Muay Thai
RWS Muay Thai: 17-year-old Fairang faces former champion Yothin – how to watch for free on DAZN
Watch RWS Muay Thai live and for free on DAZN
Seventeen-year-old Fairang Chor.Hapayak has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Muay Thai – but his biggest test yet awaits at RWS this weekend.
Riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak, the teenage sensation will step into the ring against former Rajadamnern Stadium champion Yothin FA Group on Saturday, August 22.
The contrast could hardly be greater.
Yothin is 34, exactly twice Fairang's age, and has years of experience competing against elite opposition at one of Muay Thai's most famous venues.
Fairang, meanwhile, has momentum firmly behind him but will be entering unfamiliar territory, competing under the three-round RWS format for the first time and making the cut to featherweight for the first time in a year.
It makes their battle between generations one of the most intriguing RWS fights of the year, but there is plenty more to watch in Bangkok, including the return of dangerous Argentine Angel Bauza and Australia's unbeaten RWS star Josh King.
Can 17-year-old Fairang pass his biggest test yet?
Fairang's rise has been difficult to ignore.
Still only 17, the Thai prospect has put together eight consecutive victories ahead of his meeting with Yothin and now has the opportunity to take a major step forward in his young career.
Beating an established former Rajadamnern Stadium champion would certainly do that.
But Saturday's fight brings challenges Fairang has not previously encountered.
It will be his first appearance under RWS' fast-paced three-round Muay Thai format, forcing the youngster to adapt to a structure that rewards fighters who make an immediate impact.
Fairang will also compete at featherweight for the first time in a year.
Neither has stopped the teenager building considerable momentum heading into the fight, but against an opponent with Yothin's experience, there will be little room for mistakes.
Why Yothin is the ultimate test for Fairang
If Fairang represents the future, Yothin has already proved himself at the highest level.
The 34-year-old is a former Rajadamnern Stadium champion and one of the most accomplished Muay Khao fighters of his generation.
Known as the 'King of Knees', Yothin has built his reputation around relentless pressure and devastating work at close range.
His knees may be his calling card, but Fairang cannot afford to overlook his elbows either.
That combination of technique and experience makes Yothin an enormous step up for a fighter half his age.
The age gap also creates a fascinating question heading into Saturday: can Yothin's experience halt one of Muay Thai's fastest-rising youngsters, or will Fairang's winning run continue against the biggest name he has faced?
Angel Bauza and Pheuthai look to settle the score
There could be fireworks elsewhere on the card when Argentina's Angel Bauza meets Pheuthai.
Bauza's dangerous elbows have helped make the 'Argentine Axeman' one of the most entertaining international fighters on the RWS roster, and another explosive finish will be the target in Bangkok.
However, Pheuthai has his own ambitions.
Both men have previously challenged for honours at Rajadamnern Stadium and Saturday provides an opportunity to determine who can push themselves back towards the top.
With two dangerous fighters looking to make a statement, the matchup has all the ingredients for another hard-hitting RWS contest.
Can Josh King extend perfect RWS record?
Australia's Josh King has made an impressive start to his RWS career.
King has won each of his first three appearances and will attempt to make it a perfect 4-0 when he takes on Gonzalo Albinagorta.
Another victory would continue King's rise through the RWS ranks and strengthen his case for even bigger opportunities, but Albinagorta will be looking to become the first man to defeat him in the promotion.
RWS Muay Thai: Yothin vs. Fairang fight card
The RWS card for Saturday, August 22 includes:
- Yothin FA Group vs. Fairang Chor.Hapayak
- Pheuthai vs. Angel Bauza
- Josh King vs. Gonzalo Albinagorta
- Denkaosaen vs. Ruslan Naghiyev
- Wu Changfa vs. Behnam Moradi
When is RWS: Yothin vs. Fairang?
Yothin vs. Fairang takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Date: Saturday, August 22
- Start time: 7:10pm ICT / 1:10pm BST
- Expected finish: 10:44pm ICT / 4:44pm BST
- Venue: Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok
- How to watch: Live on DAZN
How to watch RWS Muay Thai on DAZN
RWS: Yothin vs. Fairang will be shown live and free on DAZN on Saturday, August 22.
Fans can sign up for a free DAZN account to watch the action from Bangkok across a range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and web browsers.
Click here to sign up and watch RWS Muay Thai for free on DAZN.
