Dutch Style vs Muay Thai
Robin van Roosmalen vs Sittichai
Robin van Roosmalen is a Dutch kickboxer with a 51-17-3 record and son of a formidable kickboxer William van Roosmalen. A stocky compact lightweight van Roosmalen is a strong combination striker relying on a tight guard with short combinations ending in a low kick.
Sittichai Sitsongpeenong is a Thai that has captured both a Lumpinee and Glory world titles, in Muay Thai and kickboxing respectively. His record stands as 139-17-2. He is a powerful kicker, stands southpaw, and has relatively crisp straight punches.
In the first round van Roosmalen pressure forward hiding tight behind his double forearm guard. Sittichai bounces his lead foot to hide his jab. These jabs glance off of van Roosmalen’s guard not creating distance allowing Robin to throw combinations. After being forced backwards Sittichai consistently throws his left round kick to halt Robins advance or hit his open-side before his punches return to his guard.
Round two is largely the same affair. Both fighters occasionally fight to have outside positioning of the lead leg but largely remain in front of each other. Robin continues to pressure and punch while eating rear attacks (kicks, knees, and the occasional straight) for his trouble.
The trends continues into round 3. Both are matching each other volume of kicks and punishes. However, behind a tight guard the punches Sittichai has thrown don’t count as landed while van Roosmalen’s kicks lack the impact of Sittichai.
As a championship fight this fight goes 5 rounds rather than the standard 3. Watch how Sittichai attempts to limit inside punches when Robin moves past kicking range.
Not all strikes are created equal. Who did more damage? Who was closer to finishing the fight?
Would this fight be scored differently under Muay Thai scoring, everything being equal?
What changes could either fighter make for the rematch? What changes if any will they make?
How do Dutch-style and Muay Thai match under kickboxing rules? What are their advantages and disadvantages?
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