The merits and demerits of Muay Thai.

The dimly lit ring looms like a specter. Its canvas stained with the sweat and blood of fallen warriors who entered the ring some minutes ago with 100 percent fitness. The air is thick with the stench of sweat and fear as two fighters engage each other, their bodies battering and bruising with intense injuries and pains. In appreciation, the crowd’s deafening roar ebbs and flows like a living entity, after sensing more extreme violence about to unfold. This is indeed a litany of destruction that leaves one man standing triumphantly but broken, as the other lies motionless on the canvas. His fate indeed hangs precariously in the balance. Perhaps with broken jaw, swollen eyes and more.

Welcome to Muay Thai combat sport which is also called the Art of Eight Limbs. Here comes the combat and absolutely deadly Thai sport. This sportis indeed captivating the world with its intense physicality and perhaps rich culture. Bangkok, which is the capital city of Thailand, is always ready for the bloody show.  Observers and Nigerians living in the country very well know that the Thailand’s Muay Thai which is a national sport is gaining popularity worldwide for its effectiveness in self-defence and fitness. This ancient martial arthas been captivating audiences with all the in-ring undoable activities.

From Umuaka Times findings, Muay Thai originated centuries ago as a form of self-defence and warfare. Today, Muay Thai has evolved into a globally recognized combat sport to the extent that Umuaka town; a community of about 100,000 population in Imo State Nigeria has a representative in the sport. To be the best in this game, one must tactically learn the art and act of utilizing punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes to achieve a victory!

“The Art of Eight Limbs is not just a sport, it’s a way of life,” said a Muay Thai instructor who spoke with Umuaka Times. “It requires discipline, dedication, and hard work, but the benefits are numerous.” The sport offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, self-defence skills, weight management, mental discipline, stress relief, and a sense of community.

On the financial benefits, Umuaka Times gathered that top fighters can earn significant financial rewards through competition purses, sponsorships, gym ownership, coaching, and merchandise sales.

“Muay Thai has changed my life,” said a Thai fighter who refused to disclose his name. “It has given me the confidence and skills to protect myself and achieve my goals.”

As Muay Thai continues to gain popularity worldwide, safety and injury prevention remain top priorities. Fighters undergo rigorous medical checks, wear protective gear, and are monitored by trained staff to ensure their safety.

With its rich history, physicality, and cultural significance, Muay Thai is a sport that continues to captivate audiences around the world. It is not a sport for the fear stricken fellows who boast over nothing.

Umuaka Times also gathered that the following fighters lost their lives in the game at different times: Petnamtan was a 21-year-old Thai ONE Championship fighter who died due to sepsis, just three days after his 21st birthday. Panphet was another Thai Muay Thai fighter who died from a brain injury nine days after being knocked out in a bout. Petchkeng Kaiyanghadao was another fighter who died after sustaining a brain injury in a bout in Malaysia. Anucha Thasako was perhaps the most tragic; the 13-year-old Thai fighter died from head injuries during a charity match. Joseph ItaiRinomhota was a 30-year-old British Muay Thai fighter who died after his first Muay Thai fight in KohSamui, Thailand. The game also lost Singfangkhong. He was said to have died due to acute kidney failure caused by extreme weight cutting.

There is also a list of those who have so far made millions from the deadly combat sport. They include Buakaw Banchamek who is said to have an estimated net worth of $10 million, Buakaw is one of the wealthiest Muay Thai fighters. Umuaka Times gathered that he earns money from fights, sponsorships, and his resorts, restaurants, and Muay Thai gyms. There is also Rodtang Jitmuangnon who is reportedly earning $300,000 per fight, making him the highest-paid Muay Thai fighter. He’s expected to become as big as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in few years’ time.

Chatri Sityodtong is the founder of ONE Championship who is also said to have an estimated net worth of $300 million. He made his wealth through his successful business ventures and investments in the combat sport. Sangmanee is another fellow who has indeed made fortunes from the game. Umuaka Times gathered that he earns around 1 million baht per fight in ONE Championship and 250,000 baht per fight in Thailand while Seksan Aor Kwanmuang makes at least 200,000 baht per fight. What a highly rewarding and demanding game.