Thailand, August 25, 2023 — The inaugural Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship held in Thailand witnessed a remarkable performance by two promising Sarawakian mixed martial arts fighters, Teng Pang Sze and Teo Zhi Hao. The championship, spanning from August 18 to 20, showcased their skills on the regional stage, underlining their potential and determination.
Both aged 21, Teng and Teo stood as the sole Malaysian representatives in this intense competition. Their efforts did not go unrewarded as they secured commendable results in their respective categories.
Teng Pang Sze, engaging in her inaugural international fight, clinched the silver medal in the women’s Traditional MMA 69kg and below category. Despite facing a formidable adversary in UFC veteran Wu Yanan from China, Teng exhibited her prowess before eventually being halted by Yanan. Notably, Teng’s limited previous experience, with only three fights to her name, made her achievement even more impressive. The scarcity of opponents for female fighters in Sarawak and Malaysia had previously hindered her progress, making her accomplishments on this platform commendable and promising for her future.
In the men’s Traditional MMA 65kg and below category, Teo Zhi Hao claimed the bronze medal. Teo’s performance was marked by his skills in striking, a talent that he has honed over time, with an impressive record of five knockout victories out of eight competitions. However, his last fight was impacted by the absence of Sarawak Mixed Martial Arts Association (Samma) president Tsan Nieng Khai, who had served as his cornerman in previous matches. Tsan, who also participated as a referee during the championship, expressed regret over his absence and highlighted Teo’s need for more exposure to elevate his capabilities further.
Samma president Tsan Nieng Khai, witnessing his fighters’ tenacity and skills firsthand, commended their performances. He acknowledged Teng’s uphill battle against seasoned Chinese athletes and emphasized her potential for growth with increased exposure. Tsan also envisioned a bright future for Teo, foreseeing both fighters achieving gold medals on the global stage.
The Wushu Federation of Sarawak, in conjunction with Samma, fully sponsored the duo for the championship. This collaboration speaks to the growing support for MMA in the region. Tsan, who also serves as the Sarawak coach for the Wushu Sanda state team, played a pivotal role in endorsing and guiding these promising athletes.
The championship, organized by the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA), the sole governing body for MMA officially recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia, showcased the evolving landscape of the sport. Tsan, having recently completed an AMMA refereeing course, attained accreditation as an Asian-level referee, becoming one of the first Malaysians to achieve this honor.
Teng Pang Sze and Teo Zhi Hao’s remarkable journey in the First Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship has set a promising precedent for Sarawakian MMA. Their determination and achievements underscore the potential that lies within Malaysia’s burgeoning MMA scene.