In a significant development, mixed martial arts (MMA) has received official recognition in Thailand with the formation of a fully certified MMA Association under the Department of Provincial Administration. Thailand, renowned for its combat sports legacy, has a strong tradition in striking arts and has seen its fighters excel worldwide. The country now boasts multiple well-known MMA facilities and training centers, drawing in notable personalities such as UFC stars Zhang Weili and Jiri Prochazka.
Nick Chapman, the Advisory Chairman and Head of International Relations for the MMA Association of Thailand, expressed his excitement about MMA being acknowledged as a sport in the country. He views this as a major achievement in Thai combat sports history and plans to elevate the sport to a global standard with the backing of influential figures. Chapman’s vision includes importing top coaches from various martial arts disciplines to nurture local talent and achieve success comparable to renowned organizations like ONE Championship and the UFC.
The establishment of the MMA Association ushers in a new chapter for MMA in Thailand, with intentions to host regular events in stadiums sanctioned by the Sports Authority. Chapman aims to ensure that the sport is professionally regulated, with a strong emphasis on fighter safety and compliance with international standards outlined by bodies like the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). The ultimate objective is to cultivate a new generation of Thai fighters capable of competing at the highest echelons of MMA.
