You guys already know how important and how popular Muay Thai is in Thailand and to the Thai people.
They expect and they will do everything in their power to ensure that Thai fighters are on top of the game, called Muay Thai.
Understanding that makes it such an impressive acomplishment for a non-Thai to receive the coveted “Muay Thai Fighter Of The Year” award and in 1992 that’s exactly what happened.
The recipient’s name is Ramon Dekkers, aka “The Diamond” or “Turbine From Hell” and I must say he is definitely one of my all-time favorites. His kicking and punching abilities are legendary. Absolutely amazing!
The Dutchman was a force to be reckoned with, thus being able to become a 8-time Muay Thai World Champion.
Officially his fighting career lasted for 20 years, namely from 1986 – 2006.
Ramon Dekkers fought some of the best Muay Thai fighters Thailand had to offer. What really makes him stand out even more, is the fact that he would accept any challenge at any time. Many times that meant even if his opponent was bigger and more experienced as well as while he himself was still injured from previous bouts.
This dedication and commitment certainly won him a lot of admiration in the Muay Thai community not only in Thailand.
Today I would to introduce to you a mixed martial artist who has been consistently climbing in the MMA rankings in an almost stealth-like manner.
Not too long he was referred to as “Europe’s Best-Kept Secret”. It’s time to reveal the secret.
Born in Iran to Armenian parents, Gegard Mousasi and his family moved to the Netherlands when he was only 4 years.
The university town of Leiden, also birthplace of the Dutch Constitution, has become home to this exceptional mixed martial artist.
The very talented Gegard Mousasi started with Judo as a kid and then by age 15 he immersed himself into Western boxing.
Astonishingly enough, it has been reported that after training for only about a year, he became Dutch amateur boxing champion.
The next stepping stone was kickboxing which has a long tradition in The Netherlands and that has brought out many amazing fighters. (I look forward to talking about them in the very near future.)
Equipped with profound skills in Judo, Western boxing and kickboxing as well as the desire to take on new challenges, Mousasi entered the arena of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
He currently fights on Team Jurojin and is also a member of Red Devil Sport Club.
His first official MMA fight on record was in April 2003, when he was still 17 years old! Mousasi was declared the winner after 3:40 minutes of the first round by TKO.
He had a 5-0-1 record until Mousasi had to swallow his first loss in February 2005, which led him to make numerous changes in his approach to MMA.
The only other loss he had to suffer was in August 2006.
It has been now over 3 years and a rather successful undertaking for Gegard Mousasi who has a stunning fight record of 27 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw (early on in his career).
He was good for a surprise by signing up for a K-1 fight in 2008 against Musashi which he quickly won in the first round through referee stoppage.
After competing as a Middleweight, Gegard Mousasi has moved up to Strikeforce’s Light Heavyweight division.
I admit that I am very impressed with his overall fighting skills, demeanor and professional approach to his career.
And at the relatively young age of only 24 and if he stays injury-free, there’s no telling how far and how long Gegard Mousasi can go.
