In many people’s minds, the typical image of a Buddhist monk is someone modest in stature, with hair cleanly shaven and wearing a robe. But lately, circulating on various social media, is this photo of this muscle-bound monk.

This monk with a toned body clad in a bright orange robe was snapped sweeping the floor of a monastery. Compared with the other monks, his build is strikingly different and left people wondering who he is.

It turns out, the monk is Buakaw Banchamek, the legendary Muay Thai champion nicknamed “The Perfect”. He has emerged victorious in many competitions, including K-1 World MAX, a kickboxing platform well-known for its heavyweight division fights.

According to the social media sites of Buakaw’s gym, in memory of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adelyadej, Buakaw is taking up Buddhism for the time being. He has shaved his hair and eyebrows and currently lives in a monastery.

The netizens, however, are awed at his appearance with comments like: “This is the first time I’ve seen a monk this strong,” “If I see him on the streets, I would run away,” “What a great body,” and “He will probably be offered to act in a movie.”

Indeed, with a monk having such well-defined muscles, nobody would dare to mess with that monastery!