Best Muay Thai Fights of All Time: My Top 10 Picks
Choosing a list of the best Muay Thai fights of all time is obviously a subjective endeavour. The fights I’ve included here span several decades, starting with a stellar performance by the legendary technician Pudpadnoi Worawut in the 1970s, all the way up to the foreign legend Liam Harrison‘s remarkable comeback against Muangthai PK Saenchai in 2022.
I’ve included some of these fights because they feature immaculate individual performances, some because they showcase two technical masters going head-to-head, and others because they are all-out wars.
Top 10 Best Muay Thai Fights Of All Time
1) Pudpadnoi Worawut vs Noknoi Singthanongsak
In a memorable clash from July 1971, Pudpadnoi showcased his elite kicking technique and ring intelligence against the powerful Noknoi. The bout was a classic showdown between skill and strength, with Pudpadnoi using superior footwork and sharp counters to outmaneuver Noknoi’s attacks.
This fight exemplifies Pudpadnoi’s legacy as the best muay femur of the 1970s, and remains one of the best Muay Thai fights to study for kicking mastery.
2) Orono Por Muang Ubon vs Den Muangsurin 2
Orono and Den were two of the most exciting powerhouses of the 1980s/90s. In May 1993, Orono faced Den in a highly anticipated rematch, having won a close decision over him just six months earlier at Lumpinee Stadium. This time, Den came prepared with a strategy to counter Orono’s aggressive style.
This bout is considered one of the best Muay Thai fights of the 1990s, particularly for studying the effective use of aggressive ring craft and mental fortitude.
3) Karuhat Sor Supawan vs Boonlai Sor Thanikul
Karuhat and Boonlai were undoubtedly two of the most skilled technicians of the 1990s. In their third fight in four years, they delivered one of the best displays of technical kicking in history—a standout achievement in a decade already famous for its technical brilliance.
This bout, often regarded as one of the best Muay Thai fights for studying advanced kicking techniques, ended with Karuhat suffering his third loss to Boonlai.
4) Saenmuangnoi Lukchaopormahesak vs Veeraphol Sahaprom 2
After being knocked out cold in his first encounter with Saenmuangnoi Lukchaopormahesak (Samson Issan) in October 1991, Veeraphol attempted to redeem himself two years later when the pair faced off once again at Lumpinee Stadium. It was a classic 1990s matchup of muay bouk vs. muay femur, in which Veeraphol sought to impose his will on one of the most relentless pressure fighters of the 1990s.
What followed was one of the best Muay Thai fights of that era, featuring one of the most exciting comebacks in recent history!
5) Oley Kiatoneway vs Boonlai Sor Thanikul 4
In this muay femur vs. muay femur matchup, Oley and Boonlai faced each other for the fourth time, with Boonlai having won two of their previous three encounters. To this day, it is considered one of the best Muay Thai fights for studying defensive mastery, as Oley delivered one of the most mesmerising performances of the decade, leveling the score at two wins apiece.
It was performances like this that earned Oley the nickname “The Black Pearl of Andaman,” highlighting both his rare talent and his origins in the Andaman region of Thailand.
6) Saenchai Sor Kingstar vs Khem Sor Ploenchit 3
In Saenchai’s third fight with Khem, the audience at the One Songchai Tsunami Show in 2005 were treated to one of the best Muay Thai fights of the year, featuring one of the most technical and bizarre knockouts between two elite fighters.
Saenchai and Khem had faced each other twice in 2004, with each fighter securing one victory. Although Khem was the same age as Saenchai, 24, most of his success came after 2005, whereas Saenchai had already won Lumpinee titles in three weight classes before this matchup.
Unfortunately for Khem, the ‘knockout sweep’ was so well-crafted, so deceptively disguised, that he was powerless to prevent his head from hitting the canvas, ending the fight in round four. This bout is considered one of Saenchai’s best Muay Thai fights while still in his prime, demonstrating why he was levels above everyone else at the time.
7) Petchboonchu Borblaboonchu vs Pakorn PK Saenchai
In this muay khao vs. muay femur bout, the “Deadly Knee of the Mekong,” Petchboonchu, sought to defend his Lumpinee Stadium 135 lbs title while also going after Pakorn’s Thailand 135 lbs title. At that time, Petchboonchu had already secured Lumpinee titles in four different weight classes, amassed numerous belts and awards, and had just evened the score with Saenchai in their rivalry, bringing their record to three wins each.
This fight is considered one of the best Muay Thai fights to study for clinch fighting between two contrasting styles. Pakorn’s clinch sweeps were exemplary, but so too was Petchboonchu’s relentless knee-fighting style, as he smothered Pakorn at every opportunity.
8) Sangmanee Muaythaihitex vs Thanonchai Thanakorngym
In September 2016, Sangmanee and Thanonchai faced off for the fifth time. Thanonchai had the advantage in their previous four encounters, winning three of those bouts.
Thanonchai had earned a reputation as a fighter capable of breaking down even the most skilled technical fighters, having notched up a string of recent victories including wins over Panpayak Jitmuangnon and Pet-U-Tong Or Kwanmuang.
Thanonchai’s pressure once again led him to victory, further solidifying his dominance in their rivalry. This fight stood out as one of the best Muay Thai fights of the year due to the high stakes and the intensity of the rivalry.
9) Tawanchai PK Saenchai vs Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek-U-Thai
In September 2018, Tawanchai squared off against Kulabdam in the first of three epic bouts. Kulabdam, the reigning Lumpinee Stadium 122 lbs champion known for his knockout power, was the favourite going into the fight. Tawanchai, however, was rapidly rising through the ranks with his beautifully technical style, characterised by powerful teeps and middle kicks.
Despite Kulabdam’s power, Tawanchai’s ring intelligence shone through, effectively neutralising Kulabdam’s aggression and securing a decisive victory.
This first bout is considered one of the best Muay Thai fights to study how a muay femur nullifies the attacks of an intimidating muay bouk with kicks and teeps. It set the stage for a thrilling trilogy, with the third bout featuring a significant side bet of 6 million baht!
10) Liam Harrison vs Muangthai PK Saenchai
Liam Harrison faced Muangthai PK Saenchai in a electrifying 145 lbs bout in 2022. After being knocked down twice in the first round, Harrison made a stunning comeback, dropping Muangthai three times in the first round to secure a TKO victory.
This unexpected turnaround highlighted Harrison’s grit and dangerous striking ability, solidifying his reputation as a top contender in ONE Championship and further enhancing his status as the GOAT of English Muay Thai.
This bout was arguably the most exciting fight of 2022 and one of the best Muay Thai fights in ONE Championship history.
