Shannon Wiratchai is Thaimixed martial artist who is currently signed to ONE Championship. He currently competes in the Featherweight division of ONE but has also previously competed as a Lightweight as well. Wiratchai is a pioneer of Thai MMA and he is known for his striking ability, holding the organization's record for the second-most knockouts in the lightweight division, as well as second-fastest finish in lightweight history.
Shannon Wiratchai first competed in the amateur level of MMA, fighting for the NAKSU tournament. After only making it to the semi-finals in his first year in 2009, Wiratchai would eventually win the 2010 NAKSU amateur tournament in the 75 kg class. As an amateur mixed martial artist, he held a 5–1 record. Prior to competing in ONE Championship, Wiratchai began his MMA career at Bangkok's local DARE Championship events held at Club Insomnia from 2011 to 2012, where he went an undefeated 2–0.
ONE Championship
2012
Shannon Wiratchai eventually signed with ONE Championship and made his debut at on August 31, 2012, facing Mitch Chilson. However, the fight was ruled a no contest when it was ruled that Shannon Wiratchai landed illegal head kicks to a grounded Chilson, reversing what was originally a TKO win for Wiratchai.
2013
His next opponent was Bashir Ahmad, whom he faced at. Despite going the distance, Wiratchai lost by unanimous decision. However, he would bounce back in his rematch with Mitch Chilson at on October 18, 2013. This time, he won with a first-round TKO via soccer kicks and punches.
2015
After a period of inactivity the entirety of 2014, Shannon Wiratchai made his return on May 22, 2015 at, where he faced Amir Khan. He would win the fight by split decision.
2016
He then picked up his first submission win with a rear naked choke victory over Kyal Linn Aung in the first round at on May 27, 2016. At, Wiratchai defeated Peter Davis by TKO via punches in the second round.
2017
At on March 11, 2017, Shannon Wiratchai defeated Richard Corminal by first-round knockout in his Lightweight debut. He followed up with a 29-second, first-round knockout victory over Rajinder Singh Meena at on August 5, 2017. However, Wiratchai's six-fight winning streak would come to an end at on December 9, 2017, where he lost to Rasul Yakhyaev by unanimous decision in a lightweight world title eliminator.
2018
He managed to score a 21-second, first-round knockout victory over Rahul Raju at, recording the second-fastest knockout in ONE lightweight history. In what would be the biggest fight of his career, Wiratchai faced former ONE Lightweight World ChampionShinya Aoki at on July 27, 2018. He would lose by TKO due to ground and pound, marking the first time he was finished.
2019
At on February 16, 2019, Wiratchai lost to Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu by unanimous decision. He would be handed the first submission loss of his career via rear naked choke against Iuri Lapicus at on May 17, 2019.
2020
Shannon Wiratchai was scheduled to face former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario at on February 28, 2020. The fight will mark as both athletes' return to Featherweight. Wiratchai lost to Banario by split decision.
Fighting style & MMA ventures
Outside of fighting, he is also an instructor of mixed martial arts and self-defense. Wiratchai has termed his own fighting style the "OneShin Striking System", which is based on "attacking opponents who leave themselves vulnerable". While mostly based on striking, this style also incorporates elements of judo, kung fu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing and wrestling. He took up judo lessons at the age of 8, which helped build his foundation in MMA. Later on, he also developed a keen interest for Chinese martial arts, particularly baguazhang, which he would practice at Lumphini Park. On September 9, 2017, Shannon Wiratchai hosted the "OneShin Cup", an amateur mixed martial arts tournament using the rules of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation. The purpose of the tournament was to build more awareness surrounding the sport of MMA in Thailand and help develop Thai mixed martial artists so that they would be capable of competing at international levels. The event was streamed live on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Ignite Fight Club. The second edition of the OneShin Cup was held on May 5, 2018. The event was known for featuring future ONE Championship Kickboxing and Muay Thai Atomweight World Champion Stamp Fairtex.
Personal life
Unlike most Thai fighters, Shannon Wiratchai comes from a well-to-do background. His father is a doctor and his mother is a nurse, both of them working at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Wiratchai graduated from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School. He then went on to complete his college education at Chulalongkorn University. Shannon Wiratchai is currently dating Tiger Muay Thai teammate and fellow mixed martial artist Rika Ishige, who competes in ONE Championship's atomweight division. The two have fought on the same card five times: on March 11, 2017 in Bangkok, on August 5, 2017 in Macau, on December 9, 2017 in Bangkok, on March 24, 2018 in Bangkok, and on February 16, 2019 in Bangkok. Wiratchai and Ishige have been referred to as "Thailand's martial arts power couple".
