The World’s Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Kickboxers

Dive into our definitive ranking of the top 10 pound-for-pound kickboxers globally for 2022. Our expert panel meticulously evaluates diverse fighting styles, physical attributes, and skill sets across major promotions to provide an insightful overview of the sport`s elite.

Pound-for-pound rankings are inherently a subjective exercise. The challenge of identifying the ten best kickboxers in the world, irrespective of their weight division, is considerable, given the vast differences in physiques, techniques, and strategic approaches prevalent across various promotions, countries, and weight classes. Each month, our panel of esteemed experts convenes to vote on the most outstanding talents the sport has to offer. While our official rankings serve a specific, functional purpose, this pound-for-pound list should not be regarded as absolute fact. Instead, it aims to contextualize and clarify the increasingly complex kickboxing landscape, particularly for those new to the sport.

10. GIORGIO `THE DOCTOR` PETROSYAN

Italy’s Giorgio Petrosyan (105-3), often hailed as one of kickboxing`s all-time greats, remains a formidable pound-for-pound talent even after 19 years in the sport, securing the #10 spot on our list. Since his 2003 debut, Petrosyan has amassed an impressive record and numerous accolades, including two K-1 MAX World Grand Prix Tournament Championships, a GLORY 70kg Slam Tournament Championship, and a former ONE Featherweight Grand Prix title. He`s faced and defeated legends from kickboxing`s golden age, such as Andy Souwer, Mike Zambidis, and Albert Kraus. His remarkable longevity is further evidenced by his victories over top contemporary fighters like Chingiz Allazov, Samy Sana, and Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy in the later stages of his career. Petrosyan`s enduring success stems from his distinctive style, earning him the nickname `The Doctor`. He is renowned for his precision, masterful control of distance, impeccable timing, and robust defense, often frustrating opponents with his calculated approach. His career only recently saw a setback with a knockout loss to Superbon Singmawin, leading to a year-long recovery from a broken jaw. He made his return to the ring in April at PetrosyanMANIA, though an immediate return to the ONE Championship circle remains unconfirmed.

9. WEI `DEMON BLADE` RUI

China’s own, Wei Rui (67-3), holds the ninth position in our pound-for-pound rankings. Boasting the longest active win streak on this list at 18 fights, Rui has achieved significant success across multiple weight classes throughout Asia. During his initial run in China, starting in 2015, he claimed the Wu Lin Feng 63kg World Championship Tournament title, defeating notable fighters like Pakorn P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym and Deng Zeqi. Moving to Japan in 2017, Rui also became the K-1 Lightweight (62.5 kg) Champion, securing victories over Daizo Sasaki, Cristian Spectu, and Ren Hiramoto to win the Lightweight World Grand Prix tournament. He successfully defended this title once against Kongnapa Weerasakreck. Upon returning to China, Rui competed in the WLF 2020 King’s Super Cup 66kg tournament, where he bested top Chinese kickboxers including Wang Pengfei, Liu Xianming, Jia Aoqi, and Jin Ying, ultimately winning the title against runner-up Jin Ying. With a style influenced by Sanda, Rui employs a diverse array of kicks coupled with strong boxing to dismantle his adversaries. However, his recent outings have been less impactful, as he has chosen to fight lesser-known international opponents.

8. KAZUKI OSAKI

The youngest athlete to join our pound-for-pound rankings, 26-year-old Japanese fighter Kazuki Osaki (36-5), stands at number eight. With an extensive Muay Thai background, Osaki has competed in Thailand, accumulating wins and even challenging for a title at the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium. Transitioning to kickboxing only three years ago, he rapidly ascended the ranks. Currently fighting in RISE, Osaki is the reigning Super Flyweight (53 kg) champion, a title he earned by overcoming fighters like Kazane and Jin Mandokoro. Since his title victory, Osaki has maintained an impressive six-fight winning streak, with notable victories over Issei Ishii and Sanchai Teppen Gym. His bout with Ishii was particularly memorable, considered a strong contender for `2021 Fight of the Year`. As expected from his Muay Thai roots, Osaki showcases exceptional kicks and knees. However, it is his boxing prowess that truly distinguishes him from his peers. Utilizing fast combinations, Osaki effectively varies his attacks, consistently targeting the body. He is scheduled for a highly anticipated rematch against Kazane at RISE World Series on October 15, headlining the event.

7. MARAT GRIGORIAN

The seventh position in our rankings is held by Armenian powerhouse, Marat Grigorian (65-12-1). Signed with ONE Championship, where he competes in the Featherweight division, Grigorian is undeniably one of the most thrilling kickboxers globally. More than just an action fighter, Grigorian combines raw excitement with refined skill, evident in his relentless forward pressure. He captured the GLORY title against Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong in 2019, defending it twice against Tyjani Beztazi and Elvis Gashi. Since joining ONE, Grigorian has secured impressive finishes against Ivan Kondratiev and Andy Souwer, with his sole loss in the promotion coming from Superbon Singamawin. A relentless pressure fighter, Grigorian embodies the classic Dutch Kickboxing style. He never retreats, constantly engaging his opponents from the opening bell with powerful kicks and punches. Fresh off a hard-fought victory against Tayfun Ozcan, Grigorian is likely to take some time off. However, his return to the ring is a must-watch event for any kickboxing enthusiast.

6. RICO `THE KING OF KICKBOXING` VERHOEVEN

From the Netherlands, securing the sixth spot, is the undisputed best Heavyweight Kickboxer of the modern era, Rico Verhoeven (59-10). Competing in GLORY, the premier organization for heavyweight kickboxing, he has reigned as the Heavyweight (+95 kg) champion since 2014. With an incredible ten title defenses, Verhoeven holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning champion on this pound-for-pound list. His record boasts victories over a who`s who of heavyweight talent, including Jamal Ben Saddik, Tarik Khbabez, and Badr Hari, solidifying his status as the true king of the division. While some fans may not always appreciate Verhoeven`s methodical fighting style, he consistently demonstrates immense grit and determination when it matters most. In his last fight, Verhoeven endured a brutal war against Jamal Ben Saddik, getting knocked down in the second round and suffering a gash on his face. He courageously rallied back, ultimately securing a fourth-round TKO victory. The only factor preventing Verhoeven from ranking higher on this pound-for-pound list is the relative depth and strength of the current heavyweight division compared to other weight classes and past eras.

5. SITTHICHAI `THE KILLER KID` SITSONGPEENONG

Holding the fifth position in our rankings is Thailand’s veteran fighter, Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong (127-33). A former GLORY Lightweight (70 kg) Champion and former Wu Lin Feng (71 kg) Champion, Sitthichai has been a long-standing fixture in the sport. Despite his extensive career, he continues to prove himself as an elite kickboxer, highlighted by his impressive run in the ONE Championship Featherweight Grand Prix tournament. To reach the tournament final, Sitthichai overcame formidable opponents Tayfun Ozcan and Davit Kiria. In the opening round, he masterfully matched Ozcan’s speed and tempo, securing a decisive victory. Advancing to the semifinals, Sitthichai showcased his superb southpaw technique, skillfully drawing Kiria onto his strikes in a fluid display of his abilities. The final set him up for a rematch against Chingiz Allazov, whom he had previously defeated in 2014. However, this time, Sitthichai found himself on the losing end, with Allazov earning the decision victory. Having recently faced losses only to fighters ranked above him (Superbon and Chingiz), Sitthichai is poised to remain one of the world`s best kickboxers for the foreseeable future. He aims to prove this further in his upcoming fight against undefeated prospect Mohammed Boutasaa at ONE 162 on October 21.

4. PETCHPANOMRUNG `THE PROFESSOR` KIATMOOKAO

Securing the number four ranking is Thailand’s Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao (167-38). Fighting under the GLORY banner, he holds the Featherweight (65 kg) belt, where he boasts an undefeated record across nine fights. Furthermore, through cross-promotional events between GLORY and RISE, Petchpanomrung has also become RISE’s inaugural Super Lightweight (65 kg) World Champion. His victory over Kento Haraguchi for the RISE title in August makes Petchpanomrung the sole cross-promotional champion across major kickboxing promotions. With four successful title defenses in GLORY, Petchpanomrung is renowned for his ability to neutralize opponents using effective clinch work and powerful kicks that maintain distance. Despite his defensively-minded approach, `The Professor` is more than capable of delivering spectacular moments, as evidenced by his explosive head-kick knockouts of Zakaria Zouggary and Abdellah Ezbiri. Further solidifying his status as one of the world`s best, Petchpanomrung dominantly defended his GLORY title against Abraham Vidales at COLLISION 4 on October 8. While his next fight is yet to be announced, it is certain that Petchpanomrung will continue to be an impenetrable force for contenders in his division.

3. ARTEM VAKHITOV

In the number three spot is Russia`s Artem Vakhitov (22-6). The former two-time GLORY Light Heavyweight (95 kg) Champion currently faces an uncertain future. GLORY released Vakhitov and all its Russian fighters in June due to challenges stemming from sanctions imposed on Russia. This decision came just before Vakhitov`s planned first defense of his second reign as GLORY Champion in a rematch against Luis Tavares. Vakhitov had previously reclaimed his title in a rematch against Alex Pereira, after controversially losing it via a split decision. Before his initial fight with Pereira, Vakhitov dominated the division with five successful defenses against formidable fighters such as Donegi Abena, Saulo Cavalari, and Ariel Machado. A fundamentally sound fighter, Vakhitov relies heavily on his exceptional fight IQ and solid basics. Maintaining a tight, high guard, Vakhitov leaves no defensive openings. His offense, while not flashy, is remarkably effective. Vakhitov`s jab is consistent, targeting both body and head, always followed by a straight punch. His kicks, though not overtly showy, execute their intended purpose perfectly. The hope is that this elite Russian talent soon signs with a major promotion to continue his reign at the pinnacle of the sport.

2. CHINGIZ `CHINGA` ALLAZOV

Coming in at number two is Belarus`s Chingiz Allazov (59-5). Since experiencing a minor setback in April 2021 against Enriko Kehl, the former K-1 Super Welterweight (70 kg) Champion has been on an absolute rampage through ONE Championship’s Featherweight division. Known for his aggressive starts, two of Allazov’s last three fights concluded with first-round knockouts over Samy Sana and Jo Nattawut. However, Allazov is more than just a powerful striker; he demonstrated his superior technical skills in a hard-fought victory against Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, winning the ONE Championship Featherweight Grand Prix Final in the process. Allazov’s impressive tournament run earned him a coveted title shot against Superbon Singmawin and solidified his place in the pound-for-pound rankings. With Superbon also having to withdraw from ONE at Prime Video 2, it is hoped that ONE will reschedule this highly anticipated bout when both fighters are healthy.

1. SUPERBON SINGHA MAWYNN

Fighting out of Thailand, the undisputed number one ranked fighter on our pound-for-pound list, Superbon (113-34), is the reigning champion of ONE Championship’s Featherweight (70 kg) division. Superbon, who has appeared unstoppable throughout his tenure with ONE Championship, first began making a significant name for himself in Kunlun Fight starting in 2015. A defensively astute and slick out-fighter, the Thai quickly established himself among the global -70 kg elite. His last three fights—winning his trilogy against Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, knocking out Giorgio Petrosyan, and delivering a masterclass performance in a revenge match against Marat Grigorian—have unequivocally cemented his position as the world`s best kickboxer. Superbon was initially slated to face Chingiz Allazov at ONE on Prime Video 2. However, due to an injury sustained by Allazov, he was replaced by Tayfun Ozcan. In another unfortunate turn of events, Superbon himself was not medically cleared to compete and also had to withdraw from the event. There is no current news regarding Superbon`s return, but when he does step back into the ring, we eagerly anticipate a showdown against Chingiz Allazov. A fight between these two champions represents one of the most compelling skill matchups not only within their division but across the entire world of kickboxing.