In a significant milestone for the expanding world of mixed martial arts, Thailand has officially recognized the sport. A fully certified MMA Association under the Department of Provincial Administration has also been established.
Thailand boasts a storied history in combat sports, producing some of the world’s top talents in striking arts. Recently, the country has become a hub for prominent figures in MMA. This is thanks to its numerous training facilities and gyms spread across Southeast Asia.
Among these premier facilities is Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, known for hosting UFC stars like Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan, and former flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Another notable gym is Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA is frequented by top competitors such as strawweight champion Zhang Weili and former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka.
The recognition of MMA as an official sport in Thailand alongside the establishment of a certified MMA Association, marks a significant achievement in the nation’s combat sports history. This development is set to further enhance Thailand’s reputation for producing world-class contenders.
Nick Chapman played a pivotal role in this landmark achievement. He expressed his joy at being appointed as the advisory chairman for the association. Chapman acknowledged the dedicated efforts required to achieve official recognition for MMA in Thailand.
Head of International Relations Nick Chapman stated: “After months of dedicated effort and collaboration with an incredible team of people, we have successfully achieved official recognition for Mixed Martial Arts as a sport in Thailand. We have also established a new, fully certified and approved Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand under the Department of Provincial Administration.”
“This is a significant milestone for combat sports in Thailand. Our association, with the support of some very influential figures, aims to elevate the sport of mixed martial arts within the country to a world-class level.”
He continued: “I am deeply honored to have been appointed as the Advisory Chairman and Head of International Relations for the newly established Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand. Being entrusted with such a crucial role in developing the sport that I love at this level in a country that I hold so dear, is an immense privilege for me. Over the next few years you will see the sport of Mixed Martial Arts really start to take off. Our plans for the future of the sport are huge.”
In an interview with John Hyon Ko for The AllStar publication, Chapman detailed the journey to achieving MMA recognition in Thailand. He praised the country’s progressive stance and outlined plans to bring high-level coaches from various disciplines to further develop the sport.
Chapman noted: “Mixed Martial Arts has been frowned upon in Thailand for a long time. There was even a point when the Sports Authority banned the use of a cage, Mixed Martial Arts cages were not allowed, but what I love about Thailand is their progressive stance on things, they are open to taking new things onboard. Mixed Martial Arts is going to explode in Thailand, we are in the process of setting up a Mixed Martial Arts association in Thailand.”
“I’ve been enlisted with heading the development team and what we are going to do is regulate Mixed Martial Arts in Thailand, we are going to bring in grassroots organizations from around the world, we are going to be running regular events, in a cage, in Sports Authority approved stadium. Mixed Martial Arts is going to become a massive part of the combat sports industry here.”
Chapman says that he plans to bring over high-level coaches in MMA, BJJ, and wrestling to develop Thai talent so that they can compete in premier organizations such as ONE or UFC.
