Born in DC and raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, Arthur "King Arthur" Payton III's path to Muay Thai royalty began with a decision to change everything. Working as a retail manager for over 8 years in jobs that didn't fulfill him, Arthur started heavily watching UFC in 2018 and wanted to see what he was capable of. At the start of 2020, he weighed 300 pounds. That same year, he committed to transformation.
In November 2020, Arthur walked into Kaizen MMA in Fairfax, Virginia under Coach Dave Chun and began his journey. What followed was one of the most dramatic transformations in DMV combat sports - a 145-pound weight loss that saw him evolve from 300 pounds to preparing to fight at 155 pounds. But the physical transformation was only part of the story. Arthur was chasing something deeper: the highest level of success he could possibly achieve.
Over 30 fights and an 18-8 record, Arthur has captured an impressive array of titles: 2x WKA National Kickboxing Champion (2024 & 2025), TCB Muay Thai Champion, Kickboxing Tournament Champion in Thailand, and Amateur Boxing Champion. His most memorable fight came in 2022 against Boonchu in small gloves Muay Thai—a test of authenticity and skill that defined his commitment to the art.
But Arthur's journey hasn't been without adversity. A brutal 5-fight skid from the end of 2024 into early 2025 forced him to reevaluate. Rather than break, Arthur adapted - making the strategic switch to kickboxing. That decision proved transformative, leading to back-to-back WKA National Kickboxing Championships and proving his ability to evolve under pressure.
Known as a Muay Mat fighter with heavy punches and devastating low kicks, Arthur's signature weapons are his overhand right and relentless leg attacks. His mindset going into every fight is singular: hurt. Not just win - hurt. It's a mentality forged through years of pushing his body and mind to their absolute limits.
Guided by his philosophy "Kill yourself in the gym so that no one can do it to you in the ring," and the warrior creed "If you want to take the island, then burn the boats. With absolute commitment come insights that create real victory," Arthur embodies total dedication. For him, Muay Thai represents "beauty, stillness, and simplicity" - the art stripped to its purest form.
Now working and coaching at Kaizen MMA Fairfax alongside his mentor Coach Dave Chun, Arthur has built a life around the sport. His wife Daisy has been a crucial support throughout the journey, standing by him through the dramatic weight loss, the victories, and the brutal losing streak. Together with Coach Dave, they've helped Arthur stay focused on his ultimate goal: achieve the highest level of the sport, no matter where it takes him.
Arthur is preparing to turn professional at the end of 2026, but not before maximizing every opportunity in his amateur career. Outside the ring, he's quick to remind people: "I'm a very relaxed and fun-to-know person, until it's time for business." That business mindset - combined with an unwavering commitment to entertainment - makes every Arthur Payton fight an event.
From 300 pounds to 155 pounds. From retail manager to champion kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter. From uncertain beginner to preparing for a professional career. Arthur's transformation over five years stands as proof that radical change is possible with absolute commitment.
His message is clear and unapologetic: "Bet the house on yourself, no matter the circumstances."
Support Arthur "King Arthur" Payton III as he continues his reign, proving that when you burn the boats and commit absolutely, real victory becomes inevitable.
