Mark DeLuca coming out of retirement to face Oron Deachkalon Sumalee at Muay Thai Nights 5

American Muay Thai fighter Mark DeLuca  walked away from the sport two years ago, but has now decided it's time to return. DeLuca will come out of retirement to face Oron Deachkalon Sumalee at Muay Thai Nights 5 in Panama City, Panama on October 12th. Rami Ibrahim was originally scheduled to face Oron, but was forced to withdraw form the bout due to injury.

When asked about why he has decided to come out retirment, DeLuca responded "My last 4-5 fights were tough, not only because they were top level opponents(Palmer, Ross, Ibrahim, Smandych, etc), but because I was in a less than ideal mental/emotional state. When your mind isn't into the fight 100%, your performance suffers and unfortunately I learned that the hard way. This is the first time in a while that my mind is clear and positive and I am confident that I can show my best. An opportunity to fight a Thai of this calibre is an honor and one that I will grab with both hands!"

It will definitely be quite a test for DeLuca after two yeas away from competition, and a win against Oron would be a huge way for him to return to Muay Thai.

Results and Recap: Journey Fight Series Finals

Josh Palmer and Matt Embree met in the finals of the Journey Fight Series 140lb tournament in Calgary, Canada. The winner of the tournament would not only receive the title of being the tournament champion, but also would take home $10,000 and the first ever WMC North American championship.

As expected both fighters came into the ring and put on a great fight, very technical from the start. Palmer clearly had the size advantage on Embree, but despite the size advantage Embree was more than willing to engage with Palmer. Early on it seemed Palmer was getting the upper hand as he landed his strikes more effectively, however, Embree began to turn things around once the third round started and by the time the fifth round came it was clear that the winner of the fifth and final round would probably take the fight. Embree pushed the pace the entire round as he mixed up his attacks, Palmer seemed to slow down and fought the final round backing up. The fight went to the judges and the winner of the Journey Fight Series 140lb tournament as well as the first ever WMC North American Championship was announced as Matt Embree.

Matt Embree vs. Josh Palmer set for first ever WMC North American Title at Journey Fight Series tournament finals on Oct. 22nd

Matt Embree and Josh Palmer will meet in the finals of the tournament with the winner taking home $10,000 and the Journey Fight Series tournament crown as well as the first ever WMC North American Title. The Journey Fight Series tournament finals will take place on October 22nd in Calgary, Canada at the Century Casino.

Embree made his way to the finals by defeating Rami Ibrahim via unanimous decision in the opening round and then besting Coke Chunhawat via split decision in the semi-finals. Palmer defeated Mark DeLuca via unanimous decision in the opening round of the tournament, then a (T)KO victory over Justin Greskiewicz in the semi-finals secured his place in the tournament finals. Embree normally fights at a lighter weight class and Palmer is naturally big for 140 lbs, it will be interesting to see how this match up plays out. Despite normally fighting at a smaller weight class, Embree hasn't seemed to have had any trouble adjusting to the higher weight class.

Journey Fight Series tournament finals to stream live at GFL.tv

The upcoming tournament finals for the Journey Fight Series 140 lb tournament will be streamed live on-line at GFL.tv. The streaming site has been very busy with Muay Thai as of late and it is great to see another quality event such as Journey Fight Series stream live. The live stream will cost $9.99 and will feature the tournament finals between Matt Embree and Josh Palmer.

Embree made his way to the finals by defeating Rami Ibrahim via unanimous decision in the opening round and then besting Coke Chunhawat via split decision in the semi-finals. Palmer defeated Mark DeLuca via unanimous decision in the opening round of the tournament, then a (T)KO victory over Justin Greskiewicz in the semi-finals secured his place in the tournament finals.

Journey Fight Series tournament finals set for October 22nd in Calgary, Canada

The Journey Fight Series 8-man tournament finals are set for October 22nd at the Century Casino in Calgary, Canada. Matt Embree and Josh Palmer will meet in the finals of the tournament with the winner taking home $10,000 and the Journey Fight Series tournament crown.

Embree made his way to the finals by defeating Rami Ibrahim via unanimous decision in the opening round and then besting Coke Chunhawat via split decision in the semi-finals. Palmer defeated Mark DeLuca via unanimous decision in the opening round of the tournament, then a (T)KO victory over Justin Greskiewicz in the semi-finals secured his place in the tournament finals. Embree normally fights at a lighter weight class and Palmer is naturally big for 140 lbs, it will be interesting to see how this match up plays out. Despite normally fighting at a smaller weight class, Embree hasn't seemed to have had any trouble adjusting to the higher weight class.

Pictures: The Warriors Cup XII

Scott Hirano was ringside at the Warriors Cup XII in Lincroft, NJ to capture nights action. The event marked the first time full rules Muay Thai was fought in the state of New Jersey. The main event featured a WBC Muay Thai international title fight between Liam Harrison from the U.K. and American Justin Greskiewicz.

  

Video: Rami Ibrahim talks win over Mark DeLuca at The Warriors Cup XII

Results: The Warriors Cup XII event recap

Lincroft, New Jersey -- The Warriors Cup XII was the first full rules Muay Thai event in the state of New Jersey. Promoter Chris Tran made sure to make it a memorable night as he brought world ranked U.K. fighter Liam “The Hitman” Harrison to face Philadelphia’s Justin “The Purple People Eater” Greskiewicz in the night’s main event for the WBC Muay Thai international welterweight title.

From the start of the fight it was clear as to why Harrison was the heavy favorite coming into the fight. Greskiewicz was a game opponent early on, but Harrison worked behind some powerful leg kicks that visibly affected Greskiewicz. A jumping knee by Greskiewicz to the body of Harrison would come back and play a vital role in the fight. The second round was all Harrison as he began to pick Greskiewicz apart with hand combinations as well as continuing his assault with leg kicks. Greskiewicz tried to land the jumping knee once again at the end of the second round and Harrison connected with a perfectly timed left hook that put Greskiewicz down. It was clear that Greskiewicz was hurt as he was on wobbly legs and the fight was stopped. The official end came at the three-minute mark of the second round. With the victory Liam Harrison became the new WBC Muay Thai international welterweight champion.

Pictures: Weigh-ins for The Warriors Cup XII

John Wolcott at the weigh-ins for The Warriors Cup XII to snap some shots of the pro fighters. The Warriors Cup XII will be the first full rules Muay Thai event in the history of New Jersey and will feature a main event for the WBC Muay Thai welterweight international title between Justin Greskiewicz of Philadelphia, PA and Liam Harrison of Leeds, England.

Rami Ibrahim talks upcoming fight with Mark DeLuca at The Warriors Cup XII

Rami Ibrahim took some time from his busy schedule to talk to Muay Thai Authority about his upcoming fight with Mark DeLuca. Ibrahim vs. DeLuca will serve as the co-main event for The Warriors Cup XII, the first full rules Muay Thai event to take place in New Jersey.

MTA: You have an upcoming fight with Mark DeLuca at The Warriors Cup XII. It is the first full rules event in New Jersey, how do you feel about being part of the event?

Rami: I feel such a great honor being a part of such a huge event like this.

The Warriors Cup XII to stream live online

Muay Thai Authority has confirmed with The Warriors Cup XII promoter Chris Tran that the event will be streamed live online. Muay Thai fans that are not able to attend the event can watch it live at GoFightLive.tv for $9.99.

The Warriors Cup XII will feature a main event for the WBC Muay Thai welterweight international title between the UK's Liam Harrison and American Justin Greskiewicz. Harrison is considered one of the best fighters in the world and will be making his U.S. debut. He has never lost to a non Thai and is looking to continue that trend against Greskiewicz while taking home the WBC Muay Thai international title. Greskiewicz is a tough fighter who is known for his exciting style of non stop action. When the "The Purple People Eater" steps in the ring you can be assured there are going to be some fireworks.

Four pro bouts official for the Warriors Cup XII

About two weeks ago Muay Thai Authority broke the news about Liam Harrison coming to America to fight Jusint Greskieiwcz as part of The Warriors Cup XII. Three more bouts have now been confirmed for the July 23rd event. In addition to Harrison vs. Greskiewicz the event will also feature Rami Ibrahim vs. Mark DeLuca, Marcus Fisher vs. Brett Hlavacek, and Ognjen Topic vs. Tony Manoharan.

Harrison vs. Greskiewicz will fight for a WBC Muay Thai International challenge championship, for those not familiar with a challenge championship there is a belt that goes along with it but they are not the WBC Muay Thai International champion. The belt is granted for said fight only. Harrison and Greskiewicz both suffered losses their last fight. Harrison lost arguably to the best Muay Thai fighter in the world Saenchai Sinibi Gym, and Greskiewicz dopped a close decision to Turan Hasanov. Before this fight takes place Greskiewicz will be fighting on June 11th in the second round of the Journey Fight Series 140lb tournament.

Watch the opening round fights of the Journey Fight Series 140lb tournament

If you would like to watch the fights from the opening round of the Journey Fight Series 140lb tournament make sure to check out muaythaitko.com. The site features the fights on the on-demand section and from evaluating the site it seems you will be able to also catch the June 11th semi-finals live.

Scheduled for the semi-finals is a re-match between Coke Chunhawat, and Matt Embree. Coke and Embree fout last September to a split decision that went in favor of Coke. The other semi-finals match up is a bout between Josh Palmer, and Justin Greskiewicz. The winners will then face each other in the October tournament finals.

Pictures: Battle in the Desert 2 Pro Fights

Scott Hirano was on hand for Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" to capture all the action. Below are photos from the pro portion of the event. Enjoy.

Video: Kevin Ross talks win over Mark DeLuca at Battle in the Desert 2

Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" event recap

by Faye Lucas

Primm  Valley, NV -- It was an action packed night of fights at the Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bill's Casino. Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" featured some of the biggest names in American Muay Thai as well as some highly regarded international fighters.

In the nights main event Kevin Ross looked to defend his WBC Muay Thai Super Lightweight International Title against Mark DeLuca. The fight started out with both fighters feeling each other out, once the second round came Ross started to turn up the pressure. By the third round Ross had taken over the fight, as was able to get off first with his attacks, eventually cutting DeLuca's lip with an elbow. Despite DeLuca hanging tough the doctor stopped the fight after the third round due to the cut on his lip.

Battle in the Desert 2 predictions

This coming weekend Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" will take place at Buffalo Bills Casino in Primm, NV. The card is filled from top to bottom with quality Muay Thai fights featuring some of the United States biggest names, as well as some highly regarded international talent.

Kevin Ross vs. Mark DeLuca for WBC Muay Thai Super Lightweight International Title

Ross is the hands down favorite to win this bout. He has more experience against higher level competition and as he showed against Sittisak his last fight he can stay in a fight even when things are not going his way. None the less this is a fight and DeLuca has the ability to KO Ross, although it seems highly unlikely. DeLuca is known as a slow starter and despite being able to rally late he can not afford to start slow. In the end this fight is going to be Ross' fight to win or lose. Expect to see him pull out all the stops in route to an early stoppage.

Video: Mark DeLuca talks about his upcoming WBC International Title fight against Kevin Ross

Pictures: Battle In The Desert 2 Weigh-Ins

Scott Hirano was on hand to cover Lion Fight Promotions "The Battle In The Desert 2" weigh-ins. All fighters made weight and the three title fights are official.

Pictures: Kevin Ross training for Mark DeLuca

Scott Hirano was on hand for Muay Thai Authority to photograph Kevin Ross as he prepares for his upcoming WBC Muay Thai International Super Lightweight title defense against Mark DeLuca on May 14th at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2".