Muay Thai competitions, like all sports, are governed by a set of rules and regulations. Officials and the referee put them in place and make use of them to ensure the safety of the fighters as well as the fairness of the competition.

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Muay Thai's development as a sport from ancient martial art in the early twentieth century was heavily influenced by traditional western boxing. The sport's rules then evolved over time to become what they are today.

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The detailed list of rules and regulations covers a variety of topics that are often overlooked by the audience and most casual fans who are enthralled by the fights' excitement.

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These essential rules may differ slightly depending on the location or organizer, but they are distinct enough to distinguish Muay Thai from American, Dutch, or Japanese kickboxing. The use of elbows, knees, push kicks (Teeps), and the clinch distinguishes Muay Thai from other combat sports.

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To succeed in the sport, fighters, fight gyms, and those interested in competing must have a thorough understanding of the rules. Knowing the rules improves a fan's appreciation and enjoyment of the game.

Here are the common rules and regulations across Muay Thai Promotions:

Age Limit

The minimum age required to compete in professional bouts varies by country. Thailand has a 15-year-old age limit, while other countries have 16- or 18-year-old age limits. Many fighters begin competing in amateur fights at a young age, where elbows and head strikes may be prohibited. Protective equipment such as a helmet, elbow pads, and a padded vest may be required.

The Ring

Fights are always held in the ring (squared) on an elevated platform with dimensions ranging from 4.9 by 4.9 meters (16 ft) to 7.3 by 7.3 meters (23 ft) (24 ft). The ring construction, which is usually made up of ropes, four corner posts, and a floor covered with appropriate padding/cushioning material, takes safety precautions into account.

The Boxing Gloves

Professional Muay Thai promotions will always provide boxing gloves for safety and fairness. The weight divisions dictate glove sizes ranging from 6oz to 10oz. Several promotions now sanction Muay Thai fights with MMA-style (open-finger) gloves weighing between 4-6 oz.

Competitor Attire

Male competitors are not permitted to wear shirts or shoes, and only Muay Thai shorts are permitted to be worn during fights.

Most Thai boxers, including those competing outside of Thailand, wear the sacred armbands known as Prajiad. Although ankle guards are commonly worn, they are not required.

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Weight Divisions

Muay Thai fighters compete in weight divisions similar to traditional boxing. Weigh-ins are usually held the day before or the day of the fight to ensure that the fighters are within their weight classes.

Length of Fight

Fights are sanctioned for 5 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a 2-minute break in between rounds, under professional full Muay Thai rules. Fights are shortened to three rounds of three minutes on a number of made-for-television shows to appeal to a more casual audience. The fight durations are shorter in amateur events, with 2-minute rounds and 1-minute rest periods between rounds. One-minute rounds are used in junior fights.

Female Fight

Under professional full Muay Thai rules, fights are sanctioned for 5 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a 2-minute break in between rounds. On a number of made-for-television shows, fights are shortened to three rounds of three minutes to appeal to a more casual audience. In amateur events, the fights are shorter, with 2-minute rounds and 1-minute rest periods between rounds. In junior fights, one-minute rounds are used.

Scoring System

Fights are sanctioned for 5 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a 2-minute break in between rounds, under professional full Muay Thai rules. Fights are shortened to three rounds of three minutes on a number of made-for-television shows to appeal to a more casual audience. The fights are shorter in amateur events, with 2-minute rounds and 1-minute rest periods between rounds. One-minute rounds are used in junior fights.

Stoppages

Under professional full Muay Thai rules, fights are sanctioned for 5 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a 2-minute break in between rounds. On a number of made-for-television shows, fights are shortened to three rounds of three minutes to appeal to a more casual audience. In amateur events, the fights are shorter, with 2-minute rounds and 1-minute rest periods between rounds. In junior fights, one-minute rounds are used.

Fouls

Some techniques and strikes are penalized for safety reasons and can result in a warning or disqualification. There are no rules against headbutts, biting, groin shots, hitting the back of the head, kicking knee joints, or poking the eyes. No striking is permitted if an opponent maintains three-point contact with the ring canvas (e.g., both feet and one hand on the ground). Accidents do happen due to the fast pace of the fight, and the referee or ring officials will adjudicate accordingly.

Disrespectful behavior, such as spitting or swearing, will be punished with a warning, a loss of points, or disqualification. Takedowns are permitted, but Judo and wrestling techniques are not. Throwing opponents out of the ring or back-breaking, as seen in professional wrestling, are also prohibited.