DUBAI: World League of Fighters (WLF), a “sportainment” league that has the stated aim to position MuayThai on the global stage, has been launched in partnership with the World Boxing Council MuayThai.
Per an official release, the partnership has the potential to “branch out to other forms of combat sports”.
The franchise-based league-style tournament will feature 20 of the world’s best male and female MuayThai fighters. International combat sports stars will be divided into 4 franchises that will compete against each other in a round-robin format, to claim the WLF*WBC Title Belt.
Speaking about the league, WLF co-founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Matthew said, “We have the vision to amplify the popularity of martial arts and boxing on the world stage and to reinforce love for combat sports internationally by inspiring fans and aspiring talent from across the globe. World League of Fighters is a perfect platform to do so and with a historic partnership with the World Boxing Council MuayThai, we will bring together the greatest show in the ring in history. Showdowns don’t get this epic!”
To add to the buzz around combat sports, WLF will also merge sports with entertainment as international artists will hold concerts inside the arena each night after the MuayThai action.
WBC MuayThai secretary general Kevin Noone stated, “The collaboration between WBC MuayThai and the World League of Fighters (WLF) marks a positive stride for the MuayThai industry and the world of combat sports. We believe that the WLF team will provide an invaluable platform and pathway to success for emerging and established MuayThai talents.”
Col Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, WBC MuayThai president, further added: “We have a plethora of the world’s best Muay Thai fighters with us and new talent is constantly emerging each year. A league-styled competition of this scale and magnitude is exactly what is needed to give the combat sport a shot in the arm and turn the spectacle and excitement around it up several notches. With Live music concerts, this will be an unprecedented event and will be a show of guts and glory. Whoever will dare to enter the battlefield, will win!”
Rahul Saxena, chief executive officer & president of WLF, shares, “Through the synergy of tradition and modernity, our initiative with the WBC MuayThai establishes a foundation for an exciting and progressive era in the world of martial arts and sports entertainment. In partnership with the esteemed World Boxing Council MuayThai, we have introduced an innovative league concept that goes beyond the conventional, offering fans an unparalleled and exhilarating experience. Our vision is not just about redefining Muay Thai but creating a dynamic platform that sets the stage for the future of combat sports.”
