RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesMuay Thai, a combat style with roots in close-quarter fighting from 7th Century Southeast Asia, has evolved over two millennia into a brutally effective means of self-defense. Today, it’s often called “the Art of Eight Limbs.” The wealth of diversity that started flourishing in Northern California in the wake of the Vietnam War meant that an array of Muay Thai masters were now living and teaching in cities from San Francisco to Stockton. Gyms fine-tuning the method’s array of punches, kicks, knee-strikes and elbow-strikes have become plentiful enough – including in Northwest Nevada – that a robust competition circuit has become increasingly popular in the Sacramento Valley. On Saturday night, Hard Rock Live in Wheatland, working with World Fighting Championships and Rising Stars Muay Thai, will bring the first-ever, lightning-placed Muay Thai throw-down to the Yuba-Sutter Region.
The action starts at 7 p.m.
The night’s main event is a championship match between Antonio Martinez (12-4) of Monster Muay Thai in Flagstaff, Arizona, and Eddie Abasolo (11-7) of Combat Sports Academy in Dublin, California. The winner will walk away with the WFC Professional Muay Thai Championship.
The co-main event will see undefeated Garrett Boyer (5-0) of Vital Force Muay Thai taking on Sacramento’s Alberto Montano (11-2), with the victor getting crowned both the WFC Amateur Muay Thai Champion and Rising Stars Muay Thai Amateur Champion.
Organizers say the professional undercard features several compelling matchups, including Caley Scott (0-1) of Omni Movement taking on Sacramento’s Cy Hanson (0-0) of Sit Thongsai, as well as undefeated Joe Kimbrough (4-0) of Black Flag Kickboxing facing hometown fighter Marcos Jimenez (1-0) of Collective Combat Academy.
Elk Grove will be represented when heavyweight Amal Rasooli steps into the ring with Dwight Maters of California Martial Athletics.
The overall fight card includes another eight matches in addition to the ones already mentioned.
“This partnership with Rising Stars Muay Thai allows us to showcase some of the best Muay Thai talent in California while continuing to build opportunities for athletes at every level,” said Matt McGovern, President of World Fighting Championships. “Fans can expect competitive matchups, championship stakes, and an exciting night of fights at one of the premier venues in Northern California.”
Lino Enriquez, CEO of Rising Stars Muay Thai, agreed.
“August 1 is exactly what the Muay Thai scene needed on the West Coast,” Enriquez observed. “In our main event, we see Nor-Cal legend Eddie Abasolo fight Antonio Martinez of Flagstaff, Arizona. These are two of the most decorated fighters in the United States on the professional circuit. Both athletes have reached the pinnacle of the sport, having fought on One Fighting Championship, and both are former WBC champions. This time, they fight for the 154-pound WBC USA National Championship. And they’re doing it right here in our own back yard. “
Enriquez added, “It’s a real treat for the area, and it was time we made it happen.”
WFC has reportedly established itself as one of the nation’s fastest-growing combat sports promotions, producing professional boxing, mixed martial arts, and Muay Thai events across the country.
Rising Stars Muay Thai has become one of California’s premier organizations for developing and showcasing Muay Thai talent, hosting numerous highly attended events in Sacramento in particular.
Hard Rock Live, on the other hand, has become the epicenter of all things entertainment in the Mid-Valley, establishing its reputation by hosting world-famous musical acts and comedians. Hard Rock Live is the venue wing of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain.
Doors to the upcoming Muay Thai battle open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for an hour later. Tickets are available now at WFCFights.com .
Hard Rock Live and Hard Rock Casino are located 3317 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.
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