British Muay Thai Scene: The New Generation

This article highlights the exciting upcoming fighters from the UK, covering the background of British Muay Thai as well as the future of the sport. 

(Image credits to Asian MMA(left) and @Muay Thai Authority on Facebook (right)

The Background

For years, British fighters have graced the ring of the Lumpinee Stadium, Rajadamnern Stadium and WBC. But now a new wave of fierce and ambitious fighters are striving for glory as the sport grows more popular worldwide. 

Over the years, many British Muay Thai fighters have won the hearts of fans globally, notably fighters such as Liam Haggerty and Iman Barlow.

Harrison, renowned for being an eight-time Muay Thai World Champion and a fan favourite in ONE Championship during his competitive years, announced his retirement from the world of international and competitive fighting in December 2025. From starting training at the age of 13 at the famous Bad Company Gym in Leeds to making his professional debut at the age of 15, Harrison's career has been nothing but phenomenal, with an initial 29-fight undefeated streak. Now, aged 40, Harrison still continues his journey at Bad Company as co-owner and a coach; he continues to pass on his legacy by helping develop new talent at the gym, and as of recently, the gym has once again raised up a promising young talent.

A Promising Future Ahead

Many fighters take to the fight scene in the UK, but some grasp fans' attention more than others.

Fergus Smith, aged 19, made his ONE Championship debut at ‘ONE Friday Fights 129’ on October 17, 2025. Smith, a multiple gold medal fighter for WBC England, achieved a first-round KO victory against the Yemeni fighter Zahran Al-Wesabi in just 81 seconds. Smith is a determined young fighter, having grown up within the Bad Company Gym in Leeds, run by his parents Richard and Lisa Smith, as well as having Liam Harrison around at the gym during his childhood. 

Smith is only one example of fresh British talent in the world of Muay Thai. As the Muay Thai Scene grows domestically inside the UK, many more young fighters are taking to the ring. One day, it could be you - could you be part of the new generation? 

Article written by Isabel Watson