Ready to start training and learn combat skills that boost your confidence and discipline? You may have researched the best fighting styles and three main options came up: Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and boxing.
Which fighting technique is the most effective? Or are they the same? Not really. While all fighting styles are effective and deadly once mastered, each is unique and different from the others.
Read along as we discuss how Muay Thai differs from MMA and boxing. We will look at the origins, fighting techniques, and training intensity of each style. Let’s get the heart pounding!
Differences Between Muay Thai, MMA, and Boxing
Whether you’re training for personal or professional goals, it’s important to understand the difference between various fighting styles.
Origins and History
Let’s begin with Muay Thai, which has its origins in ancient Thailand. Originally called Muay Boran, this technique involved warriors using various parts of their bodies, like fists and knees, as weapons. Over time, Muay Thai transitioned from a battle technique into one of Thailand’s main national sports.
Besides Thailand, Muay Thai has grown popular globally, including in Canada. Now, you can stream the events online and even bet on fights via your preferred gambling platforms and even online casinos that use Gigadat.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) dates back to ancient Greece, where it combined boxing and wrestling. However, modern MMA began around 1990, involving fighters from different disciplines. To boost competitiveness, athletes began training in various martial arts techniques, such as karate and jiu-jitsu, which gave rise to modern MMA.
Lastly, boxing doesn’t have a specific origin. It’s known to have been practiced in Sumeria, Egypt, ancient Rome, and ancient Greece. In 688 BC, boxing was introduced as a sport called pugilism in the Olympics, where fighters fought with their fists.
Fighting Style and Techniques
The main difference between these three arts is their fighting style. Muay Thai is actually called the art of eight limbs since fighters can use elbows, fists, knees, and shins to strike. The technique primarily focuses on powerful and precise strikes while standing rather than submissions and ground fighting.
On the other hand, MMA encompasses multiple techniques from various martial arts. Fighters can use strikes (like in boxing or Muay Thai), grappling (like in Brazilian jiu-jitsu or judo), and even submissions or ground fighting. Unlike strike-focused Muay Thai, MMA is a multi-faceted martial art.
Boxing is unique since it primarily focuses on just one weapon: punches. The main technique involves striking with powerful punches while defending or avoiding your opponent’s strikes. Practitioners may also use clinching to restrict the opponent or defensively for recovery.
Training Intensity
Practitioners seeking to gain expertise in Muay Thai must train to enhance their endurance, flexibility, and strength. Muay Thai training includes running for long distances, kicking bags, clinch training, resistance building, and bodyweight exercises.
Boxing emphasizes agility, upper-body strength, and cardiovascular conditioning. Practitioners undergo high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to enhance their endurance throughout the explosive rounds of boxing. Common drills include jump rope, hitting bags, mitt drills, and sparring.
Since MMA practitioners must acquire skills in various martial arts, their training encompasses a range of drills and techniques. As an MMA fighter, you’ll train in proper striking, ground control, and grappling.
Competition Rules and Regulations
Whether it’s MMA, boxing, or Muay Thai, there are rules and regulations to ensure fair play while promoting safety. In MMA events, fights take place in an octagon-shaped cage, where the fighters wear flexible gloves designed for protection while allowing them to strike and grapple.
Fighters are allowed to use submission techniques, ground fighting, and wrestling. Competitors must be within the same weight classification, such as welterweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight.
On the other hand, Muay Thai fights take place in a boxing ring with fighters wearing large gloves for protection and heavy striking. Though clinching is allowed, it’s primarily used to enable elbow and knee strikes. Its primary focus is on stand-up fighting since ground fighting isn’t part of the strategy.
When it comes to boxing, the fights take place in a ring. Fighters wear gloves and can earn up to 10 points per round. Unlike MMA or Muay Thai, boxing competitions only allow punching and don’t use elbows or knees.
Which Fighting Style Is the Best for You?
The truth is, mastering any form of martial arts puts you in a better position to defend yourself and have a strong body. Therefore, your choice will primarily depend on your personal preferences and fitness goals. The guideline below will help you decide whether to train in Muay Thai, boxing, or MMA.
Personal Preferences
If you prefer a complex and diverse fighting art, MMA and Muay Thai might be better options, since they encompass various techniques. However, if you want to focus on building a single major skill set, consider training in boxing, which primarily focuses on punches.
It’s also worth noting that MMA takes more time to master since it requires training in multiple disciplines. If you’re patient enough, MMA is a good option.
Desired Skills
Do you want to gain precise hand striking skills and impressive footwork? Go for boxing. If you want multiple skills in striking, grappling, wrestling, and so on, MMA offers you the chance to learn different techniques. And if you want to master using all eight limbs, train in Muay Thai.
Fitness Goals
If you are seeking precision, endurance, and upper-body strength, boxing is a better option. However, if you’re looking for a full-body workout that improves your flexibility, give MMA or Muay Thai a try.
Final Words
There you have it: the major differences between Muay Thai, boxing, and MMA. All these arts are great options for mental, physical, and personal development. Choose the one that suits you best and start training today!