Melaka: The 'Fightnight Muaythai International' (FMI) 2.0 tournament is set to gather nearly 400 amateur and professional Muay Thai athletes at the Tulip Freeport A'Famosa Hall, Alor Gajah, over three days starting October 17.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event will feature seven fights between international professional athletes, including notable matchups such as Malaysia's Ali Yaakob, known as Md Ali, facing off against Thai champion Kauwan Lek, and Rashid Singa of Malaysia competing against Uzbekistan's Shoxhrukh.
The tournament will also spotlight a highly anticipated match between national female professional athlete Nur Amisha and Phuket Muay Thai champion, Chandara. The FMI 2.0 is organized in collaboration with the Kala Merah Muaythai Club (KMKM), the Malaysian Muaythai Association (PMM), and the Kuala Lumpur Muaythai Association (PMKL), with support from the Melaka State Government and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The event marks a significant improvement in response compared to FMI 1.0, which took place at the Titiwangsa Stadium in May. Due to overwhelming interest, the amateur category will be spread over two days with 60 matches each on October 17 and 18, while the professional category will feature seven matches on October 19.
Adding to the event's novelty, a boxing match will take place between Frederic Japri from the Malaysian Army and national champion Muhammad Alif An. The tournament will offer cash prizes exceeding RM100,000, along with seven belts for the professional category.
Emrito@Haris Alias, president of the Melaka Muaythai Association (PMNM), anticipates an audience of approximately 3,000 visitors over the three-day event. While the amateur competition on October 17 and 18 will be free to watch, tickets for the professional matches on October 19 will be priced between RM25 to RM60.
FMI 2.0 is poised to be more than just a sports event; it aims to foster unity, develop the sports industry, and nurture Sukma Melaka athletes. Additionally, this tournament serves as a platform to promote sports tourism through the participation of international athletes from countries such as China, Indonesia, Iran, Thailand, and Singapore.