Liam Nolan is a British Muay Thai fighter who competes for the ONE Championship organization. He is the reigning WBC Muay Thai World Middleweight Champion.
Biography and career
Early years
Nolan grew up in London where he tried Wing Chun and Taekwondo before switching to Muay Thai and settling at The Minotaur Gym, future Knowlesy Academy. Under the teaching of Christian Knowles, Nolan started to compete regularly at the age of 13 in both Muay Thai and kickboxing rules often against older opponents. By the time he was 16 years old Nolan had decided to leave school and pursue a professional career.[2]
On 4 March 2017 Nolan captured his first professional title when he defeated Dean Blunt by unanimous decision, becoming the IKF Pro Muay Thai British champion.[3]
On 29 September 2017 Nolan faced Anthony Njokuani at the inaugural Triumphant fight series event in Rohnert Park, California, United States. Nolan won by split decision and became the WMC Intercontinental -72.5 kg Champion.[4]
On 5 May 2018 Nolan traveled to France to compete on the Hanuman Fight event where he defeated Papou Samaké by decision after five rounds.[5]
On 6 October 2018 Nolan faced Connor McCormack at the Roar Combat League 10 event. The fight would determine the #1 rated Super Welterweight fighter in the Uk and a new Roar Combat League champion. Nolan won by split decision.[6]
On 16 August 2019 Nolan faced Bangpleenoi PetchyindeeAcademy at ONE Championship: Dreams of Gold. The fight was disputed at a catchweight of 72 kg. He lost the fight by majority decision.[7] The decision was controversial due to the referee judging as a slip what appeared to be a knockdown from an elbow strike landed by Nolan during the first round.[8]
On 7 November 2021 Nolan challenged Youssef Boughanem for his WBC Muay Thai World title at a Real Fighters promotion event in Hilversum, Netherlands. Nolan won the fight by split decision, becoming the 8th WBC Muay Thai World Middleweight Champion and handing his first loss under Muay Thai rules in six years to the former champion.[10]
Return to ONE Championship
In January 2022 Nolan announced he signed a new six-fight deal with ONE Championship.[11] He was booked to face Eduard Saik at ONE: Lights Out on 11 March 2022. His opponent was replaced on short notice by Kim Kyung Lock who Nolan accepted to face at a catchweight.[12] He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.[13]
Nolan faced Sinsamut Klinmee at ONE 159 on 22 July 2022, as a late notice replacement for Islam Murtazaev.[14] He lost the fight by a second-round knockout, as he was floored with a counter left hook.[15]
Nolan faced Eddie Abasolo on 19 November 2022, at ONE on Prime Video 4.[16] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[17]
Nolan was scheduled to face Sinsamut Klinmee in a rematch on 4 November 2023, at ONE Fight Night 16.[19] However, Nolan pulled out for undisclosed reason and was replaced by Mouhcine Chafi.[20]
Nolan faced Ali Aliev on January 13, 2024, at ONE Fight Night 18. He won the fight via unanimous decision.[21]
Nolan faced WMC Spain Champion Nauzet Trujillo on February 17, 2024 at ONE Fight Night 19, losing the fight via unanimous decision.[22]
