KUCHING: Fighters from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei have thrilled fans at the SMASH Combat Sports Showdown, which has featured more than 80 athletes in a full day of MMA, boxing, and kickboxing action.
The event, held at the Sarawak Mixed Martial Arts Sports Hub (SMASH) in Boulevard Shopping Mall, featured 35 adrenaline-charged bouts displaying regional talent and raw intensity.
Jointly organised by SMASH and Mad Fight Club, the one-day showdown drew fighters from across Southeast Asia.
“This is a fantastic platform to not only showcase the talent of our local MMA athletes but also to promote the growth of combat sports in Sarawak.
“We are indeed proud and honoured to organise this kind of competition and bring MMA fights to Sarawak,” said organising chairman Tsan Nieng Khai when met by Sarawak Tribune recently.
Tsan, who owns SMASH and serves as president of Mad Fight Club, has also acted as the tournament’s deputy head referee, assisting head referee Jiang Tao from China and Asia MMA.
As president of the Sarawak Mixed Martial Arts Association (SAMMA), Tsan highlighted that the tournament has attracted a wide range of clubs and teams, including Turkey MMA Gym, Panglima Seman Boxing Club, Malaysian Mixed Martial Arts Association, PS Boxing Bintulu, Fearless MMA Gym, Mad Fight Club, Joe Academy Boxing, Rebel Boxing Club, Airforce Firefighter, TSM Boxing Club, Warmonger Training Academy, Kota Samarahan Boxing Club, and Money Fattloy Team.
Spectators purchased tickets priced at RM15, which included cash vouchers for food and drinks at the venue.
Today’s action began at 9 am, with the prize presentation and closing ceremony scheduled for 5 pm.
One of the most highly anticipated matchups saw Budinanto from Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia, take on Tisalona Joannes of PS Boxing Bintulu — a clash expected to light up the ring and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
