The Rise of Muay Thai in MMA: A Personal Perspective

As someone who has been involved in the Muay Thai industry for over 15 years, I've seen firsthand how the sport has grown and evolved. In recent years, one of the most exciting developments has been the rise of Muay Thai in MMA. In this article, I'll share my thoughts on why this trend is important, and what it means for the future of the sport.

Growing Popularity of Muay Thai in MMA

Over the past decade, we've seen more and more MMA fighters incorporating Muay Thai techniques into their training. This is partly due to the fact that Muay Thai is an incredibly effective martial art that is well-suited to the MMA rule set. For example, the use of elbows, knees, and clinch work can be devastating in the context of an MMA bout, and fighters who have a strong foundation in Muay Thai are often able to dominate their opponents in the standing & clinch positions.

However, the rise of Muay Thai in MMA is also due to the fact that the sport is simply becoming more popular. As more and more fighters showcase their Muay Thai skills in the cage, fans and commentators are taking notice. This has led to a growing awareness and appreciation of Muay Thai among MMA fans, and has helped to elevate the profile of the sport as a whole.

As a result, more people are becoming interested in Muay Thai as a standalone sport, rather than just a component of MMA. This is a great thing for the Muay Thai industry, as it means that there is a larger potential audience for live events, online content, and other forms of media.

Personal Observations

As a professional ring official & coach, I've had the opportunity to witness the growth of Muay Thai firsthand, both in the ring and in training camps around the globe. I've seen how MMA fighters are incorporating more and more Muay Thai techniques into their game, and how this is making the sport more exciting for fans. Some notable names include: Valentina Schevchenko, Joanna J?drzejczyk, and Loma Lookboonme.

I've also been involved in opening two Muay Thai academies in communities where they previously didn't have any Muay Thai. In both cases, I saw firsthand how the sport can bring people together. Students from all walks of life, from beginners to experienced competitors, doctors & lawyers training side-by-side with McDonald's employees, came together to learn and grow under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Finally, I've observed a growing demand for Muay Thai training among both aspiring competitors and fitness enthusiasts. Muay Thai is a great way to get in shape, build confidence, and learn self-defense. As more people discover these benefits, I believe we'll see even more growth in the sport in the years to come.

Opportunities for Growth

With the growing popularity of Muay Thai in MMA, there are now more opportunities than ever before for fighters to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Organizations like ONE Championship are investing millions of dollars into the industry, creating new opportunities for fighters and coaches alike. As the sport continues to grow, I believe we'll see even more opportunities for professionals to get involved.

Additionally, there are now more opportunities for coaches, referees, and other professionals to get involved in the industry. As the demand for Muay Thai training continues to grow, there will be a need for more experienced instructors and trainers to guide students. Part of that growth will include the need for competent people in media as well!

Finally, the growing popularity of Muay Thai means that there is a larger potential audience for podcasts, blogs, and other forms of media that focus on the sport. As someone who hosts a podcast about the world of combat sports, I've seen firsthand how much interest there is in Muay Thai among fans and enthusiasts. This is a great opportunity for content creators to connect with new audiences and build their brands. If you're not invested in social media, you need to be.

The growth of Muay Thai in MMA is also beneficial for retired fighters from Thailand. These fighters have dedicated their lives to Muay Thai and now have a platform to showcase their skills in the world of MMA. In the past, many of these fighters would have had to retire without much opportunity for future income, but now they can transition into a new career with the skills they've honed throughout their lives.

Personally, I've seen the positive effects of Muay Thai on communities around the world. I've been involved in building two Muay Thai academies in areas where there previously were none, and have seen the growth of the sport firsthand. I've also been fortunate enough to work as a professional referee in various countries, and have seen the passion and dedication of Muay Thai fighters and enthusiasts all over the world. We are all chasing the growth of Muay Thai, and there has been no cash incentive. It's driven by passion for the sport!

The growth of Muay Thai in MMA is a positive trend that will benefit the sport and its practitioners. It has the potential to bring communities together, provide new career opportunities for retired fighters, and increase the visibility and recognition of the sport. As someone who has been involved in the industry for over 15 years, I'm excited to see where the future of Muay Thai and MMA will take us.

Remember to check out our podcast PU'U MUAY THAI PODCAST for more in-depth discussions on combat sports and the growth of Muay Thai in MMA. Let's continue to support the growth of the sport we love.