“There were levels to this game” - Liam Harrison tells Paddy Pimblett about the fight that changed his Muay Thai trajectory

Losses can sometimes have a stronger impact than wins, just ask Liam Harrison.

The British Muay Thai legend once sat down with MMA star Paddy Pimblett for a conversation at the Chattin Pony with Paddy the Baddy. It was during that episode when Harrison talked about his defeat to Duwao.

A young Harrison faced off against the Thai legend in 2005 in Wolverhampton, England in a match that he said changed how he looked at Muay Thai.

Liam Harrison then explained further how his loss to Duwao, and subsequent friendship with the multi-time Muay Thai world champion pushed his career to new heights.

'Hitman' posted on Instagram:

"Talking with @theufcbaddy about getting absolutely flogged when I was 18 years old the first time I fought a real elite level killer, stadium champion @duwao_muaythai … I had beaten some good fighters at the time and was unbeaten in 29 fights, I’d beaten some good Europeans and some good Thais and knocked a lot of them out, but had never fought someone like Duwao.

"After dropping him in round 2, I quickly realized there were levels to this game because he jumped back up and beat me within an inch of my life🤣. I literally couldn’t do anything so just had to man up and take my beating like a man, I had made my bed so had to lay in it."

He added:

"After this fight, I went to live in Thailand so I could progress my game and hang with these guys and after two years there Duwao came to Bad Company gym for six months to train us and we became great friends. And whilst he was at our gym I beat two elite-level stadium champions and knocked out the number one ranked Thai fighter in Thailand at the time which he trained me for. TBF this beating changed my life and I’m so thankful for it."

Liam Harrison ultimately reached unprecedented heights in his career, winning eight world titles and 90 professional wins across three decades.

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Liam Harrison faces off against another Thai legend in Denver

Liam Harrison has been adamant that his days at the top of the sport are nearing their end, and one fighter he's been clamoring for ONE Championship to fight against is Seksan.

The British icon would finally get his wish at ONE 168: Denver when he faces off against Seksan in a catchweight Muay Thai bout.

The all-legends clash goes down on September 6 at Ball Arena.

Tickets for ONE 168 are available at Ticketmaster.