Tiger Muay Thai – BBQ Beatdown

Fight night at Tiger Muay Thai! I love these things. The fights are usually great but what’s even more impressive is that these guys are fighting for the love the sport, nothing more. They’re not getting paid. The only payment they get comes in the form of self pride and of course – some free BBQ! As a matter of fact, one of the fighters had to back out as he got sick and on 20 minutes notice – most likely with a beer in hand – another guy offered to step up and take his spot.

The night started off with a fight between two of the Thai trainers. Last month when two of the trainers – who were obviously friends – fought, they were just sort of goofing around and taking sips of beer in between rounds. This time it looked as though they were a little more serious. Although they were wearing shin guards, they were still kicking with bad intentions. However, they were just body shots. Here’s a video clip ..

This months “BBQ Beat down” (as they call it here at Tiger) featured a 4 man elimination style tournament. The tournament fights were 2 rounds each with the finalists fighting twice in the night (obviously).

Rather than do a post-fight commentary style write up on the fights, I’d rather just throw them up and let you watch for yourself. You know the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” and a video is worth even more. Cliché I know. Whatever, here are the first 2 fights of the tourney..

Both of the fights were awesome. However, the victors – Jonas and Kristian – were both good friends and they were hesitant to really engage in the final. But who can blame them? I wouldn’t want to fight my best friend in a cage for some BBQ either.

That being said, they still came out and put on a show. It was more playful than anything as the fight – which didn’t last long – resembled a real life, choreographed version of “Never Back Down”. Both fighters were trying to pull off all sorts of wacky jump kicks and whatnot. One of the guys even did a flying summersault as he entered the cage – which was good for some laughs.

There were also few other non-tournament fights on the card. One of which was a classic striker vs. grappler showdown featuring Caden from the states and Brad from New Zealand. It was a good fight, check it out..

The Fight Of The Night

Now, the best for last! My favorite fight of the evening. This fight – had it taken place in a large venue – would have received a standing ovation as it was one of those Rocky style, odds-defying victories. The fight pit Ngoo Ditty – a tiny Thai boxer with about 18 months of BJJ experience – against Richard Dinkins, who trains BJJ amongst some of the greatest in the world in the heart of Brazil.

Richard Dinkins – although the camera angle doesn’t show it very well – towered over Ngoo as he must have had a full 12-inch height advantage. You can tell where this is going. This fight had potential for greatness and a great fight it was.

Overcoming all odds, Ngoo – the tiny Thai boxer – ended up not only beating the much larger Brazilian but he beat him at his own game. He submitted him! He submitted him via an armbar from the mount! As you can tell by the reaction of the crowd, everyone was just as impressed as I was. This guy is going places. First Thai in the UFC? Who knows. I suppose the UFC would first have to get some sort of mega-lightweight division but on second thought, as demonstrated in the fight, he’ll be able to overcome the size differences. Check out the fight!

Political Turmoil In Bangkok!

Regardless of where you live, I’m sure heard the news. It seems to be the top story on all the major media outlets. CNN, MSN – they’re all covering the situation at the Bangkok airport(s). Suvarnabhumi International – which is the 18th largest airport in the world – has been shut down by protestors.

Over three thousand tourists were left stranded at the airport as all incoming and outgoing flights have been cancelled until further notice. To make matters worse, the violence seems to be escalating as gun fights have errupted in the streets of Bangkok and bombs have been set off in the airport leaving several protestors seriously injured.

There have even been reports of a grenade being thrown into the crowd. However, it turned out not to be live. Needless to say, it looks as though a lot of the guests here will be staying a little than expected. Of course, I could think of worse places to be stuck than a training resort in Phuket, Thailand.

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