Expect More Speed And More Elbows From Muangthai In 2019

Muangthai P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym lived up to the hype when he made his ONE Super Series debut in November.

Though he did not get the highlight-reel knockout he was looking for, Muangthai battled to a unanimous decision victory inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium as part of ONE: HEART OF THE LION.

“Elbow Zombie” possesses some of the most feared offensive weapons in martial arts, but against the resilient Panicos Yusuf, he was forced to engage in a war of attrition in their ONE Super Series bantamweight contest.

After getting off to a slow start, Muangthai walked down the British-based Cypriot for the duration of the bout. Yusuf stood toe-to-toe with the three-time Muay Thai World Champion until the final bell, but he could not match his output as the contest wore on.

Moving forward, Muangthai already has plans to pick up the pace now that he has experienced the pressures of performing in The Home Of Martial Arts for the first time.

Despite competing professionally since the age of 7, the young Thai admits feeling some pre-bout jitters.

“I was definitely a lot slower than my opponent in the first round, he was really fast and aggressive. Next time, I’ll be more prepared,” he says.

“I was really excited, and a lot more nervous than usual. It was only my first time competing with the promotion.

“I didn’t know what it was going to be like, but now I feel that as I continue to compete for ONE, I can improve in all aspects of the promotion.”

The 24-year-old is looking forward an even better showing in his next appearance on to the global stage for martial arts, particularly now that he has experienced competition in 4-ounce mixed martial arts gloves.

He believes they may help him to get a signature knockout next time out.

“The addition of small gloves made me feel a lot quicker with better mobility, and I like the fast pace of the three-round format,” he adds.

“It really works well with my style. It made my punches feel faster, and it is easier to throw my elbows.”

Muangthai hones his skills at the iconic P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym in Bangkok, but he started his career under the watchful eye of his father at his family’s gym in Nong Ki, Buriram.

It is a supportive environment – open to local village children who are interested in pursuing Muay Thai, free of charge – and “Elbow Zombie” explains how he has received positive messages from his parents, who are proud of their son’s newly-acquired international stardom.

Now, he wants to run with the opportunity he has been given in ONE to continue his development, inside and outside the cage.

“My parents were really happy for me to get the opportunity to compete for such a massive organization,” he says.

“They saw it as a good experience and an advancement in my career – another step, another skill, as my dad would say.

“My dream is to become famous internationally, and I feel ONE has given me the opportunity to do so.

“I want to learn English too. Competing for ONE made me see the importance in this.”

Muangthai’s humility, combined with the drive to succeed for both himself and his family, has brought him to this new peak for his career.

Moving forward within ONE Super Series after an impressive win over such a tough opponent, he wants to make a run at a World Title, but he is in no hurry.

Despite his skill, he believes he has a lot of progress to make. If he can improve on his first performance on the global stage, the martial arts world can expect to see some showstopping displays.

“I’d be really excited to challenge for the title, but I know I need to work a lot harder first.