Muay Thai fighter hailed a hero for stepping in to protect women in road rage showdown

A professional Muay Thai fighter has gained international praise after he intervened to protect two women during a road rage incident.

Brisbane-based Ryan McDonald,19,was on his way home from a camping trip in Noosa,Australia,with his friends at the weekend when he saw two women being threatened by a man in a white van.

Dashcam footage showed a young woman trying to merge multiple times into the left lane on Bruce Highway,a major national roadway in Queensland,Australia.

However,the van driver cut in front and continued to block her,before jumping out of his vehicle and attempting to open the woman’s car door.

The van driver became aggressive

Speaking to Australia’s 7NEWS the day after the event,McDonald said he instinctively exited his own car to confront the man.

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Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.‘He jumped out of the car in the middle of the highway,and there are these two girls on their own in the car,’ McDonald told the channel.‘I was thinking this would be a good opportunity to help,to use what I know and help these girls,and to try and de-escalate the situation.’Meanwhile,other motorists also left their vehicles and gathered around the commotion.The van driver reportedly threatened Ryan (Picture: Nine/METROGRAB)However,McDonald said the van driver didn’t back down,ripped his shirt off and ‘instantly tried to start a fight.’‘I told him “get back in your van,” and he took his shirt off,’ to which McDonald did the same.According to McDonald,the driver then aggressively asked him: ‘You sure you want this?’ before adding,‘You don’t know who you’re messing with.’Rather than leaning into a physical altercation,McDonald said he remained calm.Ryan was interviewed on Australian news about the viral incident (Picture: Nine)‘I didn’t try and pose a threat or make myself look big [but] he was trying to be threatening.’It was only when a fellow motorist recognised McDonald from his social media accounts that he warned the van driver of his Muay Thai champion status.However,McDonald said the driver didn’t seem to care,and instead threatened: ‘Show me how professional you are then.’‘He told me I couldn’t fight outside the gym or it would ruin my reputation. Well,I think he’s made a pretty good reputation for himself.’Eventually,the van driver appeared to give up trying to cause a fight,slipped back in his van and took off.Ryan is a professional Muay Thai fighter (Picture: ry.vmt/instagram)McDonald — who filmed the viral event,which has since received around three million views and 72k likes on Instagram — told 7NEWS that it was imperative he stayed calm throughout the situation.‘It was the best possible outcome,to de-escalate the [situation]. Everybody got home safe that day.’His video has also generated thousands of positive comments,with many praising McDonald for his responsible actions.‘Good work brother,’ one person said,as another penned: ‘The Bruce highway protector what a goat.’‘Thank you for protecting those women. Well done,’ a third added,while a fourth echoed: ‘Thank you for your service. So many people let poor behaviour continue. I agree that those who can and feel comfortable doing so call out poor behaviour.’