Muay Thai legend in backyard brawl vs. much larger street fighter

This article is just one part of a MixedMartialArts.com project to understand what martial arts really work, not by watching competitions in the arena, but by studying what happens on the street, or in this case, a backyard in Miami. If you enjoyed this story, check out more on:
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South Florida Backyard Fights

In 2003, a Miami-centered phenomenon emerged virally – bare knuckle boxing bouts in backyards. The first and still greatest name associated with the brawls is Kimbo Slice. His one-time MMA opponent Dada 5000 is carrying the torch today. Successful UFC fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Alex Bruce Leroy Caceres began their fighting careers in these backyard street fights.

But it’s not only MMA fighters and street fighters who have ventured into these backyard bouts. A Muay Thai legend by the name of Chutiphat Rungsawang tried it out a few years ago too.

Who is Master Cha?

Chutiphat Rungsawang, also known as Chanchai Sitsapahan and Master Cha, was born and raised in south Thailand. He began learning Muay Thai in his village community at age 10 and one year later began competing in his hometown. From 1987 to 1993, Master Cha demonstrated great success and by the age of 19, became Southernland Champion, a title he held for four years. He has competed in both Rajadamnern and Lumpinee, the sport’s largest and most highly respected stadiums.

Master Cha moved to the USA in 2006 to coach Muay Thai, and the related art of Muay Thai for MMA. Great MMA fighters he has trained include Kamaru Usman, Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley, Mark Hunt, and Eddie Alvarez. Today he is owner and head trainer of ThaiTopTeam USA in Columbus, Georgia, USA.

However, all these accomplishments and accolades don’t mean that Master Cha is above having a fun every now and then.

Master Cha in Backyard Brawl

At an older age, with a busted knee, and drunk – Cha was found fooling around at a local backyard fight in Miami, Florida. As you can see in the video, the master was, as the expression goes, feeling no pain.

Master Cha was peppering his opponent with punches and leg kicks, and clowning around all the while. His opponent didn’t back down though, and was trying his best to knock the master out. Eventually, the clowning around caught up with the Thai legend, and he was clipped with a booming right hook that put him on Queer Street. Then he was dropped again with a left-right hook combination. Then he falls a third time. The end appears as inevitable as death, taxes, and human stupidity. Or in other words, Master Cha was just warming up.

Then the shoes come off. When fighting a liquored up Muay Thai legend in a backyard, if he takes his shoes off, beware. Master Cha gets serious and starts to march down his opponent, taking shots, but rolling with them.

Now the low kicks are starting to take their toll. Kill the legs and the everything will die. The opponent can longer set down properly to throw his hardest punches. And worse, his attention is now low. All he can think about is those battered legs being battered.

And that is when the high kick lands.

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