Lion Fight Muay Thai VII will take place on September 8th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The main event for the evening is expected to be a Light Heavyweight match-up between Joe Schilling and Alex Berrios. Although the fight has not been officially announced by Lion Fight Promotions, sources have informed us that both fighters have verbally agreed to the fight.

Berrios will be looking to for his third consecutive victory after scoring a (T)KO victory over Travis Lerchern at Friday Night Fight Muay Thai this past January and most recently a unanimous decision win over Warren Thompson at Bangkok Fight Night earlier this month.

The fight will be an interesting clash of styles. Most fans have become accustomed to Schilling’s aggressive style, while Berrios has a very traditional Thai style. In his last fight against Karapetyan, Schilling showed a more composed and relaxed style as opposed to his usual blitzkrieg style of attack. A size advantage should definitely lie in favor of Schilling as Berrios, isn’t known to cut much weight for his fights. Should make of an interesting and exciting match-up as Schilling looks to continue to prove he is the best 175lb fighter in the United States, while Berrios will be looking to make his presence known in the American Muay Thai scene.

The post Joe Schilling vs. Alex Berrios rumored as main event for September 8th Lion Fight Muay Thai VII event appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

Matt Embree is currently training in Thailand for his upcoming fight against Nils Widlund at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI on May 12th in Las Vegas. Matt took some time from his training schedule to answer a few questions for you Muay Thai Authority about his upcoming fight and his training.

MTA: You are set to fight Nils Widlund at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI. How familiar are you with Nils?

Matt: I’m not too familiar with him. A friend of mine from Sweden was supposed to fight him before, and I’ve seen a few videos online but that’s it.

MTA: You were originally set to fight Kevin Ross, but an injury forced him out of the fight. That was a fight many fans wanted to see, were you disappointed when you heard Kevin had to withdraw from the fight because of the injury?

Matt: Yea man I was pretty disappointed to hear about the injury. Its unfortunate but I’m sure Kevin is going to heal up good and then we will end up fighting.

MTA: You are currently in Thailand, how has training been going over there?

Matt: Trainings going good, always a good energy when training in Thailand and you’re surrounded by top fighters so it helps me bring my game up.

MTA: Which camp are you currently training at in Thailand?

Matt: I’ve been training at Chuwattana.

MTA: Does training change at all when in Thailand as opposed to home in Toronto?

Matt: Yea it does differ a bit. I train twice a day in Canada also, but there are a few differences. In Thailand, the training is more focused, and I have a pad man holding twice a day, every day where as back home I dont always have that luxury. I also have to teach classes back home and dont always have as much time to train my self because I’m on the go. Another big part is that everyone I’m training with out here are fighters, some top fighters, so I’m never short of training partners and I get to train with a lot of people better than my self so my level goes up.

MTA: Do you think you get better prepared for a fight training in Thailand than you would at home in Toronto?

Matt: For the most part yes. I’m lucky to have an amazing Thai trainer at home though and he has a very serious work ethic, so I will always be prepared regardless of where I am. But like I said the training is more focused out here with little distractions and all the training partners so it does help.

MTA: What can you tell fans to expect in your fight with Nils?

Matt: Lots of knees lol.

MTA: Thanks for the time Matt, best of luck in the fight. Are there any words you would like to say to your supporters? Matt: Thanks a lot for all the support. I’m lucky to have a good group of people around me who are willing to help out when I need it. Big thanks to my Ajahn, Ajahn Suchart, his wife Yiola, all the people who help me train back home, Simon, Ugz, Miami, Kosta, and all the other fighters, Julie who always helps and gives me a well needed massage, Mom, Dad and the man Dem who are always with me through thick and thin.

The post Matt Embree talks upcoming fight against Nils Widlund at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

The post Video: Joe Schilling talks upcoming fight with Simon Marcus at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

Jose Palacios will be fighting Shane Oblonsky February 25th in Las Vegas at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5”. The hard hitting Palacios will be looking to start 2012 with a win. Muay Thai Authority caught up with Palacios to talk about the upcoming fight as well as his future plans and working his way back to a title shot.

MTA: How is training for your upcoming fight with Shane Oblonsky going?

Jose: You know the thing about training and fighting. It’s a love hate relationship. I can’t say that I enjoy all the training that I do. It hurts… but I do love the results. How’s training going? The way it’s supposed to, kicking my behind. Sometimes I’m sick of it… but then I just accept what it is. Insanity. Ha!

MTA: Once again you were set to fight Kit Cope and once again he had to pull out of the fight. How do you feel about the opponent switch again?

Jose: Kit dropping out doesn’t really affect me at all to be honest. I knew the risk, the promoters knew the risk and they had a back up just in case. In many ways I see Shane being a fight that’s just as tough if not tougher. He’s young and hungry… willing to go through whatever steps necessary. So thanks to Shane I will have another wonderful opportunity to fight in this great promotion.

MTA: Last time your opponent was switched two days before the event and you dropped a close split decision to Malaipet. How much did the opponent switch affect you in that fight?

Jose: Fighting Malaipet in 2 days notice was a learning experience for sure. The guy is tough as they come. His experienced doubled mine; tripled even… it was an honor fighting him. If he was the original opponent we would’ve changed a few things in training, but like I said, it’s a learning experience. Guy kicks like a horse … good for him.

There were other factors too… I cut too much weight, I came in at 143, we had issues with our scale and I just wanted to be sure better than sorry.

He came in over 150 and he wouldn’t drop no lower than 149. I just wanted to fight so I agreed to whatever, again another learning experience.

MTA: As far as Shane goes, how familiar are you with him?

Jose: I’ve seen Shane fight a few times, and one thing is the guy is game. He’s big and wants it. Makes me wonder why I’m fighting at this weight sometimes. Hahaha, but seriously watching video and being in there are completely different, let’s just say I’m not taking anyone lightly.

MTA: Where do you feel you will hold the advantage in this fight?

Jose: I feel I hold an advantage on a couple things, but I don’t really want to share that. I rather show it off.

MTA: How important is it for you to earn a re-match with Malaipet again for the WBC National title he now holds and if you win this fight is he the next person you want to fight?

Jose: Fighting Malaipet for the WBC National Title is in fact the goal. Not over looking Shane of course, but I believe I earned that fight last year and a Victory would’ve made it the perfect ending to the 2011 chapter.

Fighting Malaipet after Shane would be great. That’s something my coach and I would need to talk about after this fight is over. I’m not even thinking that at the moment. One fight at time my brotha… one fight at a time.

MTA: You had a strong 2011 campaign going 3-1 with some spectacular KO wins. What are you plans for 2012, anyone you would like to get in the ring with in particular?

Jose: 2011 was an awesome year. It was my first year back from a long lay off, I was on the brink of just hanging the gloves and I’m glad I decided to stick around. 2012 I expect to be a better year. The competition will only get stronger which means I have to as well. As far as me calling anyone out, not really. I want to fight the best win or lose. Malaipet has the belt so that’s a goal of mine to get to it.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Jose: I would like to thank GFY Gear, Unlimited MMA, NoKO, Score Clinic, TLC Chiro Care for taking care of me and Fighting Pride. You guys are awesome. And for people out there who enjoy watching me fight and are considered fans, thank for the support and the warm wishes. Sometimes that’s what gets us through. Thank you very much and make sure get to watch this bout. It’s gonna be a good one. I predict a lot of wows and oooohhs… don’t miss it.

If you’re near by check us out, www.unlimitedmma.com. Thank you and thank you Nate.

The post Jose Palacios talks upcoming fight against Shane Oblonsky at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 5” appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” takes place this weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The night’s main event will feature Chaz Mulkey and Simon Chu for the WBC Muay Thai international middleweight title. In addition the return to Muay Thai of Kit Cope as he takes on Jose Palacios for the WBC Muay Thai national welterweight title. Coke Chunhawat will also battle Rami Ibrahim for the WBC Muay Thai national lightweight title.

The weigh-ins for the event will start at 5pm on Friday November 18th at the Sports Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Below is the official press release by Lion Fight Promotions regarding the weigh-ins for “Battle in the Desert 4”.

* * FREE PUBLIC ACCESS TO WEIGH IN * *

LION FIGHT PROMOTIONS:
BATTLE IN THE DESERT 4, LIVE FROM THE JOINT
ALL FIGHTERS TO WEIGH IN

FRIDAY, NOV. 18 AT 5 P.M. PT
SPORTS LOUNGE AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO

WHO:
Chaz Mulkey, Las Vegas Resident and Main Event Fighter
Simon Chu, Decorated British Champion
“Coke” Chunhawat, Thai Superstar and Veteran of 170 Pro Muay Thai Fights
Rami Ibrahim, Battle-Tested Muay Thai Champion and Pro Boxing Contender
Kit Cope, Four-Time World Muay Thai Champion and MTV Reality Series Star
Jose Palacios, Rising Muay Thai and MMA Star
Chidi Njokuani, Power-Punching Knockout Artist
Elaina Maxwell, Women’s Pioneer and International Kickboxing Gold Medalist
Eduardo Maiorino, K-1 Brazil Champion

WHEN:
Friday, Nov. 18
Media check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. PT.
Fighters on the scales at 5 p.m. PT

WHERE:
Sports Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
4455 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
Phone: (702) 693-5000
**Complimentary valet parking**

WHAT:
All 24 Lion Fight Promotions: Battle In The Desert 4, Live from The Joint fighters will step on the scales just one day before the WBC world championship Muay Thai event on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the main event, streaking Las Vegas star Chaz Mulkey (7-4) will square off with European champion Simon Chu (29-7) of Leeds England for the vacant WBC international middleweight (160 pounds) championship.

The co-main event will feature a lightweight (135 pounds) showdown between superstar “Coke” Chunhawat (145-24-1 (24 KO’s) of Oakland, Calif. via Thailand and Muay Thai champion and seasoned pro boxer Rami Ibrahim (13-7-2 (6 KO’s) of Philadelphia, Pa.

Four-time world champion and MTV True Life reality series star Kit Cope (23-1
(9 KO’s) of Las Vegas will make his highly-anticipated return to the Muay Thai ring to face rising star Jose Palacios (5-2 (3 KO’s) of San Jose, Calif. in a featured WBC U.S. welterweight (147 pounds) championship bout.

Two knockout artists and rapidly emerging forces will collide when Las Vegas Muay Thai and mixed martial arts (MMA) standout Chidi Njokuani (10-1 (6 KO’s) squares off with aggressive-minded Ken Tran (13-3 (10 KO’s) of Vancouver B.C., Canada in a 170-pound catchweight fight.

In a heavyweight attraction, K-1 Brazil Champion Eduardo Maiorino (40-14 (20 KO’s) of Richmond, Calif. via Campo Grande, Brazil will throw down with K-1 USA veteran Terroll Dees (6-2 (4 KO’s) of Concord, Calif. The bout will be contested with a WBC international “challenge” title on the line, with the winner receiving a shot at the WBC international heavyweight championship.

The main card will also be highlighted by a pair of women’s bouts. Former Cung Le-protégé Elaina Maxwell (0-0) of San Francisco, Calif. will face off with Roxy “Balboa” Richardson (2-1) of Los Angeles, Calif. at super lightweight (140 pounds) while Vivian Leung (1-0) of Las Vegas via Saskatoon, Canada will lock horns with Cassie Trost (0-0) of Los Angeles in a 120 pound catchweight affair.

A five-bout preliminary card will kick-off the event.

Tickets for Lion Fight Promotions: Battle In The Desert 4, Live from The Joint, priced from $25, are on sale and can be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com.

The Joint doors will open for the event on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT. The first preliminary bout will begin at 5 p.m.

CONTACT: Mike Afromowitz, (917) 566-8754, mikea@yourwitzend.com
Christine Toledo (702) 480-6799, christine@lionfightpromotions.­com

The post Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” weigh-ins set for November 18th, open to the public appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

Come November 19th Las Vegas will be graced with the presence of Rami Ibrahim. The Philadelphia based fighter will be fighting against Coke Chunhawat at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” for the WBC Muay Thai lightweight national title. Ibrahim will be coming in looking to pass the difficult challenge that is the Coke taste test; however, a challenge is something that Rami Ibrahim doesn’t step away from.

Ibrahim’s path to Muay Thai began in 1992 when he started training in Karate. The problem was that there is no full contact in point Karate tournaments, which meant he was continuously getting disqualified. In 1994 his coach suggested he try Muay Thai instead, since it was a full contact sport and in the same year he would have his first fight. It wasn’t his dream to be a professional Muay Thai fighter, but after his first fight at the age of 12 he felt a feeling he had never felt before. It was with this that his journey began. By the time Ibrahim was 18 he was representing America as the WKA U.S. champion and to him being a young Palestinian American, holding that title was a huge achievement.

“By the time I was 18, in 2000, I was representing America as the WKA United States Muay Thai champion. Being a young Palestinian American holding that title, I felt as if this was a great accomplishment,” said Ibrahim. “With great power comes great responsibility. So here I am now, doing my best to be a good role model with the best image of a young Palestinian American. I never had any intentions of any of this, but God was and is still good to me.”

Despite the challenge that Coke Chunhawat will present to him on November 19th, nothing compares to the challenges in life. Ibrahim doesn’t only look to be a Muay Thai champion he looks to be a champion in life. Training for his upcoming fight with Coke is easy compared to preparing for the reality everyday life brings. Ibrahim jokes that he is preparing for Coke by drinking Pepsi and remains really light-hearted when discussing the upcoming bout. Many might see the upcoming fight with Coke as the toughest challenge of his career, but Ibrahim is used to the skepticism.

“As to a lot of people thinking Coke is going to be one of the toughest tests of my career, I want to tell them to stop thinking too much.” said Ibrahim. “It’s pointless because we all know what happened when they had the taste test.”

Ibrahim knows Coke is a dangerous fighter, but the biggest challenges for him are outside the ring. In the ring there is a solution to every problem he could face. Being Palestinian-American is something Ibrahim is proud of, something he doesn’t try to hide despite being told on countless occasions by family and friends not to make that public. Spectators have cursed him and made racial remarks that are not only ignorant, but incorrect.

“In my second fight against Shennon Maceo, the room filled with Tiger Schulmans (TSK) fans, they all started yelling at me go back to Iraq. I’m not even from Iraq. That just shows how racist people are, imagine if what they would of done if they knew I was Palestinian” said Ibrahim.

Ibrahim doesn’t want to run or hide from who he is — he wants to proudly wave his flag and show people that there is good in everyone. The issues in Palestine are important to Ibrahim, not because he is Palestinian but because he does not agree with what is being done to the people of Palestine. He wants to use his voice to speak up for those that might not have a voice.

“People are so quick to just run away from issues when it’s not effecting them. To those people and everyone else who doesn’t care about what’s being done to the Palestinian people, because it doesn’t effect them, be careful, one day it might be you in those shoes and you’ll be needing that help the Palestinians needed for over 60 years.” said Ibrahim. “To those silent people: when European colonizers came after the Native Americans, you remained silent. You weren’t a Native American. When the southerners came after slaves, you remained silent. You weren’t a slave. When Israel came after the Palestinians, you remained silent. You weren’t a Palestinian. When they came for you, there was no one left 2 speak out. Fighting in the ring defending my championship belts means nothing to me, because I’m a fighter in life fighting to defend humanity & that means everything to me.”

Yes, the upcoming fight with Coke Chunhawat might be the biggest fight of his career, but in the big picture of Rami Ibrahim it is simply a small pixel. Ibrahim loves Muay Thai and it has become an integral part of his life. He makes his living running Sitan Gym in Philadelphia. That said, for him it is not about being remembered as the greatest champion of all time, but when it is all said and done, for Rami Ibrahim it is about being able to speak for human rights. When his fight career is over he want’s people to simply remember he was for the people.

“When my fighting career is over, one thing I would like people to say when they think of me is how I was for the people. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I speak the truth. I don’t favor any group or race, because every tree has a bad apple.” said Ibrahim. “Therefore, I favor all children of Adam. That is why I’m always sharing my experience and insight on all issues with everyone, to help better mankind. When I get better, and you get better, then this whole world will get better, God willing. Rami Ibrahim is for the people!”

Rami Ibrahim will step into the ring on November 19th and lay it all on the line as he tries to capture the WBC Muay Thai national title from Coke Chunhawat at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4”; just as everyday Rami Ibrahim wakes up, he is ready to take on the world. He doesn’t take it on simply for his own personal gain, as it has been mentioned before, its not about him: it’s about the people. He is “The People’s Champ”, he is Rami Ibrahim.

The post The People’s Champ: Rami Ibrahim appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

Simon Chu will be fighting Chaz Mulkey for the WBC Muay Thai international middleweight title at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” on November 19th in Las Vegas, NV. The event will be at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Lion Fight Promotions new home. Muay Thai Authority recently caught up with Simon and he was gracious enough to answer a few questions about the upcoming fight.

MTA: You are fighting Chaz Mulkey on November 19th in Las Vegas, how familiar are you with Chaz as a fighter?

Simon: Chaz is a good all rounder who’s on a good winning streak running up to this fight.

MTA: He fought at “Battle in the Desert 3”, an event you fought on as well. Did you have a chance to catch any of his fight?

Simon: Yes I remember Chaz’s fight at battle of the desert 3 and I have also watched a few of his other fights too.

MTA: How is your training for Chaz going?

Simon: My training’s going very well and I’m feeling very confident.

MTA: Is there anything you plan on doing different on this trip compared to your last trip to Nevada? You mentioned you have trouble getting used to the climate.

Simon: Yes I plan to arrive in Nevada earlier than I did for my last fight and I will be finishing the final stages of my training over there. With the two long flights to Vegas and the 8 hour time difference it’s definitely needed to perform at your best.

MTA: Chaz is pretty tall for this weight class, 6’2″ I believe. Would you say you have to change your approach depending on the fighters style and things such as height and reach?

Simon: Yes I know Chaz is pretty tall, my approach to the fight will be tailored to him. I don’t like to say too much, but yes we have done our homework.

MTA: Any prediction for this fight?

Simon: My prediction is that it’s going to be another great fight!

MTA: Any words for your supporters or fans?

Simon: I would like to thank all my fans and supporters on both sides of the Atlantic. Especially those who fly out from the UK to watch, those who tune in to watch via pay per view, and also my American friends and fans for their continued support. It really means a lot to me.

MTA: Thanks a for the time Simon.

Simon: Always a pleasure Nathan, see you there mate.

The post Simon Chu talks about his upcoming figh with Chaz Mulkey appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

The post Video: Chaz Mulkey talks about his upcoming fight with Simon Chu at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

Lion Fight Promotions has confirmed with Muay Thai Authority that three bouts are now official for their November 19th event in Las Vegas. The three fights are Chaz Mulkey vs. Simon Chu, Coke Chunhawat vs. Rami Ibrahim and Chidi Njokuani vs. Ken Tran. Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” will take place at the promotions new home in Las Vegas, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Mulkey is coming off a close split decision victory over Remy Bonnel at “Battle in the Desert 3”. With the win he claimed the WBC Muay Thai international middleweight title and will now look to defend it against the UK’s heavy hitting Simon Chu. Coming off a fight for the WBC Muay Thai world middleweight title, Chu fell short in his fight against Ky Hollenbeck at “Battle in the Desert 3”, dropping a decision. This fight should be a technical affair with both fighters having all the necessary tools to end things early.

Coke Chunhawat will look to defend his WBC Muay Thai U.S. national lightweight title when he takes on Philadelphia’s Rami Ibrahim. Chunhawat recently lost a fight to Tetsuya Yamato, the exciting fight was stopped due to a cut. Ibrahim has won back to back fights against Mark DeLuca and Philippe Allaire Landerville and is now looking to claim stake to a WBC Muay Thai national title.

Chidi Njokuani will make his return to full rules Muay Thai after some time off to focus on MMA, although he recently fought in a K-1 fight in Las Vegas where he took home a unanimous decision victory over Edwin Aguilar. Ken Tran will be standing across the ring from Njokuani as he makes his second appearance for Lion Fight Promotions, his previous fight was an exciting decision loss to Chaz Mulkey at “Battle in the Desert 2”. Always a showman, this fight should be as exciting as they come.

Keep checking back here at MuayThaiAuthority.com for more news regarding Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” and all your other Muay Thai needs. You can also like our official facebook page or follow us on twitter @MuayThaiAuth.

The post Three bouts official for Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.

The rumors continue to come out for the next Lion Fight Promotions event. Currently scheduled to take place on November 19th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, “Battle in the Desert 4” will likely feature a WBC Muay Thai international title fight between Chaz Mulkey and Simon Chu. Once again nothing has been officially announced by Lion Fight Promotions, but sources close to the situation have informed Muay Thai Authority of the bout.

Mulkey captured the WBC Muay Thai international title in a razor thin split decision win over Remy Bonnel at “Battle in the Desert 3”. After a rough ending to 2010, Mulkey has been on fire in 2011 winning all four of his fights. He will be looking to make his first title defense and keep his perfect year intact.

UK heavy hitter Simon Chu is coming of a unanimous decision loss to Ky Hollenbeck at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 3” in a WBC Muay Thai world title fight. Chu had some great moments early on in the fight, especially as he seemed to throw Hollenbeck off his game early on and used some well placed elbow to cut up Hollenbeck. Cardio seemed to be his biggest enemy that night as it failed him the later rounds of the fight. Always a dangerous opponent, Chu can beat you technically or knock you out.

Keep checking back here at MuayThaiAuthority.com for more news regarding Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” and all your other Muay Thai needs. You can also like our official facebook page or follow us on twitter @MuayThaiAuth.

The post Chaz Mulkey vs. Simon Chu rumored for Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 4” appeared first on muaythaiauthority.com.