The Evolution of Muay Thai Fighting Styles

HOW FIGHTERS MASTER MULTIPLE MUAY THAI STYLES

Muay Thai fighting styles have evolved over centuries, starting as a battlefield martial art and transforming into the ring sport we know today.

The evolution of Muay Thai fighting styles reflects how adaptable this art is, as fighters constantly refine their techniques to meet the demands of modern competition.

In this post, we’ll look at some traditional fighting styles—like Muay Femur and Muay Mat—and see how they've shaped the Muay Thai game we know today.

The Traditional Roots of Muay Thai Fighting Styles

Muay Thai fighting styles can be grouped into several distinct categories, each highlighting a different approach to combat. These traditional styles are the backbone of Muay Thai, with fighters developing skills based on their natural attributes, body type, and strategy.

Let’s dig into the most well-known styles and take a look at some of the fighters who have made them famous.

Muay Femur is the style of the technician. These fighters are known for their high fight IQ and precision. A Muay Femur fighter excels at reading opponents, finding openings, and striking with perfect timing.

While they may not rely on brute force or aggressive attacks, their understanding of the game gives them an edge. Footwork, balance, and creativity are key to this style.

Some of the best examples? Samart Payakaroon, often called the greatest Muay Thai fighter of all time, fits the bill. Samart was a master technician, using his superior skills to dominate both in Muay Thai and boxing.

Saenchai is considered the ultimate Muay Femur fighter. He’s known for toying with his opponents, using a wide variety of techniques—from sweeps to head kicks—with ridiculous timing.

On the other hand, Muay Mat fighters bring the heat with relentless pressure and raw power. This style is all about getting inside the opponent’s guard and overwhelming them with heavy punches and low kicks. Muay Mat fighters aim to knock their opponents out with sheer force.

Anuwat Kaewsamrit, known as “The Iron Hands of Siam,” built his career on devastating knockout power. Then there’s Ramon Dekkers, one of the most famous Western Muay Mat fighters, who made a name for himself in Thailand with his aggressive, non-stop style.

Muay Khao fighters specialize in the clinch, using knees to dismantle their opponents. Known for their endurance and strength, they relentlessly pressure their opponents, often winning fights with a barrage of knees to the body and head.

Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn is one of the greatest Muay Khao fighters of all time. His height and long legs allowed him to deliver unstoppable knees in the clinch, often leaving opponents helpless. Another great example is Petchboonchu FA Group, whose success in the ring came from mastering clinch and knee work.

Then we’ve got Muay Sok, the elbow specialists. Muay Sok fighters focus on close-range combat, using elbows to cut and damage opponents. Their goal is often to slice their way to victory, with elbows being one of the most dangerous weapons in the Muay Thai arsenal.

Yodkhunpon Sittraiphum, the “Elbow Hunter of 100 Stitches,” earned his nickname by consistently using elbows to finish his fights. Muangthai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym is another example of a modern Muay Sok fighter who regularly dismantles opponents with his sharp elbows.

Modernizing Muay Thai for the Global Stage

As Muay Thai fighters began competing internationally in organizations like K-1 and MMA, the sport started to evolve. Fighters blended traditional styles with new influences, leading to a more hybrid approach to fighting.

Muay Femur fighters, for example, began incorporating boxing head movement and footwork to complement their already slick evasiveness. Meanwhile, Muay Mat fighters adapted to the faster pace of international competition by focusing more on fluid combinations and less on raw power alone.

The clinch game, which is critical in traditional Muay Thai, also evolved. Fighters learned to adapt the clinch for faster, high-paced bouts that require balancing offensive clinch work with the ability to disengage quickly and strike.

Fighters like Buakaw Banchamek are great examples of how Muay Thai can be adapted for different rulesets and formats. Buakaw brought traditional Muay Thai into the K-1 circuit, showcasing how devastating Muay Thai techniques can be while modifying his style to fit international competition. His explosive power and combination work set the stage for future generations of fighters to bring Muay Thai onto the global stage.

Buakaw. Bangkok Post.

How Fighters Master Multiple Muay Thai Styles

Nowadays, top Muay Thai fighters don’t limit themselves to one style. The modern fighter needs to be versatile and well-rounded to succeed, especially in international competition. Nak muay today mix and match styles, incorporating techniques that suit their body type and game plan.

A fighter might primarily identify as a Muay Femur technician, but they’ll also develop their clinch game to add elements of Muay Khao or work on their power punches to mix in some Muay Mat.

It’s no longer about sticking rigidly to one style. The most successful fighters can blend the principles from different styles to create a dynamic, well-rounded approach.

In the end, the evolution of Muay Thai fighting styles shows us how adaptable the sport is. Tradition is essential, but evolution is what keeps it alive and thriving. From Muay Femur technicians to Muay Mat knockout artists, each style has shaped Muay Thai into the powerhouse it is today. As the sport continues to evolve, fighters will keep blending old and new techniques, keeping Muay Thai at the top of the striking world.

So now the question is—what’s your fighting style? 

 Sean "Muay Thai Guy" Fagan is a professional Muay Thai fighter & coach.