Season 2
October 8, 2008 by nopstar
came across some pretty good news yesterday. I saw that our favorite show, The Contender Asia has been picked up for a second season.
From what I’ve read filming will commence early next year, and will be shot in Malaysia. According MuayThai Magazine they’ll have exclusive info on the upcoming season. They’ve already stated that the purse is going to be bigger.
I know there are a lot of hungry Thai fighters who would love to have a shot at the loot. I’m unclear at what weight the 2nd season fighters will be fighting at. From what I’ve seen they’ve been holding a lot of regional qualifying tournaments. This is what i’ve got so far: Feel free to add or correct me…
Alex Ricci From Canada, Alex is a student of Clifton Brown and Ajarn Suchart. It says he’s got a 29 -12 record.
Tengku Sharizal from Malaysia, is a member of the Royal Malaysian Police Force… not sure where he trains or much about his fight record
Marcus Oberg who one the European qualifier is a tested Nak Muay, he’s the Swedish champion with I believe 25+ wins.
I’m not sure how they run these qualifying events… I imagine it has to be extremely political. I’m sure your camp or trainer has to have had dealt wth Steffen Fox or the WMC at some point.
It should be an interesting season, if you guys know anything else, or know of anyone fighting in an upcoming qualifier, I’d love to hear about it.
I’ll leave you with some footage of Oberg and Dhzabar at the 2008 K-1 Scandinavia.
First time we’ve seen jabba look bad before. He’ll bounce back though.
Right from the beginning he wasn’t really there.
Lifted From AXKickboxing regarding the UK Contender qualifier, along with a signed letter from stephan fox confirming the details below
“These are the 8 names that will contest for a place in the house in Singapore in February 2009
Everyone was invited and this is the chosen 8 from those that applied.
In Surname alphabetical order:
Richard Fenwick
Daniel Hudson
Steven Jones
Craig Jose
Chris Shaw
Tim Thomas
Jordan Watson
Jay Woodham
reserves: Steve Patterson
Undercard to include…
Andy Howson v Super K
Michael Dick v Super Boy
Olly Watson v Steve Primrose”
I wonder how this will do and given some of the inital feedback I have heard of the Contender eliminators in general is less than pleasing.
Also I wonder which MMA fighter the USA will send when the US allegedly has their tournies.
World Muaythai Council (WMC), the sanctioning body for Contender Asia, in a recent press conference in Korea announced that Malaysia has recieve the thumbs up to be the host country for Contender Asia Season Two!
As for Alex Ricci’s participation, there have been news that his win in the Canadian CA Qualifer was disallowed… hence, he will not be representing Canada after all… ( shame, really… as its has something to do with him not being the son of Mike Miles )
This time, I want at least one Dutchman. Put anybody in there, Pique, Chabari, Holzken, whatever. They’re all good fighters, unlike some of the participants of the first season.
I know our qualifier was fought at 165lbs. As nyghtsky said, there’s some controversy as to whether Ricci truly won. However, I’d be upset if it was taken away from him. He absolutely deserved it 100%. I think the possibility of being saved by the last bell is ludicrous. Jesse Miles couldn’t even stand up. And that’s coming from a guy who trains under Mike’s name (although I’ve never trained with him, Trev Smandych is my Kru)
For anyone lost about the story behind the Ricci/Miles fight:
Ricci and Jesse Miles were the two finalists in the Canadian Qualifier tourney.
As I understand it, Ricci knocked Jesse Miles out right at the end of the last round. Because of it, Mike Miles is having the KO reviewed because of a “saved by the bell” rule or technicality. If he’s successful, a video of the fight will be decided on the scorecards…and that would make Miles the winner + Canadian rep.
As nyghtsky said, there’s a lot of controversy surrounding the topic. I’m not taking up sides or anything, and I didn’t get to see it. A big point of contention for a lot of people is that Mike Miles promoted the show and Jesse is his son. So far, it seems the majority of the Muay Thai community in Canada is voicing the same opinion as Frank: that Miles was out cold and Ricci deserves to represent on the Contender.
Just based on what I heard and read about the fights, I also think it would be a shame to reverse Ricci’s shot on the show now; in any case, the fight is still under review, so it’s still all up in the air. If I hear anything on the subject I’ll post.
As an aside, Ricci now has his own gym and team called M-1.
Miles is well known for his practices being less than ethical this is just another example of it perhaps made more public by a reality show.
I must say it’s pretty dubious getting a win by getting yourself KOed.
I have had to deal with Mike Miles once, and his fighters.
His fighters were polite and respectful, he on the other hand…
It’s a common story and from what I’ve seen none of the Contender qualifiers are wholly free of controversy. The Uk one in some ways may actually be worse.
Actually as an American I’m ashamed of who could represent us in Contender. Right off I couldn’t think of anyone who could compete with the rest of them. Which really sucks, but everyone here has their head up MMA’s ass for the most part. Our pro Muay Thai is almost nonexistant but people fight pro MMA in some parts after training only for 3 months. Hopefully Master Toddy might have someone? Or is he MMA now too?
Toddy as far as I am concerned is a compelte non-factor and so is his stable.
Hate saying it but at the moment if anyone is going to come out of North America worth anything it’s gonna be Canada. I know of a lot of good candidates that could have been considered but don’t give a damn any more due to MMA basically being the number#2 combat sport and opportunities just flat out dying on the vine for them.
BTW 100% agreed about MMA where every windmilling slob has ‘excellent’ Muay Thai and/or striking.
Thanks for the nod to the fighters, Josh:) Who did you fight from our gym?
No rep from America? How about one of them Fairtex students in USA? Or perhaps one of Saekson Janjira’s boys?
I’m sure there will be some decent fighters somewhere not into MMA bandwagon
The Spanish qualifier will be held in November I think.
Anyhow, the guy that looks like he is gonna make it is Rafi Zouhier with a 65-53 record 19 by KO
Wallace-
Welcome to mymuaythai and thanks for the info. I don’t have a clue who any of these guys are… but isn’t that the point of the contender?
The Australian qualifier will be held on the next Evolution show in December. It will be Eli Madigan, Warren Elson, Jason Scerri and one fighter they haven’t picked yet.
:[ give us a good US rep.
I train at Master Toddy’s, we have some ok fighters but he’s more interested in promoting girls at this point. no MMA classes yet.
thank god the instruction i receive is from Luukchang and Saohin from Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket. otherwise…
@Frank
I didn’t fight anyone from that camp but had a chance to meet some. They were real cool.
I hate to bad mouth US Muay Thai fighters, we do have some good ones but none that could compete at the international level. I hope more than anything that will change. But the fact is, in our gym most people come to train “stand up” for their MMA, they make fun of the Ram Muay and Mongkon, and they want to wear MMA shorts instead of Muay Thai shorts. Its a respect thing, they know nothing about Muay Thai but think Anderson Silva is the best Nak Muay to ever fight. So in a word MMA has left a bad taste in my mouth…which sucks because I love combat sports.
Regardless, the Contender has proven to be the “best of the best” when it comes to Muay Thai and not “up and comers.” As long as that is the case I wouldn’t expect any Americans to make a wave anytime soon. And to me, that sucks.
Some one put this link up of the last round of Jess Miles Vs. Ricci.
Looks to me that Ricci got wholly robbed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DxowuCj3vs
Get it before Miles makes it disappear.
Thanks for the link, Stack.
It’s a real disgrace to contest the loss when it took the mofo half a minute to even sit up. I guess his camp is just desperate to get on the show. What a bunch of losers. Pathetic…
Is this Muay Thai or kickboxing?!
Allegdly Muay thai and wholly agree.
Can’t understand why elbow pads were used by fighters during the North American/ Canadian Qualifier Super 8…
I feel that sparing the fighters the condition of fight ( with heavy hitting elbows commonly displayed in a MT match ) is really putting them at a disadvantage when they have to compete in a real fight under full Muay Thai rules!
This season im definately keen to see less Australians. Maybe cut it down to 1 person per country. On my dreamlist….
1. Cosmo Alexander- a Brazilian who has made a name for himself in THAILAND…. thats impressive.
2. Bigben J Ratcadakorn- this dude is mean and deserves some overseas exposure.
3. Nicky Holzken- one to watch.
4. Artur Kyshenko- my favourite in K-1 but can he cut it in muaythai?
Hopefuly one of these guys can make it…. but definately less Ausies!!
Cosmo actually took part in the Dutch reality show – It’s Showtime. It was modified Muay Thai rules but the matches were generally better matched and the fighters were on average more talented.
I wouldn’t expect to see any K-1 guys there any time soon. They make some good coin already and the Contender won’t help or hurt that.
I think BigBen’s fighting light in the 50-55kg division..
We have to use elbow pads according to the boxing commission. Nothing to do with the promoters or fighters.
nyghtsky, your right I meant Big Ben Chor Praram 6. I think he fights around 70kgs.
Stack – interesting about Cosmo. I think he deserves more credit th. He is well respected in thailand. And I know its a long shot for K-1 fighters but wouldn’t it be cool :D
Cosmo’s an interesting story having come out of Brazil, a country not typically associated with strong Muay Thai.
You can check out more of his stuff on my new youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/StackMo1
Also I am going to get the Zuniga fight too so you guys can also see for yourselves how the fight went and decide for yourselves rather than read a debate back and forth.
Hey Stack, I’d like to see that vid too. When I was at the fights, there was no question in my mind that Zuniga lost that fight 2 rounds to 1.
See if you can get vid of Trev’s fight too; that was the nicest fight of the night by far.
With any luck I’ll be getting all of them. If I do I’ll stick them all on my channel.
The youtube channel thing is new to me. I am going to see how it goes if youtube ends up not being the friend I’ll put the videos elsewhere.
Anyone get a chance to look at Evolution 14 yet?
***SPOILERS FOLLOW SO BEWARE****
Man I have to say Parr never looked better than he did against Jabba. He completely controlled the fight and had pretty good combos while easily avoiding Jabba’s wide swings. Jabba really pushed it though and made the fight exciting.
Zidvo got beaten and seemed to have hurt himself kicking Eli.
Carnage beat Wheehan a significantly smaller Thai.
Zidov
official decision reached: Jesse Miles is declared the winner against Alex Ricci…
Although Parr beat Dzhaber pretty convincingly, Dzhaber was again impressive. The guy is only 22 and is already going toe-to-toe with JWP (who probably out-weighed him by 10kg for this fight). I think he has a huge future in the sport. I expect him to beat Preacher very decisively on the next Evo.
Sean Wright also put up an awesome show against Preacher, easily outboxing him. I don’t think he’ll beat JWP on the next Evo, but if he puts up a strong fight (and I imagine he will) it will be another big boost for his career.
I’m picking Eli to take out the 4-man.
official decision reached: Jesse Miles is declared the winner against Alex Ricci…
I saw that. Miles is a crooked guy so I’m not shocked. Shame for Ricci.
I like Sean in this one. Sean was the least rated on the Contender and shocked everyone by bringing the goods. He has good reach and kicks like horse. A smart game plan can get him a win.
Let’s not turn this into the juvenile grounds that is Ax. As much as I think Ricci deserved the win, rules are rules and if it’s an official review, then what can we say? I personally don’t think a fighter should ever be able to be saved by the bell.
I’d really like to see a 5 round rematch. Stack did you get any more video?
Not yet.
As far as the rules given that Miles is the entire North America WMC sanction arm and deeply entrenched as well in Calgary’s commission I can honestly say I am not shocked. Are you?
Any how more videos is supposedly forthcoming but I haven’t been able to chase down my source for more yet. Supposedly the entire event is within reach but it’s a camera phone so I wouldn’t think a camera phone could survive being on quite that long.
Keep your fingers crossed.
[...] worse not to see them in HD. In my search I came across news that the show was picked up for a second season. Looks to start filming in Feb 2009. Not sure who will be airing [...]
Probably not Versus. I heard the contender stank it up in ratings.
List of Fighters/ Country ( Season Two ) represented thus far…
Jesse Miles ( Canada )
Paulo Balicho ( Switzerland )
Rafi Zouhier ( Spain )
Wing Heung Pak ( Hong Kong )
Khem Faitex ( Thailand )
Bernard Radin ( Malaysia )
Jordan Watson ( U.K. )
Eli Madigan ( Australia )
Bakhulule Baai ( Africa )
Marcus Oberg ( Sweden )
List will be updated as Qualifers are decided…. still to come, Germany, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, USA and Middle East…
super excited for Kem, Eli and Marcus. I think i’ve seen Wing Heung Pak somewhere on the internerd before and Jordan Watson sounds kinda familiar.
i’m anxious to see the US and Russian reps. thanks for the update nyghtsky.
Sure thing, Jake….here’s another update!
Russia Super 8 Contender Qualifier held on December 19th, 2008 Yunost Sports Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia saw Artem Levin emerging victor thus earning his spot as the 11th qualifier for Season Two Contender Asia
Apparently, Khem and Jesse are not yet assured a place in Season Two. Their fights were apparently 1st legs of CA qualifiers only which means that they will have to further compete in the final leg qualifier ( March 2009 )in order to represent their respective countries. Both Jesse and Alex Ricci will meet up again in the final leg of the Canadian Qualifier…
Here is the list of confirmed fighters in Season Two ( April 2009 )
Paulo Balicho ( Switzerland )
Bernard Radin ( Malaysia )
Jordan Watson ( UK )
Marco Pique ( Holland )
Pak Wing Heung ( Hong Kong )
Rafi Zouhier ( Spain )
Levin Artem ( Russia )
Eli Madigan ( Australia )
Marcus Oberg ( Sweden )
Bakhulule Baai ( Africa )
does anyone have any idea if seasons 2 will be screened on AXN just like season 1? And.. Can i ask who’s gonna represent singapore?!
I watched Jordan Watson fight in the UK qualifier and he looked really good, I don’t know how well he is gonna fair against the rest of the line up I know Eli Madigan is top quality and some of the other guys look like they might be tough.
I hope the production value is a bit better this season, and the challenges aren’t as stupid. It would be good if it was a bit more like the boxing version, but i guess that was a bit over the top in some parts.
Update! List of confirmed fighters in Season Two ( Mar 23, 2009 )
Paulo Balicho ( Switzerland )
Bernard Radin ( Malaysia )
Jordan Watson ( UK )
Marco Pique ( Holland )
Pak Wing Heung ( Hong Kong )
Rafi Zouhier ( Spain )
Levin Artem ( Russia )
Eli Madigan ( Australia )
Marcus Oberg ( Sweden )
Bakhulule Baai ( Africa )
Saro Presti ( Italy )
Cedric Muller ( France )
I totally respect everyone comment here, especially Nopstar the person who start this web page. I would like to talk to about The Contender Muay Thai season 2. In fact, I have spoke with the Secretary of WMC and IFMA vice president , Professor Sakchai Tapsuwan. We had talk about some issue with when he come over to U.S. Mr. Stephan Fox who has most authority to select most fighters to on Contender List ; although in many viewers believe that most fighters on the Contender List are not capable nor has not met the credential. Yes! I have to agree on that point of view. The ideal of Contender is simply mean the new comer or new rising star , but no yet a World Champion. When we take a look on the 1st season ; it was not suppose to be what it should be. If you can remember, Yodsanklai , John Wayne Parr, Naruepon , Rafik and many others who have already fought World Class, I mean World Class!. It is not fair for a new comer fighter to face this World Class Level that I have mention, this is not the ideal of Contender; according to my believe.
In conclusion, I have spoke with Doctor Sakchai with regard the 2nd Season ; however, there is nothing much Doctor Sakchai can do because once again Mr. Stephan Fox has all the authority to select a fighters who he believe that the fighter has enough credential to be on the show. Let’s support the show since everyone are in the World of Muay Thai, I would like to Thanks Mr. Nopstar , I’m not sure if I ever meet him ; however, I check out some of his photo of him with most of my brother and friends such as Bunkerd , Nuengsiam and Matee. I’m sure we will meet each other someday , but once again Thank you for creating a such of wonderful web page to support the Muay Thai World.
Sit Rama Soon Muay Thai
( Twins )
marco pique was a fucking WMC world champ per WIKI. sounds a bit world class fighterish to me. im beginning to not like stephen fox. at all. especially after hearing about the derogatory comments about thai people that someone quited him as saying.
per wiki marco pique knocked out roy jones jr? vids anyone?
anyways it seems a lot of the european fighters have more experience. and the experience and fights vary a LOT form certain countries. smells like some bullshit. i mean last season was obviously like that with the thais but this season people in the loop are saying they are try to make it fair but some of these guys look WAY better on paper than the others. and some you cant even find much info on.
per bernards homepage it says he started in TAE[not "thai!"; TAE] Kwon Do winning championships and even has a TKD gym. his credentails are blowing my mind. i have no clue how he will do and am anxious to see this cat fight.
Thanks for the insight SRS_Twins.
But as SE said, this statement doesn’t hold the water.
In Season 1 we saw Yod, Naruepol, JWP. These fighters did not only fought world class, they’re world class! So, why we’re they invited in the first place, if the show was supposed to represent new-comers? Doesn’t make any sense.
Season 2 – Marco Pique is world class. On the other hand, there’s a bunch of Thais who are unknown.
Pretty disappointed that no one represents Thailand, still, we should be happy for season 2 I guess.
Yes, Mr. Gusnark. That is the point I was try to make across. We invite couple of my friend to be a trainer on the Season one such as Khaosai Galaxy ( Former WBA Bantamweight Champion and Hall of Fame), Kawpong Sittichoochai ( Former Olympic Silver Medal , Los Angeles 1988 ) and many other well know Champion. However, the show up end on the rush time once again. I didn’t know that JWP suppose to be on the show, I believe he was a trainer as first. On other hand, there are many more World Class fighter show up in the show. That is kind a shock me.
On season 2, we had several fighter who talented and well know I could name, but I have to tell you this, this show is on the late promotion again. Malaipet Sasiprapa , Marco Pique , Cedric , Duwyne Luwig probably the only I have come across. Malaipet and Marco Pique have fought because in Vegas, these are the World Class Fighter, no doubt this two would make far on the show.
Last of all, even if there are many fan not happy ; however, I would like to invite all of us to have a discussion , I will try to talk to WMC personal and perhaps , get some info and share with you guy. Thank you for support Muay Thai.
Sit Rama Soon Muay Thai
Twins
It occurs to me the WMC’s leadership is woefully out of touch and are not taking all their cues from Mark Burnett and Fox’ direction. While you are talking to the WMC ask him how they have so many champions for the exact same title at the exact same weight class. Most fans that have any amount of love for Muay Thai won’t be too into the Contender Asia in my opinion. There’s a ton of issues WMC needs to answer for ranging from basic fighter safety to ranking fixing and essentially admitting to be a powerless prize provider in their current Contender Asia eliminators and with the show itself as verified by Fox himself. More talk is good I suppose but I think it’s frankly pointless with Fox readily admitting WMC is only there as a prize provider and their ’sanctioning’ is pretty much nothing.
Also what are you r personal feeling on the WMC’s expressed reasons for Khem’s exclusion?
Here’s the youtube clip for Season Two Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9QnRK32ELk