Thibaut's prediction against Mahasan! "ME!"

Valentin Thibaut is no stranger to Max Muay Thai and was a favorite to win the Silver Belt Tournament at 68 kgs recently. Thibaut was dropped with a surprise spinning back elbow from Chinese fighter Wang Tingyie.

Now matched up against tournament winner Mahasan Poptheeratham, Thibaut is looking to show he’s still a force for contention.

“This is like a second chance for me,” Thibaut said. “If it wasn’t for the ko I could have won the tournament.”

While prideful boasting from some Thibaut has shown that he is worthy of his self-confidence. He had a significant undefeated streak at the stadium until being stopped by Tingyie. He maintains a brutal regime. “I train twice per day. Every morning I do 1,000 kicks and 500 knees on the bag and then more exercise. In the afternoon, I do pad work with my father, who owns Max Sport Gym, and spar and clinch.”

Thibaut has been at Max Sport gym in Bangkok for 4 years now. Originally from France the Vietnamese French fighter was inspired to learn the art of Muay Thai from his father.

“I saw my father train and make Fair Villaume a champion. He was my idol. I want to do the same,” Thibaut said.

Being a champion is a tough road and though it may have been Thibaut’s first significant loss at Max, he’s not letting that stop him. “I was sad, and angry but it’s Muay Thai, anything can happen. It made me more motivated to get back to the gym because I know my time is coming. I will not let it happen again. I must be more careful and cleverer. I still have many things to learn. I must learn everything from every win and every loss.”

Thibaut had a simple prediction for the fight, “I my prediction is the best one to have. To win!”

Make sure to tune in to see Valentin Thibaut take on Mahasan Poptheeratham on Sunday July 9th at the Max Muay Thai Stadium. 7:20pm Thai time. Live at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya. Televised on Channel 8 and streaming on Fite.tv.