Time Out met up with two of the most dangerous fighters in the world – Buakaw Por. Pramuk and Yodsanklai Fairtex – prior to the Thai Fight Extreme 2011. They talked briefly about their past, current and future aspirations and their appreciation for that definitive martial arts film Ong Bak. The 2011 TFX events are being held to promote the sport of Muay Thai around the world and to celebrate His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th birthday.

Buakaw is probably Muay Thai’s most famous name. His rigid training regime and fierce nature in the ring has made him the ultimate Muay Thai fighter. Having recently starred in an action movie Yamada: The Samurai of Ayothaya, we asked Buakaw if his now new-found star status affected him any differently.

Time Out: What’s it like to be a movie star?
Buakaw: Doesn’t feel that different.

TO: Was your training for the movie (fights) different from regular training?
B: Training for fighting is all about winning. Training for a movie is about making the actions look creative…quite different.

Yodsanklai was the first winner of famous reality TV show The Contender Asia and has since won two WBC-accredited Muay Thai championships. We asked whether he thought Hong Kong’s fighters would be next in line.

TO: What do you think about Hong Kong’s chances in Muay Thai in the future?
Yodsanklai: Everyone’s got two hands. Everyone’s got two feet. Everyone’s got a chance.

One often wonders what sportsmen would be doing if they hadn’t had the talent or dedication (or the luck) to be where they currently are.

TO: If you hadn’t become a fighter, what would you be doing right now?
B: I started fighting from a very young age, so I really have no idea what I would be doing – I don’t know anything except fighting.
Y: I think if I wasn’t a fighter, I would be a farmer. I was born in northern Thailand – near the rice paddies.

Tony Jaa’s action packed Ong Bak took the world by storm. After a slew of martial arts-based movies in the ‘70s and ‘80s, interest in the ‘90s had declined and (pure) martial-arts movies had become clichéd. It needed Tony Jaa’s stunning stunts and skills to bring that forgotten genre of film back to the forefront, and to propel Tony Jaa to international fame.

TO: What has Ong Bak done for Muay Thai?
B: It has helped to build up the popularity of Muay Thai. Good movie.

We couldn’t resist asking if the two fighters wanted to expand their scope. After all, that’s where the money is these days. Would the money attract them to abandon their devotion to an ancient martial art?

TO: Have you ever thought of going into MMA, like UFC and Legend? Why? Why not?
B: I have had some offers – with good money, but I like Muay Thai.
Y: I’ve learnt BJJ and stuff before. Maybe one day, not right now.

Thai Fight Extreme 2011, AsiaWorld Arena. July 17, 3pm-6pm, $1,200-$250, www.hkticketing.com