The Reality of Searching for Fights as a Female MMA Fighter in Asia
Thailand is the spot to be for Muay Thai fighting. You can easily get a fight every two weeks. Almost every night, they are events all around you. The problem is if you are an MMA fighter.
And the real trouble is if you are a woman.
As it happened, I am both. I do sometimes take a Muay Thai fight if I can’t get an MMA opportunity, but it’s not the same thing and it’s not my goal.
So let me tell you the reality about getting an amateur MMA fight as a female in Thailand, or in Asia in general.
Facts: I am an amateur MMA fighter, with professional Muay Thai experience, based in Thailand, Phuket, and walking around 63, or 64 kg.
The reality
Talking about weight, sometimes getting to 57kg, in my case, means being able to have an opponent or not. Unfortunately, you cannot decide whether you would like to cut weight as an amateur or wait to risk your health until you are actually paid for that. Often it is Fight or No Fight situation.
Another big difference from pro MMA is the notice length. As there are not many options, you will need to be ready all the time. Most of my fights happened on 5–14 days' notice. Again, Fight or No Fight situation.
Be ready to fly
They’re not as many promotions in Thailand that would offer amateur MMA fights. I currently know about four of them. Luckily, you are close to other countries around!
As an athlete without a manager, it is your job to secure fights. If you are in a smaller gym with only a handful of fighters, then your coaches may have time to look out for the fights for you. But if you are in a bigger gym, you are responsible. At least until you reach the level when there will be someone looking out for you, as a pro fighter.
It is in your hands literally. I have seen people moving over and then waiting and waiting and having no fights. Sometimes the coaches will hear of an opportunity. But that is not enough. You need to be very proactive yourself. It is your career.
At least that is what I do.
Eyes open
If I’m on social media, and I see a fighting event, I immediately save the name on my list and send a message to the promotion. Something like “Hello can I get a fight, please?!”
Not desperate at all.
Once in a while, I will message all of those promotions on my list.
Dark numbers
To give you an idea of how it works, here is an example.
Last spring, I applied to around ten fights in four countries. The result was zero opponents.
Either, the women were too light or too heavy for me. Or there were no women at all, which is usually the case.
I always thought it was only in Asia, but as I talk to my friends around the world, it is very difficult for us women to find a match anywhere.
Cross your fingers for me!
For Autumn, I am in touch with 13 promotions so wish me luck! If there are not enough crossed fingers, I may be taking another Muay Thai fight :)
