As more and more kickboxing is making its way on to my TV and computer screens, I can’t help but wonder: Why are all these fights not under Muay Thai rules? I see the lack of clinch work, knees, and elbows and shake my head. The rules are out there, as the Association of Boxing Commissions has a Unified Rules of Muay Thai developed, in part, by Nick Lembo of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. The problem is that they are not being used. While it is understandable that K-1 used the Kyokushin Karate-based ruleset that they developed, it’s insane to me that Lion Fights is the only promotion using Muay Thai rules.
Why Are We Not Seeing More Muay Thai Rules Kickboxing?
