Muay Thai is a sport steeped in tradition, a sport whose greatest champions are revered across Thailand. But rarely has its athletes achieved the fame and fortune that come with a global audience -- until now.
ONE Championship has been changing the landscape of Muay Thai with its blockbuster ONE Lumpinee events. Every Friday, the 12-fight spectacles take centre stage at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
The shows have smashed ratings in Thailand and are beamed to more than 190 countries worldwide.
However, the events also hold important significance for the athletes.
After all, on any given Friday fighters can be awarded a life changing 3.5 million baht contract to the promotion's main roster, courtesy of ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
Ever wonder what it's like to be told that you've scored a contract with ONE? Well, four contract winners are here to lift the lid on their feelings.
Seksan Or Kwanmuang
Former four-time Muay Thai world champion Seksan has had a long and decorated career in the sport. Across 280 professional fights, the 34-year-old has done it all.
But "The Man Who Yields to No One" has shown that he is still at the top of his game.
In his five unforgettable wins under the ONE banner, he's earned just as many 350,000 baht performance bonuses for his all-action style.
Most recently, though, Seksan stamped his ticket to ONE's global roster with a crushing second-round TKO over Spain's Isaac Araya last month.
His emotions were evident during his post-fight speech when he found out he had secured a 3.5 million baht contract.
"I'm grateful that Chatri sees my efforts. The contract has changed my life and my family's well-being for the better," he said.
"It's been such a joyful moment. Since joining ONE Championship it has been my dream. I didn't expect ONE to give me this opportunity. I didn't think they would be okay to make my dream come true. I've put up my best performance in every fight, and I'm grateful that Chatri sees my efforts," he said. "The contract has changed my life and my family's well-being for the better. I have significantly more fans, both Thais and foreigners. Now I have more savings, a house, and land. I'm able to take care of my family better, and that's the most important thing as a provider of the family."
Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom
Twenty-one-year-old Thai phenom "The Queen" Phetjeeja made an instant impact in her debut at ONE Lumpinee 9 in March. There, she demolished Greek veteran Fani Peloumpi in the second round.
However, the atomweight Muay Thai star earned a contract of her own after a first-round TKO of Ines Pilutti less than two months later.
After her ultra-impressive main roster debut in July, where she needed less than a minute to dispose of former world title challenger Lara Fernandez, Phetjeeja revealed that even she couldn't believe her meteoric rise to the global stage.
"It was a combination between being shocked and delighted. It wasn't something I expected at all, because that was my second fight in ONE Lumpinee," she said.
"I'm grateful and happy for such an opportunity."
"This opportunity is the important moment of my life – being on an international event, sharing awareness and passion for Muay Thai, receiving more income, getting matched more frequently. There's nothing [more] I could have asked for as an athlete."
Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon
Rambolek was the first fighter to earn a ONE contract via the ONE Lumpinee pathway after reeling off two crushing knockouts in March and April.
The 20-year-old star revealed that his life has changed immeasurably since signing with the world's largest martial arts organisation.
"I'm overjoyed to receive such an opportunity. It has made me more motivated to be in the Muay Thai scene," he said.
"Since I received the ONE Championship contract, I've been noticed by more fans. There have been so many people, both Thais and foreigners, sending me positive, cheering messages like never before. I'm also able to support my family better financially."
Thongpoon PK Saenchai
Thongpoon also burst onto the scene with two devastating first-round knockouts at ONE Lumpinee 10 and 13.
Chatri saw enough in the 26-year-old after he claimed a split-decision win in an epic three-round war against Yangdam Sor Tor Hiewbangsaen to award him with the life-changing contract as well.
For Thongpoon, it was the greatest day of his life.
"I feel very honoured, delighted, and proud of myself," he said.
"I'm happy my effort and performance are seen by Chatri.
"It's such an important event to me and my family."
"It has made me more well-known, both locally and globally. I'm happy every time someone comes up to me to say hi in public. The contract also allows me to be able to support both myself and my family financially.