Manila – 17 Oct 2024: On October 16, 2024, the inaugural Asian Mixed Martial Arts Open in Manila, Philippines, came to a triumphant close. The exhilarating matches highlighted the athletes’ remarkable skills and relentless determination, offering spectators an unforgettable showcase of top MMA competition across Asia.

The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open is a collaborative effort between the prestigious AMMA (Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association), 9 Dynasty Group, one of Asia’s leading entertainment companies, and the event host, NMMAPP (Philippine Mixed Martial Arts Association). Together, they brought this elite continental tournament to life.

The successful hosting of this event marks a significant milestone in the history of Asian mixed martial arts, showcasing the continued growth and limitless potential of the sports throughout the Asia.

At the opening ceremony, Gordon Tang, President of the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association, shared his sincere words of encouragement for the athletes. He emphasized that the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of strength and passion. He expressed his hope that every competitor would deliver a truly unforgettable and thrilling performance for the audience and fans.

This prestigious tournament brought together 88 elite athletes from 15 countries and regions across Asia, competing in 11 different weight categories for both men and women and traditional and modern MMA. The competitors exhibited the pinnacle of mixed martial arts in the region, displaying remarkable technical prowess and an indomitable fighting spirit throughout the event.

In the final stage, after intense and hard-fought battles, the champions of each weight division were finally crowned. Tajikistan ranked first in the overall team rankings, winning four weight division championships, Kazakhstan ranked second with three championships, and the People’s Republic of China ranked third, securing two weight division championships! With champions crowned across all divisions, the tournament concluded on a triumphant note.

The list of champions is as follows:

Women’s Division
Modern 54kg: Kuang Fei (CHN)
Traditional 60kg: Liang Na (CHN)

Men’s Division
Modern 56kg: Mussabek Yernaz (KAZ)
Modern 65kg: Rajabov Otabek (TJK)
Modern 77kg: Anas Nurkesh (KAZ)
Modern 96kg: Yu Chin-Cheng (TPE)
Traditional 60kg: Salohidinov Muhammad (TJK)
Traditional 65kg: Aslanov Gamlet (KAZ)
Traditional 71kg: Sohibnazarov Lutfullo (TJK)
Traditional 85kg: Abdizhaparov Belek (KGZ)
Traditional 120kg: Vakhobov Azmuddin (TJK)

With the champions of each weight division now announced, the inaugural Asian Mixed Martial Arts Open concluded on a high note. The success of this event is a result of the athletes’ relentless dedication, the enthusiastic support of the spectators, and, most importantly, the generous sponsorship from 9 Dynasty Group, 4E Exchange, Fb Sports, B Sports, Bb Sports, V Sports, Yy Sports, and Newport World Resort. Their invaluable support made this prestigious event possible.

About AMMA
The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) was established in 2022 to promote and develop MMA in Asia, focusing on athlete safety, inclusivity, and professionalism. AMMA has organized two successful championships in Bangkok (2023) and Phnom Penh (2024), and continues to strive for MMA’s recognition in major international sporting events.

About NMMAPP
The Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP) is the governing body for MMA in the Philippines, responsible for developing the sport and organizing both national and international competitions in the country.

About 9 Dynasty Group
9 Dynasty Group (9D) is a leading international entertainment company recognized for its professional services. The group specializes in brand marketing, tourism operations, and is committed to providing top-tier, thoughtful service for its partners and clients.

Singapore – 19 Sep 2024: The first-ever Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open will take place from 14 – 16 October 2024 in Manila, bringing together 88 of our best athletes from 16 countries and regions. This prestigious event is set to be a defining moment for the growth of MMA in Asia, with champions from the 2023 Bangkok and 2024 Phnom Penh AMMA Championships competing for glory.

AMMA Manila Open Unveiled at Press Conference

On 18 September 2024, a press conference at Newport World Manila officially introduced the AMMA Manila Open to the media and the public. Representatives from AMMA, the Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP), 9 Dynasty Group, and Newport World Resorts shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament.

Alvin Aguilar, Secretary-General of NMMAPP, expressed his gratitude to Mayor Abraham Tolentino, President of NMMAPP and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), for his pivotal role in making the event possible. Aguilar said:

“Thanks to Mayor Tolentino, we now have an official platform for Filipino fighters to showcase their skills, not just in amateur and pro tournaments, but in events that give them the chance to win medals and bring honor to the country.”

Showcasing Asia’s Best Athletes

The AMMA Manila Open will feature 11 weight categories for both modern and traditional men and women, bringing together the best MMA athletes from across Asia, including past AMMA champions and medalists who will once again compete for gold. Chin-Cheng Yu from Chinese Taipei, a two-time AMMA medalist who won bronze in the 2023 AMMA Championship and silver in the 2024 AMMA Championship shared his ambitions for the tournament:

“In the last two championships, I identified areas where I needed to improve, and I’ve been working hard on them. My goal this time is to win the gold.”

He also expressed his excitement about competing with top athletes from the region and exchanging techniques and experiences on the international stage. This determination is echoed by many athletes, all of whom have been rigorously preparing for this event.

Shown here are (from left) 9 Dynasty’s Derris Wong, AMMA Sports Director Galastein Tan, AMMA Organizing Committee Chairman Lock Wai Han, POC and NMMAPP President Abraham Tolentino, Secretary General Alvin Aguilar and Newport Chief Marketing Officer David Jorden.

A Milestone for MMA in Asia

The AMMA Manila Open 2024 is not just a competitive platform; it is a significant milestone in the growth of MMA in Asia. Lock Wai Han, Chairman of the AMMA Organizing Committee, emphasized the association’s vision for the sport:

“Our mission is to make MMA safer, more inclusive, and ultimately a globally recognized sport. The AMMA Manila Open is a crucial milestone on this journey, and we are excited to see Asia’s best athletes compete.”

In addition to elite competition, the event underscores the importance of grassroots development in MMA. Abraham Tolentino noted that this event is key to nurturing future talent:

“MMA has always had strong support in Asia, but this event marks a turning point, as it will help build a solid foundation for future athletes and further elevate the sport in the region.”

Looking Ahead

With an impressive lineup of top-tier competitors, strong organizational backing, and growing public interest, the AMMA Manila Open 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event. Fans and athletes alike are eagerly anticipating three days of high-level competition, as Asia’s best MMA athletes vie for glory in this landmark tournament.

About AMMA
The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) was established in 2022 to promote and develop MMA in Asia, focusing on athlete safety, inclusivity, and professionalism. AMMA has organized two successful championships in Bangkok (2023) and Phnom Penh (2024), and continues to strive for MMA’s recognition in major international sporting events.

About NMMAPP
The Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP) is the governing body for MMA in the Philippines, responsible for developing the sport and organizing both national and international competitions in the country.

About 9 Dynasty Group
9 Dynasty Group (9D) is a leading international entertainment company recognized for its professional services. The group specializes in brand marketing, tourism operations, and software development, and is committed to providing top-tier security and service for its partners and clients.

Phnom Penh, July 14th – The 2nd Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championships wrapped up successfully on July 13, 2024, at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh. This grand event not only showcased the exquisite skills of Asia’s top athletes but also deepened international cultural exchanges and understanding.

From July 11 to 13, representatives from 18 countries and regions across Asia gathered in Phnom Penh. Over these three days, 94 athletes competed fiercely across 19 weight classes. They demonstrated exceptional skills and steadfast determination in both modern and traditional mixed martial arts (MMA) categories, fighting not only for personal and team honors but also for qualification spots at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in November.

The opening ceremony was graced by the attendance and support of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who emphasized the significant role of sports in promoting international friendship and cultural exchange. His speech not only highlighted the Cambodian government’s commitment to sports development but also showcased Cambodia’s active role in promoting MMA and cultural exchanges as the host nation. Additionally, the traditional Cambodian martial arts performance was a highlight of the ceremony, showcasing the host country’s rich sporting cultural heritage and providing a visual and spiritual feast for the global audience.

At the closing ceremony, Gordon Tang, President of AMMA, and Thong Khon, President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, praised the outstanding performances of all athletes and expressed gratitude to all participants. Mr. Tang emphasized that AMMA would continue to promote and develop MMA throughout Cambodia and Asia, aiming to bridge cultural divides and enhance regional understanding and respect through the sport. He also expressed enthusiasm for increased international cooperation and exchange in the future.

The 2nd Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championships were not only a showcase of competitive skills but also a cross-cultural gala. Through the power of sports, it connected people and cultures from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating the true essence of international friendship. There is eager anticipation for the further development and flourishing of this vibrant sport across Asia and globally.

武道风采：第二届亚洲综合武道锦标赛在金边圆满落幕

金边，7月14日 – 第二届亚洲综合武道锦标赛于2024年7月13日在金边国家奥林匹克体育馆圆满落幕。此次盛会不仅展示了亚洲顶尖运动员的精湛技艺，更深化了国际间的文化交流与理解。

自7月11日到13日，来自亚洲18个国家和地区的运动员、裁判、教练等代表齐聚金边。94名运动员在这三天内展开了激烈的角逐，争夺19个重量级别的荣誉。他们在现代综合武道和传统综合武道类别中展现了卓越的技巧和坚定的斗志，不仅为争夺个人和团队的荣誉，也为11月的亚洲室内与武道运动会争取参赛资格。

开幕式上，柬埔寨首相洪玛奈出席支持并发表讲话，他强调了体育在促进国际友谊和文化交流中的重要角色，并对赛事的成功举行表示祝贺。首相的支持不仅彰显了柬埔寨政府对体育事业的重视，也体现了柬埔寨作为东道主在推广综合武道及体育文化交流中的积极性。此外，柬埔寨的传统武术表演成为开幕式的一大亮点，展示了东道国丰富的体育文化遗产，为全球观众提供了一场视觉与精神的盛宴。

闭幕式上，AMMA主席唐逸刚先生和柬埔寨国家奥委会主席童昆阁下对所有运动员的精彩表现表示赞赏，并对所有参与者表示感谢。唐逸刚先生强调，未来AMMA将继续在柬埔寨及整个亚洲推广和发展综合武道，希望通过这项运动弥合不同文化之间的鸿沟，增进区域内的相互理解和尊重，并期待未来更多的国际合作与交流。

第二届亚洲综合武道锦标赛不只是一场展现技艺的竞技赛事，更是一次跨文化的盛会。通过体育的力量，它连接了来自不同背景的人和文化，展示了国际友谊的真正意义。期待这项充满活力的运动未来在亚洲乃至全球的进一步发展和繁荣。