Muay Thai competitions are governed under a strict framework of rules and regulations. These guidelines are carefully crafted by officials and referees to prioritise the safety of the fighters and ensure fair and unbiased competition. Muay Thai itself has undergone an evolution from its ancient martial arts roots, drawing influences from traditional western boxing in the early 20th century. Over time, these rules have been refined to shape the sport into what it is today.
While the exhilarating nature of Muay Thai fights often captivates casual fans, the intricate rules and regulations can often go unnoticed. However, these rules play a crucial role in setting Muay Thai apart from other combat sports such as American, Dutch, or Japanese kickboxing. Muay Thai's unique characteristics lie in the utilization of elbows, knees, push kicks (teeps), and the clinch.
By understanding the rules of Muay Thai, it will make your experience watching the historical sport a lot more engaging.
Age Limit of Muay Thai
The minimum age to be able to fight in professional Muay Thai bouts in Thailand is 15. That being said, fighters start training from as little as 4-5 years old in Thailand and can often be seen competing from a very young age in amateur fights.
By the time they're able to compete in the stadiums, young fighters born in Thailand will have a wealth of experience under their belt.
What Age do Muay Thai Fighters Start
As mentioned above, Muay Thai fighters in Thailand usually start from a very young age. It's not uncommon to visit a Muay Thai gym in Thailand and see very young children hitting pads.
Children of fighter families will grow up in and around the gym and are likely training under the eyes of golden age Muay Thai fighters and legends of the sport as they shape the next generation of Nak Muay.
Muay Thai Ring
Muay Thai fights in a squared ring, typically 4.9 by 4.9 metres (or 16ft). The ring is made with ropes, 4 corner posts and a floor, covered with padding and cushioning.
More recently with the growth of ONE Championship hosting 52 Muay Thai events at Lumpinee this year, we are now seeing Muay Thai bouts in ONE's circled cage.
Boxing Gloves and Bandages
Gloves tend to be selected in accordance to the weight devision of the bout. typically the smaller the weight, the smaller the gloves. Competition gloves tend to be provided by the organisers.
Soft bandages or hand wraps are used to protect the hands and wrists of the fighters. Also provided by show organisers, these are taped up using plaster to ensure maximum safety.
Once hands are wrapped, these are checked over by officials to keep within the strict rules.
Again, much like with the ring, we're seeing a new style of Muay Thai put on show with the updates brought by ONE Championship. Some Muay Thai bouts fought in ONE Championship can be seen fought in the 4oz gloves, often seen in MMA competitions.
Weight Devisions in Muay Thai
Like most combat sports and traditional boxing, Muay Thai fighters compete in appropriate weight devisions.
Weigh-ins are done the day before the fight to make sure fighters are at the correct weight for their bout. Cutting weight is very common in most combat sports to lose weight leading up to a fight.
Here are a the Muay Thai weight classes at most most prestigious stadiums in Thailand:
- Mini Flyweight weight over 100 lbs but not exceeding 105 lbs. (47.629 kg.)
- Junior Flyweight weight over 105 lbs but not exceeding 108 lbs. (48.990 kg.)
- Flyweight weight over 108 lbs but not exceeding 112 lbs. (50.805 kg.)
- Junior Bantamweight weight over 112 lbs but not exceeding 115 lbs. (52.166 kg.)
- Bantamweight weight over 115 lbs but not exceeding 118 lbs. (53.526 kg.)
- Junior Featherweight weight over 118 lbs but not exceeding 122 lbs. (55.341 kg.)
- Featherweight weight over 122 lbs but not exceeding 126 lbs. (57.155 kg.)
- Junior Lightweight weight over 126 lbs but not exceeding 130 lbs. 58.971 kg.)
- Lightweight weight over 130 lbs but not exceeding 135 lbs. (61.238 kg.)
- Junior welterweight weight over 135 lbs but not exceeding 140 lbs. (63.506 kg.)
- Welterweight weight over 140 lbs but not exceeding 147 lbs. (66.681 kg.)
- Junior Middleweight weight over 147 lbs but not exceeding 156 lbs. (70.764 kg.)
- Middleweight weight over 156 lbs but not exceeding 160 lbs. (72.578 kg.)
- Junior Heavyweight weight over 160 lbs but not exceeding 175 lbs. (72.578 kg.)
- Heavyweight weight exceeding 175 lbs (79.383 kg.) and upwards.
Boxer Attire
Competing fighters only wear Muay Thai shorts in the ring. Shoes and shirts are strictly prohibited for male fighters, shorts can very in style, and colouring but depending on the promotion.
Fighters can also be seen wearing the sacred Prajead armbands and Mongkon during their walk to the ring.
Anklets can also be worn when fighting Muay Thai.
Muay Thai Scoring System & Rounds
A typical Muay Thai fight in Thailand is usually sanctioned for 5 rounds, each round lasting 3 minutes with a 2 minute break between rounds. Although this can differ hugely depending on the promotion.
Fight lengths will often vary depending on the country too. Typically in the UK 5 round bouts are saved for championship fights.
In its purest form, the Thai scoring system and rounds carry huge significance within the sport.
Whilst all fighters are chasing the fight ended highlight reel finish, oftentimes, this isn't the case. If you're not familiar with the Muay Thai scoring system, you may watch a fight and be absolutely perplexed by the result... Well not anymore, we've got you covered.
Legal techniques in Muay Thai are made up of punches, elbows, knees, kicks, sweeps, and throws. Strikes can be made to any part of the body apart from the groin. But, there's a lot more to scoring a Muay Thai bout other than just calculating punches, kicks and damage inflicted.
The winner of each round will get 10 points where their opponent will get 9, 8 or 7 points, depending on the result of the round. As an example, if there's a clear winner in a particular round, they will be awarded 10 points, the loser would get 9.
There are several criteria to judging each round. Firstly the fighter that inflict the most damage to their opponent with clear shots will score more. If a shot is thrown by a fighter and it doesn't effect their opponent or they show no reaction, the shot will not be scored.
This includes the different aspects of Muay Thai such as attack, defence and counter-attack techniques. Counter-attacks will be scored higher than usual strikes, again, the execution of these are hugely important.
Balance is another HUGE deciding factor for the judges. If you're landing counter-attacks but your balance is off, you won't be scored as high as someone that lands clean counter-striking with great balance.
The referee has the power to stop the fight at any point that they see fit. Often in the event of a knock-out, technical-knockout or if a fighter has significant dominance over their opponent.
Fouls in Muay Thai
Whilst Muay Thai is a combat sport, it's very respectful and certain behaviour can result in penalties such as a warning, loss of points or in some circumstances disqualification.
For obvious reasons, headbutts, biting and poking the eyes along with hitting the genitals of an opponent are some of the most common fouls seen in combat sports. Often by mistake, but if intentional or repeated, will often result in a loss of points by the referee.
Disrespectful behaviour also comes with penalties. This can be anything seen as a sign of disrespect but often spitting or swearing.
Other fouls can be down to the technique. With most fighters now competing under different rulesets, clear guidelines are set out to ensure fighter safety, this includes no Judo or wrestling techniques.
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