Photo via Fight Mag
Buakaw on Saenchai “Can Only Be One Legend!”
Buakaw Banchamek and Saenchai P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym clash under unique regulations in BKFC Thailand 5. This bout boasts the tagline ‘Special Rules Bare Knuckle Thai Fight: Legends of Siam’, on November 4th at Royal Cliff Hotel Group Pattaya.
Buakaw spoke to Dylan Bowker before this clash of Muay Thai icons who will be losing the gloves and ropes for a war. Excerpts from the chat are below.
You two have over six hundred stand-up bouts combined. Just how different will bare-knuckle Muay Thai be compared to gloved Muay Thai from what you can tell?
Buakaw: “It’s more intense as fighter will feel 100% since the first punch as don’t have gloved, both fighters will feel it that why it intense as they have to knock each other as fast as they can. Means the game run quick the pain is unpredictable. This BKFC is still new for Thai people but I think fans in Europe and United States are rather familiar with the match.”
Buakaw
You both have some of the deepest resumes in all of combat sports and have fought a real who’s who. Where does your BKFC Thailand 5 opponent rank compared to past opponents you’ve tested skills against?
Buakaw: “I’ve never faced anyone quite like my opponent. Saenchai is a true legend in the combat sport, and what makes it even more exciting is that we’re friends. However, in the end, there can only be one legend! There will be no holding back. It’s going to be a genuine fight with real pain.”
BKFC
Many see Buakaw as the one bringing the power and strength to this fight while Saenchai looks to have edges in speed and overall fight IQ. Is this how the BKFC Thailand 5 fight breaks down from what each of you can tell?
Buakaw & Saenchai: “Thank you for the interesting questions. Your questions demonstrate that you truly understand and appreciate the sport! We truly appreciate all the incredible support, as always. Both of us value it greatly. As you mentioned, if this were Muay Thai, fans might predict the outcome, but when it comes to Bare Knuckle Fighting, it’s difficult to predict. We both share the curiosity about who will emerge as the champion. Nevertheless, we are both confident that we will claim the championship.”
“Which is why we are entering this fight, to determine who truly deserves to be number one. Our dedication and training have led us to this moment, and we’re fully prepared to leave everything in the ring. It’s a competition that will showcase our skills, determination, and heart. The excitement is building, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Thank you again for your unwavering support, and we promise to give our best in the upcoming battle.”
Buakaw vs Saenchai
You each credited the company as a creative promotion that would be the only ones crazy enough to book a fight like this for BKFC Thailand 5. How does it feel being a part of a historic bout that could launch a new combat sport altogether?
Buakaw & Saenchai: “We are incredibly proud to be part of such a historic bout that could potentially launch a whole new era in combat sports. Being associated with BKFC’s creative promotion and their willingness to think outside the box is truly an honor. We believe in pushing boundaries and challenging norms, and this opportunity aligns perfectly with our values. It’s a thrilling journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.”
BKFC Thailand 5
You’ve actually had a BKFC bout albeit under bare-knuckle boxing rules while Saenchai has not. Even though this is a newer sport, how much of an edge here does your prior bare-knuckle experience give you?
“I don’t believe my past fight on BKFC gives me much of an advantage. Saenchai has been fighting Kard Chuek (Thai: คาดเชือก) rope-bound boxing for many years. He is very experienced is no gloved boxing. This is a chance for fans to witness something extraordinary, and I can’t wait to step into the ring and give it my all!”
BKFC Asia
It seemed like you broke your hand during that aforementioned BKFC debut. Is there anything you learned in that first bout in terms of shot selection or the power you put behind each shot to prevent another hand break as you return to bare-knuckle combat?
“I didn’t break my hand in the last match, it was just a bit bruised. I always throw very heavy punches and wasn’t expecting it to feel that way. In this fight I will still throw hard but I will be more accurate and place my shots to do damage better. This fight could go on a lot longer and I want to be ready for that.”
