The Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Fighters in Muay Thai

Needless to say, the absolute best in Muay Thai hail in Thailand, but who stands above the talented pack? Let’s take stock of the 10 best pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighters in the world today.

1. Rodtang Jitmuangnon

There’s a reason Rodtang Jitmuangnon is known as “The Iron Man.” 

He is impervious to pain when he’s inside the ring. The reigning ONE Championship Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion is seemingly impervious to pain, and he’s a thundering fury when he’s in the zone. 

The unstoppable 23-year-old uses a combination of slicing elbows and crisp, powerful boxing combinations. He’s remained unbeaten in ONE Super Series since joining the striking-only league in 2018.

Rodtang’s performances against Jonathan Haggerty (twice), and Walter Goncalves showcased just how dominant he can be.

2. Tawanchai PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym

Tawanchai began fighting at the age of 8 in Pattaya, where he first picked up Muay Thai. Not long after, he moved to Bangkok to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional fighter. At age 14, Tawanchai had already made his debut at the famed Lumpinee Stadium.

His awards include the 2018 Sports Authority of Thailand Fighter of the Year and the 2018 Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year, among others. He currently trains at the PK.Saenchai Muaythai Gym alongside many greats of the sport, including Kongsak, Wanchalong, and Prajanchai.

3. Superlek Kiatmoo9

The list of legendary fighters signed to ONE Super Series now includes former WBC Muay Thai Super Featherweight World Champion Superlek. 

Superlek has been collecting accolades since 2012, winning various belts at Lumpinee Stadium in multiple weight classes and being named Fighter of the Year by the Sports Authority of Thailand.

Superlek joined ONE Championship in early 2019 and hasn’t lost in the Circle yet. Notable wins have come over Panpayak Jitmuangnon, Jonathan Haggerty, and Muangthai PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym.

4. Sangmanee Sor Cafemuaythai

More popularly known as “The Million Dollar Baby,” Sangmanee is a rare talent.

Influenced by his father, he began training at just 6 years of age. He eventually became a multiple-time Rajadamnern and Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai Champion. 

Sangmanee joined ONE Super Series in 2019, winning back-to-back fights against Azize Hlali and Kenta Yamada before getting shocked by Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai this past July.

He’s still one of the world’s best when it comes to Muay Thai. After emerging victorious in his last bout outside of ONE, he’s looking to return to winning form inside the Circle

5. Prajanchai PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym

Like his esteemed peers, Prajanthai is an incredible fighter with an unwavering will to win. His highly technical style has led to some amazing victories in Bangkok’s most prestigious arenas.

Prajanchai is a multiple-time Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai Champion and a OneSongchai Flyweight Champion. Notable victories have come over Panpayak Jitmuangnon and Kiewpayak Jitmuangnon, among others.

The 25-year-old is young and still improving with every fight – a scary notion for the rest of the Muay Thai world. 

6. Nong-O Gaiyanghadao

At 34 years of age, Nong-O is at the tail end of a long and glorious career. But you wouldn’t be able to tell by just looking at him, as Nong-O has looked phenomenal s of late.

Astonishing performances against the likes of Han Zi Hao, Hiroaki Suzuki, Brice Delval, and rising star Saemapetch Fairtex have highlighted the legend’s successful stint in ONE Super Series so far.

The reigning ONE Championship Bantamweight Muay Thai Champion is now set to defend his title against countryman Rodlek P.K.Saenchai Muaythaigym on 18 December at ONE: Collision Course.

7. Capitan Petchyindee Academy

Capitan Petchyindee Academy is a newcomer in ONE Super Series. He made an impressive debut last September at ONE: A New Breed III against Petchtanong Petchfergus, winning a kickboxing bout via knockout in just six seconds. 

That performance has excited fans who want to see him back in action sooner rather than later. 

In Muay Thai, Capitan owns a handful of big wins, including victories over Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai, Yodkhunpon Sitmonchai, and Detrit Sathian Muay Thai. He is the current Lumpini Stadium Super Welterweight Champion.

8. Gaonar PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym

Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Gaonar is next on the list. He is a former Phoenix FC Super Featherweight Champion who has beaten some of Muay Thai’s biggest names.

Gaonar owns wins over Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Seksan Or. Kwanmuang, Superlek Kiatmoo9, Superbank Mor Ratanabandit, and more. His technical Muay Femur style in the southpaw stance has led to a plethora of memorable performances in the ring.

9. Seksan Or. Kwanmuang

Seksan is one of the most decorated Muay Thai fighters in history. His list of accomplishments is just staggering.

Throughout his professional career, which started in 2005, Seksan has gone on to win the Channel 7 Stadium Super Bantamweight Title, the Muay Thai Warriors Featherweight Title, the IBF Muay Thai Lightweight World Title, and the WBC Muay Thai Super Lightweight Title.

He’s also a multiple-time Rajadamnern and Omnoi Stadium Champion. Notable wins have come over Thanonchai Thanakorngym, Gaonar PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym, Muangthai PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym, and Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym.

10. Saoek Sitchefboontham

Last, but certainly not least, is Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Saoek Sitchefboontam. At just 23 years of age, he’s one of the hottest properties in Muay Thai today.

He’s won seven of his last eight contests, including a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Kumandoi Petcharoenvit at the recently concluded SAT HERO SERIES at the World Siam Stadium, a tournament held by the Sports Authority of Thailand in conjunction with ONE Championship.

That impressive performance could very well land him a roster spot in ONE Super Series among the world’s best strikers.