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Runway to Ring: Meet the Model turned Muay Thai Fighter

Mia Kang is a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model that graces the covers of magazines worldwide. But now the 28-year-old now sees a future in MMA.

Kang took on her first fight in front of a sold-out stadium in Thailand where she beat Nong B in a third-round knockout.

It all began when she was holidaying in Thailand and her 10-day trip turned into months spent at a local gym.

“I’m very much that zero or a hundred,” Kang told The MMA Hour. “I thought that I could do it, so I went straight in. I was driving past a local gym (in Thailand) and on the side of the road they have the little Thai boys that they groom to become fighters and I just pulled over my car and said ‘Can I try?’ - that was the beginning”.

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The lessons she has learnt from Muay Thai have also helped Kang with her battle with obesity, then anorexia and body dysmorphia.

“It really gave me my self-confidence and really helped me rid a lot of insecurities that were weighing me down my whole life.”

Now Kang has engaged the services of MMA agent Malki Kawa and is training jiu-jitsu and wrestling to perfect her skills for a potential move to MMA.

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