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- Muay Thai Culture News 3/13/25
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Muay Thai Culture News 3/13/25
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A crucial featherweight Muay Thai showdown is on the horizon, featuring the decorated Thai legend Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong going head-to-head with the formidable Scottish knockout artist Nico “King of the North” Carrillo. This highly anticipated clash is officially scheduled to take place during U.S. primetime on April 4, as part of the thrilling lineup for ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles, which will be broadcast on Prime Video. The electrifying matchup is set to unfold at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, a venue steeped in history and tradition, renowned for hosting some of the most memorable bouts in Muay Thai history.
Lumpinee Stadium is not just a venue; it is a sacred ground for Muay Thai enthusiasts, where the echoes of past legendary fights still resonate within its walls. Fighters who step into this ring are aware that they are not just competing for victory but also for the honor of being part of a legacy that has been built over decades. The stadium has witnessed the rise of numerous champions and has been the stage for countless epic battles that have captivated audiences worldwide.
When you think about the origins of fighters, it becomes evident that they rarely emerge from a life of comfort and ease. Instead, they often rise from circumstances filled with hardship, desperation, and necessity. These challenging conditions forge their character and determination, propelling them to achieve greatness in the world of combat sports. A prime example of this truth is the story of former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Known as “The Iron Man,” Rodtang’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of Muay Thai is nothing short of inspiring.
Rodtang is set to face Japanese kickboxing megastar Takeru Segawa at ONE 172 in a highly anticipated five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight. This thrilling event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 23, inside the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
Every time 9-year-old Ava Cano takes the ring to compete in a Muay Thai fight, it’s because she wants to be there and she’s earned the right to be there.
“I want to become a champion someday. Just the thought of someday being a champion kind of motivates me," she said.
Having started in the sport at the age of four-and-a-half, her father, Mark Cano, got her into the Paragon Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Elite Muay Thai Academy at the San Luis Obispo location as a way for her to learn self-defense and it quickly became something more.
“She always loved the sound of the pads," Mark Cano said. “She just started going at it. She loved it. She absolutely enjoyed it.”
“I don't really accept students any younger than five-and-a-half, but she kept showing up, and I go, okay, I'll give you a little chance," owner and trainer of Elite Muay Thai Academy Albert Matalamban recalled.
Now as a 9-year-old, she’s won more than 10 competitions fighting all across the state and the country, most recently earning a spot on the U.S. Muay Thai National Team.
Standing at an impressive six feet tall, Lyndon Knowles is a striking figure with his vibrant pink mohawk, a matching bowler hat perched jauntily atop his head, and a moustache that looks like it was plucked straight from the set of the classic Western film, Tombstone. His unique and flamboyant appearance makes him hard to miss in any crowd. However, it won't be long before it's not just his eye-catching style that captures attention. The accomplished WBC Muay Thai heavyweight champion is gearing up for a significant challenge as he prepares to face off against Roman Kryklia for the prestigious ONE Championship heavyweight title. This highly anticipated bout is scheduled to take place at ONE Fight Night 30, which will be held in the vibrant city of Bangkok on April 5.
Expressing his excitement and readiness for the upcoming fight, Knowles shared, "I’m over the moon. Thanks to ONE Championship, I’m ready to put on a show." His enthusiasm is palpable as he looks forward to showcasing his skills on such a prominent stage.
Bangkok, 11 March 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, extends a warm invitation to travellers from across the globe to partake in the 17th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place on the 16th and 17th of March 2025 at the historic and culturally rich Ayutthaya Historical Park. The ceremony is themed “Once in a Lifetime: Experience the Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony in Thailand,” and it promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the time-honored traditions of Muay Thai, a martial art that has captured the hearts of people worldwide and continues to grow in its global appeal.
The event will be hosted at the iconic Wat Mahathat and Wat Langkha Khao, two locations steeped in history and cultural significance. The ceremony is a highlight of the Thailand Summer Festivals 2025, which forms a part of the Grand Festivity component of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. This ambitious initiative aims to showcase the Soft Power influence of Muay Thai, drawing martial artists, enthusiasts, and curious travellers from all corners of the world to witness and participate in this unique cultural event.
Organised in close collaboration with Ayutthaya province, the Association Institute of Thai Martial Arts, the World Muay Thai Federation, and the Muaythai and Muayboran Sports Association, the event is designed to foster a deeper cultural appreciation and enhance the global recognition of Muay Thai’s rich heritage. Over the course of the two-day event, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in sacred rituals and dynamic cultural activities that celebrate Thailand’s martial arts legacy.
One of the key attractions of the event is the Cultural and Martial Arts Showcases, which will take place on both days from 15:00 to 21:00 Hrs. at Wat Langkha Khao. These showcases will feature live demonstrations of four traditional Muay Thai Boran styles, each with its own unique characteristics and regional influences. Muay Chaiya, originating from Southern Thailand, is renowned for its focus on defensive counterattacks. Muay Korat, from the Northeast, is distinguished by its powerful strikes. Muay Tha Sao, hailing from the North, emphasizes speed and agility, while Muay Lop Buri, from the Central region, is recognized for its deceptive movements.
In addition to the martial arts demonstrations, visitors will have the chance to explore a variety of traditional Thai handicrafts. These include Sak Yant, the sacred art of tattooing believed to offer protection and strength, Yantra Drawing, which involves the creation of intricate sacred symbols, and Sword Forging, showcasing Thailand’s historic blacksmithing skills.
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is delighted to extend a warm and open invitation to individuals from all corners of the globe to partake in the 17th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place over two days, from the 16th to the 17th of March 2025, at the historically significant Ayutthaya Historical Park. This year’s theme, “Once in a Lifetime: Experience the Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony in Thailand,” not only highlights the event’s esteemed global recognition but also celebrates the rich and enduring traditions of Muay Thai, a martial art that holds a special place in Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Set against the breathtaking and historic backdrops of Wat Mahathat and Wat Langkha Khao, the ceremony promises to be a standout highlight of the Thailand Summer Festivals 2025. It is an integral component of the broader “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign, which aims to showcase the soft power of Muay Thai. By drawing martial artists, enthusiasts, and aficionados from across the globe, the event seeks to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of this ancient martial art.
The successful organization and execution of this event are made possible through the collaborative efforts of several key partners. These include the Ayutthaya province, the Association Institute of Thai Martial Arts, the World Muay Thai Federation, and the Muaythai and Muayboran Sports Association.
Rare Ajarn Chai seminar from 1993!
The International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) celebrates Muaythai’s inclusion in the 2025 OCA Asian Youth Games, highlighting its global recognition.
Muaythai, also known as Muay in some parts of Asia, has reached a historic milestone by being officially included in the 2025 OCA Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, which are scheduled to take place from October 22 to 31. This remarkable achievement marks an important step forward for the sport on the international stage, showcasing its growing popularity and recognition. Sakchye Tapsuwan, the President of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), hailed this as a historic moment for Asian youth, emphasizing the significance of this inclusion for the sport's future. He highlighted the relentless efforts of both IFMA and the Federation of Asian Muaythai Associations (FAMA) in working tirelessly to secure Muaythai's place in the prestigious Games.
FAMA President and IFMA Vice President Abdullah Saeed Amer Al Neyadi described this development as a celebration of both sport and culture, underscoring the deep cultural roots and the dynamic nature of Muaythai. He emphasized IFMA's unwavering commitment to youth development, noting that the year 2025 will be particularly special for Muaythai in Asia.
Two colossal strikers are set to collide in the main event of ONE Fight Night 30 on Prime Video, as two-sport, two-weight ONE World Champion Roman Kryklia will defend his ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title against British destroyer Lyndon Knowles.
That clash will go down in U.S. primetime on Friday, April 4, live from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ukrainian superstar Kryklia has looked nothing short of dominant throughout his six-fight run in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
After claiming the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title in his promotional debut back in 2019, the towering striker successfully defended the gold two times before entering and winning the ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix silver belt.
Nico Carrillo, a hard-hitting striker renowned for his aggressive fighting style, is set to make a significant move in his career by stepping up to the featherweight division. He will face none other than the legendary Muay Thai fighter Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong on the highly anticipated April 5 ONE Championship card at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium. This thrilling event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans around the world a chance to witness this exciting matchup.
Carrillo, hailing from Scotland and affectionately dubbed "The King of the North," has made a name for himself in the ONE Championship circuit. He has carved out an impressive path, marked by a series of four knockout victories that showcased his formidable striking power and tenacity. These victories were not just against any opponents; they included some well-regarded names in the sport, further cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
However, Carrillo's journey has not been without its challenges. His quest for the Interim bantamweight title saw him face off against Nabil Anane in a bout that ended in a dramatic and brutal fashion. Anane managed to knock Carrillo down three times, ultimately finishing the fight within the distance and handing Carrillo a tough defeat. This setback prompted Carrillo to reassess his career trajectory and make the bold decision to move up to the featherweight division.
Now, a few months after that challenging loss, Carrillo is ready to embark on a new chapter in his fighting career. His debut in the featherweight class is eagerly anticipated, and it will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, allowing fans to follow his journey as he aims to make a mark in this new weight category.
Phetjeeja is having as close to a perfect training camp heading into one of the biggest fights of her career. The reigning ONE atomweight kickboxing world champion is in the final stages of her preparation for her world title defense against Kana Morimoto at the stacked ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang card on March 23 at the historic Saitama Super Arena.
During her ONE 172 open workouts, Phetjeeja told the media present that she's close to cutting down to the atomweight limit of 115 pounds less than two weeks before her world title defense in Japan.
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
"My weight always goes up and down before a fight. When I train hard, my weight goes down a lot. Now I have about 3 kg left and I am gradually losing weight."
The 5-foot-3 Thai star never had any issues making weight in her previous fights, and believes she'll be in perfect form once fight week commences later this month.
Phetjeeja is often regarded as one of this generation's greatest strikers, and is well on her way to reach legendary status if she keeps tacking on wins to her storied resume.
'The Queen' holds an ungodly 208-6 record in her career and is a perfect 6-0 in ONE Championship. After a blistering four-fight winning streak, Phetjeeja claimed the ONE interim atomweight kickboxing world title when she outclassed the legendary Anissa Meksen at ONE Friday Fights 46.
She then beat Janet Todd in their unification matchup for the undisputed ONE atomweight kickboxing throne at ONE Fight Night 20.
George Mouzaikitis, a 26-year-old fighter who has made a significant mark in the world of Muay Thai, achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023 by becoming the International Muaythai Council (IMC) Super Lightweight World Champion. This prestigious title was a testament to his dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport. On a memorable Saturday night, March 8, he stepped into the ring for a highly anticipated co-main event match at the Hitman Fight League: The Last Dance event, held in the vibrant city of Manchester. This event was a major highlight in the UK’s combat sports calendar, drawing fans and fighters from all over the world.
In this electrifying match, George faced off against the legendary Damien Alamos, a name that resonates with reverence in the Muay Thai community. Alamos, known for his exceptional prowess and storied career, was a formidable opponent, making the bout a thrilling spectacle for all in attendance. George’s father and coach, Sam Mouzaikitis, expressed immense pride in his son’s performance, stating, “It was the most epic performance of George’s career.
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