Four of the top current USA Muaythai athletes touched down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from October 26-30 to take part in one of the most celebrated events in combat sports — the World Combat Games. The World Combat Games is “an international multi-sport festival bringing together ancient traditions, exciting competitions and sport demonstrations” and takes place every four years, similar to the World Games and Olympic Games.
Each division featured four athletes from around the globe. The athletes earned qualification through their efforts in The World Games, the IFMA World Championships, continental championships, and the world rankings. The tournament for the World Combat Games 2023 featured a Super 4 format, allowing all athletes to compete multiple times during the event.
Four-time IFMA gold medalist and The World Games 2022 silver medalist Tierra Brandt, who trains out of Dan’s Gym in Mesa, Arizona, came back to the USA with a silver medal in the -60kg division. Brandt got off to a fast start in the tournament, earning a stoppage victory in the opening round over France. She then earned a decision victory over Turkey to earn a spot in the gold medal match. Turkey worked back through the tournament to secure a rematch with Brandt and was given the decision over the American.
Three-time IFMA gold medalist and The World Games 2022 -81kg gold medalist Aaron Ortiz won a decision over UAE in the opening round before losing a decision to Iraq in his next matchup. A walkover in the next round assured Ortiz, a product of Team Link Muay Thai in Worcester, Massachusetts, a rematch against Iraq in the gold medal match. However, Ortiz would again drop a decision, but came home with a silver medal.
Matt Baker, the silver medalist at The World Games 2022 in the -91kg division training out of Woodenman Muay Thai in the Bay Area, earned bronze. After narrowly losing to Russia in the opening round, Baker scored a stoppage victory over Morocco to earn a rematch with Russia. Although originally declared the winner by decision in the semifinal match, the bout was overturned in Russia’s favor.
Baker’s teammate, 2023 IFMA World Championships gold medalist in the -54 division Megan Washam, also received a bronze medal. Washam dropped a decision to Mexico in the opening round, but then won against Saudi Arabia to guarantee her spot on the podium. She fought Mexico again for a chance to compete in the gold medal match, but lost a decision.
All four athletes represented USA Muaythai with class and heart, competing valiantly despite facing some obstacles in their path. Their effort in this tournament once again proves the country’s ability to compete with the best Muaythai athletes from around the world and is a testament to the development of Muaythai competition in America.