Matches to make after Lion Fight 11

Lion Fight 11 took place this past weekend at the Fremont Experience in Las Vegas. The fight of the night was easily Kevin Ross vs. Tetsuya Yamato. If you want someone to become a fan of this sport this is the type of fight they need to watch. 

There were several North American based fighters in action on the night including MMA superstar Cris "Cyborg" Justino who overwhelmed last minute replacement Jennifer Colomb. Cosmo Alexandre also made his return to the ring with a win over Nampon PKMuaythai. 

Below are few match ups that we feel would make sense for the North American based fighters who were in action on the night. 

Cosmo Alexandre vs. Yodsanklai Fairtex

Cosmo and Yodsanklai have fought twice with Yodsanklai winning both fights. In 2009 Yodsanklai stopped Cosmo with low kicks, but in 2010 it was a completely different fight. That year they met in the finals of the King's Cup tournament and it was a close bout, one that Cosmo thought he had done enough to win, but the decision went Yodsnaklai's way. With Cosmo looking physically stronger than he has before it might be his time. Yodsanklai is currently on a roll having won his last seven fights after a career resurgance and holds the Lion Fight championship, but Cosmo might just have what it takes. Not to mention that if Yodsanklai fights Cosmo with the aggression he has had in his last few fights we might see a very dangerous Cosmo Alexandre. Cosmo is the type of fighter that fights harder when he is being pressured, but when he is not he seems to get comfortable and goes into cruise control, especially when he is clearly in control of the fight.

Kevin Ross. vs. Liam Harrison

A lot of people might want to see a re-match between Ross and Tetsuya Yamato and as great as that would be we would rather see him fight some fighters that fans have been clamoring for him to fight. Later he can do a re-match tour and go after some of the ones that slipped away like Embree and Yamato. One fight that fans have been hoping to see for years is Kevin Ross vs. Liam Harrison. Both have fan friendly styles and one could only imagine the epic battle that would occur if they were to meet in the ring. 

Cris "Cyborg" Justino vs. Miriam Nakamoto

We all know that Cyborg will probably go back to MMA and continue to make her living that way, however, she is only being listed here because people have begun to say some ridiculous things like that she is the best female Muay Thai fighter. She might be the best in MMA, but in Muay Thai well that's a whole different story. The last few years Miriam Nakamoto has been working hard to lay claim to being the best female Muay Thai fighter. Cyborg obviously hasn't come out and said anything and it is other people saying this, but regardless it would be an entertaining bout and with both women also fighting MMA they could fight once in Muay Thai and once in MMA.

Jose Palacios vs. Malaipet Sasiprapa

Palacios and Malaipet fought almost two years ago, Malaipet won a close split decision. The first fight was exciting and their is no reason to believe the second wouldn't be either. Malaipet likes to play with his opponents heads, typically because he is far superior in skill level and experience, but being the veteran he is none of that phases Palacios and he can simply focus on fighting which is why he did so well the first time they fought. We would expect another fight between them to be just as close.

Results and Recap for WCK Muay Thai "Hot Summer Fights", Nakamoto remains undefeated

WCK Muay Thai “Hot Summer Fights” took place last night at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA. In the night’s main event Aleide Lawant tried to Dethrone “The Queen of Mean” Miriam Nakamoto and not only take her WBC Muay Thai World Title, but also hand her the first loss of her career. Nakamoto, however, would have none of it. Lawant came out aggressive, but Nakamoto remained poised and calmly took the center of the ring. They both exchanged heavy blows and Lawant opened a cut on Nakamoto’s brow with an elbow, but before she could capitalize on the cut Nakamoto returned the favor. As the fight wore on Nakamoto seemed to get stronger as Lawant slowed down. In the end Nakamoto walked away still undefeated and still the champ after all three judges scored the fight in her favor giving her the unanimous decision victory.

In the night’s co-main event Mike Lemaire won the WBC Muay Thai Cruiserweight National Title with a first round (T)KO of Ryan Madigan. Early in the first round after some exchanged strikes Madigan fell to the canvas clutching his right knee. After getting back to his feet Lemaire went on the attack and pushed him against the ropes. Lemarie looked to deliver a flying knee, but Madigan fell to his back clutching his knee again and the fight was stopped.

In another WBC Muay Thai title fight Luis Bio defended his WBC Muay Thai Mexican National Title by edging a very game Raul Rodriguez in a split decision. Bio started strong and used his strong clinch to get the better of Rodriguez early, but as the fight went on it seemed Rodriguez got stronger. He began to use his boxing a bit more and connect with clean punches in the later rounds, but Bio continued to use his clinch game to neutralize Rodriguez’s boxing. It was a close fight but Bio remained the champion when it was all said and done.

Adam Rothweiler improved to 3-0 with a (T)KO stoppage of Levon Sarkysan. Rothweiler and Sarkysan went toe to toe, but the difference was that Rothweiler continuously delivered leg kicks to Sarkysan’s lead leg that went unchecked. By the fourth round Sarkysan could no longer take the leg kicks and he hit the canvas. After beating the referee’s count Rothweiler went on the attack with more leg kicks knocking Sarkysan down against and forcing the referee to stop the fight.

In some of the night’s other action Leyna Ovchynnikova won a unanimous decision over Emily Bearden. Jacob Poss, John Vargas, and Alfred Kashakyan all scored spectacular first round knockouts as well.

Results:

Miriam Nakamoto def. Aleide Lawant via Unanimous Decision

Mike Lemaire def. Ryan Madigan via (T)KO in Rd. 1

Luis Bio def. Raul Rodriguez via Split Decision

Leyna Ovchynnikova def. Emily Bearden via Unanimous Decision

Adam Rothweiler def. Levon Sarkysan via (T)KO in Rd. 4

Jacob Poss def. Miguel Cosio via KO in Rd. 1

John Vargas def. Rajesh Narine via KO in Rd. 1

Alfred Kashakyan def. Chris Minor via KO in Rd. 1

James Steelsmith def. Dave Pacheco via Split Decision

Ed Abasolo def. Angel Mesa via Unanimous Decision

WCK Muay Thai "Hot Summer Fights" set for August 24th in Temecula, CA with Miriam Nakamoto vs. Aleide Lawant main event

WCK Muay Thai will return to Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA on August 24th with "Hot Summer Fights". The night's main event will feature Miriam Nakamoto (15-0) making her return to the Muay Thai ring after a year long absence to face Aleide Lawant (19-8). 

Nakamoto has made a successful transition to MMA since her last Muay Thai Fight in August of 2012 when she defeated Julie Kitchen. Dutch striker, Lawant will look to welcome Nakamoto back to the Muay Thai ring. The 2011 winner of the Enfusion tournament will look to try and hand Nakamoto her first career defeat.

In the night's co-main event Mexican WBC Muay Thai champion Luis Bio (11-4) square off with Raul Rodriguez (11-1) in a WBC Muay Thai title fight. Bio will look to bounce back after a decision loss in China against to Zhipeng Zhou in the Wu Lin Feng 154lb 8-man tournament. Rodriguez last competed in November of 2012 when he scored decision victory over Chuang Xie at the WCK's Wu Lin Feng event in Las Vegas.

Also featured on the card will be Mike Lemaire (9-1) vs. Ryan Madigan (28-6) for the WBC Muay Thai national cruiserweight title. Lemaire will be looking to bounce back from his first professional loss.

Fight Card:

Miriam Nakamoto vs. Aleide Lawant

Luis Bio vs. Raul Rodriguez

Mike Lemaire vs. Ryan Madigan

Lena Ovchynnikova vs. Emily Bearden

Adam Rothweiler vs. Levon Sarksyan

Miguel Cosio vs. Jacob Poss

Josh Aragon vs. Guilherme Silva

Dave Pacheco vs. James Steelsmith

Rajesh Narine vs. John Vargas

Chris Minor vs. Alfred Kashakyan

2012 Muay Thai Authority Awards

2012 was another solid year for Muay Thai in North America. With the year complete it’s time for the 2012 Muay Thai Authority Awards. In our effort to continue to push Muay Thai in North America, we have decided to once again recognize the North American Fighter of the Year (male and female), Breakthrough Fighter of the Year, Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Trainer of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.

The criteria for the awards are as follows: Recipients of Fighter of the Year, Breakthrough Fighter of the year, and Rookie of the Year, must be based in North America. To be eligible for Rookie of the Year, the fighter must not have had a pro fight before November 1st, 2011 (the time frame for the award is 14 months). For the Fight of the Year and Knockout of the Year, the fights needed to have taken place on North American soil (a North American fighter scoring a KO in Thailand doesn’t count).

Here are the 2012 Muay Thai Authority Award winners:
 

2012 Muay Thai Authority North American Male Fighter of the Year: Simon Marcus
Simon Marcus established himself as a North American favorite this year. He went 6-0 on the year and was involved in fights not only in North America, but internationally. Simon’s 2012 campaign started off with a winner take all fight in February at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” against Joe Schilling. There was a lot of hype leading up to the fight, which he won by (T)KO. He followed up the victory with a win in Thailand over Kaoklai Kaennorsing for the WMPF Light Heavyweight World Title and then a few weeks later scored two victories in one night at Qianjiang World Muay Thai King Challenge in China. In May he defeated Schilling by Majority Decision in a re-match at Lion Fight Muay Thai 6 and then, after taking a few months off, returned to action in December at Muay Thai In America's “In Honor of the King," scoring a third round knockout over Sadibou Sy to end the year.
 

2012 Muay Thai Authority North American Female Fighter of the Year: Miriam Nakamoto
Nakamoto fought Muay Thai only twice in 2012, but the fights she was involved in were important for women’s Muay Thai. She wins the award for the second time in three years. In April she defeated Sandra Bastian by (T)KO at Legends Muay Thai Championship in San Francisco to become the first person (male or female) to simultaneously hold a WBC Muay Thai and WMC world title. In August she defeated Julie Kitchen under the WCK Muay Thai banner in what was easily the most anticipated fight in women’s Muay Thai history. Nakamoto walked away with a unanimous decision victory after a grueling five round fight.
 

2012 Muay Thai Authority North American Breakthrough Fighter of the Year: Tiffany Van Soest
Tiffany Van Soest has made her presence felt in the women’s Muay Thai scene in the last year. Van Soest turned pro in October of 2011 and didn’t look back in 2012. She started the year off by defeating Vivian Leung at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” by unanimous decision. She then scored another unanimous decision victory over Heidi Otterbein at Lion Fight Muay Thai 6. In August, Tiffany fought to a controversial draw against Jemyma Betrian under the WCK Muay Thai banner in a fight many thought she won. She ended the year with a big win in October at Lion Fight 7 when she defeated Jeri Sitzes for the WBC Muay Thai 122 lb. International Title.
 

2012 Muay Thai Authority North American KO of the Year: Eddie Walker
Not many fight fans outside of Georgia were aware of who Eddie Walker was, going into his fight with Joe Schilling at Lion Fight 7; but his come from behind knockout victory over Schilling would make every one aware of the man they call “Showtime.” Walker endured two knockdowns in his fight with Joe Schilling before rallying from behind and connecting with a short right-hand that sent Schilling out cold in the second round. Not only was it a vicious knockout, but a thrilling one that couldn’t have been scripted any better for Hollywood.
 

2012 Muay Thai Authority North American Fight of the Year: Thanit Watthanaya vs. Andy Howson
You couldn’t find a more exciting fight in 2012 than the scrap that went down between Thanit Watthanaya and Andy Howson at Muay Thai in America's “In Honor of the King” on December 1st. After a close first round, Watthanaya scored a knockdown of Howson in the second round, but Howson would come back to score knockdowns of his own in the third and fourth. In the fifth round it seemed that Howson was getting the better of the exchanges but with a swift right hand from Watthanaya the bout ended. Howson tried to get back to his feet but stumbled before the referee stepped in to stop the fight. You can’t ask for more back and fourth action than what Watthanaya and Howson provided for the fans.
 

2012 Muay Thai Authority North American Trainer of the Year: Ajahn Suchart Yodkerepauprai
Ajahn Suchart wins the award for the second year in a row. Ajahn Suchart teaches out of Siam No. 1 in Toronto, Canada. In 2011 he made noise with two of North America’s top fighters coming into their own, Matt Embree and Simon Marcus. In 2012 Marcus and Embree continued to help Suchart establish himself as one of the best trainers in the North American Muay Thai scene. Embree and Marcus went a combined 9-1 in 2012. In addition to Marcus and Embree, Ajahn Suchart trains some very talented amateur fighters as well as fighters just starting off their pro careers. It’s not easy to train high caliber fighters; if it was, every gym in North America would have one. Having two active fighters currently who are considered among the best in North America is very impressive.
 

2012 Muay Thai Authority North American Rookie of the Year: Troy Sheridan
Sheridan went 5-1 in his rookie campaign. He made his pro debut with a (T)KO victory over Anthony Ford at the 2012 Friday Night Fights season opener. The Team Ultimate fighter then followed up his first pro win with a (T)KO victory over Ken Tran in the opening round of the 160lb Journey Fight Series tournament. In September he won the Battle of the Pros 8-man one night tournament, which included victories over Peter Kaljevic, Deshawn Robinson, and Villi Bello. Troy dropped a decision in his last fight of the year against Shane Campbell. Despite the decision loss to Campbell, he showed his true grit and toughness in the five round war.

Pictures: WCK Muay Thai "Nakamoto vs. Kitchen"

Scott Hirano was on hand at Pala Casino this past Saturday to snap pictures of all the night's action including the much anticipated bout between Julie Kitchen and Miriam Nakamoto. Make sure to like Scott Hirano's official facebook page and follow him on twiiter @ScottHirano.

Results and Recap: WCK Muay Thai "Nakamoto vs. Kitchen"

WCK Muay Thai was in full swing at Pala Casino in Pala, CA last night. The main event was the highly anticipated fight between America's Miriam Nakamoto and England's Julie Kitchen, and the bout did not disappoint.

Nakamoto and Kitchen had their full arsenal on display as they fought back and forth for five hard fought rounds. With all the build up leading up to the fight there was no let down and the fans were treated to a great fight. Both fighters answered the other's strikes with their own. The fight was extremely close and in the end the judges awarded Nakamoto the victory by unanimous decision.

Pictures: Julie Kitchen training in Los Angeles for Miriam Nakamoto fight

Scott Hirano was on hand at Function 5 Fitness in Los Angeles, CA to snap pictures of Julie Kitchen training for her upcoming bout with Miriam Nakamoto at the WCK Muay Thai event in Pala, CA on August 18th. As always, great work by Scott Hirano. Make sure to follow him on twitter @ScottHirano and like his official facebook page.

Julie Kitchen talks about her upcoming fight against Miriam Nakamoto

On August 18th Julie Kitchen and Miriam Nakamoto will square off at Pala Casino in California under the WCK Muay Thai banner. The bout will be the biggest fight to take place in the history of women’s Muaythai. Julie Kitchen headed to California early to prepare for her fight and was kind enough to take some time from her schedule to answer a few questions about the upcoming fight against Miriam Nakamoto.

Pictures: Legends Muay Thai Championship

Scott Hirano was on hand at Legends Muay Thai Championship in San Francisco to photograph all of the action. In the main event Ky Hollnebeck defeated Cyrus Washington to win the WMC Intercontinental Title. 

Results and Recap: Legends Muay Thai Championship

Legends Muay Thai Championship took place in San Francisco, CA yesterday. The event was held in conjunction with the 4th International Lao New Year Festival and the fights took place in front San Francisco's City Hall. The event was headlined by a bout between Ky Hollenbeck and Cyrus Washington for the WMC Intercontinental Title.

Hollenbeck made quick work of Washington as the bout ended in roughly 50 seconds. Washington landed some solid shots in that time frame, but Hollenbeck pushed the pace from the start. His unrelenting attack eventually yielded a devastating spinning back fist that ended the bout. Hollenbeck connected with the devastating blow and Washington's body went limp as he hit the canvas and the referee stopped the bout immediately. With the win Hollenbeck bounces back in spectacular fashion from his first career loss to Nieky Holzken back in November of 2011. Hollenbeck is now set to face Michael Corley in the opening round of the Glory World Series at the end of May.

Miriam Nakamoto vs. Julie Kitchen set for August 18th WCK Muay Thai event

The most anticipated fight in women’s Muay Thai is set to take place August 18th at Pala Casino & Spa in Pala, CA. Miriam Nakamoto and Julie Kitchen have signed to fight under the WKC Muay Thai banner this coming August. The fight has been over a year in the making and fans will finally get to see these two spectacular fighters tangle in the ring. On the line will be the WCK Champion of Champions title.

The bout was originally set to take place in December of 2010, but an injury to Kitchen postponed the fight which was then expected to take place in 2011. It seemed Nakamoto and Kitchen would finally be meeting in the ring when both signed to compete in the Muaythai Premier League, but a knee injury forced Nakamoto out of the league. With something occurring both times this fight was scheduled that forced it to be cancelled, fans need to keep their fingers crossed that the third time will be a charm.

Miriam Nakamoto vs. Sandra Bastian set for Legends Muay Thai event on April 28th, Palacios and Hollnebeck in action as well

Miriam Nakamoto will be making her return to action after a layoff of over a year when she takes on Sandra Bastian at Legends Muay Thai Championship in San Francisco, CA for the WMC world title. The event is scheduled to take place April 28th at City Hall. Also scheduled for the event is a fight between Jose Palacios and Xiangming Liu, in addition Ky Hollenbeck is expected to be in action although is opponent is currently unknown.

Nakamoto had to undergo knee surgery in late 2011 and has not competed since late 2010. Bastian recently defeated Kristina Alvarez at the Jawbreaker event in Calgary, Canada. It will be interesting to see if the long layoff has affected Nakamoto, she is known for brining the fight to all of her opponents as she always looks to finish.

Julie Kitchen talks about her recent win against Aleide Lawant and wanting to fight Miriam Nakamoto

Julie Kitchen recently defeated Aleide Lawant to win her 14th world title. Muay Thai Authority caught up with Julie to talk about her win against Lawant as well as some recent comments made by Miriam Nakamoto.

MTA: You recently defeated Aleide Lawant, how would you rate that fight for yourself?

Julie: I am over the moon to win this fight as it proved to everyone that the accidental head butt resulting in a no contest by Maria Bastastin in December was the only thing stopping me from winning the Enfusion Finals. I was so left not only scarred for life but hugely disappointed with what happened as I worked very hard for the opportunity of winning the $4000 prize. I do totally respect Aleide though who gave me the opportunity to prove the point and also for being an outstanding and strong opponent who remained dangerous throughout the 5 rounds. I would recommend any promoter to deal with Aleide and her team as they were truly professional throughout.

Miriam Nakamoto talks her return to Muay Thai, PLUS pictures of her training

Miriam Nakamoto is one of the best female fighters in the world, but she hasn’t competed in over a year. She had knee surgery last year and is now returning to training. Muay Thai Authority was able to catch up with her to talk about her regarding her plans. Scott Hirano was also on hand to take pictures of Miriam as she begins her training again.

MTA: You are back in training after recovering form knee surgery. How is the knee feeling now that you are back in the gym?

Miriam: It feels really good. I am fortunate to have fantastic physical therapy sponsorship from Jacon Chun out of ESPT in Fremont, CA. He has made exceptional progress with me during the rehabilitation process. I couldn't be happier. It feels wonderful to be strong and mobile again.

10 fights we want to see in 2012

2011 was a great year for Muay Thai in North America, we have decided to compile a list of ten fights we would love to see in 2012. All of the fights include a North American fighter, and if we are lucky and any of these fights do happen in 2012, then hopefully they will all be on North American soil. Fights include a range of fighters from Canadian's Jesse Miles and Simon Marcus to American powerhouses Joe Schilling and Ky Hollenbeck.

Keep in mind that there are many exciting fights that could be made, but these are ten that we would consider competitive, and ground breaking or entertaining. Of course there are various variations or other fights that we would love to see, but we had to limit ourselves to ten fights only. Chime in with fights you want to see in 2012 and why you would like to see that fight happen.

USA vs. UK

With all of the excitement after Team America defeated Team Thailand at this past weekends M-One event in Los Angeles, the talks have now shifted to Team USA vs. Team UK. We have to give a disclaimer that none of the bouts listed are happening as of yet and that this is just our minds at work here at Muay Thai Authority, nothing is officially happening yet with any of these bouts.

If there were a Team USA vs. Team UK event, what would the match-ups be? We compiled what we think would be ten great match-ups pitting some of the best from the USA against some of the best from the UK. Below is a list of the fights that we feel would make one amazing USA vs. UK Muay Thai event.

Into the Fire episode 1 "Baptism by Fire" now available

The MPL had previously announced the documentary series Into the Fire would be released in conjunction with their events. With the MPL's first event "Stars and Stripes" set to take place this Friday September 2nd in Long Beach, CA the first episode of Into the Fire titled "Baptism by Fire" is now available for viewing on the MPL's official facebook page.

Julie Kitchen talks about her upcoming fight with Martina Jindrova and more

Julie Kitchen has an upcoming bout with Martina Jindrova for the Muaythai Premier League on September 2nd. Muay Thai Authority was able to speak with Julie about her upcoming bout as well as get her thoughts on Miriam Nakamoto's withdrawal from the league.

MTA: You are participating in the Muaythai Premier League which will offer a new type of league format on their events. What are your thoughts on the format?

Julie: This is the first tournament I have ever entered into. I am very honored to be invited to compete alongside the best of the best, whereas in the UK the top shows only usually feature regional fighters fighting for world titles because they can sell tickets. As a top fighter & promoter, Clifton knows who the top fighters are , what a fighters needs consist of and a lot of effort/headache has gone into the league tables, he needs to be applauded for what he has achieved with all this and I really hope to still be in the tournaments final stages to represent the UK as I always have done to the best of my abilities.

Miriam Nakamoto and Kurt Finlayson out of Muaythai Premier League due to injuries

The Muaythai Premier League has stock piled a massive amount of talent for their promotion. Unfortunately for fans American female fighter Miriam Nakamoto and Australian fighter Kurt Finlayson have been forced to withdraw from the league due to injuries. Muay Thai Authority has confirmed the news with the Muaythai Premier League.

Nakamoto was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury that will require surgery. Fans had their eyes on the American fighter in hopes of seeing her face England's Julie Kitchen in the league. Nakamoto has made quite a name for herself and is considered by many to be the top female Muay Thai fighter in the United States.

Fighters for Muaythai Premier League September 2nd "Stars & Stripes" event

The Muaythai Premier League is set to have its inaugural event at the Walter Pyramid on September 2nd in Long Beach, CA. The event is being called "Stars & Stripes" and is expected to feature an all-star cast of international fighters. Although no match-ups are currently known the event is expected to feature names such as Buakaw Por. Pramuk, Yosanklai, Yodan Lidon, and Nathan Corbett to name a few. If the event features the list of fighters expected then it will beyond a doubt be the biggest Muay Thai event ever held in North America. The list of fighters expected on the card looks as follows.