Cyrus Washington World titles

Cyrus “Black Dynamite” Washington is a rare American with multiple recognized world titles listed across major organizations (including WKA/WMF/WKBF/PK-1), plus appearances competing in Thailand and beyond. He’s also known for fighting in Lethwei (Myanmar) in an era when very few foreigners were doing it successfully.

Ky Hollenbeck Modern standard

Ky Hollenbeck is one of the most accomplished American Muay Thai-style strikers to compete internationally in big promotions. He fought in GLORY (including wins over decorated opponents) and became known for a pressure style that translates across rulesets.

If your “best” definition values stepping into deep international talent pools—then winning—Hollenbeck’s résumé hits that standard.

Mark Beecher Old-school U.S. scene

Mark “The Hyena” Beecher is remembered as a hard-nosed U.S. Muay Thai figure from the era when American fighters often built their careers through constant activity and regional circuits—then carried that experience into coaching.

He’s included here as a “scene builder” pick: fighting + teaching are part of how American Muay Thai grew when the sport was smaller.

Chris Romulo Champion + coach

Chris “CROM” Romulo is a legit example of “fighter greatness” plus “builder impact.” He won the WKA Professional North American title (2010) and later became known for building a training community in New York, helping develop fighters and keeping Muay Thai culture alive locally.

Tiffany van Soest Elite champion

Tiffany “Time Bomb” van Soest is one of the most decorated American strikers of her generation. She became a multi-division champion in Lion Fight and later won GLORY titles, earning recognition as a top women’s striker over multiple years.

Even when fans argue rulesets, sustained championship-level performance matters—and she has it.

Angela Chang Thailand-based competitor

Angela Chang is included as a “scene depth” pick because she’s competed as an American fighting out of Thailand, including appearances under ONE’s Lumpinee/Friday Fights format (a platform that regularly features Thailand-based Muay Thai talent).

Ognjen Topić World champion

Ognjen Topić is a Bosnian-born Serbian-American who has spent huge stretches training and fighting in Thailand, including at major gyms, and he’s held recognized titles including a Lion Fight world championship (2013). He also competed in ONE Championship, bringing American representation into one of the biggest global striking stages.

Asa Ten Pow Modern excellence

Asa “The American Ninja” Ten Pow is a modern standout who crossed into GLORY (top-tier global kickboxing) and has been credited with multiple amateur titles before moving into higher-profile pro opportunities.

Eddie Abasolo WBC accolade + ONE

Eddie “Silky Smooth” Abasolo became known nationally through U.S. Muay Thai circuits and earned a high-profile WBC MuayThai accolade: the Nai Khanom Tom Challenge Belt (won in 2022). He later competed in ONE Championship, where he debuted against elite international opposition.

Bekah Irwin Prodigy

Bekah Irwin broke through early as a U.S. prospect: she became the youngest fighter ever signed by GLORY (according to GLORY’s own profile), and she also competed internationally in IFMA pathways before transitioning into pro opportunities.

Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu Record-setting volume

Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu is one of the most active American fighters ever, building her career largely in Thailand with an unusually high documented fight count. She also captured recognized titles including WBC Muay Thai minimumweight world championship honors (2023). She has also been a huge promoter of Golden Era muay Thai, sharing her extensive knowledge and breakdowns online.

Duke Roufus Pioneer + coach

Duke Roufus matters because “best” isn’t only who won the most—it’s also who built the American striking pipeline. Roufus was a decorated kickboxer and later became one of the most influential U.S. coaches through Roufusport, known for developing elite MMA strikers and bringing Thai-style striking structure into modern training systems.

Rick Roufus Striking legend

Rick “The Jet” Roufus is a multi-time world kickboxing champion across several major organizations and weight classes. Even when lists get strict about “pure Muay Thai,” his influence on American Thai-style striking is undeniable.

Matt Brown Muay Thai influence

Matt “The Immortal” Brown isn’t a “Muay Thai titles” pick—he’s an influence pick. Over a long UFC career, his clinch work, elbows, knees, and pressure striking introduced a lot of American fans to Muay Thai concepts through MMA.

Kevin Ross Gallery