Canadian Fight League 8

The vibe and energy at this event reminded everyone of the true spirit of the Muay Thai community. The organizers, Kru Maria and Kru Alin, truly humbled everyone with their generosity. With so many first-timers, along with their families, friends, and teammates showing up in support, this event became more a celebration of courage and heart before it was another fight night.

Quite a few fighters, their Krus, and Muay Thai Ontario officials are in Turkey on an approved absence attending IFMA. I really missed Kru Laura and Kru Dylan, especially after the fighters’ meeting ran for 45 minutes! Prioritizing fighter safety, there weren’t just one but two doctors in the house. The referees also did a great job keeping fighters safe, which made me briefly consider faking a heart attack just to keep the doctors busy.

The evening was full of surprises, with several fights turning around by the end of the second or during the third round, by referee stoppage.

At this event, I also reached new heights as a Muay Thai blogger. I was invited to join an honorary guest and all-time World Champion Alireza Jadidi at his VIP table. That officially made me the honorary guest of an honorary guest and possibly the highest-ranking blogger official in the community.

Here are some highlights from the event:

Giuliano Saluri from North Training Academy (NTA) faced Deda Daniel from Etobicoke Martial Arts. It was a close, clinch-heavy fight. Despite Deda losing a point for attempting two sweeps, the cup went to Giuliano by split decision. Next stop for Giuliano is Thailand, where he’ll train for two months. He’s even stitched an Italian flag on his Muay Thai shorts hoping the Thais will serve him rigatoni parmigiana instead of Pad Thai.

Did you know Abdullah “The Butcher” is not actually a butcher? Abdullah Habibullah from House of Champions is a performing artist and practicing physiotherapist! Kru Alin gave him the nickname for his devastating kicks. Abdullah fought Cydell Thomas from Naka Muay Thai that night. The fight started slow, as if the butcher had brought a fruit knife to the fight. But after Abdullah took a groin kick, out came the machete. Abdullah’s high kicks really tested Cydell’s neck. Cydell might need physio. Good thing Abdullah’s got a clinic! The Elegant Butcher took home the cup.

Julien Dacunha from Soi Dogs faced Obi Obikudu from Toronto No Gi. Julien was the Top Dog. He even tried flipping Obi over the ropes. Jury’s out on whether that scored him points. The Soi Dogs were barking the whole fight, possibly even the coach. Julien won the cup. WOOF!

I checked out Toronto No Gi’s website. Their blogger is cool but writes only about Jiu-Jitsu. Still, I’d love to connect. A Muay Thai + Jiu-Jitsu blogging collab? Hello MMA blogging!

In the +91 kg bout, Samuel Stewart from House of Champions fought Gaurav Sumal from Large Martial Arts. These heavyweights had shocking stamina. I think they’d privately agreed to make it a boxing match as the legs were too heavy to swing. It was an exciting match with a lot of emotions. Gaurav won the cup. The joy on Kru Mike’s face and Gaurav’s celebration were priceless.

Caitlin MacNaughtan from Roots Martial Arts battled Jahin Nawar from Evolucao. Caitlin’s Wai Kru dance was as long and captivating as a full fight. I couldn’t help wondering: Is she going to fight after this or take a round off? Caitlin won the cup on her first fight!

The first B-Class fight featured Martin Gjoka from NTA and Tarik Yildirim Erdogan from York Muay Thai. Martin may have broken a Guinness World Record for the number of spinning back fists and kicks. We were all dizzy, maybe even the judges as the fight ended in a unanimous draw.

The main event: Russell Vilabroza from House of Champions vs. Arsh Kalsi from TKMT. Russell trained in Karate until he was 15. As a barber, during COVID-19 lockdowns, Russel picked up teaching Karate on Zoom. But after emotionally bruising “Zoom sparring” sessions, he found House of Champions and rediscovered his passion. The fight was generating so much heat, Kru Ruben couldn’t let go of the spray bottle. Both fighters displayed exceptional technique. Arsh won the cup.

I think we’re all in agreement: Canadian Fight League 8 was more than just a fight night.

Huge thanks to Kru Maria and Kru Alin for putting together such an unforgettable event. And a special shoutout to the most powerful man at House of Champions, Tyson Gobbins, for helping me connect with their fighters.

To the coach who yelled “BS!” at an opponent recovering from a groin kick…come on! We’re better than that.

A few notes on the community:

• Team Canada is currently in Antalya competing at IFMA. Let’s wish them a safe journey since they’ve already won in our hearts. Let’s also pray they don’t love Antalya too much and actually come back! Rumor has it Kru Dylan and Kru Rommel had been taking Turkish lessons. And let’s just say one of the coaches has been posting a lot on Turkish Delight. We’re on Day 4 of the tournament, and my heart races with every win.

  
  

• Fehn Foss from Lotus Martial Arts is also competing at IFMA. “Hamilton-born artist turned fighter,” made CBC News! Our Warrior Women are making noise.

  Read more here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/fehn-foss-muay-thai-1.7538934

  
  

• Toronto Striking Academy hosted SHEspars on May 25th. Thank you to all the coaches and fighters who attend these sessions to give back and support the community. The next SHEspars session will be on July 20th at Legacy Mississauga.

See you all at Naka!