MMA H.E.A.T.’s Wade Eck went to Kings MMA for their 5th anniversary celebration, where legendary MMA fighter Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva was promoted to Muay Thai Master by his former coach Master Rafael Cordeiro.
In this clip Master Cordeiro explains why Wanderlei is his “favorite fighter ever” and what fighters today could learn from him. In addition, Cordeiro talks about some of the other fighters present, including: UFC Heavyweight Champ Fabricio Werdum, UFC Lightweight Champ Rafael dos Anjos, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champ Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida, former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champ Renato “Babalu” Sobral and UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush.
You may be wondering what a Master status is in Muay Thai?
Well that simply doesn’t exist in Muay Thai.
In Thailand, where Muay Thai originates and is king, the system is similar to Wrestling, whee there is basically no belt system. Muay Thai fighters, just train, and fight (compete).
The ‘belt’ is proved by how many matches a fighter has or how many medals and trophies.
In Brazil, Muay Thai schools use a belt system similar to BJJ. Here is the Muay Thai belt system used at the famous Chute Boxe academy:
