Buakaw Banchamek, a Muay Thai legend of nearly 300 fights, has decided to sign with Bare-Knuckle FC (BKFC).
Possibly there is not a single word that accurately captures what muay Thai means to Buakaw Banchamek. If you are unfamiliar with this man, you can check out his record on your own. Having spanned over two decades, this history encompasses so much that no database is able to capture it all in its entirety.
Buakaw Banchamek Explains BKFC Signing Decision
The 40-year-old signed with BKFC earlier this month, and it was announced he’ll make his debut in his home country of Thailand on September 3.
He brings a plethora of striking experience to the table; sporting a 240-24-12 record in Muay Thai, with over 70 finishes. Banchamek is also a a six-time World Muay Thai champion and a two-time K-1 kickboxing titlist.
Speaking to MMA Junkie recently, Banchamek explained the thinking behind his decision to make the jump into bare-knuckle boxing.
“This is the perfect timing for me to extend my boxing and fighting skills after being experienced for over 30 years in muay Thai,” Buakaw said.
“Also, BKFC is a global standard, which is good for fighters to take the opportunity. I think if you win in this platform, it will be a proof of your own world-class skill.”
There are several reasons as to why Banchamek ultimately decided to transition to bare-knuckle competition.
While it’s a fast-growing sport, the Muay Thai legend explains that the similarities between the two sports, such as the close-quarter aspect of competition, is certainly appealing.
“When I achieved the world-class level of muay Thai, I started to think about other kinds of competition related to the sport,” Buakaw said.
“Bareknuckle fighting is quite similar to muay Thai, and it’s a new trend and a very fast-growing sport. When BKFC approached me for their competition, I thought this was my best opportunity to compete on an international platform.
“My partners at Singha Corporation were instrumental in helping this deal come together, and I’m grateful for them facilitating this opportunity.
“BKFC is still new to Thai audiences, but I believe Thai fans and fighters will love it as an exciting new sport with a unique identity and lots of room to grow.
“… I am already familiar with close-quarter hand-to-hand combat as muay Thai incorporates clinching, grappling, hand fighting and striking using punches, simultaneously.
“However, the BKFC competition will be more challenging as it takes place in a unique circular roped stage.
“Fighters can’t get stuck in a corner, making fights dynamic and constantly revolving – a really dynamic and exciting treat for the audience to watch and for me as a fighter.”
Banchamek also shot down any rumors about this signing being a publicity stunt. He has made it extremely clear that he plans on becoming the BKFC Champion.
“I want to be the BKFC world champion, make my people proud of me, and help promote Thai fighting sports to the world audiences,” Buakaw said.