YOKKAO was founded in Bangkok on 1 January 2010 by Philip Villa[3] and Doungjaj Tananan. It began by producing Muay Thai shorts and training equipment. In February 2011, YOKKAO started the YOKKAO Fight Team which sponsors Muay Thai Fighters around the world. The earliest line-up of the fight team included Buakaw Banchamek, Yoddecha Sityodtong, Jordan Watson, Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee, Saenchai P.K. Saenchai, Dzhabar Askerov, Cedric Muller and Liam Harrison.[4] They also partnered up with Muay Thai camps such as Sityodtong.
In November 2011, the company started Muay Thai fight promotion by holding preliminary selections where winners would go on to fight at the first major YOKKAO fight event. The show was titled YOKKAO Extreme and took place on 21 January 2012 at the Forum di Assago in Milan, Italy.[5][6][7][8] The fight events were later briefly titled Muay Thai Combat Mania YOKKAO due to the partnership with Muay Thai Combat before, shortening to the current name with the 9th event on 24 May 2014.
On 11 October 2014, YOKKAO World Titles for 65k g and 70kg were introduced at YOKKAO 10 & 11. Pakorn defeated Greg Wootton while Jordan Watson took a KO win over Mickael Piscitello to become the first YOKKAO World Champions at 65kg and 70kg respectively.[9]
YOKKAO has held fight events in Italy, UK, Hong Kong, China, Argentina, Australia, Mexico and Thailand.[10][11][12][13][14]
On 1 January 2019, YOKKAO updated its logo design.[15]
In November 2020, YOKKAO founder, Philip Villa announced over social media the signing of Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon and Sakaengam Jitmuangnon under a 3-year sponsorship deal.[16]
In February 2021, YOKKAO signed female Muay Thai champions Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin and Aida Looksaikongdin as well as transgender fighter, Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk.[17]
In March 2021, YOKKAO signed Glory Kickboxing world champion, Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9.
Business model
YOKKAO has training centers around the world through partnership in local gyms. Locations include Australia, Canada, Argentina, the UK, the Republic of San Marino, Croatia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.[18][19]
In September 2013, YOKKAO announced the start of YOKKAO fight events in the UK.[20] The events started formally with YOKKAO 8 on 8 March 2014, at the Macron Stadium in Bolton, UK. The stadium has since become a regular venue for YOKKAO events in the UK.
In early 2016, the company opened the first YOKKAO Training Center in Bangkok. It's located in the centralised district of Sukhumvit and is the official training camp for the YOKKAO fight team.[21]
In February 2017, YOKKAO was featured on CNN for using social media in driving the brand's global exposure.[22][23]
In July 2017, the company announced the establishment of an YOKKAO warehouse in Republic of San Marino.[citation needed]
On 29 October 2018, YOKKAO hosted its first WBC title fight where Manachai fought against Julio Lobo from Brazil for the vacant WBC Muay Thai world welterweight title on YOKKAO 34 in Hong Kong. Manachai won the fight by decision to clinch the championship belt.[24][25][26]
On 8 April 2019, YOKKAO announced that it will host its official event for the first time in Sydney, Australia.[citation needed]
On 18 April 2019, YOKKAO announced the launch of its fighter management branch, YOKKAO Agency.[citation needed]
On 27 July 2019, YOKKAO held its first Ireland event in Dublin where Singdam fought against Craig Coakley for the WBC Muay Thai Diamond Super-Lightweight title.[27][28][29][30] Singdam won the fight via decision to clinch the WBC diamond belt.[31]
defeated Mickaël Piscitello to be crowned inaugural YOKKAO world champion (round 3 TKO leg injury)
Training center
YOKKAO Training Center Bangkok is the official YOKKAO gym located in the downtown of Bangkok, Thailand. It was opened in 2016 when it became the home and training camp of the YOKKAO Thailand Fight Team. The gym is also opened to the public for training.[33]
YOKKAO Training Center Bangkok has hosted professional fighters and celebrities for Muay Thai training including UK Muay Thai fighter, Liam Harrison, Joe Jonas and Cole Whittle of American pop band DNCE,[34] and fashion model Mia Kang.[citation needed]
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is a sporting arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Opened more than a decade later than Rajadamnern Stadium, Lumpinee is run by the Royal Thai Army. It has become the symbol of modern Muay Thai. Only Rajadamnern Stadium rivals the prestige of holding the title of "Muay Thai Champion of Lumpinee". The ranking system and championship titles are held from mini flyweight (105 lb) up to super welterweight (154 lb).
Dzhabar Askerov is a Russian Welterweight kickboxer fighting out of Melbourne, Australia and representing Russia. He is the World Muay Thai Council's Welterweight European Champion and K-1 MAX Scandinavia 2008 Tournament Finalist.
Suphachai Saepong, known professionally as Saenchai, is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and former professional boxer. He is a former six-time Lumpinee Stadium champion across four divisions as well as the 1998 and 2008 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year. Nicknamed the "Ultimate Boxer from Sarakham", he is often regarded as one of the greatest and most talented fighters in the history of Muay Thai.
Apichet Kotanon, known professionally as Nong-O Hamamuaythai and previously Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter currently signed to ONE Championship. He is a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion, a one-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion, and the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion across three divisions. As of November 2024, he is ranked #4 in the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai rankings.
Liam "The Hitman" Harrison is an English retired welterweight Muay Thai fighter currently fighting out of Bad Company and trains at Jitti Gym and Yokkao Training Center in Bangkok. Harrison holds notable wins over: Muangthai P.K.Saenchai, Tetsuya Yamato, Malaipet Sasiprapa, Mehdi Zatout, Andrei Kulebin, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, and Dzhabar Askerov.
Kittichai Churat, known professionally as Sagetdao Petpaiyathai is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter and mixed martial artist. He is a three-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and one-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion across two divisions. He was especially known for his powerful knee and clinch style of fighting. Nowadays he teaches at Evolve MMA in Singapore.
Uthid Kodprakhon, known professionally as Singdam Kiatmuu9, is a Thai former professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer. He is former four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion across three divisions, as well as the 2002 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year, who was famous in the 2000s and 2010s. Nicknamed "Fierce Tiger of Khmer", he was especially known for his powerful right kicks and is now often regarded amongst the greatest fighters in the history of Muay Thai.
Pakorn Musiphon, known professionally as Pakorn P.K.SaenchaiMuayThaiGym, is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter. He is a Lumpinee Stadium champion at Lightweight, a Rajadamnern Stadium champion at Super Flyweight, and a -65kg Yokkao champion. He holds wins over fighters such as Sagetdao Petpayathai, Jomthong Chuwattana, Nong-O Kaiyanghadaogym, Pornsanae Sitmonchai and Kongsak Sitboonmee.
Taewan Seangngen, known professionally as Panpayak Jitmuangnon, is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter currently signed to One Championship. He is a former four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and two-time Rajadamnern Stadium champion across four divisions who also was the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year.
Manachai Yamsiri, known professionally as Superlek Kiatmuu9, is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer. Nicknamed 'The Kicking Machine', he is regarded as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of his generation.
Thanousin Jaroendee, known professionally as Muangthai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, is a Thai Muay Thai fighter currently signed to ONE Championship. He is a former Lumpinee Stadium Light Flyweight Champion who is known for his relentless pressure and vicious elbows.
Jirapart Waiprakorn, known as Manachai, is a Muay Thai fighter and Former WMO Welterweight World Champion from Thailand. He was originally from Buriram, in the north-eastern Isaan region of Thailand, now fighting out of YOKKAOSaenchaiGym in Bangkok.
Spencer Brown, also known as Spencer YokkaoSaenchaiGym, is a Scottish super lightweight Muay Thai kickboxer currently fighting out of YOKKAO Training Center Bangkok in Thailand. He is a WBC Muay Thai European champion.
Jonathan Haggerty is a British professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer currently signed with ONE Championship. He is the reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion and former ONE Flyweight & Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion.
Tinnakorn Srisawat, known professionally as Rodtang Jitmuangnon is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer. Known as 'The Iron Man', he is one of the most popular Muay Thai fighters in the world. Born in Pa Phayom, Rodtang started training Muay Thai at the age of 7 and debuted professionally at the age of 10. In 2016, he won the vacant Max Muay Thai 125 lb title. The following year, he won the vacant Omnoi Stadium Super Featherweight title. In 2019, he won the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship when he beat Jonathan Haggerty.
Yodchai is a Lightweight Muay Thai fighter from Thailand, currently fighting out of YOKKAO Training Center Bangkok. He is a WBC Muay Thai International champion.
Udomsak Onkaew, known professionally as Kaonar P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym is a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter. He is a former Lumpinee Stadium Light Flyweight Champion.
Walter Gonçalves is a Brazilian Muay Thai fighter.
Danial Williams, is a Thai-born Australian professional Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer, and mixed martial artist currently signed to ONE Championship, where he competes in the Strawweight division.
ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov was a combat sport event produced by ONE Championship that took place on January 14, 2023, at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
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