“We are smashing the Thais” - Liam Harrison says the UK has slowly caught up to Thailand’s place atop Muay Thai landscape

Liam Harrison believes the British fighters have closed the gap, or even matched up, with the Thai stars in the overall Muay Thai landscape.

During the press conference for ONE 168: Denver, the multi-time world champion said fighters such as two-sport king Jonathan Haggerty and Nico Carrillo have led a rapid British charge that has challenged the sport's hierarchy.

Harrison said Haggerty's presence as the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion, and Carrillo's status as one the best contenders in the division, is proof that the United Kingdom has as much Muay Thai talent as Thailand.

He said:

"Well, we're in an amazing place. A few years ago, there weren't that many elite-level fighters. If you look across the board now, I think the UK is number two pound-for-pound on the planet, behind Thailand, and even now, especially in ONE Championship, guys like Jonathan, and Nico, we are there smashing the Thais."

Muay Thai began its foothold in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, and the surge started in the 2000s and 2010s when Harrison began fighting Thailand's most iconic fighters such as Saenchai, Sagetdao, Malaipet, and Anuwat.

Since then, fighters such as Haggerty, Carrillo, and Jacob Smith have led the British into the 2020s.

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Liam Harrison wants to savor his last few fights before heading off into retirement

Liam Harrison was never shy about his plans to retire, but he knows there's still a ton left in the tank heading into his all-legends fight against Thai icon Seksan at ONE 168: Denver at Ball Arena on Friday.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, the multi-time world champion said he wants to enjoy his last few fights before settling into retirement, especially after he missed two years of activity due to a knee injury.

Liam Harrison said:

"Obviously, there's been a few bumps and losses along the way. But when you're fighting regularly, it's going to happen, you know what I mean? I just want to enjoy it. I've had it taken away from me for the last year and a half through injury. So everything, I'm going to enjoy the buildup."

See the full interview below: