Mixed martial arts make Bangkok bow
Thailand will officially host its first ever mixed martial arts (MMA) event at Impact Arena on May 27.
There will be several fights at the event, organised by ONE Championship, featuring ONE strawweight world champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.
The Thai will make the second defence of his 115-pound title against an opponent to be named soon.
Dejdamrong is a former Muay Thai champion in the 105- and 108-pound divisions at Lumpini stadium and the 112pound class at Om-noi stadium.
“I am looking forward to the bout as I will fight before Thai fans. I am really happy,’’ said the 37-year-old from Trang.
“I want to show fans here how well I can use my Muay Thai skills to beat my opponent.”
Dejdamrong made his MMA debut in June 2014 and after four fights he stopped Roy Doliguez to win the title and then successfully defended the crown in November.
“The last time I fought I got one million baht and I will get 1.5 million baht for the next fight,’’ said Dejdamrong, whose fight fee in Muay Thai was 800,000 baht per bout.
Kamol Sukosol Clapp, president of ONE Championship Thailand, said he was proud to finally bring the discipline to the country.
“It is the right time for Thailand to host an MMA event because we have a Thai champion,’’ he said. “The sport has become more and more popular here. We hope to organise two events in Thailand this year.”
To make the event more entertaining, there will be concerts by famous Thai bands Bodyslam and Big Ass.
“MMA is not a crazy discipline — it is a sport. People will love it if they know the rules,” Kamol said. “It has become popular in several countries around the world particularly the US.”