MMA fighting for piece of the Thai pie

BANGKOK — As someone who has practiced Thai boxing (Muay Thai) for 30 years, Chatri Sityodtong knows very well the challenges he faces as he tries to bring his version of mixed martial arts (MMA) to the Southeast Asian nation.

Sityodtong, who left a Wall Street career to start the ONE Championship in 2011, said the first major problem was a Thai misconception about the series born of televised western versions of cage fighting.

“Thais have a misconception, they think ONE Championship is about MMA,” Sityodtong, who has Thai and Japanese parentage, told Reuters in an interview.

“MMA is what our western counterparts use to promote violence. Real martial arts is about respect, humility and discipline.”

Given the long history of martial arts in Thailand, the country should be a fruitful recruiting ground for fighters and audiences alike.

But getting Muay Thai boxers to take up MMA has been a challenge, with the fighters reluctant to learn new rules and techniques, especially around ground fighting, which does not feature in the local codes.

Muay Thai fighter Thaweechai Chatarasuk underwent some MMA training before deciding to stick to what he knew.

“Muay Thai is better, you can learn more from it,” he said.

The chairman of the Kru Muay Thai Association, Chinawut Sirisompan, says MMA has good promotion and media but Thais prefer stand-up striking techniques and are “bored” by ground fighting.

ONE Championship CEO Sityodtong is no stranger to Muay Thai, having trained with legendary Muay Thai coach, the late Master Yodtong Senanan, who gave him the ringname Chatri.

His familiarity with its old traditions and rituals that pay homage to masters and respect for opponents, is helping the ONE Championship connect with Muay Thai fans and practitioners.

The ONE Championship is seeing more Muay Thai athletes joining its kickboxing and MMA league, Chatri said.

Muay Thai-to-MMA convert, Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, says it helps if Muay Thai fighters understand MMA rules, especially around ground fighting.

“Muay Thai gives us an advantage in MMA,” he said. “Thais should keep an open mind and give MMA a chance.”

Female ONE Championship athlete Rika Ishige said that if Thais took time to understand the rules they would see it was not barbaric.

“The thing that will bring (Muay Thai) further on in the future is MMA,” she said.

Sityodtong’s vision is to build a venue that will bring Asia together through martial arts and believes the rags-to-riches stories of its athletes can help.

“Ninety five percent of our athletes come from incredible backgrounds of tragedy and poverty,” he said.

“Their spirit to overcome adversity represents authentic martial arts.”