A Deep Look At Seksan Or Kwanmuang’s Perfect 2023
Seksan “The Man Who Yields To No One” Or Kwanmuang has done more than enough to establish himself as one of the most entertaining Muay Thai fighters to ever compete in ONE Championship.
The decorated Thai veteran will soon return to action against another fan favorite, as he’s set to face British superstar Liam “Hitman” Harrison in a 140-pound catchweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, September 6.
Seksan, a four-time Muay Thai World Champion, earned this opportunity against one of the planet’s most beloved fighters on the strength of his epic and undefeated year of competition in 2023.
Before these two warriors go head-to-head at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, let’s take a look back at the Thai’s magical run last year.
Seksan’s Dazzling Debut Against Tyson Harrison
Seksan made his promotional debut at the first-ever installment of ONE Friday Fights in January 2023 and delivered an unforgettable all-action performance that set the tone for the rest of his year.
That night, he battled towering Australian standout Tyson “John Wayne Noi” Harrison for three heart-racing rounds. The pair engaged in a non-stop brawl from start to finish. Each man threw the kitchen sink at the other, much to the delight of the raucous Bangkok crowd.
Ultimately, the Thai emerged victorious with a unanimous decision and gained legions of fans in the process.
Seksan’s Dominant Performance Against Silviu Vitez
Next, at ONE Friday Fights 9 in March, Seksan made his return against Romanian scrapper Silviu “Hitman” Vitez.
That night, “The Man Who Yields To No One” displayed his trademark forward aggression, unleashed explosive kicks, and fired off vicious spinning elbows en route to a clear-cut decision win that only furthered his reputation as the most electrifying athlete in the Muay Thai industry.
Seksan Slices Through Sean Clancy
A month later, at ONE Friday Fights 14, Seksan faced a serious test in the form of WBC Muay Thai World Champion Sean “Clubber” Clancy.
Despite his foe’s accolades, big power, and fearless approach, the Thai authored one of the finest performances of his career. After damaging the Irishman early with a slicing elbow, Seksan poured on the aggression and applied a savage beating before the ringside physician called an end to the contest late in the second frame.
Seksan’s Barnburner With Nathan Bendon
Next up on Seksan’s hit list was British brawler Nathan Bendon at ONE Friday Fights 22 in June 2023 – and fans were treated to an epic war.
Happy to move forward into his opponent’s punching range, “The Man Who Yields To No One” ate a number of brutal body shots throughout the first round only to roar back in the second and third frames with a vintage, all-action attack that secured him the decision victory.
That night, Seksan truly lived up to his nickname, and the Thai proved he could take a beating and continue moving forward.
Seksan Wins A Six-Figure Contract Against Isaac Araya
At ONE Friday Fights 29 in August, the Thai fan favorite was given his first main event opportunity, and he delivered in a big way. Squaring off against Isaac “The Danger” Araya, Seksan looked to be in the finest shape of his promotional tenure.
While the Spaniard showed plenty of heart and technical ability, “The Man Who Yields To No One” was an absolute destroyer. Seksan sent his opponent to the canvas multiple times early in the contest, and then he closed the show in the second round with a ruthless right hand.
With the win – his fifth straight in the world’s largest martial arts organization – he earned a coveted six-figure contract and a spot on ONE’s global roster, erasing any doubt that he belongs among the best strikers on the planet.
Seksan Overwhelms Amir Naseri
Never one to rest on his laurels, Seksan returned just a month later at ONE Friday Fights 34 where he went toe-to-toe with Iranian-Malaysian sensation Amir Naseri.
As always, the Thai refused to take a backward step. Instead, he brutalized Naseri with a bevy of merciless elbow strikes that left his foe battered and hurt, ultimately walking away with an overwhelming decision win.
Seksan Shines In U.S. Primetime Debut Against Karim Bennoui
In November, “The Man Who Yields To No One” made his long-awaited U.S. primetime debut at ONE Fight Night 16 when he squared off against ISKA Kickboxing World Champion Karim “The Surgeon” Bennoui.
While the Algerian knockout artist proved to be a tough customer, Seksan was able to drown him with suffocating, unending pressure and a mixture of thudding body kicks, elbow strikes, and grueling clinch work. Yet again, it was the Thai’s wild aggression that carried him to his seventh consecutive victory.
Seksan’s Back-And-Forth War With River Daz
Finally, at ONE Friday Fights 46 in December, Seksan closed out his epic 2023 with an instant classic against decorated Filipino-Australian dynamo River Daz.
Surprisingly, the Thai found himself on the defensive and receiving end of a number of big strikes through the contest’s opening minutes. Despite eating Daz’s best shots, “The Man Who Yields To No One” turned in a vintage blood-and-guts performance, digging deep and putting in solid work from the clinch to earn a hard-fought split-decision win.
That victory marked the 201st career win for Seksan and further cemented him as one of the most entertaining strikers on the planet.
