Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, has long been dominated by male athletes. However, in recent years, female fighters have emerged as formidable competitors, challenging traditional gender roles and reshaping the landscape of this ancient martial art.
The Evolution of Women in Muay Thai
Historical Context
Traditionally, women were discouraged from participating in Muay Thai, as it was considered a masculine pursuit. However, societal changes and increased global interest in the sport have paved the way for female participation.
Breaking Barriers
The acceptance of female fighters in Muay Thai has been a gradual process, with pioneers facing significant obstacles. A historic milestone occurred in September 2021 when Nirawan Tangjew and Tanawan Thongduang became the first women to compete for a championship title at Bangkok’s prestigious Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, ending a decades-long practice that forbade women from even touching the ring.
Today, women compete at the highest levels, including in prestigious venues like Bangla Boxing Stadium and Patong Boxing Stadium in Phuket. Traditional superstitions about women “polluting” sacred spaces have gradually dissolved as female fighters demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication.
Top Female Muay Thai Fighters
Thai Champions
Stamp Fairtex (Nadthawan Panthong)
Born November 16, 1997, Stamp Fairtex stands as Thailand’s most accomplished female combat sports athlete. She made history as ONE Championship’s first three-sport world champion, simultaneously holding titles in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts—an unprecedented achievement in combat sports.
With a Muay Thai record of 63-17-5, Stamp began training at age five under her father, a former Muay Thai fighter. At 18, she moved alone to Fairtex Gym in Pattaya to pursue championship dreams. Her dedication paid off spectacularly when she captured the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Championship in her organizational debut in October 2018, followed by the Muay Thai title in February 2019.
In 2023, Stamp achieved her historic third championship by winning the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title. A torn meniscus sidelined her throughout 2024, forcing her to relinquish the MMA title in May 2025 due to recovery complications. However, she plans to return to competition in mid-2025, targeting a kickboxing bout before pursuing championship gold again.
Sawsing Sor Sopit
One of the most decorated and experienced female boxers in Muay Thai, Sawsing Sor Sopit from Sing Buri, Thailand, boasts a record of over 200 fights with an impressive 83 percent success rate (170 wins – 30 losses – 4 draws). Starting Muay Thai training at age 9, she won her first world title—the WMC women’s title for 115 lbs—in 2010. She subsequently captured the World Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) featherweight title (126 lbs) and the S1 featherweight belt in 2012.
Loma Lookboonmee
One of the most famous female Muay Thai fighters from Thailand, Loma Lookboonmee gained international recognition through her technical prowess in the ring. She became the first Thai woman to compete in the UFC, showcasing traditional Muay Thai techniques on the world’s biggest MMA stage.
Petchjeeja
A current WBC champion representing Thailand’s new generation of elite female fighters, demonstrating the growing opportunities for women in professional Muay Thai competition.
International Stars
Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu
American fighter Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu holds the distinction of being the foreigner who has fought the most in Thailand, with an impressive record of more than 273 professional fights—nearly 200 wins, half by knockout. The 45kg fighter and veteran has spent over 12 years living and training in Thailand, winning multiple regional Thailand titles and the WBC minimumweight world title in 2023.
Remarkably, due to her low weight and small stature, many of her fights, including title bouts, were contested far above her natural weight class, making her not just one of the most experienced fighters globally but also one of the toughest.
Janet Todd
An American who discovered Muay Thai in her senior year of college, Janet Todd earned the IFMA Pan American Championships Gold Medal and Bronze Medal at the IFMA World Championships. When she signed with ONE Championship, she immediately fought Stamp Fairtex for the Muay Thai Atomweight World title, later competing again for the Kickboxing Atomweight title in February 2020.
Tiffany Van Soest
Born in the USA, Tiffany Van Soest began training Shorin-ryu Karate at age 8, eventually earning a second-degree black belt. At 18, she switched to Muay Thai and has won numerous titles including Glory Women’s SuperBantamweight champion, WBC Muay Thai International Super Bantamweight champion, and Lion Fight Promotions Featherweight championship.
Anissa Meksen
A French-Algerian fighter considered one of the best female strikers in the world, Anissa Meksen has competed at the highest levels of both Muay Thai and kickboxing, earning world titles and defeating top international competition.
Valentina Shevchenko
While primarily known as a UFC champion in MMA, Valentina Shevchenko has a strong Muay Thai background that forms the foundation of her striking prowess.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Another MMA star with roots in Muay Thai, Joanna Jedrzejczyk built her legendary striking skills through extensive Muay Thai training before transitioning to mixed martial arts success.
Impact on Thai Society
Changing Perceptions
The success of female Muay Thai fighters has challenged traditional views on women’s roles in Thai society. The 2021 historic Lumpinee Stadium match, where 17-year-old Nirawan Tangjew won the WBC mini flyweight belt, symbolized a cultural shift. Their achievements have inspired young girls to pursue the sport and other male-dominated fields.
Economic Opportunities
As female fights gain popularity, more opportunities arise for women to make a living through Muay Thai, both as fighters and trainers. International organizations increasingly feature female Muay Thai fights, helping elevate the profile of women in the sport.
Training and Competition in Phuket
Muay Thai Phuket
Phuket has become a hub for Muay Thai training, attracting both male and female fighters from around the world. Many gyms now offer specialized programs for women, providing safe and supportive environments for training at all levels.
Notable Venues
Bangla Boxing Stadium and Patong Boxing Stadium host regular fights featuring top female competitors, providing platforms for women to showcase their skills and build professional careers in the sport.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Ongoing Obstacles
Despite progress, female fighters still face challenges, including lower pay and fewer high-profile opportunities compared to their male counterparts. However, the trajectory continues trending upward as more organizations recognize the commercial and sporting value of women’s matches.
Growing Recognition
International organizations and promotions increasingly feature female Muay Thai fights, helping elevate the profile of women in the sport. The success of fighters like Stamp Fairtex, who became the first three-sport world champion in ONE Championship history, demonstrates that female athletes can achieve the same elite status as male competitors.
Experiencing Female Muay Thai Excellence
The rise of female Muay Thai fighters in Thailand represents a significant shift in the sport’s culture and the country’s gender dynamics. As these athletes continue to break barriers and achieve success, they inspire future generations and contribute to the rich tapestry of Muay Thai’s history and evolution.
Witness the evolution of Muay Thai firsthand at Phuket’s premier boxing stadiums. Patong Boxing Stadium presents professional fights featuring both male and female competitors, showcasing the technical excellence and cultural traditions that define Thailand’s national sport. Evening events include traditional ceremonies, authentic matches, and opportunities to see emerging female talent alongside established champions.
Alternatively, Bangla Boxing Stadium offers another excellent venue for experiencing professional Muay Thai matches. Located conveniently behind Jungceylon in Patong, this stadium hosts regular fight nights on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings, featuring both male and female fighters demonstrating the full spectrum of Muay Thai excellence in traditional settings.
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