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Muay Thai has become one of the most prominent sports in the UK, captivating audiences with its raw power, history and deep cultural ties. From the early days of local gyms to the international stages, British fighters have been making their mark on the Muay Thai scene around the world.
A Brief History of Muay Thai in the UK
Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, started gaining traction in the UK during the early 1990s. One of the earliest champions of this martial art in Britain was Kru John Woodcock, who opened the first Muay Thai gym in London. From there, the sport grew, with passionate coaches and athletes building a foundation for the next generation of fighters.
Although John Woodcock opened the first Muay Thai gym in London, this wasn’t the first appearance of Muay Thai on British soil. Muay Thai was first introduced in the UK by Thohsaphol Sitiwatjana, also known as Master Toddy, dubbed the “Father of English Muay Thai.”
In 2024, there are now said to be over 750 Muay Thai gyms in the UK, with over 400 MMA gyms offering Muay Thai training as well. There’s no denying that the rise of UK Muay Thai fighters competing in some of the biggest Muay Thai stadiums in Thailand has only added to the rapid growth of the sport in the UK.
The UK Muay Thai scene is constantly growing, and it wouldn’t be where it is today without these top UK Muay Thai fighters.
Top UK Muay Thai Legends You Should Know
1. Liam Harrison
- Ask any Muay Thai fan about UK fighters, and Liam "The Hitman" Harrison will likely be the first name mentioned. Hailing from Leeds, Harrison is widely considered to be the best UK Muay Thai fighter. Known for his aggressive fighting style, Harrison’s highlight reel is filled with devastating leg kicks, brutal punches, and jaw-dropping knockouts.
- With an impressive 40% knockout rate, Harrison has secured multiple prestigious titles, including the WMC and WBC World Titles. His reputation extends beyond the UK, with Thai fight fans also respecting his skill. Harrison is proof of how UK fighters can make a name for themselves on the world stage.
- A quick look into Liam’s career will give you an idea of how different it was to be a Muay Thai fighter in comparison to how it is now. The sport is very accessible to most these days, with many UK fighters at the grassroots level training in Thailand. Liam has spoken about his time fighting in Thailand on multiple podcasts and interviews and how he would bet on himself, which didn’t always go as planned.
- Liam has a record of 91-26-2 (50 KOs).
2. Ronnie Green
- One of the greatest UK Muay Thai fighters is none other than Ronnie Green. Let me correct that, Ronnie “Machine Gun” Green.
- Ronnie Green started out training Judo and Karate in 1974, switching to Muay Thai in 1978 under the guidance of Master Toddy at his gym in Manchester. Just one year after he started training Muay Thai, Green had his first fight in 1979, combining his different fighting styles with Muay Thai. His movement and style offered something unique to Muay Thai and disrupted the pace of the traditional Thai boxing style.
- Ronnie went on to lead an incredible career, fighting legends from Europe, Thailand, and around the world. If you haven’t heard of any of the following fighters, open a few new tabs and go and rewatch these incredible Nak Muay that Ronnie competed against: Lucien Carbin, Gilbert Ballantine, Pete “Sugarfoot” Cunningham and many more. He also fought some of the greatest Muay Thai legends from Thailand, including Sagat Petchyindee.
- Green's exact fight record is difficult to pin down.
3. Iman Barlow
- One of the top female Muay Thai fighters from the UK, known as the “Pretty Killer,” Imam Barlow led an impressive career, with accolades such as the International WBC Muay Thai Super Bantamweight Champion and Lion Fight Super Bantamweight Champion.
- Imam Barlow started her career pretty early, at the age of just 9. Throughout her time in the ring, Imam has fought so many legendary opponents and has been a pioneer for female fighters in the UK.
- Imam Barlow retired from her professional fighting career in April 2024, she made the announcement via social media, with an emotional video where she spoke about her impressive career as the youngest person ever to hold a British title in Thai boxing.
- She dedicated her whole life to Muay Thai. In the video she says “I never knew what I wanted to do, I just grew up training and fighting and at some point, there was just a mutual love for the sport, it was all I knew.”
- Barlow has a record of 97-6-3 (38 KOs).
4. Jordan Watson
- Starting his Muay Thai journey at just 6 years old, Jordan Watson has led an impressive career in the sport. A former 70kg Yokkao World Champion, Jordan Watson is another UK fighter who has made his mark on the global stage. His technical prowess, combined with his ability to adapt to different opponents, has earned him numerous titles and a strong following both in the UK and internationally.
- Fighting out of the same gym as Liam Harrison, under the watchful eyes of Richard Smith, Bad Company Thai boxing gym coach.
- In his amateur Muay Thai career, Jordan had over 70 fights. He turned professional in 2004 at just 17.
- Watson has a record of 69-15-2 (22 KOs).
5. Andy Howson
- Known as “The Punisher” or “Lord of War,” his nicknames certainly allude to his aggressive style of fighting. I urge you to go and watch Andy Howson’s highlights, I promise you’ll be entertained.
- In podcast appearances, Andy has spoken about how he got started in Muay Thai. After being invited to watch a training session, he was instantly hooked on the sport. Howson has dedicated his life to Muay Thai, training at the Bad Company gym.
- Andy Howson cemented his place in UK Muay Thai history with an impressive career, being a five-time world champion in the Super Bantamweight division.
- The Lord of War has won 5 world titles, Commonwealth Champion (2x), European Champion, British Champion (2x) and many other titles.
- Although Howson retired in 2015, he has since fought twice, once in a promotion in the UK in 2018 then just 2 years later in ONE Championship.
- Watson has a record of 81-14-1.
6. Damien Trainor
- Damien Trainor is one of the most experienced UK Muay Thai fighters, fighting around the world throughout his career, becoming a two-time world champion.
- Trainor started his Muay Thai career at the age of 14, fighting out of K-Star Legacy Gym in Birmingham, at 16 years old he turned professional.
- At just 17 Trainor became British Champion, going on to win 4 European titles. He lived in Thailand to train and fight and later returned to the UK where he won two world titles.
- Whilst Damien retired in 2016, he’s still passing on his knowledge to students that train at his gym and through his social media videos. The techniques he passes on are ones that he would’ve used against high level Thai’s, including Parangchai, Tawatchai Budsadee, Kaewklaa Kaewsamrit and many others.
- Damien has a record of 62-21-2.
The New Age of UK Muay Thai fighters to watch in 2024
As Muay Thai continues to grow in popularity, the UK is producing an exciting new wave of fighters who are taking the sport to the next level. From stadiums in Thailand to world titles in Europe, these fighters are proving that the UK is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Muay Thai.
The following are current active fighters, competing in some of the biggest Muay Thai leagues in the world. One Championship, Rajadamnern World Series just to name a couple, and these are just the breakthroughs. Local cards in the UK are seeing a sharp increase in high level fighters that are gearing up to make it to the big stages.
1. Jonathan Haggerty
- Jonathan “The General” Haggerty is one of the new breed of Muay Thai fighters from the UK. He has already achieved some incredible achievements, despite being just 27 years old. Known for his technical precision, Haggerty has faced and defeated some of the sport’s most legendary fighters, including Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.
- Haggerty’s journey started when he began training Muay Thai at the age of 7. By 12, he was competing, and soon, he was fighting on the world stage. With wins over Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, Haggerty solidified himself as one of the best UK fighters of his generation.
- The General continues to compete and is currently trying to work his way back to the top of the Muay Thai scene to regain his title in ONE Championship after losing to Superlek.
- Current record at the time of publishing: 23-5-0 (16 KOs).
2. Joe Ryan
- Joe Ryan is making waves as the first British fighter to capture the Rajadamnern Stadium Middleweight Championship. Born in 2004, Ryan has already claimed multiple world titles, including the WMO, WBC, and ISKA World Middleweight Championships.
- Ryan’s meteoric rise to fame showcases the new wave of young UK talent. His very technical style had led Joe to win some of the most prestigious titles in Muay Thai, including the 2023 Rajadamnern Stadium Middleweight Champion, 2023 WMO World middleweight 160lbs champion and many more.
- Current record at the time of publishing: 16-1-1 (8 KOs).
3. Alfie Pearse
- Alfie Pearse is another UK Muay Thai fighter making headlines in both the UK and Thailand. A 2x ISKA British and Intercontinental Champion, Pearse also holds the SKS World Title. His dedication to the sport is evident in his rise through the ranks, and he’s currently ranked number 8 at Rajadamnern Stadium at 140lbs.
- Alfie’s style is mesmerizing to watch, a true high-level Muay Femur. He has seen some impressive wins over many high level opponents.
- Current record at the time of publishing: 20-2-0.
4. Nico Carrillo
- The King of the North, Scottish fighter Nico Carillo is an exciting fighter to watch. At just 26, Carrillo has already made a name for himself, holding the WMO Welterweight World Championship and the ISKA Muay Thai World 65kg title. His career highlights include defeating top-tier opponents in both Thailand and Europe.
- Carrillo’s aggressive style and ability to finish fights have made him a fan favorite, and he’s currently ranked #1 in the ONE Championship Bantamweight Muay Thai rankings.
- Current record at the time of publishing: 27-3-1 (11 KOs).
5. Stuart Stabler
- A name echoed throughout the UK Muay Thai scene, Stuart Stabler recently announced his return. One of the most exciting prospects in UK Muay Thai, hasn’t fought in over 4 years, his exciting explosive, punishing fight style had fans on the edge of their seats until his time away.
- His last fight was against Jonno Chipchase, a brutal fight where young Stabler won by TKO in the second round.
- Current record at the time of publishing: 10-0-0 (6 KOs).
The UK Muay Thai scene is filled with legendary talent that is now filtering through to the new Muay Thai fighters emerging. The UK has established itself as a powerhouse in Muay Thai, producing world-class fighters who have competed in the most prestigious arenas. From Liam Harrison to rising stars like Joe Ryan and Jonathan Haggerty, the future of UK Muay Thai is brighter than ever.
Written by GYM NASTY
