How Many Rounds Is A Muay Thai Fight?

Muay Thai fights follow a unique set of rules and traditions that are deeply rooted in Thai culture. These rules vary from the Wai Kru and wearing the Mongkon to the ruleset of a Muay Thai fight.

In this article, we will discuss how many rounds are in a Muay Thai fight and how long each round lasts.

How Many Rounds Is A Muay Thai Fight?

Let’s get straight to the point.

Muay Thai fights take place over five rounds of three minutes each, with a two-minute break between rounds.

This can vary in amateur fights and other fight promotions around the globe. The most common variation is a fight sanctioned for three rounds of two minutes each, with a break of one minute between every round. 

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How Long Are Muay Thai Rounds?

In sanctioned Muay Thai bouts, including fights at the prestigious Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium, rounds last three minutes.

Female Muay Thai fights are sometimes sanctioned for two-minute rounds instead of the traditional three minutes.

How Long Do Muay Thai Fighters Rest In-Between Rounds?

Most people are used to watching boxing or MMA fights where fighters rest for one minute between rounds.

In Muay Thai, this is not the case.

Muay Thai fights have a break of two minutes between rounds.

The long two-minute break allows fighters to recover in between rounds. Thai fights usually start slow until the pace intensifies in the money rounds (rounds four and five).

Muay Thai vs Kickboxing: Fight Duration

The Muay Thai vs Kickboxing debate has been around for decades. There are many differences between the two combat sports, including how many rounds the fight is sanctioned for.

The truth is, the length of a kickboxing fight can vary drastically depending on the fight promotion.

Kickboxing fights are usually three rounds of two minutes each, with a break of one minute, whilst Muay Thai fights are sanctioned for five rounds of three minutes each, with a two-minute break between rounds.

Due to the nature of the sport, Kickboxing bouts are usually fought at a faster pace than Muay Thai fights.

Men vs Women: Muay Thai Fight Duration

how many rounds is a muay thai fight

Similar to men’s fights, the majority of women’s Muay Thai bouts are sanctioned for five rounds of three minutes each, with a one minute break between rounds. 

It is worth mentioning that some stadiums in Thailand will reduce the number or length of rounds for female Muay Thai fights.

Are All Muay Thai Fights 5 Rounds?

Whilst sanctioned Muay Thai bouts consist of five rounds, there are a growing number of events using a modified Muay Thai ruleset.

Below we will discuss some of the most popular organisations that use a modified Muay Thai ruleset.

One Championship

One Championship features bouts in multiple martial arts, including Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing and Grappling. The Asian based organisation is one of the fastest-growing promotions and has gained a reputation for attracting the best talent from around the globe.

Unlike traditional events held at the likes of Rajadamnern and Lumpinee stadium, Muay Thai fights sanctioned by ONE Championship take place over a varied number of rounds. Some Muay Thai fights follow the traditional number of rounds whilst others take place over three rounds of three minutes each.

Muay Thai fights promoted by ONE use a modified ruleset that can include a varied number of rounds.

Other ONE Championship rules can include:

  • Fighters use 4 oz MMA style gloves
  • Fights take place in either a ring or a cage
  • Rounds are scored equally throughout the fight

ONE features some of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world. Notable fighters include champions from the prestigious Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadium.

Max Muay Thai

Max Muay Thai is a stadium and fight promotion located in Pattaya. Unlike traditional Muay Thai events, Max Muay Thai is known for putting on a show. They have unique methods to attract a large audience, including bonuses for fighters, lotteries, spectators prizes and live entertainment.

So, how many rounds is a Max Muay Thai fight?

Max Muay Thai reduced the number of rounds from five rounds to three. Similar to ONE Championship, this encourages fighters to go hard from the first bell and suffer less from fatigue.

How Many Rounds In Muay Thai?

So how many rounds is a Muay Thai fight?

Most Muay Thai fights take place over five rounds of three minutes each, with a two-minute break between rounds.

In recent years, Muay Thai events including Max Muay Thai and ONE have emerged using a modified Muay Thai ruleset. Fights in these promotions can take place over three rounds of three minutes to encourage fighters to push the pace to entertain the audience.

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Gareth Davies

I'm a martial arts competitor and enthusiast. Over the last 15 years, I have trained and competed in several martial arts. I live in Manchester U.K working as a strength & conditioning coach when I'm not travelling and exploring martial arts around the world.
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