Shannon Wiratchai

Shannon Wiratchai
Wiratchai in 2013
BornChanonpat Wiratchai
(1988-11-14) 14 November 1988 (age 35)
Bangkok, Thailand
Other namesOneShin
Height175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight70.3 kg (155 lb; 11 st)
DivisionFeatherweight[a] (2011–2016)
Lightweight[b] (2016–2017, 2020–present)
Welterweight[c] (2017–2019)
Reach70.0 in (178 cm)
StanceSouthpaw
Fighting out ofBangkok, Thailand
TeamBangtao Muay Thai & MMA
Bangkok Fight Lab
Tiger Muay Thai (former)
BurnShellTeam (former)
Rank  Black belt in Judo[1]
  Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active2011–Present
Mixed martial arts record
Total19
Wins11
By knockout6
By submission2
By decision3
Losses7
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision4
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Shannon Wiratchai (Thai: ชนนภัทร วิรัชชัย; born November 14, 1988) is Thai mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division. He was last signed to ONE Championship, where he also previously competed as a Lightweight.

Wiratchai is a pioneer of mixed martial arts in Thailand, having made his professional debut in 2011. He is also known for his striking ability, holding the organization's record for the second-most knockouts in the ONE lightweight division, as well as the organization's second-fastest finish in lightweight history. [2][3][4]

Mixed martial arts career

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Amateur career and DARE

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Shannon Wiratchai first competed in the amateur level of MMA, fighting for the NAKSU tournament. After only making it to the semi-finals in his first year in 2009, Wiratchai would eventually win the 2010 NAKSU amateur tournament in the 75 kg class.[5] As an amateur mixed martial artist, he held a 5–1 record.

Prior to competing in ONE Championship, Wiratchai began his career at DARE Championship–at the time the only MMA promotion in Thailand–held at Club Insomnia in Bangkok from 2011 to 2012, where he went an undefeated 2–0.

ONE Championship

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2012

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Shannon Wiratchai eventually signed with ONE Championship (then known as ONE Fighting Championship) and made his debut at ONE Fighting Championship: Pride of a Nation on August 31, 2012, facing Mitch Chilson. However, the fight was ruled a no contest when it was ruled that Shannon Wiratchai threw illegal soccer kicks, reversing what was originally a TKO win for Wiratchai.[6]

2013

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His next opponent was Bashir Ahmad, whom he faced at ONE Fighting Championship: Kings and Champions. Despite going the distance, Wiratchai lost by unanimous decision.[7] However, he would bounce back in his rematch with Mitch Chilson at ONE Fighting Championship: Total Domination on October 18, 2013. This time, he won with a first-round TKO via soccer kicks and punches.[8]

2015

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After a period of inactivity the entirety of 2014, Shannon Wiratchai made his return on May 22, 2015 at ONE Championship: Warrior's Quest, where he faced Amir Khan. He would win the fight by split decision.[9]

2016

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He then picked up his first submission win with a rear naked choke victory over Kyal Linn Aung in the first round at ONE Championship: Kingdom of Champions on May 27, 2016.[10] At ONE Championship: Unbreakable Warriors, Wiratchai defeated Peter Davis by TKO via punches in the second round.[11]

2017

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At ONE Championship: Warrior Kingdom on March 11, 2017, Shannon Wiratchai defeated Richard Corminal by first-round knockout in his Lightweight debut.[12] He followed up with a 29-second, first-round knockout victory over Rajinder Singh Meena at ONE Championship: Kings and Conquerors on August 5, 2017.[13]

However, Wiratchai's six-fight winning streak would come to an end at ONE Championship: Warriors of the World on December 9, 2017, where he lost to Rasul Yakhyaev by unanimous decision in a lightweight world title eliminator.[14][15]

2018

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He managed to score a 21-second, first-round knockout victory over Rahul Raju at ONE Championship: Iron Will, recording the second-fastest knockout in ONE lightweight history.[16]

In what would be the biggest fight of his career, Wiratchai faced former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki at ONE Championship: Reign of Kings on July 27, 2018. He would lose by TKO due to ground and pound, marking the first time he was finished.[17]

2019

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At ONE Championship: Clash of Legends on February 16, 2019, Wiratchai lost to Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu by unanimous decision. He would be handed the first submission loss of his career via rear naked choke against Iuri Lapicus at ONE Championship: Enter the Dragon on May 17, 2019.[18]

2020

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Shannon Wiratchai faced former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario at ONE Championship: King of the Jungle on February 28, 2020. The fight will mark as both athletes' return to Featherweight.[19][20][21] Wiratchai lost to Banario by split decision.[22][23]

Wiratchai faced former Muay Thai world champion Fabio Pinca, who will be making his mixed martial arts debut, at ONE Championship: No Surrender 3 on August 21, 2020.[24] He was able to snap his four-fight losing streak and went on to defeat Pinca by split decision.[25][26][27]

2023

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After almost three years hiatus, Wiratchai faced Puriya Golpour on February 3, 2023, at ONE Friday Fights 3.[28] He won the fight by first-round technical knockout. The win earned him a USD$10,000 Performance of the Night bonus.[29]

Island Fighters League

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Wiratchai is scheduled to face Shin Dong-guk on October 28, 2023, at Island Fighters League 2.[30]

Fighting style & MMA ventures

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Outside of fighting, he is also an instructor of mixed martial arts and self-defense at the Bangkok Fight Lab.[31][32]

He took up judo lessons at the age of 8, which helped build his foundation in mixed martial arts. Later on, he also developed a keen interest for Chinese martial arts, particularly baguazhang,[33] which he would practice at Lumphini Park. Wiratchai has termed his own fighting style the "OneShin Striking System", which is based on "attacking opponents who leave themselves vulnerable". According to Wiratchai, the "OneShin Striking System" incorporates the basics of the striking arts he's learned. It also focuses on five core principles: balance, range, angle, rhythm and execution.[34][35][36] "My main style is more like an unpredictable striking style," Wiratchai has said, elaborating on his style, "Then I refine my striking with more boxing knowledge. I think my most dangerous weapon may be my right hook. The thing that makes my right hook so strong is because I got no form. I'm just thinking about how to land my hand on the target: How I'm setting up, how I'm moving, how I find the angle, how I move to the goal." While mostly based on striking, this style also incorporates elements of judo and kung fu. When he turned pro in MMA, he later applied elements of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing and wrestling into his style. Outside of fundamental striking, Wiratchai mostly trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling, holding a black belt in judo and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

OneShin Cup

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On September 9, 2017, Shannon Wiratchai hosted the "OneShin Cup",[37] an amateur mixed martial arts tournament. Wiratchai created the tournament with purpose of establishing more awareness surrounding the sport of MMA in Thailand, as well as developing Thai mixed martial artists so that they would be capable of competing at an international level.[38] The event was streamed live on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Ignite Fight Club.[39][40] The second edition of the OneShin Cup was held on May 5, 2018.[41] The event was known for featuring future three-sport ONE Championship World Champion Stamp Fairtex.

Fighting Frenchie

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On July 24, 2023, Wiratchai announced the release of his fight equipment brand Fighting Frenchie, which initially consisted of 7oz MMA sparring gloves. In September 27 of the same year, the brand would also release rashguards and shorts.

Personal life

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Unlike most Thai fighters, Shannon Wiratchai comes from a well-to-do background. His father is a doctor and his mother is a nurse, both of them working at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.[42] Wiratchai graduated from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School. He then went on to complete his college education at Chulalongkorn University. Wiratchai speaks Thai, English and Mandarin Chinese.[43]

Until 2019, Shannon Wiratchai had been dating Tiger Muay Thai teammate and fellow mixed martial artist Rika Ishige, who competes in ONE Championship's atomweight division.[44] The two have fought on the same card five times: ONE Championship: Warrior Kingdom[45] on March 11, 2017 in Bangkok, ONE Championship: Kings and Conquerors on August 5, 2017 in Macau, ONE Championship: Warriors of the World on December 9, 2017 in Bangkok, ONE Championship: Iron Will on March 24, 2018 in Bangkok, and ONE Championship: Clash of Legends[46] on February 16, 2019 in Bangkok. Wiratchai and Ishige have been referred to as "Thailand's martial arts power couple".[47]

In 2020, he began dating American-Indonesian yoga instructor Fay Lee Thung. The two married on October 7, 2022.[48]

Titles & accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
19 matches 11 wins 7 losses
By knockout 6 2
By submission 2 1
By decision 3 4
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 11–7 (1) Shin Dong-guk TKO (submission to punches) Island Fighters League 2 October 28, 2023 2 2:57 Bali, Indonesia
Win 11–6 (1) Puriya Golpour TKO (punches and elbows) ONE Friday Fights 3 February 3, 2023 1 4:33 Bangkok, Thailand Performance of the Night.
Win 10–6 (1) Fabio Pinca Decision (split) ONE: No Surrender 3 August 21, 2020 3 5:00 Bangkok, Thailand
Loss 9–6 (1) Honorio Banario Decision (split) ONE: King of the Jungle February 28, 2020 3 5:00 Kallang, Singapore Return to Lightweight.
Loss 9–5 (1) Iuri Lapicus Submission (rear-naked choke) ONE: Enter the Dragon May 17, 2019 3 3:10 Kallang, Singapore
Loss 9–4 (1) Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu Decision (unanimous) ONE: Clash of Legends February 16, 2019 3 5:00 Bangkok, Thailand
Loss 9–3 (1) Shinya Aoki TKO (elbows) ONE: Reign of Kings July 27, 2018 1 2:16 Pasay, Philippines
Win 9–2 (1) Rahul Raju KO (punch) ONE: Iron Will March 24, 2018 1 0:21 Bangkok, Thailand
Loss 8–2 (1) Rasul Yakhyaev Decision (unanimous) ONE: Warriors of the World December 9, 2017 3 5:00 Bangkok, Thailand Welterweight debut.
Win 8–1 (1) Rajinder Singh Meena TKO (knee and punches) ONE: Kings and Conquerors August 5, 2017 1 0:29 Macau, SAR, China
Win 7–1 (1) Richard Corminal KO (flying knee and punch) ONE: Warrior Kingdom March 11, 2017 1 3:37 Bangkok, Thailand
Win 6–1 (1) Peter Davis TKO (knee and punches) ONE: Unbreakable Warriors September 2, 2016 2 3:32 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Lightweight debut.
Win 5–1 (1) Kyal Linn Aung Submission (rear-naked choke) ONE: Kingdom of Champions May 27, 2016 1 2:17 Bangkok, Thailand
Win 4–1 (1) Amir Khan Decision (split) ONE: Warrior's Quest May 22, 2015 3 5:00 Kallang, Singapore
Win 3–1 (1) Mitch Chilson KO (soccer kicks and punches) ONE FC: Total Domination October 18, 2013 1 1:52 Kallang, Singapore
Loss 2–1 (1) Bashir Ahmad Decision (unanimous) ONE FC: Kings and Champions April 5, 2013 3 5:00 Kallang, Singapore
NC 2–0 (1) Mitch Chilson NC (illegal soccer kick) ONE FC: Pride of a Nation August 31, 2012 2 2:03 Quezon City, Philippines Featherweight debut. Accidental illegal soccer kick rendered Chilson unable to continue.
Win 2–0 Tondamrong Panjabutra Submission (rear-naked choke) DARE 2/12 March 17, 2012 2 0:00 Bangkok, Thailand Catchweight (149 lb) bout.
Win 1–0 D.K. Panjabutra Decision (unanimous) DARE 2/11 September 24, 2011 3 5:00 Bangkok, Thailand

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Thai MMA Pioneer Shannon Wiratchai Seeks To Raise Awareness Of MMA In Thailand". AsiaOne. 2017-03-08. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  2. ^ "Thailand's New MMA Sensation — Death, Destruction and T-Rex Costumes". Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  3. ^ "A New Breed of Thai Warrior: Shannon Wiratchai". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  4. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai Complements his Exhilarating Cage Style With Entertainment Value". Fight Game Asia. 15 March 2018.
  5. ^ "Thailand's son fighting for his country's pride". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  6. ^ "Mitch Chilson vs Shannon Wiratchai at ONE FC 5 ruled 'no contest' after official review". MMA Mania. 4 September 2012. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  7. ^ "ONE FC 8 results". MMA Mania. 5 April 2013. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  8. ^ "ONE FC 11 results". MMA Mania. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  9. ^ "ONE Championship 27: Shannon Wiratchai's elbows get split decision over Amir Khan". ASIA MMA. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  10. ^ "ONE Championship Kingdom of Champions Full Results: Naito is crowned, Gafurov defends". ASIA MMA. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  11. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai Claims TKO Victory of Peter Davis". Asia One. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  12. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai delivers devastating finish against Richard Corminal". Sport 360. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  13. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai scores quick highlight reel KO of Rajinder Singh Meena". Asia One. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  14. ^ "Rasul Yakhyaev Shocks Shannon Wiratchai, Earns Unanimous Decision". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 9 December 2017. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  15. ^ "Shannon faces Yakhyaev in lightweight eliminator". Bangkok Post. 2017-12-03. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  16. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai Knocks Out Rahul Raju In 21 Seconds". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  17. ^ "Shinya Aoki Becomes First Person To Finish Shannon Wiratchai". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 27 July 2018. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  18. ^ "Moldova's Iuri Lapicus earns 1st ONE Championship, beats Shannon Wiratchai at 'ONE: Enter the Dragon' in Singapore". Conan Daily. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  19. ^ "Stamp Fairtex To Defend ONE Atomweight Kickboxing Crown Against Janet Todd in Singapore". Fight Game Asia. 2020-01-17. Retrieved 2020-01-17.
  20. ^ "Honorio Banario returns to action against Shannon Wiratchai at ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE". ABS-CBN Sports. 2020-01-17. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  21. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai Ready To Start Fresh In The Featherweight Division". Fight Game Asia. 2020-02-24. Retrieved 2020-02-26.
  22. ^ "ONE Championship: Team Lakay's Honorio Banario in split decision win against Shannon Wiratchai". Manila Bulletin. 2020-02-28. Retrieved 2020-02-29.
  23. ^ "Team Lakay's Honorio Banario earns 9th ONE Championship win, decisions Thailand's Shannon Wiratchai at 'ONE: King of the Jungle' in Singapore". Conan Daily. 2020-02-28. Retrieved 2020-02-29.
  24. ^ "Full Lineups Announced For ONE: No Surrender 2 And 3". Asian Persuasion MMA. 2020-08-03. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
  25. ^ "ONE: No Surrender 3 Results And Replay". Asian Persuasion MMA. 2020-08-21. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  26. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai Ruins Fabio Pinca's Mixed Martial Arts Debut". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 2020-08-22. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
  27. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai wins split decision against Fabio Pinca at ONE: No Surrender, Part III". MMA Weekly. 2020-08-21. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
  28. ^ "ONE ลุมพินี : "ช่อฟ้า vs เพชรสุขุมวิท" สานต่อความเดือด พร้อมเปิดโผ 11 คู่มวยศึก ONE ลุมพินี 3 วันศุกร์ที่ 3 ก.พ.นี้". ch7.com. 2023-01-30. Retrieved 2023-01-30. (in Thai)
  29. ^ Tom Taylor (2023-02-03). "ONE Championship Friday Fights 3: Shannon Wiratchai wins comeback fight, Petsukumvit out-duels Chorfah in headliner". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  30. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai to fight in Bali". Asian MMA. 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  31. ^ "Facebook – Shannon "OneShin" Wiratchai / ชนนภัทร วิรัชชัย Info". Facebook. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  32. ^ "Our Coaches". Bangkok Fight Lab. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  33. ^ "Interview with Thailand's #1 MMA fighter Shannon Wiratchai". Coconuts Bangkok. Retrieved 2019-09-24.
  34. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai from Kung Fu to OneShin Striking System". Conan Daily. 30 July 2002. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  35. ^ "Improve Your Striking With Shannon Wiratchai's OneShin System". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  36. ^ "Thailand's New MMA Sensation — Death, Destruction and T-Rex Costumes". Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C. 2017-06-27. Retrieved 2021-08-22.
  37. ^ "Thai MMA Leaves Underground For the Living Room". Khaosod English. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
  38. ^ "OneShin Cup Presented By TrueID". Facebook. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
  39. ^ "Ignite Fight Club". YouTube. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
  40. ^ "Ignite Fight Club - Martial Sports & Active Lifestyle". Facebook. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
  41. ^ "Ignite Fight Week - Oneshin Cup and Ignite Warrior Championship". Facebook. Retrieved 2019-09-24.
  42. ^ "Thailand's son fighting for his country's pride". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  43. ^ "MMA DARE Championship: Hometown Hero Shannon Wiratchai Shines in Bangkok". Bleacher Report. 2011-09-25. Retrieved 2020-09-13.
  44. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai And Rika Ishige Almost Never Came To Be". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 18 March 2018. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  45. ^ "Thai Martial Arts' First Power Couple: Shannon Wiratchai And Rika Ishige". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. 8 March 2017. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
  46. ^ "Rika Ishige And Shannon Wiratchai Added To ONE: Clash Of Legends". Asian Persuasion MMA. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  47. ^ "Shannon Wiratchai and Rika Ishige: Thailand's martial arts power couple". Simon Head Sport. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
  48. ^ "ONE Championship: Shannon Wiratchai gets quick return, buys wife wedding ring with bonus". South China Morning Post. 2023-02-11. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
  49. ^ "Thailand's son fighting for his country's pride". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2019-09-14.

Notes

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  1. ^ ONE refers to their 145 lb division as Bantamweight, but per the Association of Boxing Commissions in the United States, 145 lbs is considered Featherweight.
  2. ^ ONE refers to their 155 lb division as Featherweight, but per the Association of Boxing Commissions in the United States, 155 lbs is considered Lightweight.
  3. ^ ONE refers to their 170 lb division as Lightweight, but per the Association of Boxing Commissions in the United States, 170 lbs is considered Welterweight.
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