SHOCKED: Kickboxer dubbed ‘The Most Dangerous Woman in the World’ lost to a male Muay Thai star in just 2 round | HO

The question of whether a female striker can defeat a male striker has long fueled discussions in combat sports circles. The debate reached new heights in 2015, spurred by a public exchange between former UFC champion Ronda Rousey and retired boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. Rousey even boldly claimed she could defeat then-Heavyweight UFC champion Cain Velasquez, given the right circumstances.

Adding to the controversy, UFC commentator Joe Rogan asserted that Rousey could outfight half of the UFC’s male bantamweight division. While these claims were provocative, they seemed more like bravado in hindsight.

Instances of high-caliber female athletes facing male opponents in combat sports are exceedingly rare. However, such matchups have occurred, though with varied outcomes.

One notable example is Lucia Rijker, a Dutch star who dominated kickboxing from 1982 to 1994, achieving a near-perfect record of 37-0-1. Her lone draw occurred early in her career. Transitioning to professional boxing from 1996 to 2004, Rijker maintained an unblemished record of 17-0, earning her the nickname “Lady Tyson.”

Rijker took on a male opponent, Somchai Jaidee, under Muay Thai rules on October 15, 1994. Jaidee, slightly heavier and with a solid record, won the bout in the second round after a competitive first round. This fight, however, did not settle the debate. Instead, it highlighted Rijker’s willingness to step into uncharted territory, proving that she was more than just talk.

There have been instances where female fighters have emerged victorious against male opponents, though these men were typically not elite athletes. Some observers argue that these examples prove women cannot compete with men at the highest levels. However, what these bouts truly demonstrate is the complexity of such matchups. Factors like size, strength, and experience play significant roles, often tipping the scales in favor of male fighters.

Despite this, top-tier female fighters like Amanda Nunes and a prime Rijker would undoubtedly outperform the average male competitor. The age-old boxing adage, “A good big man will usually beat a good little man,” holds true here. This does not imply that women are inferior; rather, it underscores the importance of physical attributes in combat sports, where the strength gap between men and women often becomes more pronounced as the skill level increases.

Lucia Rijker’s achievements extend beyond the ring. She has also made her mark in the entertainment industry, appearing in the Oscar-winning film Million Dollar Baby (2004) as Billie “The Blue Bear.” Her other acting credits include roles in Star Trek (2009), JAG (2004), and Rollerball (2002). Rijker has also hosted the Dutch adaptation of Jamie’s Dream School and worked as a motivational speaker and trainer, including a stint with Ronda Rousey.

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