Niamh Kinehan

Niamh Kinehan (born 4 April 1999) is an English mixed martial artist, kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter. She is a former WBC, WMO and ISKA Muay Thai 135 lbs world champion.

Kinehan has continually been considered a top 10 pound-for-pound muay thai fighter in the world by the WMO and Combat Press since the creation of the rankings in July 2023 and February 2024.

Muay Thai and kickboxing career Early career Kinehan made her A-class debut on November 26, 2016, when she faced Anke Van Gestel at Prime Time 7. She lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Kinehan and Anke Van Gestel rematched on March 24, 2017, for the Enfusion -64 kg title at Enfusion 48. She lost the fight by decision.

On September 16, 2017, Kinehan faced Orinta van der Zee at Enfusion #52 for the Enfusion -61 kg title. She lost the bout by split decision.

Kinehan rematched Nora Cornolle in the semifinals of the Enfusion Reality Tournament on June 20, 2017. She lost by decision.

On September 9, 2018, Kinehan travelled to Shangqiu, China, to face Wang Cong in the quarterfinals bout of an eight women one night night tournament at Kunlun Fight 76. She lost the fight by unanimous decision.

On November 18, 2018, Kinehan faced Sarah Worsfold for the KGP -61 kg title at Muay Thai Grand Prix 21. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

On June 29, 2019, Kinehan faced Isa Tiblad for the vacant MTGP World -61 kg title at Muay Thai Grand Prix 27. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

On March 7, 2020, Kinehan faced Stéphanie Ielo Page at YOKKAO 47–48. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

On December 3, 2021, Kinehan travelled to the United States to face Ashley Smallwood at Lion Fight 72. She won the fight by doctor stoppage in the third round.

World Champion

On February 12, 2022, Kinehan faced Ludovica Ciarpaglini for the vacant WBC Muaythai lightweight world title. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

Kinehan successfully defende her WBC Muaythai world lightweight on June 25, 2022, when she defeated Shannon Gardiner by unanimous decision at Muay Thai Grand Prix Australia.

On June 10, 2023, Kinehan faced Kèro Riefstahl for the WMO World lightweight title at Hitman Fight League 2. She won the fight by unanimous decision making her a simultaneous WBC, WMO and ISKA world champion.

On August 10, 2024, Kinehan faced Michaela Hlavacikova for the vacant WKA Muay Thai world lightweight title. She won by unanimous decision.

On February 25, 2025, Kinehan traveled to Perth, Australia to defend her WBC Muay Thai world title against Kaitlyn Tucker. She won the fight by fourth-round technical knockout.

On March 4, 2025, Kinehan announced her retirement from Muay Thai after running out of challenges and a transition to MMA.

Titles and accomplishments Professional World Boxing Council Muaythai 2022 WBC Muaythai World Lightweight (135 lbs) Champion Three successful title defenses 2022 WBC Muaythai Female Fighter of the Year World Muaythai Organization 2023 WMO World Lightweight (135 lbs) Champion 2024 WMO World Super Lightweight (140 lbs) Champion Muay Thai Grand Prix 2018 KGP Super-lightweight (63.5 kg) Champion One successful title defense 2019 MTGP World Lightweight (-61 kg) Champion International Sport Kickboxing Association 2022 ISKA Muay Thai World Lightweight (135 lbs) Champion World Kickboxing Association 2024 WKA Muay Thai World Lightweight (135 lbs) Champion World Karate and Kickboxing Union 2018 WKU Muay Thai European 61 kg Champion

Amateur International Federation of Muaythai Associations 2014 IFMA World Championship Junior -60 kg Gold 2015 IFMA Royal World Cup Junior -63.5 kg Gold

Mixed martial arts record

Alana Cook Oktagon 93

Brno, Czech Republic Win

Emilia Czerwińska TKO (punches) Oktagon 86

Szczecin, Poland Win

Michaela Hlaváčiková Decision (unanimous) Oktagon 74

Prague, Czech Republic Muay Thai and Kickboxing record