The making of a Muay Thai misfit: Kaitlyn ‘Misfit’ Millington
Timaru’s Kaitlyn ‘Tornado’ Tucker started Muay Thai kickboxing at 21 when she needed a new challenge. Success swiftly followed, yet after a bitter defeat for a world title earlier this year, Kaitlyn took a break from fighting to work on a new version of herself – and get married. On 6 December in Mount Maunganui, debuting her fresh fight name, Kaitlyn ‘Misfit’ Millington seeks redemption.
Words by Nina Tucker. Images supplied.
Muay Thai, Kaitlyn says, is a martial art described as “the art of eight limbs” because each one can be used to strike your opponent. A lesser known sport in New Zealand, it’s full-contact combat that uses stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques. People with a passion like Kaitlyn are changing that, introducing it to her community and educating on the benefits beyond a winning belt.
The current holder of the World Boxing Council’s Muay Thai International Lightweight title with just under 30 fights to her name, Kaitlyn was once just a young person walking through the gym’s doors, craving something that would test her limits.
Muay Thai responded with vigour. “I felt a newfound sense of confidence and purpose,” she says, reflecting on the early days. Now, the sport steals every spare moment and wraps around her entire life, from her personal career to helping build that of the students she coaches. The sport itself offers its own lessons. “It represents the core values of Thai people including discipline, honour, bravery, perseverance and respect.” For that, plus its habit-building qualities from fitness to friendship, learning how to eat better and now winning national and international titles, Kaitlyn thanks her 21-year-old self. “Muay Thai has shaped my life by teaching me resilience, discipline and self-belief. It’s given me confidence both inside and outside the gym, and that’s why I’m passionate about passing it on. I know first-hand how powerful it can be for someone’s growth.”
“I do see it as much more than just a martial art. Being able to perform to the best of my ability and perform Muay Thai well is what I aim to do in my fights. But it’s not all about the results,” she says. In October, Kaitlyn travelled to Bangkok for a training camp at a gym known for producing world-class fighters with authentic style. It was an opportunity to refocus and refresh ahead of her December duel against Australia’s Erin Carter. “This will be a cracker of a fight. I’m really excited to show everyone a new and improved version of myself.”
More than a new surname and alter ego in the arena, Kaitlyn returns with vengeance. “At the start of 2025, I had the honour of fighting for the WBC 61.25 world title but unfortunately lost due to a doctor stoppage,” she says. “The fight started with three rounds of back and forth action but in the fourth it was called off because I couldn’t see clearly.” Blood streamed down her face after taking a game-changing blow from her opponent’s elbow. Locking in her next battle has been the only thing on Kaitlyn’s mind since.
Follow her journey on Instagram at @katietornade.
