Irish Muay Thai reached another milestone on Saturday night as Niall McGreevy defeated Thailand's Tapaokaew Singmawynn by second-round knockout to become the Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) Welterweight Champion.

Competing under the lights of the iconic Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, McGreevy produced one of the biggest victories of his career, stopping the reigning champion with a perfectly timed right elbow after a composed and disciplined performance.

The victory sees McGreevy become the first Irish fighter to capture the RWS Welterweight Championship, adding another historic achievement to the growing list of Irish successes on Thailand's biggest stages. Against one of the division's most experienced competitors, the Irishman combined effective range management, strong clinch work and clinical elbow striking before producing the decisive finish in the second round.

Here's how the action unfolded.

Round 1

Tapaokaew opened the contest by targeting Niall McGreevy's lead leg with a series of low kicks, mixing in boxing combinations as he looked to establish his rhythm early.

McGreevy responded well, landing measured punches of his own before finding success with body kicks. The Irishman also made effective use of his long right knee throughout the round, repeatedly scoring as Tapaokaew looked to close the distance.

The pair engaged in several closely contested clinch exchanges, with neither fighter able to establish prolonged control. McGreevy enjoyed success in close range, landing multiple right knees while also mixing in short elbows. Tapaokaew answered with heavy punches whenever the action returned to open space, ensuring the momentum swung back and forth throughout the opening three minutes.

It was a competitive first round with both fighters having moments. McGreevy found success with his knees, body kicks and clinch work, while Tapaokaew's low kicks and boxing kept him in the contest. The judges ultimately awarded the round to Tapaokaew by a 2-1 split, with one judge scoring it for McGreevy and two judges giving the round to the Thai.

Round 2

The second round began in much the same fashion as the first, with Tapaokaew looking to apply forward pressure while McGreevy worked to keep the fight at his preferred range.

As Tapaokaew advanced, McGreevy continued to find success with measured punches, long knees and his jab, repeatedly disrupting the Thai's attempts to close the distance. He also landed several clean right elbows as Tapaokaew looked to force clinch exchanges.

Tapaokaew remained persistent, continuing to press forward in search of the clinch, but McGreevy's timing proved decisive. As the Thai stepped in once more, McGreevy landed a perfectly timed short right elbow that connected flush, immediately ending the contest.

The knockout crowned Niall McGreevy as the new Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) Welterweight Champion, making history as the Irishman claimed one of the sport's most prestigious titles. It was a composed and disciplined performance, with McGreevy effectively using his range before producing a clinical finish against the reigning champion.

A Historic Night for Irish Muay Thai

With the victory, Niall McGreevy adds his name to Irish Muay Thai history as the first Irish fighter to win the Rajadamnern World Series Welterweight Championship. Defeating an established Thai champion on one of the sport's biggest stages is an achievement few international fighters can claim, making the result all the more significant.

The win also reflects the continued rise of Irish Muay Thai on the world stage. In recent years, Irish athletes have become increasingly competitive in Thailand's elite stadiums and major promotions, with fighters consistently proving they belong among the sport's highest level.

For McGreevy, this was more than a championship victory. It was the culmination of years of dedication and a performance that showcased patience, discipline and clinical execution against one of the division's top competitors.

As the new Rajadamnern World Series Welterweight Champion, McGreevy has secured his place in Irish Muay Thai history. More importantly, his success continues to demonstrate that Irish fighters are no longer travelling to Thailand simply to compete—they are travelling there to win titles.