Muay thai fighters to compete in first pro MTGP event in HCM City

Meanwhile, leading Thai competitors Changpuak Jetsada Pongtong and Turien Paphawin  are representatives of international martial artists. 

“Thank you for organising this tournament and bringing us here. (I believe that) all athletes will fight under the muay thai spirit. There will be fierce battles which will entertain the audience and a high-quality playing ground for fighters,” said Pongtong.

Nhất will be against Anon Rachvicha of Thailand for the title of the men's  六0kg category in three three-minute rounds.

The key fight of the night is between Pongtong and Paphawin for the men's  五 七kg class. The match will be in five three-minute rounds.

The winner in pro categories will walk away with a record prize of VNĐ 六0 million (US$ 二, 五00).

WTGP founder Philip Tieu said it was his honour that after successful shows in different continents, MTGP has finally come to Asia, a strong hub of martial arts, especially his homeland of Việt Nam, home to many talented martial artists.

He said MTGP's mission was to give Vietnam's top muay thai athletes more opportunities to compete in high-quality competitions against the world's top fighters. They can show the world what they can offer.

Meanwhile, MTGP Asia President Đặng Quốc Thái said The Home Coming event, which is held to international standards, received strong support from the local authorities and  the city's muay thai federation and clubs.

He believed that HCM City would be a new MTGP centre of muay thai. The group, with its prestige and experience, will help improve the quality of Vietnamese athletes, seek talented fighters for international competitions and bring world-class events to entertain Vietnamese supporters through its strategic partner VTVcab.