Buakaw Banchamek (Thai: บัวขาว) earlier today returned to the ring for the first time in almost three years. The 40-year-old Muay Thai legend faced tough Belarussian opponent Dzmitry Varats in the main event at World Fight WF Kun Khmer Series.

บัวขาว Buakaw Banchamek defeats Dzmitry Varats in Cambodia
The pair clashed in a three-round superfight at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh.

Buakaw’s last appearance inside the ring was in October 2019, which was also hosted in Cambodia. On that occasion, he defeated Chris Ngimbi on the MAS Fight promotion.

Almost three years since his last competitive appearance, Buakaw looked in fine shape once again as he weathered the storm of the tricky striker Dzmitry Varats.

The former K-1 MAX World Series champion, Varats, found success in his spinning attacks, but it wasn’t enough to phase the Thai superstar. Buakaw landed an elbow in the opening exchanges of the first round, opening a cut on the bridge of Varats nose.

Buakaw looked in control for much of the bout as the heaven’s opened and rain began to pour down on the ring through rounds two and three. The pair appeared to struggle with balance as the rain caused the canvas to become slippery.

After three rounds, the points decision was given in favour of Buakaw Banchamek, who earned his 240th career victory.