Flash Entertainment today announced the inaugural Yas Island Muay Thai Championship. Taking place at the du Forum on November 23rd, the six fight extravaganza features leading international names from the world of Muay Thai and is set to further whet the Capital’s appetite for a sport that is growing in prominence throughout the UAE.
In a unique double-header, the Yas Island Muay Thai Championship will pit Youssef Boughanem (Morocco) against Jake Purdy (United Kingdom) and Somchai Lueamlam (Thailand) against Jack Kennedy (UK).
Supporting the main event are four thrilling undercard bouts:
Walter Gonçalves (Brazil) vs Pedro Ruiz (Spain); Jussi Santalahti (Finland) vs Fernando Groenhart (the Netherlands); Salimkhan Ibragimov (Russia) vs Jose Manuel Hita Rodriguez (Spain); and Ilyass Chakir (Morocco) vs Nicolas Mendes (Senegal).
Muay Thai has seen a rapid rise in popularity throughout the country. The sport which is the cultural martial art of Thailand, was originally taught to enable warriors to use their body as a weapon in close combat and relies on a skillful mixture of offensive and defensive tactics, proper posture and position and razor-sharp awareness. Over the past 100 years it has evolved into a recognised sport with fights consisting of five rounds with time-limits imposed; like boxing, Muay Thai is now organised by weight-classes and defined rules.
John Lickrish, CEO, Flash Entertainment expressed his excitement for the upcoming event: “Flash entertainment’s Fight Night is set to thrill fans with the Yas Island Muay Thai Championship. From the moment doors open, spectators can expect an evening of unmatched excitement that is sure to underline Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class host of major sporting events. We’re delighted to be supporting up-and-coming sports that directly reflect our company’s commitment to provide the region with diverse entertainment programmes.”
Often referred to as the ‘art of eight limbs,’ it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Five judges sit for each fight to score both offensive and defensive point decisions. Bouts are divided into rounds with a time limit ranging from between two to three minutes per round with 2-minute rest between rounds. Safety is the most important aspect of Muay Thai with fighters wearing protective equipment and receiving a medical check-up before and after every fight.
Hosting Yas Island Muay Thai Championship complements the Capital’s efforts to promote cultural diversity in the emirate through all means possible, including sports and other competitions. The government has, thus, put in place overarching sports programmes to encourage not only physical development but also the values of camaraderie, unity, and tolerance in local society.
Tickets for the event start at AED 50 and go on sale on Tuesday, 6th November at ticketmaster.ae or call 800 TM UAE (800 86 823).
