Fight Night in Thailand: Let’s Go!

There’s nothing like fight night in Thailand it’s hands down my favorite part of living here. If you haven’t experienced it yet, let me give you a rundown of how it typically goes down!

First off, fight nights vary a lot depending on where you are in Thailand. Up in the Northeast in Isan, you could be fighting at a local temple fair, while down south, professional stadiums add a more professional touch.

Lately, though, Phuket has even been hosting fights at local malls and even at the beach, which is a pretty cool experience.

The Pre-Fight Experience

One of the quirks of preparing to fight Muay Thai in Thailand can be the uncertainty. After informing your trainer that you’re ready for a fight, details like the exact date, location, or opponent may remain unclear until just days before. It’s not unusual to hear you’re fighting Wednesday when you thought your match was Friday. Welcome to Thailand’s sabai-sabai pace of life!

If you like everything locked in early, Fight-Link can help streamline these details if you want to compete in Muay Thai in Thailand.

You’ll usually stop training 2-3 days before the fight on your trainer's advice. Use this downtime to get mentally ready. I like to visit a local temple and offer prayers for a safe fight with no serious injuries for both competitors.

Most gyms will offer you a 'sports massage' the day before, usually by one of the experienced trainers. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it experience, but it’s part of the ritual.

Fight Day

Preparation

Fight day usually starts slow. You’ll head to your gym in the evening—around 7 or 8 PM. Your trainers and teammates will trickle in, and you might do some light stretching or warm-up while waiting. Some fighters wait to warm up at the stadium, though space can be limited, depending on the venue.

At the Stadium

Once everyone arrives at the gym, you’ll head to the stadium together - trainers, teammates, and usually some gym supporters. Sometimes you’ll sign a contract when you arrive (but not always), and you will learn the bout order if this has not been announced ahead of time. It varies by stadium.

If you’re not fighting early, relax and watch the earlier bouts. Some promotions like to start with the kids, while others save them for last. Some go up in weight class, ending with the heavier fighters. It varies.

Wrapping Hands

When it’s close to your turn, you’ll head backstage or to the warm-up area (if they have one).

Having your hands wrapped by a trainer who's wrapped for champions is a surreal experience - it really makes you feel like a pro. After that, you warm up and do whatever it takes to get you into the zone. Be wary though, believe it or not, not all stadiums have a dedicated area backstage for you to warm up.

The Warm-Up

It’s common in Thailand to be warming up right next to your opponent. There’s no bad blood here; in fact, I usually share a wai or a handshake with my opponent backstage. Some fighters are all business and prefer to keep their distance. Do what works for you, but remember - Muay Thai is all about respect. Leave the trash talk at the door it’s not welcome here!

As the fight before yours starts, you’ll be called to sit ringside or backstage ready to walk out. Some of your team will be with you, others might be watching the current fight.

From here it’s just you, your opponent, and your thoughts.

The Wai Kru

If you don't know, Wai Kru translates to 'paying respect to the teachers', and Wai Kru ceremonies are held in schools and universities and, of course, before a Muay Thai fight. If you are a beginner or you are nervous about the fight, do not feel obliged to do the Wai Kru if you just want to focus on your fight - No one will judge you!

After the Fight

Win, lose, or draw; fight nights are celebrated. Post-match, trainers, and teammates usually rush into the ring to celebrate with the winner. While the loser returns to the dressing room to get checked over by the medical team.

If you win, this is your moment. All of your hard work paid off, and you should enjoy it. To the fans in the crowd, you're their hero. A Nak-Muay - somebody who left the safety of their own home, their own country. To travel thousands of miles to the other side of the world to test themselves. Enjoy your moment! Celebrate with your supporters, and take photos with the fans in the crowd! You worked hard for it - enjoy it!

Back Stage

If you need any medical attention, this is when you'll get it. If not, you'll unwrap your hands, pack your stuff, and get ready to watch the rest of the fights or leave the stadium. Tourist gyms tend not to send too many people to the stadium to watch someone fight, whereas in smaller, more family-type gyms, the entire gym will go. What happens next usually depends on which type of gym you're coming from. Smaller gyms usually celebrate the occasion with some food and beers at a local restaurant, whereas at bigger gyms it is probably time to go home.

Final Thoughts

Fight Night will vary a lot depending on where you are in Thailand, but this is your big moment, so enjoy it! This is where all your hard work paid off; this is where you got to pay homage to your teachers and trainers; This is where, if only for a brief moment, you were the hero to all the fans and supporters in the stadium! These are moments for life is all about!