Weekend Fight Post: Jomthong vs Nong O

This one gets pretty heated, until they start show boating. Enjoy the action though...there's lightning fast work being done here

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZgfg_aKdx0&feature=feedf

Wednesday Kicks: Andrei Kulebin vs Angelo Campoli

A great display of Muay Thai techniques by two European fighters

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMt_aw1KwC0

Calling you out

Kongsak is a powerful southpaw who has been winning fights with his devastating left kick. Sam-A, one of Thailand's current top contenders, is Kongsak's next opponent, and sends him a short message via youtube video. He adds a little touch at the end. You don't have to understand Thai:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxohGorwwGg&feature=feedf

Hype is an interesting aspect of combat sports. Personally, I could care less about Georges St Pierre or Yodsanklai destroying a loud mouthed challenger who doesn't reach their caliber...

My interest is very much about the technical match ups. Does the fight present an interesting clash of styles or skill sets?

For me, the Hominick vs Aldo fight on the UFC 129 card was the only fight I was really interested in prior to the actual event. The interest wasn't from any kind of Koscheck or Lesnar talk/reputation, but from seeing both fighters abilities. Luckily, I was not disappointed. That fight even surpassed my expectations. Aside from his skill set, Hominick's show of heart alone is reason enough to have interest in any fight he takes.

There was no "bad guy" in the cage. The audience didn't need an orchestrated drama to side with either fighter. They only needed the fighters themselves. I doubt anyone wanted to see a Knockout in that fight for any other reason than their respect for either fighter's explosiveness.

The fabled Pacquiao vs Mayweather match up is intriguing for the same reason. Yes, Mayweather is a talker (which admittedly does make you want settle on who the greatest is), but the primary reason for anyone wanting to see that fight is an appreciation of both fighters' skill. The only reason I'd even want to see either knocked out is simply for proof that it is possible.

We've all heard some terrible things said by fans of every combat sport, and sometimes even worse by the fighters. It's easy to get caught up in the image, because the image is what sells. We like identifying with fighters and athletes, even when we have no idea who they really are. Apparently Josh Koscheck is a really nice guy outside of TV. Is he really? If that's true, he shouldn't have to be a dick to sell a fight. We should side with him because we respect his wrestling, or side against him because we think his opponent is a legitimate threat.

Try not to forget that. As you train more and more, learn to appreciate the fights not for the drama or image, but for the fighters and love of the game.

Friday KO

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPCBDCF6G2w&feature=feedu

Monday Action

Here's Yodsanklai vs Wayne Parr #3, which took place late last year. These two had fought twice previously with Yod winning both fights by decision.

There was a lot of discussion surrounding the outcome of this 3rd fight, but either way it's still entertaining. Enjoy!

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRWISN7_yRs

Friday Night Battle: Petchmongkong vs Sittichai

Here's your Friday MT fight video! This fight has some amazing exchanges...don't miss this war

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sATrORTnKx4

Saenchai Sinbi vs Liam Harrison video

Regarded as the U.K's top fighter, Liam Harrison has been in the ring with many greats including Saenchai. He lost their first bout by decision. This is their second bout. Thanks to Sumo for finding!

Great photos by Michael Howarth: http://howarthphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Harrison-V-Saenchai-2-Highlights-Doncaster-Dome/G0000WMwDA3tHNtg/I0000KA7XFi6SMPE

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkLat7QuifA

Wednesday Fight Video: Anuwat vs Sittichai

A great fight between the technical Sittichai and the hard hitting Anuwat. Enjoy!

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJreMjVIYgA

Monday Action

Thanks to Durst for passing this link along. A great fight with an even better finish. Channel 7 always delivers on the entertainment side.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5j-4EoKF2c&feature=player_embedded

Weekend Fight Post: Hippy Singmanee vs Chanlit Tor Soonan

One of the things that surprises me is how little Muay Thai elbows are seen in the popular MMA scene. I don't mean elbows mixed into a ground and pound...

I mean Muay Thai elbows when moving or staying in close range: whether it's fighting in the 'pocket' or a clinch up.

Whether it's an MMA, Muay Thai or even a street fight, elbows are the most dangerous natural weapon of the body. They won't be gloved up and they don't have the numerous small bones that risk injury when punching. Like any technique, they do require skill to use properly, but it seems like they should be no brainer to have in a pro MMA fighter's arsenal.

Consider that, as you watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3lHIdyXFiw

Age is Just a Number: Sagat vs Put Lorlek

Two legends in Muay Thai fight, a little later on in life than you'd expect!
Put Lorlek is 60 years old here, and Sagat Petchyindee is 55!



These two were once among the greatest fighters of their era.



They may not look like much initially, but they've still got some fire in them.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmqjQge59OQ

A little media spot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFDf4UoETnU&feature=channel_video_title

Thanks to Matt Embree for finding!

Monday Action

Here's some old(er) school action to kick off your Monday. Neungphichit Sityodtong vs Neungsiam Fairtex. Don't blink, or you might miss some of those lightning fast head kicks!

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_gP62eNz0Y&feature=feedf

Weekend Fight Post: Pakon vs Kongsak

This fight was to determine who would win the prestigious Sports Writer's Fight of the Year Award, in Thailand.

For those of you who appreciate Thai fights, the first two rounds are technical. For the average person who just wants to see action, skip to rounds 3-5, which do not disappoint.

Pakon is known for being a well rounded fighter who can throw down hard. Kongsak is a wicked Southpaw whose left kick has had his opponents leaving the arena with their arms in a sling.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GncRVBMFM14&feature=feedu

Kem Highlight video

Here's a pretty slick highlight of Thai fighter Kem. A couple good fights to look up from the highlight are vs. Fabio Pinca and vs. Shiriya Ishige

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8Ze_uLADig&feature=feedu

Weekend Fight Post: Best Muay Thai KO's

Since Zhang and the Victory crew are out tonight, I thought I'd post some KO's for you guys to keep in the spirit of people hitting other people :)

Here are "THE BEST KO OF MUAY THAI volume 1"

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7Yms9gMEK8&feature=feedu

Pajonsuk Throwing Highlight video

This one was on my facebook, so here it is for everyone else! A well made clip of Pajonsuk throwing people from the clinch

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvYNXPhAjKw&feature=feedu

Matt vs Rami Ibrahim

Congratulations to Matt on his win in Calgary this Saturday passed. He moves on to the second round of the 8 man tournament, and will get his rematch with Coke. The following link has all the videos of his fight.
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/user/bellaccione#p/u/4/0uL2Hypu1Jk

Weekend Fight Post

In light of the action taking place this weekend (Toronto's Matt Embree fights in an 8 man tourny on Saturday, Patrick and Zhangalang are also getting some MT action), here's your action packed fight post for the weekend:

Mapichit Sitsongpeenong vs Orono Yor.Yong101

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEVbUB2FaAw&feature=feedf

Mapichit always entertaining to watch. He really goes for broke in this one. Enjoy the slugfest


Mapichit on the right

It's too bad there aren't better quality recordings of the Thai fights...it's be awesome to get some better camera angles and audio so you can really hear those kicks and knees.

*can you count how many times I said action?

Mad Minute of Muay Thai

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ycr4tCnjHc

The Diary (video)

In this video, retired Dutch champion Joerie Mes gives some insight into his long career, and the evolving mentalities that took him from a young nobody to a household name in his homeland. It's worth a watch through for sure.

This is a video by AFAV, which covers many of the fighters and events in the Netherlands.

Joerie is known mostly for fighting under modified Thai boxing (no elbows and limited clinch) rules promotions, such as Superleague and It's Showtime.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnxJP9uFCw4