News through September 28, 2026 — powered by Arwut Fight Gear
September brought a new heavyweight world champion, successful title defences and national championship victories across the WBC MuayThai community. Beyond the ring, preparations continued for the Amazing MuayThai European Festival in Sardinia, while developments in Nepal and Cyprus highlighted the work taking place throughout our international network.
This month’s newsletter celebrates the athletes and the people behind these achievements as we look ahead to October’s gathering in Italy.
Tomasz Utczinski Captures the Heavyweight World Championship
Poland’s Tomasz Utczinski became the WBC MuayThai Heavyweight World Champion on September 12, defeating reigning champion Gerardo Atti in the main event of the HungrySide show in Scotland.
After five competitive rounds, the judges returned scores of 48–47, 49–46 and 49–46, securing a unanimous decision for Utczinski and crowning a new heavyweight world champion.
The Polish athlete demonstrated composure and determination to claim the green and gold belt in one of September’s standout championship performances.
WBC MuayThai also extends its appreciation to Gerardo Atti for the professionalism and respect with which he represented the organisation during his reign and following the contest.
Karl Ryan Retains His International Crown in Liverpool
Karl Ryan retained the WBC MuayThai Super-Lightweight International title with a unanimous points victory over Germany’s Majid Ahmadi at the Affiliation promotion in Liverpool, England.
Ryan controlled the distance and tempo with well-timed teeps and body kicks, closing the range to land effective elbows and knees. His defensive movement, slips and counters complemented an assured attacking performance.
Ahmadi remained determined until the final bell, but Ryan’s control of the contest secured the verdict and ensured the International championship remained with the defending champion.
Omar Anderson Earns Scottish National Honours
The September 12 HungrySide show also delivered a memorable evening for Omar Anderson, who captured the WBC MuayThai Scottish National Super-Lightweight title.
Anderson defeated Jamie Gillies by unanimous decision, earning the verdict of all three judges to claim the domestic championship.
His victory added Scottish national title success to a show headlined by Utczinski’s heavyweight world championship triumph.
Orlando Celebrates Two New Amateur Champions
Kaeser Espinoza captured the WBC MuayThai USA Amateur Super-Lightweight National title in the main event of Coalition MuayThai in Orlando, Florida.
Espinoza overcame D’Angelo Gianni in a championship contest that rewarded his determination and added a national title to his achievements.
In the co-main event, Kieran Lanier defeated Stuart Smith to become the WBC Amateur MuayThai USA Lightweight Champion.
The two championship victories placed Orlando’s amateur competitors in the spotlight and provided an occasion to celebrate the athletes, coaches and teams supporting their progress.
Read about Kaeser Espinoza | Read about Kieran Lanier
Rasmus Kankare Wins with a Decisive Body Attack
Rasmus Kankare captured the WBC MuayThai Super-Welterweight National title at Hööki Fight on September 26, defeating Aapo Akkanen by second-round knockout.
Following a measured opening round, Kankare increased the pace and landed a powerful combination to Akkanen’s midsection. The body attack sent his opponent to the canvas, leaving him unable to regain his feet.
The finish secured Kankare the national championship and the green and gold belt.
Lucas Clapa Claims Romanian Amateur Championship Glory
Lucas Clapa won the WBC MuayThai Romanian Amateur Super-Featherweight title on September 26, defeating compatriot Danciu Stefan at the MuayThai Gala in Cluj, Romania.
The all-Romanian championship encounter gave both athletes the opportunity to compete for domestic honours, with Clapa emerging victorious to secure the title.
Congratulations to Clapa and his team, and respect to Stefan for his efforts in the championship contest.
Bruno Ogro Captures State Honours in Brazil
Brazil’s Bruno “Ogro” defeated Wendel Porcina on September 26 to capture the WBC MuayThai Super-Middleweight State title in Rio.
His success added to a weekend of championship results across Europe and South America, highlighting the opportunities provided by WBC MuayThai competition at state, national and international levels.
Congratulations to Bruno and his team on their championship achievement.
Sardinia Prepares to Welcome the MuayThai Community
Attention now turns to the 2026 Amazing MuayThai European Festival, taking place in Sardinia, Italy, from October 15–18.
With the WBC MuayThai European Championships at its heart, the festival will bring athletes, coaches and officials together for competition and activities celebrating the sport’s Thai heritage.
The build-up across WBC MuayThai’s social channels has highlighted participating countries and educational opportunities, including the October 15 Ring Officials Workshop.
Teams and participants are encouraged to follow the official channels for the latest announcements and consult the event registration page for current participation information.
View athlete registration and event information
Thai Heritage and Academic Exchange Come to Sardinia
Thailand’s Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University, through its College of Muay Thai Studies and Thai Traditional Medicine, will join WBC MuayThai in Sardinia to co-organise academic and research activities.
Announced on September 24, the collaboration will explore the relationship between MuayThai, quality tourism and Thailand’s creative economy, while encouraging knowledge exchange with MuayThai organisations and practitioners in Italy.
A highlight will be a traditional Mongkon-making workshop, offering participants a practical introduction to the craftsmanship behind one of the sport’s most recognisable cultural symbols.
The university’s involvement adds an educational and cultural dimension to the festival, connecting the international MuayThai community with the traditions that remain central to the sport.
Nepal Celebrates Its MuayThai Athletes
The 2026 Amazing MuayThai Nepal Festival brought athletes together in Kathmandu to represent their gyms and communities.
The festival provided an opportunity for Nepalese competitors to demonstrate their skills and gain experience in the ring, supported by the coaches, officials and organisers working to develop the sport nationally.
WBC MuayThai congratulates all participating athletes and extends its thanks to Raju and his organising team for their contribution to the event.
New WBC MuayThai Leadership Appointments in Cyprus
WBC MuayThai announced two leadership appointments in Cyprus on September 11.
Ioannis Assiotis has been appointed Chairman of WBC MuayThai Professional Activities in Cyprus, with responsibility for developing and coordinating professional opportunities throughout the country.
Costas Christodoulou has been appointed Chairman of WBC Amateur and Youth MuayThai Activities in Cyprus, focusing on athlete development, education, safety and opportunities for the next generation.
We welcome both chairmen to their roles and look forward to supporting their work with the Cypriot MuayThai community.
Recognition for Jonathan Aiulu
Australia’s Jonathan Aiulu is recognised in this edition as the WBC MuayThai Fighter of the Month for August 2026, as featured on the official website.
Congratulations to Jonathan and his team on the recognition.
Thank You to Our Global Community
We thank the athletes, trainers, promoters, ring officials and national representatives whose work made these September events possible.
As the countdown to Sardinia continues, we look forward to welcoming the MuayThai community to Italy from October 15–18 for the 2026 Amazing MuayThai European Festival.
WBC MUAYTHAI — THE PEOPLE’S SPORT