Muay Thai and MMA are two of the most popular and effective fighting styles on planet Earth. Millions of disciples have been able to transform their fighting journey and become exceptionally competent fighters using them. In fact, the more people were able to do that, the more popular they got in return.
If we were to meet a Muay Thai fighter (Nuk Muay) with an MMA fighter, who would win?
The MMA fighter has an advantage over the Muay Thai fighter (Nuk Muay) if the fight were to play under cage fight rules. That means that all grappling methods are allowed. However, under the rules of Muay Thai, the Nuk Muay would have the advantage, as it’s his playing field.
It’s difficult to say which fighting would win in a scenario where we don’t know the playing field. What we can know, however, is that the MMA fighter has an advantage over the Nuk Muay because he knows to grapple, which includes takedowns, throws, sweeps, and submissions.
Anyway, to understand which martial art you should learn, you must understand the differences and similarities between them. So I want you to dive into this journey with me, where we’ll compare which one is better for which purpose.
Let’s get straight into the first part, their differences.
Table of Contents
- Muay Thai vs. MMA – Differences
- Muay Thai vs. MMA – Similarities
- Should I Learn Muay Thai or MMA?
- Is Muay Thai a Good Base for MMA?
- Which Is Better for Self-Defense, MMA or Muay Thai?
- Testimonials
- Final Words
Muay Thai vs. MMA – Differences
MMA and Muay Thai are distinct fighting styles. We’ll later review how they’re similar. But for now, let’s stick with their differences. This is perhaps the most important part of the article if you’re trying to decide which one you want to learn.
In fact, you’ll know which one you want to learn when you’re done reading this part. Without further introduction, let’s dive into the first one.
Difference #1 – Origin and History
The first difference we’ll review is the origin of the fighting styles. My personal belief is that this is one of the most important aspects of any martial art. The reasoning for this claim is that wherever any martial art originates from heavily influences how it looks and acts.
For example, if we take Karate as an example; Karate originates in Japan, as you might know already. Because it originates in Japan, it looks the way it looks today. The area the martial art is from heavily influences what it looks like today.
Therefore, it’s important we examine our fighting styles’ origin.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai originates in Thailand, where it is now their national sport. Today, many Thai people are practitioners of Thai Boxing, which is also why many people visit Thailand to learn under the best instructors in the world.
Indeed, it’s the most popular fighting style there.
The history of this wonderful martial art is mesmerizing.
In simpler words, around the 13th century, Thailand had an army and they needed to teach them some type of fighting way so they can defend their kingdom. This is how Muay Thai rose to the top, which wasn’t easy. It took many years before it even became as effective as it is today. Ultimately, however, it helped the people of Thailand defend their kingdom.
MMA
The history of MMA is one of the most interesting ones I have stumbled upon. It can be traced back to the ancient Olympic Games, in 648 BCE. It was called Pankration, which was essentially a mix of Boxing and Wrestling. It was one of the deadliest combative sports in the entire world, which still holds true in today’s world.
I don’t want to dive into too much detail about the history of MMA. I want us to dive into the next difference, which is the most important one!
Difference #2 – Fighting Techniques
Let’s now talk about the second difference. This is definitely the most important section, so I recommend paying the most attention here.
We’ll now discuss some of the actual techniques you’ll learn to use to inflict damage on your opponent. This is critical to understand if you want to choose the most suitable martial art for you.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is also known as the art of eight limbs. I find it fascinating that people call it that because it showcases just how much you’ll learn in it. You’ll learn to use your fists (punches), shins (kicks), elbow strikes (elbows), and knee strikes (knees). These are all extremely effective techniques.
Here are the basic punches you’ll learn:
- jab
- cross
- hook
- uppercut
- overhand punch
And for some kicks:
- low kick
- teep
- roundhouse kick
- diagonal kick
- body kick
- switch kick
- head kick
Let’s review some knee strikes it teaches:
- diagonal knee
- spear knee
- straight knee
- jumping knee
And lastly, let’s examine some elbow strikes:
- downward elbow
- straight elbow
- cutting elbow
- poking elbow
- jumping elbow
- spinning elbow
Finally, you’re going to become a defensive master by learning the following techniques:
- parry
- block
- check
- kick catch
- bob and weave (not as common)
- many more
And, as you might know, you’ll also learn to clinch and throw your opponent to the ground. This is, most concisely and simply possible, what you’ll learn in Muay Thai.
MMA
And now, for MMA. This is very hard to answer precisely because there is no precise answer to this. What you’ll learn in your MMA class will differ from one school to another.
What I can give you, however, is a basic premise of what you’ll learn.
First, you’ll begin by learning the basics of the basics, which include punches, such as:
- jab
- cross
- hook
- uppercut
- overhand punch
- spinning back fist
it also includes kicks:
- teep
- low kick
- roundhouse kick
- question mark kick
- axe kick
- many more
And then, you’ll learn either ground grappling, which includes:
- takedowns
- throws
- sweeps
You’ll also learn about submissions:
Then, you’ll learn about dominant positions, such as:
All in all, you’ll learn everything from striking to grappling. So if that interests you more than just striking, it can be wiser to choose MMA as the combative sport you’ll learn.
Difference #3 – Strategies
Let’s now review the different strategies each martial art has developed. I’ve purposefully ordered the differences the way they are, and that’s because every metric is a by-product of a difference. Let me explain.
Because the fighting techniques in Muay Thai are different than in MMA, the strategies will be different as well. I think it makes sense. So the second difference is fighting techniques and the third is strategies.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai’s strategy involves both long and close-range combats. Because you can use all your “eight limbs”, which are fists, shins, knees, and elbows, you’ll be able to play around with the distance and surprise the opponent.
Here’s my favorite strategy. I absolutely love mixing long and close-range attacks. For instance, I’ll start the fight by going for low kicks and head kicks (long-range), and mix up my game once I see the opponent catches up. I’ll start playing close range by setting up the clinch and attacking with knees and elbows. Then, I’ll go back to long-range attacks.
MMA
Because MMA is the most versatile fighting style worldwide, you can use a variety of strategies. These strategies range from close-range wrestling and submissions to long-range kicks and punches.
Honestly, the best fighters know to use both and are capable of using their long-range attacks to set up their close-range strategies. This is why they’re extremely unpredictable and can (1) submit and (2) knock out the opponent.
When you watch UFC, which is the main MMA platform worldwide, you’ll notice that the best fighters can grapple, and not just strike. So if a Muay Thai fighter were to fight in the UFC without knowing to grapple, he would get absolutely dominated by wrestlers and BJJ disciples.
So the best MMA strategies involve both grappling and striking.
Difference #4 – Equipment
The equipment these martial arts use is very different. When you think about it, the equipment you wear has to serve the rules and what you can use when fighting. Therefore, distinct equipment will come with different fighting techniques.
Let’s begin with Thai Boxing.
Muay Thai
In training, here’s the equipment you’ll need to have on you:
- Shin Guards
- Mouthguard
- Hand Wraps
- Muay Thai Gloves
When fighting in most professional competitions, you’ll wear the following:
- Muay Thai Shorts
- Mouthguard
- Hand Wraps
- Muay Thai Gloves/Ropes
Read more about the required equipment to bring with you to your first Muay Thai class by following this link!
MMA
Here’s what you’ll wear in MMA training:
- Fingerless Gloves
- Mouthguard
- Headguard (optional)
- Shin Guards (optional)
Here’s what you’ll wear in professional MMA competitions:
- Fingerless Gloves
- Mouthguard
See which mouthguards are the best in the market by following this link.
Difference #5 – Rules
The fifth and last difference we’ll examine is the rules of each fighting style. The rules are a direct by-product of the mindset and the fighting techniques the martial arts had adopted. Therefore, it’s important you understand the rules of their competitions before you begin learning them.
Muay Thai
Here are the rules of Muay Thai:
- The object is to win the bout by either (A) knockout or (B) points
- The maximum size of a ring will be 24ft by 24ft
- Ropes will surround the ring
- The fighters can either wear rope gloves or Muay Thai gloves, depending on the tournament
- You’re allowed to punch, kick, elbow, and knee
- You’re allowed to throw and sweep your opponent
- The objective is to hit the opponent while avoiding getting hit
- If you knock out your opponent, he has 10 seconds to recover
- You win the fight if your opponent can’t continue to fight due to knockout
- Judges decide the winner by who was the superior fighter in the fight (if no knockout)
- Each round is three minutes in length
- There are either three or five rounds in a bout
- You’re allowed to clinch
MMA
The rules of MMA are in the following list:
- The objective of the bout is to win by points, knockout, or submission
- The fight will be in a cage
- Once the referee tells you to go, you begin fighting
- Fighters fight within a weight class
- Attacking the groin isn’t allowed
- You can punch, knee, elbow, knee
- Grappling is allowed (hence wrestling and ground grappling)
- Each fight is 3/5 rounds, every round being five minutes in length
- Kneeing to the head when the opponent is on the floor is not allowed
Muay Thai vs. MMA – Similarities
What we’ll do now is review the similar traits between Muay Thai and MMA. I believe this is one of the most important things to understand because, and let me be clear here, they’re more similar than most people think.
Even trainees of the fighting styles sometimes don’t acknowledge how similar they are. And this is a lesson you learn after years of fighting. I’m giving you this lesson here right now, so I hope I will be able to describe it well.
Alright. Why is knowing this even important? Because I see many folks thinking about which one to learn instead of taking action. It’s much better to train in a fighting style you end up disliking for a month and switch to another one than to think for that whole month. Action truly is important here, so if you haven’t begun your training already, I’m sure this article is precisely what you needed.
Similarity #1 – Benefits
The first similar trait is the benefits you’ll receive. Martial arts are one of the best self-development and improvement platforms. They allow you to work on yourself much more than the average person ever would dream of. You’ll get countless benefits, such as:
- Better physical shape
- Losing body fat
- Increased confidence
- Lower stress
- Higher self-esteem
- Reduced anger levels
- Gaining self-respect
- Increased well-being
- Living a more fulfilling life
- Faster reaction time
I’m sure that if you could experience just one of the benefits, then your life would change forever. If you were to have lower stress levels, for instance, you would be an entirely different person, who is calm and more collected.
So imagine what it would be like to have all these benefits. Oh, by the way, I haven’t even mentioned learning to fight, which is one of the most prominent benefits on this list.
There are many scientific studies that prove this section to be accurate, such as this one:
The results suggested that the MMA trained individuals performed comparatively better in the entire test and also had a better reaction time as compared to the untrained individuals.
SOURCE
Learn more about the benefits of martial arts by following this link!
Similarity #2 – Effectiveness
The second similar trait is their effectiveness. Muay Thai and MMA are, in my opinion (which is frankly controversial) the most effective martial arts in the globe. As a result, learning either one will teach you how to fight fiercely.
You’ll also learn a lot of the same techniques, such as kicks and punches. Elbows and knees are also taught in MMA, so you’re going to learn basically the same striking, with a different approach, of course.
But still, when we examine the overall effectiveness of these martial arts, I’m sure we’re going to get very close results. And even if one of them is much more effective than the other, they’re on the top of the list compared to other, not as effective, martial arts.
Similarity #3 – Mindset
The last similar trait is their mindset. What do I mean by mindset? Well, in both Muay Thai and MMA, you’ll learn to be diligent, effective, humble, and eager to learn. This is what I mean when I say mindset.
You’ll learn that no matter how much you know, the option of losing always exists. You’ll also make a new friend, pain. Pain is an integral part of these martial arts, which you want to familiarize yourself with if you want to become a good fighter.
You are going to feel pain and it’s going to hurt in most of your spars. However, the number of benefits you’ll receive from getting hit as often is invaluable. You’ll become someone who isn’t afraid of things that have no relationship with fighting.
The mindset you’ll adopt in both Muay Thai and MMA is one that you can only earn. You can’t fake this mindset, because when the truth comes to the test and you have to prove yourself, you will only be able to show up if you’ve truly earned your mindset and ego.
I’m actually a big fan of having a large ego. However, you must earn this ego, as it, luckily for the world, can’t be faked.
Who Will Win in a Fight, Muay Thai or MMA?
An MMA fighter is more likely to win against a Muay Thai fighter because he knows to grapple. Any fight can end up being on the ground, and if it occurs under MMA rules, it will not reset. Then, the MMA fighter will be able to utilize his skills to submit the Muay Thai fighter by using ground grappling.
Should I Learn Muay Thai or MMA?
Whether you should learn Muay Thai or MMA is an extremely hard choice. Before I give my answer, I want you to be optimistic when going through this decision. You’ll gain endless results in both and you’ll become a great fighter in both. Therefore, whether you choose A or B won’t influence whether you become a good fighter, it’ll just influence what you’ll learn.
You should learn Muay Thai if you’re interested in learning perhaps the most powerful striking-based martial art. On the other hand, MMA is for you if you want to learn a complete fighting system, which includes both striking and grappling. Both of these martial arts are effective and provide you with countless results.
Instead of debating which one you’ll pick up for days, I want you to make a decision right now. Which do you prefer learning? Your answer should be the one you start doing today. Not tomorrow, not in a month, and especially not when you feel like it, because you’ll never feel like it.
Is Muay Thai a Good Base for MMA?
Now that we understand what these martial arts look like and how they’re played out, I want to discuss a fairly important topic. This topic is having a good base for MMA. As you know, MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, is a fighting style that, under a specific set of rules, allows all martial artists to try out their fighting techniques to see who is the best fighter.
Therefore, you can learn a few martial arts and have them as your “primary” one, aka your base. Let’s now examine whether Thai Boxing is a good base for that purpose.
Muay Thai is a fantastic base for MMA because it’ll make you a feared striker, which is one of the most important skills for Mixed Martial Artists. What you’ll need to become an exceptional MMA fighter is to complete your Muay Thai base with a grappling-based martial art, such as BJJ, Wrestling, or Judo.
But the basic premise here is that you’re going to expand your base by learning grappling. This is very important to be an MMA fighter, especially in the UFC, because these elite fighters know to utilize everything.
If you end up on your back, you must know to utilize that inferior situation to your advantage, which you can only learn by learning ground grappling, primarily BJJ. I think that BJJ and Muay Thai can be an exceptionally potent and effective pair.
Which Is Better for Self-Defense, MMA or Muay Thai?
When discussing self-defense, there are a few, more important, factors we want to specifically review. These factors dictate which martial arts will be better for self-defense. So let’s examine the cases of Muay Thai and MMA.
MMA is more effective for self-defense than Muay Thai because it also teaches ground grappling, which is key in self-defense and street fights. When a fight goes to the ground, you want to control the situation by knowing to utilize various positions to your advantage, such as Full Mount and Side Control.
Muay Thai doesn’t teach any noticeable ground grappling, which is why it’s a good base for MMA. When combined with another grappling-based fighting style, such as BJJ or wrestling, it becomes a deadly and exceptionally effective combination.
That said, Thai Boxing is one of the most effective fighting styles for self-defense, as you’ll become an incredible striker!
Testimonials
What I want to do now is give real trainees the platform and let them speak for or against MMA and Muay Thai. We’ll review various trainees and see what they have to say about the martial arts they do.
I’ve asked some of my martial artist friends and went online to search for high-quality testimonials with the purpose of giving you the complete picture. Here’s what I found; enjoy.
MMA
Badass confidence, when you train mma, it is highly likely that you will spar. When you spar, you will learn how to handle violent confrontation. Most people who don’t know how to fight and they will lock up and blow their load up .That alone sets you apart from 95% of population. Moreover, this type of confidence can’t be faked, it can ONLY BE EARNED.
You will learn humility. You will understand that you are NOT anything special, you can get your *** handed to you by someone who has been training longer and harder than you.
Yes. it’s completely worth it and completely possible. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool.
Just go. Stop thinking, seeking advice and planning. Just go. Today. Use google, look up gyms in your area (want boxing, JJ, MT?). Drop in (90% of gyms will give your first day free). Prepare a bag with: Shorts, old t-shirt, underwear, a towel, 1L (or more) of water, and sneakers. On your first day, that is absolutely all of the equipment you’ll need at any grappling or striking gym in the world.
Muay Thai
As far as the training and the art of Muay Thai, I love it. The discipline, the comradery among the people you train with, earning their respect as you progress. It’s great exercise and since it’s a skill, it’s quite addicting to want to constantly get better.
I started Muay Thai at 22 with no background besides a year of bjj. I love it!!! Hopefully you will too. No need to over think it. If you have solid coaches they should give you drills to work footwork and movement.
Speaking from experience, I’m 38 started a year back. At start I was 110kg no muscle, hardly ran. A COVID infested year later, things are better, 89kg, can run, kick and punch. Still a lot of ground to cover, my 8 years old kid also joined in, he’s doing much better than I am.
There’s a dude at my gym who lost 70 pounds in three months (with Muay Thai), and now I’m pushing for him to compete.
Final Words
Indeed, both MMA and Muay Thai are incredibly effective. I studied both for more than a year and I can say with certainty that you’ll become an exceptional fighter by doing both of them.
The takeaway from this article should be to commence your fighting journey as soon as possible. If you do that, you’ll soon reap the endless benefit that these combative systems give you, such as better physical shape and higher self-esteem.
Really, there’s no reason for you not to begin your training. What are you waiting for?
Here are other articles you’ll benefit from reading:
Krav Maga vs. Muay Thai (Who Really Wins) – Showdown!
Muay Thai vs. Kung Fu – Who Wins? (Differences & Advantages)
Judo vs. Muay Thai – The Ultimate Showdown (Who Wins?)
Muay Thai vs. Bokator – The Ultimate Showdown
Muay Thai vs. Taekwondo – Which Is Better (Differences)
How to Learn Muay Thai at Home (9 Simple Steps)
