He is also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt and trains Muay Thai. His connection with MMA dates back to 2005, when he turned into a fan after watching Fedor Emelianenko defeat Mirko ‘Cro Cop ...

Muay Thai, with roots in ancient Thailand, is a full-contact, stand-up striking sport that utilizes punches, kicks, elbows, knees and clinching techniques.

Then in 2003 came the hit movie Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior, starring Tony Jaa, or Tatchakorn Yeerum, a local actor. This feature brought Muay Thai's "ancient style," or Muay Boran, into the spotlight.

Zach Marques is a Muay Thai boxer who teaches and trains in Kemptville. He’s going for the belt this weekend at the Muay Thai Pan American championships right here in Ottawa.