Saenchai Saenpong: The all-time Muay Thai Great
Who is Saenchai? Saenchai is one of the most legendary Muay Thai fighters in the sport’s history. Beginning at just the age of eight, he has collected numerous world titles. Plus, he has earned renown as he is still active in his forties defeating numerous farang (foreign athletes).
The Nak Muay Saenchai inspires international audiences with his incredible reflexes and repertoire of moves. In a single match, Saenchai will often employ lightning-fast question marks kicks, cartwheel kicks, ace trips, and sweeps, in addition to his impeccable movement. A specialist and expert in Muay Thai with a unique striking style.
There is an argument to be made that the living legend Saenchai is the greatest of all-time in Muay Thai. Who is Saenchai and is he the GOAT of Muay Thai? Some pundits and fans would argue yes or no. Regardless, watching him compete is akin to watching history in action.
Who is Saenchai?
| Name: | Supachai or Saenchai PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym |
| Thai Name: | แสนชัย ส.คิงสตาร์ |
| Date of Birth: | July 30, 1980 |
| Place of Birth: | Kosum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand |
| Nickname: | Saenchai |
| Gym: | Yokkao |
| Height: | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| Weight: | 66 kg (146 lb; 10 st) |
| Weight Classes: | Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight |
| Record(s): | Kickboxing & Muay Thai 327-49-2 – Boxing 5-0 |
| Years Active: | 1994 to Present |
| Championships: | 21 Total World Championships |
Saenchai’s Early Life
Who is Saenchai and when did he begin in Muay Thai? At just the age of seven, Saenchai would begin his Muay Thai journey. Even without a gym, the Thai-born athlete was still active in Muay Thai. His father would wrap rags and clothing around his hands and feet so the young boy could practice striking.
His older brother had just won a match and took home a trophy. This inspired the young Saenchai to get even more involved in the sport. At merely the age of eight, Saenchai would step into his first Muay Thai gym.
After only a week of training, the eight-year-old striker would win his first match. He was able to earn 30 Thai Baht, approximately $1, as his winnings. Starting his first match in a ring and training in a gym at the age of eight; these would become the hallmarks that Saenchai fell in love with and would never leave for his entire life.
Shockingly, 25 years later, things have barely changed for Saenchai. There are more people in the audience now and the winnings are much larger, but he is simply an athlete who loves to compete and educate others in the training room.
Saenchai’s World Titles in Muay Thai
Who is Saenchai and what Muay Thai World Titles did he win? Saenchai has collected numerous Muay Thai world championships throughout his illustrious career. It is staggering how much gold this man has collected in his life. As for major world titles, these include:
- 1997 Lumpinee Stadium Super Flyweight Champion
- 1999 Lumpinee Stadium Bantamweight Champion
- Boxing – 2003 Pan Asian Boxing Association Featherweight Interim Champion
- 2005 Lumpinee Stadium Super Featherweight Champion
- 2006 Lumpinee Stadium Super Featherweight Champion
- 2010 Lumpinee Stadium Lightweight Champion
- 2010 WMC World Lightweight Champion
- 2011 WBC Diamond World Champion
- 2012 WPMF World Welterweight Champion
Who has Saenchai Defeated?
With a professional career starting in 1988 and still active in 2023, he has put together some incredible victories. The list of notable fighters that Saenchai has defeated is simply shocking. To name just a few, these include:
- Jomthong Chuwattana – Rajadamnern Stadium and WBC Muay Thai World Champion
- Thongchai Tor.Silachai – Muay Thai World Champion in WMC, Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium.
- Kongpipop Petchyindee – Lumpinee Stadium & WBC Muay Thai World Champion.
- Liam Harrison – WBC Muay Thai World Champion.
- Nong-O Gaiyanghadao – Muay Thai World Champion in ONE Championship, Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium.
- Nungubon Sitlerchai – Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion.
- Nongbee Kiatyongyut – Lumpinee Stadium & WMC Muay Thai World Champion.
- Petchboonchu FA Group – Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai Champion.
- Sagetdao Petpayathai – Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai Champion.
- Wuttidet Lukprabat – Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai Champion.
- Attachai Fairtex – Muay Thai World Champion in WMC, Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium.
- Jaroenchai Kesagym – Rajadamnern & Omnoi Stadium and WBC Muay Thai World Champion.
- Singdam Kiatmuu9 – Lumpinee Stadium & WBC Muay Thai World Champion.
What Makes Saenchai Notable?
Who is Saenchai and what makes him so important? What makes Saenchai so notable is his fighting style. The Thai-born athlete is graceful and quick with an array of incredible kicks, trips, and sweeps. Saenchai’s fighting style is an inspiration to others. Across different sports and language barriers, fans all around the globe love to watch him compete.
Regarding his style, GLORY Kickboxing explained:
“Saenchai is almost indescribably good. His cat-like reflexes captivate audiences in the same way that the superhuman movement of Muhammad Ali did in his prime. Comparisons with Ali are overused in fight journalism but in this instance it is apt; such instincts and reaction speed are extremely rare.”
Even his opponents are stunned by his fighting insight. A former opponent of Saenchai, ‘The Hitman’ Liam Harrison, recalled his matches with him and said:
“Not only was he a technical genius, but one of the toughest men I’ve ever encountered.”
In addition to his fighting style, Saenchai has won fans over by fighting larger athletes than himself who are not from Thailand. In 2014, the Thai athlete stopped competing against Thai-born fighters and instead opted to only face off against farang. In nearly all of these matches, Saenchai is the smaller man in the ring.
Since 2014, the Thai-born striker has put together nearly 70 consecutive victories against exclusive non-Thai athletes. This is simply an incredible achievement given his age and being out of his prime throughout this period.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan discussed how much of a fan he is of the Muay Thai legend. On his podcast, Joe Rogan said:
“You got to go with Saenchai Saepong because he’s been around so long and he’s still f–king people up. He’s light on his feet and he throws kicks with no telegraph…He’s very different, there’s no one like him.”
MMA icon Jorge Masvidal agreed with Rogan and responded:
“I think one of the things that makes [Saenchai Saepong] so special is his ability to take you off your feet at any moment. I think he’s like the best at manipulating your balance and sending you flying across the ring.”
Training with Saenchai
Who is Saenchai and what about training with him? Today, numerous fighters around the globe have had the honor of training with this Muay Thai legend. With the PK.Saenchai Muay Thai gym, he travels the world giving seminars and one-on-one training sessions.
A former opponent of his, and British Muay Thai legend, Liam Harrison commented on training with Saenchai and explained what that experience is like, he said:
“I’m lucky enough to train alongside him at the Yokkao Gym in Bangkok; watching and learning from him is one of the most inspiring things I have ever seen. His fight IQ and technique are incredible; along with excellent timing, his eyes see everything!“
“We often play spar when I’m there and he’s always one step ahead, often knowing exactly what I’m going to do before I’ve even started to throw it. What’s even better though is after he uses a technique on me, like a sweep or a takedown, he then takes the time to demonstrate what he’s just done so I can add this technique to my own arsenal. Sometimes he will watch me on the pads and correct subtle things where I’m going wrong; other times we will just have a laugh and a joke.”
Who is Saenchai but an icon and a legend of Muay Thai. He is a once-in-a-generation fighter with an unmissable and unmistakable style. With his grace, laughs, championships, resume, and fight style, he exemplifies the very best spirit of Muay Thai.
Saenchai, a legendary Muay Thai fighter, has achieved great success and is still active in his forties. Known for his lightning-fast kicks, trips, and sweeps, he amazes international audiences with his incredible reflexes and diverse repertoire of moves.
While opinions differ on whether he is the greatest of all time, watching Saenchai compete is like witnessing history in action. Starting his Muay Thai journey at the age of seven, Saenchai’s passion for the sport has remained unwavering throughout his life.
With an impressive list of world titles and victories against notable opponents, he has earned the respect and admiration of fans worldwide. Saenchai’s unique fighting style, described as almost indescribably good and comparable to Muhammad Ali’s movement, sets him apart from other fighters. He has also gained recognition for his ability to defeat larger opponents from around the world.
Even at his age, Saenchai continues to dominate the ring and captivate audiences with his exceptional skills. Training with him is considered a privilege, as he generously shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring fighters. Saenchai is an icon and a true legend of Muay Thai, embodying the essence of the sport through his grace, championships, and unparalleled fight style.
Who is Saenchai is in a series covering the biggest names in Muay Thai history.
