Damo Nelson Muay Thai Interview: Team Australia Captain
Damo Nelson fights out of Lanna Prestige Muay Thai in Perth. He's a former WBC International Champion, a multiple-time Australian Champion, and one of the most experienced fighters in the country. He captained Team Australia at Empire Fight Series 14 in September, and we filmed this before his 50th fight, which he won over Levi Bailey on a unanimous decision. Here are his 3 extra minutes.
Damo Nelson vs Levi Bailey at Empire Fight Series 14
Empire Fight Series 14 was Australia vs the UK, Perth, 5 September 2026. Australia took the series 3 to 2 (Aus Muay Thai results). Every fighter on the card wore Supa Phat.
Damo fought for the Australian corner in Emerald Green, against Levi Bailey of MASDA Gym in Liverpool. He won by unanimous decision (here's how Muay Thai fights are scored). It was his 50th professional fight, and he captained the Australian team on the night. The belts came earlier: a WBC International title and Australian titles more than once, with his father Andrew Nelson in his corner throughout. His pick for best knockout is a third-round knee.
Phat Chats is our quickfire interview series. A pro fight runs 5 rounds of 3 minutes. Round 6 is the 3 extra minutes after the bell. 17 questions, one clock, and the fighter names who sits in the chair next. Robbie Mars filmed Damo's in Perth before the fight. Most up and coming fighter right now? Jackson, who trains with him.
The 3 extra minutes
Hardest you've ever been hit?
Damo: I was probably slept, so I don't remember it. It probably would have been Matt Stevens. Man can punch.
Scariest opponent you've ever faced?
Damo: I don't know, everyone's human. So they can look scary at face value, but as soon as you step in the ring with them, you're reminded pretty quick that everyone's a person.
Best knockout of your career?
Damo: We're going back a few years now, but probably when I knocked out Albert Tua for the Australian title. So it was third round and I was just closing the distance and trying to make sure he didn't have any space to work with. Caught him with a knee and he tried to shake it off. He tried to tell me it didn't have an effect and then he actually just told me that it worked. So we capitalised on that. Yeah, that was probably about 5 years ago now. Long time.
Favourite fighter of all time?
Damo: Longo is up there because he's skillful, but his basics are so nice and so crisp. Nah, he's good to watch.
Best fight you've ever seen?
Damo: I think when Sam fought Kian, that was a good fight. Back in 2024, that one was hectic because I know both boys, it makes it more exciting.
Most up & coming Muay Thai fighter right now?
Damo: Keep an eye on Jackson. He's training with us at the moment. He is so fast and so skillful. He's had a couple of really good wins recently. Yeah, he's a weapon.
Muay Thai to you in one sentence?
Damo: Physically and mentally demanding, but rewarding.
Quickfire: punch, kick, elbow or knee?
Damo: Kick.
Quickfire: clinch or range?
Damo: Range.
Quickfire: body kick or head kick?
Damo: Head kick.
Quickfire: teep or low kick?
Damo: Low kick.
Quickfire: pads or sparring?
Damo: Pads.
Quickfire: fight in Thailand or at home?
Damo: Fight at home. I like the home crowd.
Quickfire: power or speed?
Damo: Speed. If you're accurate.
Quickfire: aggressive or counter fighter?
Damo: Aggressive.
Biggest Muay Thai advice to your younger self?
Damo: Trust your commitment. It'll take you places.
Who should do Round 6 next?
Damo: Maybe it's Tariq. He's fighting on the same night as us. So yeah, interview him.
What Damo fought in
The Australian corner went Emerald Green in our Heritage Series Muay Thai Shorts. Australian flag badge on the right leg, Supa Phat badge on the left, black Supa Phat gloves with Buds on them. The shorts are microfibre and don't hold sweat. Emerald Green and Royal Blue are both on the site now.
More Phat Chats
Who's next in the chair? "Maybe it's Tariq. He's fighting on the same night as us." Tariq Zerafa of Monsters Inc. Muay Thai fought Bailey Merrett on that card. Tariq, you're up for Round 6. Also from the Empire 14 card: Mia Skeer of Salford Striking Academy and Levi Bailey of MASDA Gym, who gets his 3 minutes too. Our Muay Thai mental game guide covers fear before a fight and how fighters handle it. Watch every Phat Chats episode in one place. Then go follow @damonelson.
Filmed and cut by Robbie Mars for Supa Phat, Perth, September 2026.
