10 Muay Thai Fighters Who Became MMA Champions

The journey of Muay Thai Fighters from the stadiums of Thailand to the cages of MMA is one of combat sport’s greatest stories. The “Art of Eight Limbs,” known for its devastating use of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, has provided MMA with some of its most dangerous strikers. While many fighters incorporate Muay Thai into their training, a special few have built their foundation on Muay Thai and gone on to become world champions in mixed martial arts. These athletes did more than adapt; they redefined what it means to be a champion.

Here are 10 Muay Thai Fighters Who Became MMA Champions, each with their unique path to glory.

10. Stamp Fairtex – ONE Atomweight MMA Champion

Stamp Fairtex is the new-generation face of Muay Thai Fighters in MMA. Starting as a Muay Thai prodigy, she became a Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion before transitioning into MMA. Her striking carried her to the ONE Atomweight MMA title, making her a rare three-sport world champion under one organization.

Key Points:

• ONE Atomweight MMA, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing Champion.
• First athlete to win titles in all three sports under ONE.
• Combines Muay Thai striking with grappling skills.

9. Martin Nguyen – ONE Featherweight & Lightweight Champion

Martin Nguyen represents modern Muay Thai Fighters who blended striking with MMA wrestling. A two-division ONE Champion, Nguyen relied on Muay Thai-based leg kicks and clinch knees to complement his knockout boxing power. His adaptability across weight classes made him a dangerous finisher.

Key Points:

• ONE Featherweight and Lightweight Champion.
• Famous for powerful right-hand knockouts.
• Combined Muay Thai kicks with wrestling defense.

8. Nong-O Gaiyanghadao – ONE Muay Thai Champion, Training for MMA

Nong-O is one of the most decorated Muay Thai Fighters in history. While he hasn’t fully transitioned to MMA, his training camps have included MMA crossover preparation. As a multiple-time Lumpinee and ONE Muay Thai champion, Nong-O shows the technical brilliance that Muay Thai could bring into MMA if he makes the full jump.

Key Points:

• ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Champion.
• Multiple Lumpinee Stadium titles.
• Known for precision striking, elbows, and knees.

7. Eddie Alvarez – Bellator & UFC Lightweight Champion

Eddie Alvarez became known as “The Underground King,” blending his wrestling base with training in Thailand to develop the skill set of Muay Thai Fighters. His clinch and low kicks gave him the tools to compete against the world’s best, earning championships in both Bellator and UFC.

Key Points:

• First fighter to win both UFC and Bellator lightweight titles.
• Knocked out Rafael dos Anjos with Muay Thai boxing combinations.
• Used low kicks and elbows effectively in the lightweight division.

6. Demetrious Johnson – ONE Flyweight Champion

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson sharpened his striking in Thailand, evolving into one of the most complete Muay Thai Fighters in MMA. Already a wrestling phenom, he added elbows, knees, and a versatile kicking game to dominate in both UFC and ONE Championship.

Key Points:

• UFC Flyweight Champion (2012–2018) with 11 defenses.
• ONE Flyweight Champion.
• Integrated Muay Thai striking into scrambles and transitions.

5. Cris Cyborg – Multi-Organization Champion

Cris Cyborg is one of the scariest Muay Thai Fighters to compete in MMA. Known for her ferocity and forward pressure, Cyborg used heavy punches and clinch knees to overwhelm opponents. Her dominance across four major organizations makes her one of the most accomplished women in MMA history.

Key Points:

• Titles in Strikeforce, Invicta, UFC, and Bellator.
• Famous for aggressive forward pressure.
• Devastating Muay Thai clinch knees.

4. Valentina Shevchenko – UFC Flyweight Champion

Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko is a technical master among Muay Thai Fighters who became MMA champions. With over 50 professional Muay Thai victories, she entered the UFC as one of the most polished strikers ever. Her reign at flyweight showcased her counterstriking and clinical precision rooted in Muay Thai training.

Key Points:

• UFC Flyweight Champion from 2018 to 2023.
• Famous wins: Jessica Andrade (body kicks), Holly Holm (striking dominance).
• Muay Thai counterstriking and patience defined her style.

3. Joanna Jędrzejczyk – UFC Strawweight Champion

Joanna Jędrzejczyk represents female Muay Thai Fighters who reached the pinnacle of MMA. A six-time Muay Thai world champion before her UFC debut, she dominated the strawweight division with relentless pace and pinpoint combinations. Joanna’s elbows and knees inside the clinch highlighted how Muay Thai can break down even the toughest rivals.

Key Points:

• UFC Strawweight Champion (2015–2017).
• 5 successful title defenses.
• Known for high-volume striking, Muay Thai clinch elbows, and knees.

2. José Aldo – UFC Featherweight Champion

José Aldo carried the brutal leg kicks of Muay Thai Fighters into the UFC featherweight division. His ability to break down opponents with low kicks, sharp counters, and pressure made him the undisputed king of his weight class for years. Aldo’s reign turned him into a Brazilian legend and one of the greatest strikers in MMA history.

Key Points:

• First UFC Featherweight Champion.
• Defended title 7 times in the UFC.
• Trademark weapon: Muay Thai low kicks that crippled opponents.

1. Anderson Silva – UFC Middleweight Champion

Anderson Silva is one of the most famous Muay Thai Fighters to succeed in MMA. His reign in the UFC middleweight division from 2006 to 2013 is still regarded as one of the greatest in history. Silva used precision striking, patience, and the Muay Thai clinch to dismantle opponents. His highlight-reel finishes became proof of Muay Thai’s dominance inside the cage.

Key Points:

• UFC Middleweight Champion for nearly 7 years.
• Famous KO wins: Rich Franklin (clinch knees), Vitor Belfort (front kick).
• Brought Muay Thai clinch and elbows into mainstream MMA.

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