Tiago Baader Defeats Luke Hayes by Unanimous Decision in Rajadamnern Knockout Main Event

Brazilian Tiago Baader secured an important victory on Friday, October 2, by defeating American Luke Hayes by unanimous decision in the main event of the Rajadamnern Knockout.

Representing Manop Muay Thai Gym in Thailand, a gym located in Chiang Mai that is part of the YOKKAO Training Center, Baader showcased experience and intelligence over three rounds, controlling the key actions of the fight and neutralizing Hayes' attempts to apply pressure.

The bout, contested in the 170-pound category, began even before the bell rang. During the traditional Wai Kru Ram Muay, Tiago Baader displayed his experience and familiarity with Muay Thai culture. The Brazilian performed the complete ritual, executing all stages of the Wai Kru with quality and attention to detail.

In a moment that caught the audience's attention, Baader performed the traditional gesture of "shooting the arrow" towards his opponent, completing a presentation that pleased the spectators. Physically, the Brazilian also had a slight height advantage over the American.

Action-Packed First Round

As the fight commenced, both fighters engaged in a highly active first round. Luke Hayes landed a punch in the opening seconds, but Tiago quickly responded with solid kicks and began to control the distance better.

Throughout the round, the Brazilian started to show greater comfort. Adopting a strategy of movement and working effectively while retreating, Baader made Hayes advance and miss his attacks, then countered with precision.

Baader found success with strikes to the midsection, landing kicks and punches to Hayes' abdomen. Instead of engaging in a volume battle, Tiago prioritized reading his opponent's movements and choosing the best moments to attack.

In the final moments of the first round, Baader also gained a good position in the clinch, controlling the American before exiting the close range with a kick to the face.

Just before the bell, Hayes advanced again. Tiago effectively utilized his movement, made his opponent miss, and responded with a clean kick to the ribs, ending the first round with a strong sequence of actions.

Baader Sticks to Strategy in Second Round

In the second round, Luke Hayes returned more aggressive, trying to increase his output to change the fight's dynamics. However, Baader remained composed. The Brazilian maintained his strategy, waiting for his opponent's mistakes and targeting his leg while continuing to control the distance.

As the minutes passed, the effects of the fight's pace began to show on the American. His strikes lacked the same power displayed at the start, while Tiago remained comfortable and disciplined in his approach.

In the final minute, both fighters engaged in a good clinch exchange. As they broke apart, Hayes made another mistake, allowing Baader to capitalize with another kick to the opponent's face.

Showing signs of fatigue, the American struggled to maintain the pace of the early minutes. Tiago continued to control the distance and managed the last 30 seconds of the second round without exposing himself unnecessarily.

Unlike the format used in RWS, the Rajadamnern Knockout does not reveal the winner of each round to the audience during the fight. Thus, despite Baader's strong performance in the first two rounds, the scoring remained open, with the judges' decision reserved until after the three rounds.

Baader's Movement Draws Praise

In the third and final round, Hayes again took the initiative and began to advance in search of the fight. Baader, on the other hand, maintained the strategy that had been working since the early minutes: movement, distance control, and precise timing for attacks.

Without the need to produce a high volume of offense, Tiago prioritized precision. As the American advanced, the Brazilian used footwork to evade pressure and found openings to land clean punches.

Baader's movement even caught the attention of the Thai commentators, who praised the Brazilian's footwork. Tiago continued to circle the ring, avoiding being a stationary target and forcing Hayes to chase him.

Believing he had built an advantage in the previous rounds, Baader adopted a strategic approach in the final stage: fewer strikes, but clean and well-timed attacks, always prioritizing distance control and avoiding unnecessary exchanges.

In the final minute, the Brazilian's experience became even more evident. Baader continued to capitalize on his opponent's mistakes, forcing Hayes to attack multiple times without finding the right distance, wasting strikes into the air.

By avoiding unnecessary risks, Tiago used his experience to neutralize Hayes' last attempts at pressure. With constant movement and a good read on his opponent's entries, he managed to control the actions until the final bell.

Brazilian Victory in the Main Event

After three rounds, it was time to await the official announcement. The judges confirmed Tiago Baader's victory, declaring him the winner by unanimous decision.

With this result, the Brazilian triumphed over Luke Hayes in the main event of the Rajadamnern Knockout on Friday (2), capping off a performance marked primarily by strategic intelligence, distance control, movement, and efficiency in strike selection.