Local Kyokushin Karate fighter Christian Buffaloe recently won the "2017 I.K.F.(International Kickboxing Federation) U.S. East Coast Muay-Thai Kickboxing Championship" title and belt at the Crown Reef Resort Conference Center in Mrytle Beach, South Carolina.
This was Buffaloe's first Muay-Thai Kickboxing fight and a very different format than his previous experience in Kyokushin knockdown Karate tournaments. Although Kyokushin Karate & Muay-Thai have similarities, there are many technical & strategic differences. Christian Buffaloe's training was modified to allow him to compete in this very aggressive competitive format. In addition to training under his instructor, Sensei Kenny Buffaloe, Christian also trained with two professional Muay-Thai coaches in preparation for these matches. Buffaloe also trained and sparred with 2 Muay-Thai world champions in order to prepare for this title match.
Christian Buffaloe fought champion Muay-Thai Kickboxing competitor Malachi Cash for the 2017 East Coast Muay-Thai Kickboxing championship title in a 3 round war. Cash had a fighting record of 14 fights and he was a champion fighter from Ray Thompson's Kickboxing gym in Sumter, South Carolina. Ray Thompson is a well known kickboxing & MMA trainer and his most famous student is his son, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, the famous U.F.C. MMA champion fighter.
In the first round, Christian Buffaloe had alot of difficulty getting past Malachi Cash's 6 inch reach advantage. Cash continiously caught Buffaloe with his jab and kicks keeping him out of reach. By the second round, Buffaloe used his footwork and kicks to get past Cash's superior reach and hurt him with strong low kicks to the legs. The 6 foot 2 inch Cash started to show the damage from Buffaloe's low kicks and changed stances to protect his injured leg.
In the third and final round, Buffaloe kept up the pressure and continued to attack's Cash's legs backing him up to the ropes. Buffaloe then started to punch the body and head of Cash until the round ended. Buffaloe won a unanimous judge's decision and became the new United States East Coast Muay-Thai Kickboxing champion in the men's 147 pound weight category. Buffaloe was presented the championship belt by I.K.F. fight promoter Johnny Davis at the conclusion of the match.
Christian Buffaloe welcomed the opportunity to compete in the Muay-Thai Kickboxing format to learn and enhance his Kyokushin fighting style. There are many Kyokushin fighters who also compete in Muay-Thai, Kickboxing, & MMA in order to round out their fighting skills. Buffaloe is very appreciative to all the people who helped him prepare and train for this championship title match.