Despite the global pandemic, some Muay Thai fighters stayed relatively active. The likes of Julio Lobo, Dangkongfah and others had a fairly average year in terms of competition in 2020.
However, some fighters didn’t manage to get any ring-time at all in 2020. Furthermore, many of the World’s best didn’t get matched in the latter part of 2019. There are other top ranked Muay Thai stars who haven’t even competed since 2018 and beyond.
So which Muay Thai fighters do we think fans might want to see return to the ring in 2021?
Damien Alamos
Having retired back in 2014, Frenchman Damien Alamos was known as one of the greatest foreign Muay Thai fighters. A two-time Lumpinee Stadium champion, “Singkhao” had fought some of the best Muay Thai fighters during his 16-year career.
Alamos was set to return to the ring at ARENA FIGHT in December before the pandemic forced the cancellation. A rescheduled event could see the Frenchman make a return to the ring in the first half of 2021.
Daniel McGowan
Up until injury struck in the last quarter of 2018, Daniel McGowan was well on his way to achieving Muay Thai stardom. Unbeaten at Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium, he holds huge wins over the likes of Rungnarai Kiatmoo9 and Thanadet Tor.Pran49.
Now training with the likes of Liam Harrison, Andy Howson and Joe Craven at Bad Company in Leeds, UK, McGowan is eyeing the ONE Championship Strawweight division on his return imminent return to the ring.
Fabio Pinca
Despite a loss in his MMA debut in 2020, Fabio Pinca hasn’t competed under Muay Thai rules since May 2018. Taking his 100th career victory, Pinca defeated Phetsanguan in France after a loss to Nong-O Gaiyanghadao in his ONE debut.
Before that, however, Fabio Pinca had beaten many of the greatest foreign Muay Thai fighters such as Liam Harrison, Andrei Kulebin, Reece McAllister and many more over the past few years.
Unsuccessful in his MMA debut, will we see an immediate switch back to Muay Thai rules in 2021?
Andrei Kulebin
Known as one of the greatest pound-for-pound foreign Muay Thai fighters, Andrei Kulebin is a 18-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing champion and the first-ever MAX Muay Thai champion.
Having competed on WLF and Kunlun Fight in China since 2015, Kulebin’s last bout was a draw against Zhang Chunyu in May 2019.
Now at 36-years-old, could we see the Belarussian make a comeback and another run at some of the World’s best Muay Thai fighters?
John Wayne Parr
After signing with global martial arts giants ONE Championship in 2019, the return of the ‘Gunslinger’ is imminent. Despite being 44-years-old though, JWP is confident of chasing his 100th career win.
After recent rumours of a potential ONE Championship showdown against Nieky Holzken, fans might get to see the Aussie make an epic comeback in 2021.
Toby Smith
Another Australian to make the list is
Others notable mentions to make a comeback in 2021
Other Muay Thai fighters we think fans might be interested to see make a return to the ring in 2021 include;
- Kaew Fairtex
- Petchwasorn Or.Daokrajai
- Manasak Sor.jor.Lekmuangnon
- Toby ‘The Weapon’ Smith
The above names are courtesy of @muaythairesults.
Did we miss any? Let us know which other Muay Thai fighters you would like to see return in 2021 in the comments on our social media pages!
