“This will be far and away the biggest MMA event that the island has ever seen, and it's about time,” said organiser Jon Nutt, a longtime American expat who calls Phuket home.
“The fighters that roam this island need a showcase, and it's time for the Thais to finally show that they can be among the best in the world in their weight classes. Full Metal Dojo intends to show the Thai masses what MMA is all about.”
Several fighters on the card have trained extensively in local gyms on the island and other parts of Thailand. Alex Schild and Emmalo Urrutia, both of whom have fought Muay Thai bouts and are high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grapplers, call the island their second home.
The headline bout pits American fighter Joe Ray (10-3) against Finland's Glenn Sparv (8-3). Ray, who trains out of Phuket's Tiger Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts in Chalong, is riding a five-fight win streak highlighted by a submission victory over veteran Ole Laursen back in October.
Meanwhile, Sparv – a stalwart at Team Quest in Chiang Mai – is coming off a decision win over Kai Puolakka in February.
The event will also feature several fighters of Thai origin, including Manaschai Promsawad, Ratcharat Yimprai, Sarawut Petsing (a high-level Judoka), Nanthon Jantaramanee, and Bangkok-native Mangthus Rewtawee.
“Hopefully we can get as many Thais on board as possible – I hope to see Thais make a serious impact in some of the lightweight divisions,” said Mark Abbott, an expat who speaks fluent Thai and will be the ring announcer for the event.
“I think Thailand has a lot of potential for MMA, especially given its tradition of Muay Thai.”