The History of Kickboxing and Muay Thai in the US
Top 10 kickboxing and Muay Thai promotions in the US, including information on the number of events, biggest events, best fighters, best fights, venues, promoter names, and best referees:
| Promotion Name | Number of Events | Biggest Events | Best Fighters | Best Fights | Venues | Promoter Name | Best Referees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lion Fight | 70+ | Lion Fight 50 | Yodsanklai Fairtex, Lerdsila Chumpairtour | Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Salah Khalifa | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Scott Kent | Tony Weeks |
| Glory | 60+ | Glory 50 | Joe Schilling, Robin van Roosmalen | Joe Schilling vs. Artem Levin | Madison Square Garden, Hammerstein Ballroom | Pierre Andurand | Big John McCarthy |
| WCK Muay Thai | 100+ | WCK Full Rules Muay Thai | Kevin Ross, Malaipet Sasiprapa | Kevin Ross vs. Michael Mananquil | Pechanga Resort & Casino | Dennis Warner | Steve Mazzagatti |
| Triumphant Combat | 20+ | Triumphant 10 | Eddie Abasolo, Asa Ten Pow | Asa Ten Pow vs. Chris Culley | Alameda County Fairgrounds | Geoff Quares | Dan Stell |
| Friday Night Fights | 100+ | Friday Night Fights 2022 Season Finale | Brett Hlavacek, Ognjen Topic | Brett Hlavacek vs. Elijah Clarke | Lucky Strike Manhattan | Justin Blair | Chris Wagner |
| Prime Fight Series | 10+ | Prime Fight Series 5 | Joshua Scales, Daniel Kim | Joshua Scales vs. Daniel Kim | Las Vegas Convention Center | Troy Sheridan | Herb Dean |
| Warriors Cup | 50+ | Warriors Cup 50 | Justin Greskiewicz, Rami Ibrahim | Justin Greskiewicz vs. Turan Hasanov | Showboat Atlantic City | Chris Tran | Kevin Mulhall |
| AmeriKick | 20+ | AmeriKick Nationals | Eric Utsch, Amer Abdallah | Eric Utsch vs. Richard Abraham | 2300 Arena | Dennis Kyrell | Robert Digel |
| USKA Fight Sports | 60+ | USKA Fight Night | Ognjen Topic, Jay Matias | Ognjen Topic vs. Brett Hlavacek | Econo Lodge Conference Center | Gary Grant Jr. | Vichai Supkitpol |
| Freedom Fighter Promotions | 30+ | Freedom Fighter 20 | Jimmy Vienot, Janet Todd | Jimmy Vienot vs. Janet Todd | Various Gyms and Arenas | Michael Corley | Tony Weeks |
These promotions represent the most prominent kickboxing and Muay Thai events in the US, offering platforms for fighters to showcase their skills and compete at high levels.
The History of Kickboxing and Muay Thai in the US
Early Beginnings
Introduction to the US
Kickboxing and Muay Thai were introduced to the United States in the 1970s. Kickboxing, a hybrid martial art combining elements of karate and boxing, gained popularity first. Muay Thai, the traditional martial art of Thailand known for its powerful strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins, followed suit, captivating American audiences with its intensity and effectiveness.
First Fighters and Coaches
The early kickboxing scene in the US was dominated by figures like Joe Lewis, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. These pioneers helped establish kickboxing as a legitimate sport through their impressive skills and high-profile matches.
- Joe Lewis: Often referred to as the “Muhammad Ali of kickboxing,” Joe Lewis was a karate champion who transitioned to kickboxing and became one of its earliest stars.
- Bill “Superfoot” Wallace: Known for his incredible flexibility and powerful left leg, Wallace was a dominant force in the sport.
- Benny “The Jet” Urquidez: A versatile fighter with a background in multiple martial arts, Urquidez became famous for his undefeated streak in kickboxing.
In Muay Thai, Ajarn Chai Sirisute played a pivotal role in introducing and spreading the art in the US. He founded the Thai Boxing Association of the USA (TBA-USA) in 1968, becoming a central figure in training American fighters and promoting Muay Thai.
Development and Growth
1980s and 1990s
During the 1980s and 1990s, both kickboxing and Muay Thai continued to grow. Kickboxing organizations like the Professional Karate Association (PKA) and the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) were instrumental in promoting the sport and organizing events.
Muay Thai saw increased popularity through events and the influence of Thai trainers who migrated to the US. The establishment of gyms dedicated to Muay Thai training helped produce skilled American fighters.
Key Figures
- Rick Roufus: A prominent kickboxer known for his explosive style and numerous world titles.
- Dale “Apollo” Cook: A versatile fighter who excelled in both kickboxing and Muay Thai.
- Kevin Ross: One of the first American Muay Thai fighters to gain international recognition, competing successfully in Thailand and around the world.
Modern Era
2000s to Present
In the 2000s, the rise of mixed martial arts (MMA) and organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) brought more attention to striking arts, including kickboxing and Muay Thai. Fighters trained in these disciplines became crucial components of MMA.
Prominent Fighters and Coaches
- Joe Schilling: A top American kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter known for his aggressive style and success in organizations like Glory.
- Janet Todd: A leading female Muay Thai fighter who has won multiple world titles and competed at the highest levels.
- Kevin Ross: Continued to be a significant figure, inspiring the next generation of American Muay Thai fighters.
Leading Coaches
- Duke Roufus: A renowned coach and former kickboxer, Duke Roufus has trained many top MMA fighters, incorporating kickboxing and Muay Thai techniques.
- Mark Dellagrotte: A prominent Muay Thai coach who has trained numerous MMA fighters and contributed to the sport’s growth in the US.
Conclusion
Kickboxing and Muay Thai have evolved significantly in the United States, from their early days of introduction by pioneering fighters and coaches to becoming integral parts of the combat sports landscape. The continued success of American fighters on the international stage and the rise of dedicated promotions and events ensure that these striking arts will remain popular and influential for years to come.
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