous decision victory in Three-Round war with Denis Puric - ONE 167 Highlights

After delivering one of the greatest Muay Thai fights of all time in September, Rodtang Jitmuangnon made his long-awaited return to the Circle at ONE 167 for a high-stakes kickboxing clash with ‘The Bosnian Menace’ Denis Puric.

Both fighters came out throwing heavy leather from the get-go. ‘The Iron Man’ was very elusive, a change of pace for the Thai superstar who typically loves to march forward and throw caution to the wind. Mixing up his strikes beautifully, Rodtang punished Puric up top, blasting him with combination after combination before brilliantly ripping to the body of his opponent.

In round two, Rodtang abandoned the elusiveness, opting to push forward with his iron-like chin up in the air. That gave Puric a greater opportunity to land throughout the round, but it was ‘The Iron Man’ who had the advantage in both speed and volume.

Puric undoubtedly had his best round in the third, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to undo the damage he had taken in the first two rounds.

Official Result: Rodtang def. Denis Puric via unanimous decision.

With the victory, ‘The Iron Man’ takes home his 272nd career win and his 15th under the ONE Championship banner. He is now 12-1 in Muay Thai action and 3-0 in kickboxing.

Rodtang

check out Highlights From Rodtang vs. Denis Puric at ONE 167:

MMA officially recognized in Thailand with development of MMA association

world mma association thailandIn a massive move for the ever-growing sport of mixed martial arts — particularly in Asia, the sport has…

world mma association thailand

In a massive move for the ever-growing sport of mixed martial arts — particularly in Asia, the sport has officially been recognized in Thailand — with a fully certified and approved MMA Association also established under the Department of Provincial Administration.

Thailand, home to a rich and deep history of combat sports, has produced some of the biggest talents in the striking arts to ever compete on a global scale — and in recent years, has become a home to a vast array of the most recognizable figures in mixed martial arts, through its extensive facilities and gyms littered across the Southeast Asian region.

MMA officially recognized as a sport in Thailand

From the likes of Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket — which has hosted the likes of UFC stars, the trio of former championship holders, Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan, and former flyweight queen, Valentina Shevchenko — to Bangtao Muay Thai and mixed martial arts, which hosts strawweight best, Zhang Weili, and on occasion, ex-light heavyweight kingpin, Jiri Prochazka.

Developing a vast talent of fighters in the region who have gone on to achieve worldwide success in mixed martial arts and acclaim, the recognization of mixed martial arts as an official sport in Thailand — as well as the establishment of a fully certified mixed martial arts Association comes as a further feather in the cap for the historical combat sports history of the land.

MMA Thailand

Nick Chapman, who confirmed the establishment in a historic day for the sport in the region, and spoke of his delight to be appointed as advisory chairman for the association — following a “dedicated effort” to see the recognition of mixed martial arts as a sport in the country.

“After months of dedicated effort and collaboration with an incredible team of people, we have successfully achieved official recognition for Mixed Martial Arts as a sport in Thailand,” Advisory Chairman, and Head of International Relations, Nick Chapman said. “We have also established a new, fully certified and approved Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand under the Department of Provincial Administration.

“This is a significant milestone for combat sports in Thailand,” Chapman continued. “Our association, with the support of some very influential figures, aims to elevate the sport of mixed martial arts within the country to a world-class level.”

“I am deeply honored to have been appointed as the Advisory Chairman and Head of International Relations for the newly established Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand. Being entrusted with such a crucial role in developing the sport that I love at this level in a country that I hold so dear, is an immense privilege for me.  Over the next few years you will see the sport of Mixed Martial Arts really start to take off. Our plans for the future of the sport are huge,” Chapman concluded.

MMA Association formed in Thailand

MMA Association of Thailand 

  • Mr. Vathanai Vathanakul President 
  • Mr. Prathan Worramanin, Vice President and Secretary General
  • Mrs.Ummarapas Vathanakul  Communication Committee and Accountant 

Other committee members:

  • Mr. Oroschutiman Sangthong
  • Mrs. Aemon Chapman 
  • Mr. Thanatas
  • Mr. Krittapas Chutiman
  • Mr. Suchet
  • Miss Natchanan Warmanin
  • Mr. Worathit Warmanin
  • Mr. Chin Wong Saeng
  • Miss Anyarat Pancharoen
  • Mrs. Amraphat Wattanakul

Speaking with John Hyon Ko for The AllStar publication in the aftermath of the formation of the Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand, Chapman detailed the journey that took place to see the sport’s recognition in the region — praising the country’s “progressive stance” — before laying out plans to bring a host of high-level coaches from a host of different disciplines to help develop the sport in the country.

“Mixed Martial Arts has been frowned upon in Thailand for a long time,” Chapman said. “There was even a point when the Sports Authority banned the use of a cage,  Mixed Martial Arts cages were not allowed, but what I love about Thailand is their progressive stance on things, they are open to taking new things onboard.  Mixed Martial Arts is going to explode in Thailand, we are in the process of setting up a Mixed Martial Arts association in Thailand.”

“I’ve been enlisted with heading the development team and what we are going to do is regulate Mixed Martial Arts in Thailand, we are going to bring in grassroots organizations from around the world, we are going to be running regular events, in a cage, in Sports Authority approved stadium. Mixed Martial Arts is going to become a massive part of the combat sports industry here.”

“IMMAF is a huge organization globally for mixed martial arts.  We are going to work under their framework so everything is done as it should be.  I’m going to make sure all the regulations are in place, everything is conducted professionally, fighters’ safety. I’ll be taking care of all of that.”

MMAAT

“A 5-10 year plan is to bring over the high-level wrestling coaches, the high level of jiu-jitsu coaches, the high level of MMA coaches and develop Thai nationals to either be ONE Championship’s level or UFC level. That’s my dream.”

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

Dutch Kickboxing star former WKA world champion Rob Kaman passes away aged 63Dutch Kickboxing talent and Muay Thai striker, Rob Kaman has passed away this Sunday evening aged 63, the Amsterdam…

Dutch Kickboxing star former WKA world champion 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 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.

rob kaman 2

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 kaman

“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.” 

Rob Kaman Ernesto Hoost

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?