Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the exhilarating world of kickboxing, where fierce fighters from around the globe showcase their mastery of striking techniques and electrify audiences with their lightning-fast moves. Today, we present to you our comprehensive round-up of the ten best kickboxers in the world. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the intricacies of their fighting styles, recount their remarkable achievements, and shed light on their journeys to the top of the kickboxing pyramid. The best kickboxers in the world showcase unparalleled skill, technique, and dedication to their craft.
Kickboxing, a combat sport that combines elements of various martial arts disciplines, has captivated audiences worldwide with its explosive action and technical brilliance. The sport demands a unique blend of agility, strength, speed, and mental fortitude. In the ever-evolving landscape of kickboxing, determining the best pound-for-pound fighters is no easy feat. These elite athletes have earned their reputation as the best kickboxers through years of hard work and countless victories. However, our esteemed panel of experts has taken up the challenge to bring you this ranking, providing an invaluable glimpse into the current elite of the ring.
Top 10 Best KickBoxers
Now, let’s embark on this thrilling journey through the realm of kickboxing as we unveil the top ten kickboxers in the world.
Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan
Hailing from Italy, Giorgio Petrosyan has cemented his status as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. With an awe-inspiring record of 105 wins and a mere 3 losses, Petrosyan’s remarkable career spans over 19 years. Notable victories over esteemed opponents such as Andy Souwer and Mike Zambidis have solidified his reputation as a precise and elusive fighter. Nicknamed “The Doctor,” Petrosyan’s exceptional mastery of distance, timing, and defense has made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
Wei “Demon Blade” Rui: China’s own
Wei Rui is a rising star in the kickboxing world, currently holding the ninth spot in our rankings. With an impressive win streak of 18 fights, Rui has demonstrated his versatility across multiple weight classes and promotions in Asia. His victories in the Wu Lin Feng Championship and the K-1 Lightweight division highlight his dynamic kicking abilities and powerful boxing combinations. While his recent competition may lack marquee names, Rui’s potential for future greatness cannot be overlooked. The best kickboxers like him possess lightning-fast strikes, impeccable footwork, and the ability to adapt to any opponent’s style.
Kazuki Osaki: Japan’s Kazuki
Osaki makes his mark at number eight in our rankings, showcasing his remarkable rise in the kickboxing scene. Transitioning from a successful Muay Thai career, Osaki has quickly ascended the ranks since his foray into kickboxing. With a record of 36 wins and 5 losses, Osaki’s boxing prowess and swift combinations have earned him accolades and a title in the RISE Super Flyweight division. His relentless work ethic and solid fundamentals position him as a promising force in the sport. With their extraordinary athleticism and precision, the best kickboxers like him deliver devastating blows that leave their opponents in awe.
Marat Grigorian: Hailing from Armenia
Marat Grigorian has established himself as one of the most thrilling kickboxers in the world. With an impressive record of 65 wins and 12 losses, Grigorian’s aggressive style and powerful striking have captivated fans worldwide. Holding the GLORY Lightweight title, he has successfully defended his championship against formidable opponents. Grigorian’s never-back-down attitude and resilience make him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. The best kickboxers excel in multiple aspects of the sport, combining powerful punches, kicks, knees, and elbows with exceptional defensive skills.
Rico “The King of Kickboxing” Verhoeven
Representing the Netherlands, Rico Verhoeven is the epitome of dominance in the heavyweight division. Reigning as the GLORY Heavyweight Champion since 2014, Verhoeven boasts an incredible record of 59 wins and 10 losses. With his imposing stature and technical finesse, he has defeated renowned opponents such as Badr Hari and Jamal Ben Saddik. Verhoeven’s calculated approach and unwavering determination make him a true king of the heavyweight division.
Sitthichai “The Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong
Hailing from Thailand, Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong has earned his place among the elite kickboxers of the world. With an impressive record of 127 wins and 33 losses, Sitthichai has showcased his skills in various promotions and weight divisions. Formerly holding the GLORY Lightweight title, he has faced top-tier competition, including his trilogy with Superbon and a victory over the legendary Giorgio Petrosyan. Sitthichai’s technical prowess and relentless determination make him a formidable force in the ring.
Petchpanomrung “The Professor” Kiatmookao
Thailand’s Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao has established himself as a dominant force in the featherweight division. Holding both the GLORY Featherweight title and RISE Super Lightweight World Championship, Petchpanomrung showcases his technical brilliance through effective clinch work and devastating kicks. With a record of 167 wins and 38 losses, he has neutralized opponents with his exceptional defense and explosive knockouts, solidifying his position as one of the best in the world. Spectators around the globe eagerly await the matchups between the best kickboxers, as they promise thrilling displays of skill, heart, and determination.
Artem Vakhitov: Representing Russia
Artem Vakhitov has left an indelible mark on the light heavyweight division. Formerly holding the GLORY Light Heavyweight title, Vakhitov’s technical finesse and defensive prowess have propelled him to success. Despite recent contractual complications, Vakhitov’s strategic approach and impeccable fight IQ make him a formidable opponent for any challenger. The best kickboxers not only entertain fans with their electrifying performances but also serve as role models, showcasing the power of dedication and perseverance in achieving greatness.
Chingiz “Chinga” Allazov: Belarusian fighter
Chingiz Allazov has emerged as one of the most promising talents in kickboxing. His recent exploits in ONE Championship’s Featherweight division, including a victory over Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong in the ONE Championship Featherweight Grand Prix Final, have catapulted him to prominence. With an impressive record of 59 wins and 5 losses, Allazov’s aggressive style, combined with technical proficiency, has made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. The best kickboxers constantly strive for improvement, honing their techniques and studying their opponents to stay at the top of their game.
Superbon Singha Mawynn
Sitting atop our rankings is none other than Thailand’s Superbon, the current champion of ONE Championship’s Featherweight division. With a record of 113 wins and 34 losses, Superbon’s recent victories over top-ranked opponents have solidified his position as the best kickboxer in the world. Known for his defensive prowess and slick outfighting style, Superbon has overcome formidable adversaries, including Giorgio Petrosyan and Marat Grigorian, demonstrating his technical brilliance and unyielding determination. These remarkable athletes embody the true spirit of kickboxing, pushing their limits and inspiring others with their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Interesting Statistics on KickBoxing
Here are some interesting statistics that shed light on the world of kickboxing:
- Origin and Popularity: Kickboxing originated in Japan in the 1960s as a fusion of karate and boxing techniques. Since then, it has gained widespread popularity across the globe as a thrilling combat sport producing the best kickboxers.
- Weight Classes: Kickboxing competitions are typically organized into various weight classes to ensure fair matchups. Common weight classes include heavyweight (+95 kg), light heavyweight (81-95 kg), middleweight (71-81 kg), welterweight (66-71 kg), lightweight (61-66 kg), and featherweight (57-61 kg).
- Prominent Organizations: Some of the most notable kickboxing organizations include GLORY Kickboxing, ONE Championship, K-1, Wu Lin Feng, RISE, and Kunlun Fight. These organizations host high-profile events featuring the best kickboxers from around the world.
- Kickboxing Styles: Kickboxing encompasses various styles and disciplines, including Dutch kickboxing, Muay Thai, K-1 rules, and full-contact karate. Each style has its own unique techniques, strategies, and rulesets.
- Knockouts and Striking Power: Kickboxing is renowned for its spectacular knockouts and display of striking power. Fighters often utilize a combination of punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to deliver devastating blows and finish their opponents.
- Records and Longevity: Kickboxers can accumulate impressive win-loss records throughout their careers. It is not uncommon for top kickboxers to amass over 100 wins, showcasing their longevity, skill, and resilience in the sport.
- International Talent: Kickboxing has seen the rise of exceptional talents from various countries, including Thailand, the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, and Belarus. Each region has its own rich kickboxing heritage and has produced world-class fighters who have made significant contributions to the sport.
- Fight Formats: Kickboxing bouts are typically conducted in a ring, with fights often consisting of three to five rounds, each lasting two to three minutes. Some organizations feature tournaments where fighters compete against multiple opponents in a single night.
- Pound-for-Pound Rankings: Pound-for-pound rankings aim to determine the best overall fighters regardless of weight class. These rankings consider factors such as skill, accomplishments, and dominance. However, they remain subjective and open to interpretation.
- Cross-Promotional Events: Occasionally, cross-promotional events bring together kickboxers from different organizations to showcase the best talents in the sport. These events provide fans with unique matchups and the opportunity to witness clashes between fighters from different styles and backgrounds.
Conclusion
The realm of kickboxing boasts a roster of extraordinary talent, each fighter bringing their unique skills, style, and determination to the ring. The top ten kickboxers we have unveiled today embody the epitome of greatness in this electrifying combat sport. From Italy to Thailand, Russia to the Netherlands, these remarkable athletes have left an indelible mark on the kickboxing world with their exceptional performances and unwavering dedication. As they continue to push the boundaries of their craft, we eagerly anticipate the incredible spectacles that lie ahead in the dynamic world of kickboxing.
Whether they compete in heavyweight, middleweight, or featherweight divisions, the best kickboxers consistently dominate their weight classes with their exceptional talent. Who is your best kickboxer? Is he on my list of best kickboxers? Do let me know in the comments section below.