Thailand’s first REAL MMA CHAMPION

Rambaa “M-16” Somdet was a very famous Muay Thai fighter while he lived in Pattaya Thailand.  He is a former Lumpinee Champion, who “caught on” to the ‘MMA THING’ back in 2001.  Moving to Japan, M-16 has spent the last 9 years perfecting his “Mixed Martial Arts” skill, while developing the grappling needed to become a World Champion.

November 23rd, 2009 in Tokyo Somdet defeated Noboru Tahara in a rematch, becoming the first Shooto Flyweight Champion (114lbs).  Last week M-16 stepped into the ring for the first time as an “MMA Champion” defeating Hiroyuki Abe by a TKO in the 1st round.   At 35 years old, Somdet might not have many more “fighting” years left in him…but one thing is for sure–he can proudly claim to be Thailand’s first MMA Champion–he is someone that the Thailand’s Thai fighters can look to as inspiration as more-and-more of them begin to try their hand at MMA.

Above is the video of his first defense of the Shooto Championship…Gotta luv his ring entrances!