I created a thread on here years ago saying will mma help mt or hinder it? Think that was thread title. If muay Thai adapted appropriately it will help it, with the right promoters etc. mma is still a confused sport as 99% of the audience want to see boxing and mt wars I.e stand up fights.
This is the thing mma an mainly the UFC has been promoted so well that nowadays most of the cards are shit with a lot if booing from te crowds but it still generates crazy money. it's not the product it's the marketing that brings the crowds. (in the ultimate fighter you see rookies trying their luck, in their contender it was all decent fighters) I am a huge fight fan and I have struggled and channel flicked through every UFC I have ever watched.

My point is I think these Thai stadium fighters are being held back. they are a fighting breed and if taught correct ground work they could take over the lower weight categories of the mma promotions and earn money.

maybe the Thais are scared of this happening and losing their sport but I'm sure someone like Bulaway or sanchai or Saiyok could adapt easily in maximum a couple years to take on the mma world. and in a way I think their talent and fighting spirit is wasted when they could earn a shitload more money.

And why shouldn't they go for their money when they are essentially putting their life on the line.

also if you don't get what I'm saying look at the early fights of a televised UFC card and tell me the top Thais are not tenthold more talented than these guys. Even though the UFC fighter will be earning shit loads more