Muangthai PK.Saenchai’s years of muay Thai training have developed him into one of the most dangerous fighters in ONE Championship.

The Thai striker typically stings enemies with his hard-hitting fists and kicks before punishing them with his most dangerous weapon, his elbows, to score a victory. His heavy joints have sent a long list of superstars to sleep in his career, and he hopes it will take him to another memorable win against Vladimir Kuzmin at “ONE 159: De Ridder vs. Bigdash” on Friday. 

From the very first day of training, Muangthai’s father emphasized bringing two things into his fights: aggression and a relentless pace.

“The training at my dad’s gym was really intense. He’s really tight on what needs to be done, and pushes you,” the Buriram native shared. “My dad teaches us to fight really hard – to be willing to exchange, push forward, and be aggressive. This is his style, and this is why I always fought hard and had heart.”

His father, a muay Thai fighter himself, built a reputation as one of the most aggressive competitors in the country, and he wanted to ensure his son was cut from the same cloth.

The family patriarch never went easy on Muangthai, and though “Elbow Zombie” admits it did break him at times, he is thankful that he never chose the easy way out.

“He always said to remember that we are well-conditioned, and not to be scared of anything, and to just go for it,” the 28-year-old added. “He told us that if you want to be a fighter, you need to give it 100 percent. He doesn’t like fighters that fight to defend or don’t leave it all in the ring.

“My dad is known for being very fierce. All his fighters are extremely tough and durable. My style is muay bu (aggressor) – it always makes for exciting matchups. I think the fans will like that and that my style appeals to an international audience.”

Muangthai’s ability to push the pace allowed him to take out a wide range of fighters throughout Buriram, and when his father decided it was time for him to take on bigger names in the nation’s world-renowned stadiums, his weapons reached a whole new level. 

His impeccable conditioning and unbreakable spirit also shined through and took him to three world titles in the “art of eight limbs,” including a Lumpinee Stadium muay Thai world championship.

It also made him a fan favorite among the country’s hardcore fans, and his trademark offensive style and knockouts earned him the nickname “Elbow Zombie.”

“I think Sia Ket (his manager) gave me the nickname,” Muangthai said. “Before, it was ‘The Boy Who Yields To No One.’ I’ve had a few nicknames in my career, but this one has stuck the longest.” 

Those attributes are the product of endless hours of training with his father and brother. And through the years, other parts of his game, like his clinch work and speed, have made him seemingly unstoppable.

He has yet to score a knockout in the ONE Championship circle, but Muangthai feels it is only a matter of time until he shows the watching world why he is known as “Elbow Zombie.” 

The Thai star is hungry to push up through the rankings in and improve his astonishing record, which currently sits at 200-43-4

Ultimately, he is seeking a shot at the divisional gold, and his journey continues against Kuzmin at ONE 159 on July 22.