Buenos Aires, Argentina — September 5, 2026
On September 5, 2026, Buenos Aires played host to what is being called the largest Muay Thai event ever held in Argentina — and quite possibly one of the biggest gatherings dedicated solely to the sport anywhere in South America. Organized by the Liga Argentina de Muay Thai (LAMT) under the umbrella of the World Muaythai Organization (WMO) South America, the event brought together fighters, coaches, officials, and fans from across the continent for a full day of competition.
A Continental Turnout
Athletes from seven South American countries traveled to Buenos Aires to take part, for a total of 293 competitors:
| Country | Athletes |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 253 |
| Brazil | 23 |
| Peru | 11 |
| Uruguay | 8 |
| Chile | 4 |
| Paraguay | 3 |
| Ecuador | 1 |
| Total | 293 |
As the host nation, Argentina fielded the overwhelming majority of the athletes, but the presence of fighters from Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, and Ecuador underscored the event’s regional scope and the growing reach of organized Muay Thai across South America.
Format and Divisions
Every bout was contested under official Muay Thai rules. To keep competition fair and appropriately matched, athletes were split by experience level into Class C and Class B Amateur divisions. A third category, Class A (Pro-Am), allowed both amateur and professional fighters to compete under protective equipment while still representing their home countries — a format designed to widen participation without compromising safety.
Behind the Scenes: Logistics and Timing
Pulling off an event of this scale took careful planning. On Friday, September 4, official weigh-ins and medical checks were staggered across three time slots in two cities, a system meant to cut down on wait times and make the process smoother for both athletes and support staff.
Fight day itself began early. Accreditation opened at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, and the first bouts got underway at 9:00 a.m. — running simultaneously across three rings to keep the packed schedule moving. Overseeing the action was a dedicated officiating team of 19 judges and referees, supported by 10 staff members handling the event’s broader operational needs.
By around 8:00 p.m., three professional bouts closed out the competition, and the event wrapped at approximately 9:00 p.m. In total, the day delivered 227 bouts across three rings within a 12-hour window — a demanding but well-executed schedule.
More Than a Number
For Juan Manuel Esteban, President of LAMT and Director of WMO Argentina, the significance of the event goes beyond the statistics. He described it as an important step forward for the growth of Muay Thai in Argentina and for deepening cooperation among South American countries within the WMO structure — crediting the atmosphere throughout the day as one dedicated entirely to the sport.
Looking Ahead: A Pan-American Championship
The momentum from Buenos Aires isn’t stopping here. Esteban has floated the idea of organizing the first WMO Pan-American Championship in November 2027, with plans to discuss the concept further during an upcoming trip to Thailand this December. The proposal would extend the “one continent, one family” spirit already driving WMO South America’s work, bringing together athletes and organizations from across the Americas under a single, unified championship.
If it comes together, the Buenos Aires event may be remembered not just as Argentina’s biggest Muay Thai gathering, but as the springboard for a much larger continental movement.
Muay Thai — Unity, Respect, Development. South America Stronger Together.
