2021 Muay Thai Gram Awards

It was another hard year for the world of Muay Thai. Stadiums and shows opened up and then were shut down. Gyms experienced waves of Covid closures making consistency difficult. But three hundred sixty five days passed and life continued.

We wanted to point to the highs of the year.

Pro Muay Thai Fighter Male: Superbon Banchamek

The elite level fighter started in Muay Thai but has transitioned into kickboxing. His two bouts for the year against Sittichai Sittsongpeenong and Georgio Petryosan saw him winning at the highest level. His knock out of “The Doctor” shocked the world.

Superbon hasn’t fought Muay Thai rules since at least 2015 so why is he our pro fighter of the year? For what he’s done for the sport.

His knock out win brought a spotlight on Thai fighters and their ability to adjust to different rule sets. His seminar tour across the states helped spread the sport. His social media showed that elite level fighters can maintain a strong marketing presence while winning. Finally he was open about why he shifted from kickboxing to Muay Thai. Hint, it was money.

His seminar tour included gyms such as: Warrior Family, East LA Muay Thai, Sityodtong LA, Kaensak Muay Thai, Team Toro, Sitan and more.

Superbon’s strong performance this year showed how well athletes can do when they leverage their talents, popularity, and marketing into real success. It also shows how big the market for the sport actually is.

Pro Muay Thai Fighter Female: Niamh Kinehan

Our second stand out for the year is the indominable Niamh Kinehan. Well known in the UK the hard hitting Kinehan has been training out of Frank Hudder’s gym for ages. She’s also been on a strong run of form. She went 4 for 4 in the last year.

It was an impressive showing especially 1: Covid 19 restrictions 2: the number of available opponents a high level talent like her has.

Kinehan is the number 1 contender for the WBC women’s lightweight belt.

Her last showing at Lion Fight helped expose her to a more international market. We hope that she continues to grow.

Inspirational Story Of 2021: The Comeback Of Ognjen Topic

Nothing hits as hard as life. Serbian fighter Ognjen Topic knows that. He’s had several successes in 2021. His knock out against Fahlikit Sor Parath in the fourth was a massive upset. But the inspiration for the year was his most recent bout against Chalawan JomhodMuayThai. Knocked down in the third Topic. He steadied himself on the ropes and came back with a strong fourth and a fifth round knock down.

A win without a little drama seems hardly a win. The gamblers were upset with the judge’s decisions and stormed the ring. Topic remained a cool cucumber and took home the win along with a hefty prize from gym owner Sia Kaek.

Ognjen Topic knock out win

Development of the year: Photographers And Content Creators

The world of media relies on content creators. Photographers, videographers and other creators shape our understanding of Muay Thai. Despite the slow down in events these people continued to prevail and shine a light upon the sport. They bring attention to the sport, and attention is the most valuable commodity in our current world.

A strong thank you to strong talents like: Panom Yimsiri, Taylor Sims, Jay Airis, William Luu, Hristo Petkov, Jeannie of Tiny Teeps, etc. And the sport would not be the same without the continued efforts of people like Pari Aryafar, Siam Fight News, Muay Thai Results, Muay Ying, Muay Iyarin and others.