MIRI, SARAWAK — The oil-rich coastal city of Miri has long been known as Malaysia’s first oil town and the second-largest city in Sarawak. Strategically nestled at the northeastern tip of the state, Miri sits in the heart of Borneo — just a short drive away from Brunei, Sabah, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Yet, despite its central location and thriving martial arts scene, one question has always lingered among local fight fans: When will Miri finally have its own combat sports championship?

That question has now been answered.

Introducing the Miri Amateur Muaythai Challenge 2025 (MAMC) — the city’s first-ever combat sports event of its kind, set to take place from 31 October to 2 November 2025 at Permy Mall.

This landmark event is the result of collaboration between local Miri’s martial arts powerhouses namely Warmonger, D30, and Lion 30, under the banner of Persatuan Muaythai Bahagian Miri, with full guidance and support from the Sarawak Muaythai Association.

Over 150 athletes from across Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, and Brunei are expected to converge in Miri for three action-packed days — featuring amateur bouts to explosive Superfights that promise to put Miri firmly on the Malaysian combat sports map.

There will be more than 60 bouts throughout the two days of the event. Day 1 is amatuer bout, while day 2 will be 10 bouts of semi-pro Muaythai

Building a Legacy from the Ground Up

According to MAMC spokesperson Nigel Lakai,

“Our short-term goal is to make combat sporting events a reality here in Miri. Working closely under the Sarawak Muaythai Association, our team led by event director Gavin Ghia Mattu is hands-on in every aspect — from arranging bouts and securing venues to managing tournament logistics and finding sponsors.”

Nigel, himself a well-known name in the Malaysian fight circuit — active in Muaythai, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — sees MAMC as a vital stepping stone.

“We’re learning as much as we can from this first edition. This event is about proving that Miri can host world-class martial arts tournaments. We’re collecting experience and data to make future editions bigger and better.”

A City Ready for Combat Sports Tourism

YB Datuk Gerawat Gala, the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s

Department whom is also the local assembly man is a strong supporter for this event and will be guest of honour on event day.

Miri has always been a hub for culture, music, and endurance events — home to the Borneo Jazz Festival, Miri Marathon, and Rami Cultural Festival. Now, the Miri Amateur Muaythai Challenge is ready to take its place among them, adding a new chapter of sports tourism and martial arts excellence to the city’s growing list of achievements.

For a city that has produced outstanding talents like Nathaniel Lakai, Trevor Salang, Morris Hii, Maureen Hii, and Fadzly Nadzier, the arrival of MAMC marks not just an event — but a movement.

Honouring the Legacy of the Late Sifu Tang Hui Ding

As Miri steps into the spotlight with its first-ever Miri Amateur Muaythai Challenge 2025, it also takes a moment to remember the man whose dream helped make this possible — the late Sifu Tang Hui Ding.

A true pioneer of combat sports in Miri, Sifu Tang devoted his life to nurturing young talents and shaping them into champions. His influence stretched far beyond the ring — instilling discipline, humility, and the warrior spirit in every student who walked through his doors.

Among those he mentored was Morris Hii, one of Miri’s finest Muaythai athletes.

Sifu Tang once dreamed of seeing Miri host its own Muaythai championship — an event that would unite the city’s martial arts community and inspire future warriors. That dream is now a reality.

To honour his memory, the Main Event Trophy of MAMC 2025 bears his name — a lasting symbol of his fighting spirit and enduring impact on Miri’s martial arts scene, the trophy will be sponsored by Morris, to ensure Sifu Tang’s legacy lives on in every punch, every kick, and every heart that steps into the ring. 🥊❤️

It’s timeeeeeeee!

Miri is no longer just a spectator in Malaysia’s combat sports scene.
It’s stepping into the ring — gloves on, chin up, ready to make history. 🥊🔥