Contender Asia 2

Can anyone post the names of the fighters definetly appearing in the Contender so far.

Cheers

Contender France Qualifications
20th march 2008 Paris

Rachid KABBOURI
Abdoulaye FADIGA
Nicolas GERMAIN
Mickael LALLEMAND
Cédric MULLER
Sahladine AIT NACEUR
Remy BONNEL.
ANTUAN Siangboxing

Reserve
Steeve VALENTE
Fouad EZBIRI.

Hope Cedric Muller gets it :)

only ones i know are
Jordan Watson
Khem Faitex
Eli Maddigan

theres a russian already qualified but cant remember his name.

Artem Levin won the Russian Qualifier

Artem's damn good too. So far the line up is hard to seperate. Khem is no doubt the most skilled and talented, but he'll be giving away size to the Westerners.

Singsiri Por Sirichai
Jordan Watson
Khem Fairtex
Eli Madigan
Artem Levin
gotta be a dozen more?

Rafi Zouheir
Singsiri Por Sirichai
Jordan Watson
Khem Fairtex
Eli Madigan
Artem Levin

Here is Artems fight with Yod last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h_VePr_9Kk

Despite the KO he is very tough and capable

hi guys, is this season again at 70 kg? there was talk of a "lighter" version? is it still in the works? a 58 kilo would be really exciting, or maybe too thai favourable?

should be 16 in again
i was talking to Stephan Fox at the W.M.C headquarters in bangkok in january, some interesting things on this one!
cant wait to be honest
and i think im up gonna fly out for the final !

Marcus Öberg from Sweden

It is lighter i think aint it meant to be 72max day b4 on this one in the actual contest where as last time some were way over that?
Steve Wakeling fight the winner ;-)

I hope that Antuan get's through!! I can see it now......

First fight in the house, Antuan is drawn against Jordan Watson..

Antuan doesn't need to prepare for the fight as he is f**kin awesome anyway. He spends his time teaching the other members of the house how to dance the 'Thai way'.
The fight goes ahead and Jordan spanks Antuan all over the ring for 2mins 30 seconds before knocking him clean out before the sound of the bell to end R1.

Scene 2 - Antuan wakes up in hospital with Stephan Fox and the fit bird sat by his bedside...He looks around for a minute and they tell him that he will be ok and that he was knocked out. Antuan, his brother and father then call the local Police and demand an investigation.
Antuan claims that he has been poisoned and that he has been given something that made him sleep, he thinks he has had an allergic reaction to the unknown drug as his head has swelled, his face is all blue and he has a splitting headache.

Scene 3 - The Police pack Antuan's bag for him and send him home on the plane....

I love a happy ending.

FB'Slim

lol
fatboy that made my day thanks ;-)

fucking superb, good night vienna good morning singapore district general hospital.

who will go to train in wmc then you can get to final without winning

paulinthailand....the new Will Vanders! PMSL

FB'Slim

When will the show be airing in the UK?

FB'Slim

I hed a few thing about a 36 year old from malaysia called bernard? Somthing like that.

I seen him fight in Samui and he was a beast, hit the Tjai with one combo and the Thai stayed doen after a great body kick.

Does anyone have anything to back up that he is on the show are was it here say?

Bernard "Headhunter" Radin qualified as one of the two Malaysian taking part in Contender Asia Season 2 during the Thailand King's birthday last year. As Host country, Malaysia is the only country accorded 2 spots in CA2.

Here's the confirm list of fighters thus far

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 )

Cheers!

Canada??

THAILAND?!?!

Thailand:
Khem Fairtex
Singsiri Por Sirichai

Canada:
Jesse Miles won the 8-men qualifier. WMC has recently suggested a rematch between Jesse Miles and Alex Ricci but this is yet to be confirmed.

thanks! hmm never heard of Sinsiri. anyone knows more?

He's the winner of Thai Southern Qualifier selections ( 13th Chaweng Stadium Birthday ) featuring Singsiri Por Sirichai, Rolex Kaennorasing, Attapon Superprosamui (Por Samaranchai) and Madsua WMC Samui.

In the final of the 4 men event, Singsiri Por Sirichai defeated Madsua on points and emerge victor.

He's the winner of Thai Southern Qualifier selections ( 13th Chaweng Stadium Birthday ) featuring Singsiri Por Sirichai, Rolex Kaennorasing, Attapon Superprosamui (Por Samaranchai) and Madsua WMC Samui.

In the final of the 4 men event, Singsiri Por Sirichai defeated Madsua on points and emerge victor.

I belive he is raja ranked as well.

He is now ranked #10 at 147 lbs in Lumpini and #5 at 147 lbs in Raja.

Khem to take this for sure.

Sorry I dont understand who is ranked in lumpini and raja, im assuming you mean Khem not Singsiri.I know Singsiri, hes a frind of mine and he hasnt fought in BKK for ages, can he still be ranked in these stadiums if he doesnt fight there?(Maybe im getting wrong end of the stick again?)Anyway I just asked on k1 fans and according to (I think Rob Cox), Khem won the central thailand qualifier, and Singsiri won the south Thailand qualifier.He says there will be more qualifying bouts for other areas in Thailand and then a big competition for all the winners to see who goes in so it looks like there is still no definate Thai's for season 2 yet.

My apologies accoding to muaythaifocus.com your right about Singsiri's rankings?Im surprised!!He is pretty good mind

Here's the confirm list of fighters thus far ( updated Mar 24 )

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 am just trying to put together a few thoughts I have about this:
- I think Heung Pak-Wing is the guy I fought at the world championships in 2002.
- I think Paulo is the guy that my thai trainer, Rajasak Sor Vorapin says is one of the few farang he has given a full "100%" rating (those who know Rajasak, know what that means)
- Marco Pique is very strong and has fought some top names

Dont know that much about any of the other guys though....

what date does it start?
when does it finish? Final?
cheers!
and "Come on Jorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrdan"

what date does it start?
when does it finish? Final?
cheers!
and "Come on Jorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrdan"

Muhd Shahnaz Azmi ( World Muaythai Council representative for Malaysia ) told Business Times on March 8 the following:

Season Two Muaythai Contenders will competing over 15 weekly bouts and a final to win US$450,000 cash, the biggest ever purse in Muay Thai history. CA2 is expected to reach more than 100 million households in 23 countries

Total production cost is estimated to be US$10 million (RM37 million), out of which 30 per cent will be borne by Mark Burnett Production.

Filming is expected to take place from early next month to May, and to air in early June.

The live finals, will take place in early September 2009 at the very impressive Stadium Bukit Jalil, located in the National Sports Complex to the south of the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur which has a 100,000 capacity all-seater.

This is supposedly the final qualifier event, before the filming begins in April 2009... the above 8 malaysian MuayThai exponent will battle it out for the 2nd Malaysian Spot in Season Two. As host country... Malaysia is the only country who has been accorded two contestant...

It's a shame as Thailand should really get 2 spots given their high number of awesome fighters they could send.

Eli Madigan from Aus is definitely a strong and aggressive fighter. Artem is a big boy (around 6 foot 3) and strong.

I think they have tried to put in lighter Thais this time as last time some people got seriously handled

Does anyone have any idea when the Proper Thailand qualifier is?And whose going to be in it aside from Kehm and Singsiri?

seriosuly handled lol

Faizal 'Golden Elbow' Ramli books himself into 2nd Malaysian Spot on the Contender Asia Season 2 in the most convincing manner after winning the Malaysian ( Super8 ) CA2 Qualifier last night.

Prior to picking up the CA2 Qualifier Belt, the undefeated 19 year old chalked up three victories defeating two Thais and a German opponent as well as picking up an Inter-Continental belt in the 70kg section during his oversea training stint in Thailand recently.

scandal wraps

lol and anyone know if they started fiming yet?
and has Jordan gone out etc: ?

TCA ( The Contender Asia ) executive producer Riaz Mehta announced last Saturday that the show will start in June while the final is scheduled for January 2010. Mehta added that the 18 contestants from 17 countries will be vying for coveted Contender Asia belt.

Final 16 Line-Up for Season Two Contender Asia has been announced. They are

Malaipet Team Diamond ( Thailand )
Paulo Balicho ( Switzerland )
Bernard Radin ( Malaysia )
Faizal Ramli ( Malaysia )
Kit Copen ( USA )
Duane Bang Ludwig ( USA )
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 )

Jordan can win this, and i honestly think hes gonna do it, where al behind ya mate, and remeember to take your

Jordan can win this, and i honestly think hes gonna do it, where al behind ya mate, and remeember to take your TS badge in and pin it above ya baed :)

Marco is im my oppinion one of the better fighters this sezoen. In his last fight he knocked out Sean Wright within a minute of the first round (Jamaica, Champions of Champions II)

Where did this information come from?? I dont think it is authentic. PS Malaipet should not be on there.

that is the line up

I thought there was a Thailand qualifer and there were 2 Thais in it?? Has Duane Ludwig even been active???? I know he did some MMA but...

I don't know about the authenticity, but the USA has better representatives for it that ARE nakmuay & not MMA fighters, K-1 fighters...JWP had some interesting words about this if actually true.

I am not sure if I should let the cat out of the bag but America will have two fighters on the show this year. I think you will be happy to hear Duane "Bang" Ludwig will be one, and the other is the one and only greatest Muay Thai fighter ever to grace the planet with his deadly elbws that are feared across the world, the one I mention of is the Super Star Kit Cope. Kit will now be finally be able to prove to the world that he has god like status in this sport and lay the smack down on all that try to share the ring with him. I almost think its not fair to have the greatest sporting athlete against these up and comers, they may as well just give him the belt before Kit sends all these poor kids straight to hospital.
Anyway I am sure it will be a great showing by both fighters and looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table against the world elite.
Bring on Contender 2, cant wait.

good old jw.. what a quote

from wiki
A report from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) states that Kit Cope – competing in World Extreme Cagefighting main event against “Razor” Rob McCullough – has tested positive for the illegal substance Boldenone, which is an anabolic steroid.

A comment from NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer stated, “Although we have had only one MMA show this year (last Saturday's WEC), we already have a positive drug test for 2007 as Kit Cope tested positive for Boldenone.” An anabolic steroid that is intended for use only by veterinarians, Boldenone is used specifically to help rehabilitate injured horses. It has several brand names for veterinary use, including Equigan, Equipoise, Ultragan, and Ganabol. It is on the banned substances list of all the major athletic commissions and sports leagues.

he'll be kicking like a mule lol

Lets get into this because he is a great kid lets face it we are wank and football and most others stuff but as Brits we can scrap come one mate win it XXX

malaipet best thai they could find at this weight give me a break, someone said they sacked off poor khem cuz he cant speak english what a load of wank, contender asia or contender poud angrit?

"contender asia or contender poud angrit?'

Contender the "TV show", and as such there must be some Drama.

True about the drama and wouldnt be much of a show to watch if the "stars" couldnt speak english. Bud Duane and Malapeit I think dont fit into this show. Besides this is being made for the Asia audience not North America ?? i think some of the influence comes from having such a big purse. So having some long standing fighters in it the chance to win that purse also kinda makes sense rather than a new pro winning the larger purse ever in Muay Thai?? It will still be a good show I gather....

subtitles? besides i like thais talking in the ring more than hearing them say i like rice and som tum salad where are my trainers who hid them that sneaky watson ????

I was about to say JWP will have had some words to say about Kit Cope, but he has already done it.

Anyone got a link to the legendary thread on here where JWP offered him out?

P.S. If I could put money on I`d go for Jordan to win this too.

When do thay actually go to the house and start filming?

here u go phil mate

http://message.axkickboxing.com/?action=dispthread&topic=14188&junk=1106777663.68848

jords been told 13th august mate

Cheers Liam, always a good one to read back that one. Classic Ax when it was at its peak!

ANOTHER good blog regarding this season, among other things:

http://thescienceof8limbs.com/2009/07/21/contender-for-credibility-part-3/

Shit.. the list has yet changed again according to the organisers

This time, Jesse Miles is confirmed but Levin Artem, Saro Presti and Pak-Wing Heung are not. With only 2 spots left, one of the 3 will not be participating.

Sorry, chaps

should take out one of the americans and put in another thai in my opinion.
no ozzie fighters in there?

eli mad dog is an ozzie. i wonder who will have a scandal punch up in training this season like dhzabar and rafik did last season,

hopefully someone will punch kit kopes lights out this year lol

Where's Antuan?

i thought eli was kiwi.... good fighter, i have seen him a few times here in HK.
antuan and kit would have been good entertaining value at least

antuan got handled by cedric muller in french elimanator

I can't see past either Marco Pique or Muller winning this; although I think Joran could beat both on a good day.

Though there are a couple of fighters on there who I've never seen!

I hope Kit Cope gets banged out!

kope will get leathered, pique or jordan to win, now khem isnt in it jordan has a massive chance to win it, i dont think he would have beat khem but all the others a real good chance!

khem too small i reckon jordan and pique could have beat him but he cant speak english so no contender asia for him lol. Muller is class when fit but struggles with big guys wakeling handled him into oblivion ill go for pique v watson final winner prob dpends if its scandal refs and judges again

Whens it on telly? 6 months after the event?

TS trip to maylaysia if watson makes final

maybe tomorrow they'll be another update and they'll put in more randoms? this is ridonculous anymore.

Jordan will win watch xx

Is there a book running on it anywhere?

Sounds as though this is turning into another WMC joke. Ludwig and Cope from the US? No Artem now? Malaiphet representing Thailand?

There are still awesome fighters there: Muller, Madigan, Pique I've seen plenty of good stuff from. Will be interesting to see this Brit Watson that you've all been talking up - I'm sure he'll be the goods given the calibre of UK fighters. Artem would have been a front runner too if he was in it.

Wish they had some punting odds up for it. I wouldn't mind a dabble.

Acording to the organisers, Artem is not yet confirmed for Contender Asia II as his participation is still being negotiated with his management.

good call tom

it's a shame it could be a great event, no top Thai's or Steven Wakeling

wakeling (as Liam already pointed out) totally outclassed Muller at York Hall ....so him vs the Winner would be good, as think he'd mangle most of the current cast

plus I want Jordan to win this

but agree turning into a bit of a joke with the various names in / out which appear to be for American TV??? or at least English speakers...

plus side is if that is the case it does at least increase the Muay Thai exposure

but Malaipet in as the Thai representative (for me anyway) is a shambles....

Iv never really seen Malapet fighting apart form that time Yod totally spanked him last year.Whats he like?

Theres a really good thread on this on k1 fans with some interesting bits of info.Its a shame season 2 has gone to the dogs, the first one was so good.

I don't think American TV really has much to do with it as season #1 was pulled after only 4 episodes and relegated to online viewing. So whatever the outcome of the clusterf**k or "casting" happening at the moment it isn't too dependent on us. And for the muayThai afficianados in the USA, most could care less about seeing Cope/Ludwig for representatives. Nothing against them personally, but neither is on a level of Watson, Madigan, Muller, Pique, etc. Both are MMA fighters now and had limited FTR experience anyway. Seems a poor choice to select them, and also a setup to get a few Yanks clobbered for international amusement as did Martinez by Wright on season #1 IMHO.

Not bothered by all this...all I'm saying is Doghand to win by Scandlement.

" Seems a poor choice to select them, and also a setup to get a few Yanks clobbered for international amusement " HAHAHAHAH well said

i meant more from the MMA angle as they have exposure, didnt know it only did 4 episodes in the states, wow

but equally, its Muay Thai on TV in a half decent format so Im not going to complain.....who ever is in it really.....

atreiu writes:
" Seems a poor choice to select them, and also a setup to get a few Yanks clobbered for international amusement " HAHAHAHAH well said


hahahaha x 2

When is it goin to be shown in the U.K?
Jordon Watson to win this.

There is still some quality fighters in there. Strange things happen in Thai boxing from time to time so you can't rule anyone out. I mean who thought Yod would go on to win last season?! just joking. Last year there was only 4 or 5 guys that where really capable of winning so is this season any different? Good luck to Jordan hope he wins.

Shouldve done like TUF and had a light weight and light heavy weight category.

Last season there was only 1 or maybe 2 that were capable of winning it

yod and jwp the only guys in it last year, yod would walk this season too! luckily hes not in it, bring home the money jordan.

there had been many critism/ comments as to why certain fighters had been excluded from the line-up despite winning their respective qualifiers in their country/ continent. Below is a post from Stefan to clarify the situation:-

Dear Muaythai Friends,
Friends of mine have forwarded me this post so I will take this opportunity to set the facts straight. Every coin has two sides and I’m not sure where some people get their information from. Maybe it’s just the fact that they enjoy smearing others.

First of all, my role in The Contender is to maintain the integrity of our sport; to make sure that the rules and regulations are upheld; that the boys are treated with respect and are not being used by the producers. Certainly we like to advertise the sport. For example, we did a full episode on the Wai Kru in season one so that viewers could learn more about the aspects of the sport. That is my role and nothing else.

The final selection of contestants lies in the hands of the producers. This is in everyone’s contract. I do understand the producer’s decision this season for requiring all the boys to speak English. Research from season one indicated that the majority of the viewers did not wish to read a novel on the screen. This again is the sole decision of the producers. They put in the money (a lot of money) to produce the show. We must and will adhere to their decisions as it is our objective to take Muaythai to the world.

Regarding Khem Fairtex, let me explain further. Originally, the King’s Cup should have been a qualifier, but sadly, the airport in Thailand was shut down due to political unrest at that time, and our international fighters from Belarus, Russia, France, etc. could not make it, so we had to use fighters from Thai gyms only. This is why the decision was made to no longer use the event as an official direct qualifier.

This was explained to everyone, and I have a very good relationship with the owner of Fairtex. For the record, his sponsorship was for advertising and TV exposure for his gym and not as Khem’s sponsor. Khem was paid a fight purse like everyone else who fought at that event.

Madsua was the producer’s choice as he was one of the trainers in season one and also beat JWP at Evolution in Australia. I had opposed the idea for the simple reason that I am associated with Madsua and didn’t want to be blamed in Thailand if (for example) he lost early. Nonetheless, Madsua was subject to a screen test with the producers, as were all other potential contestants with questionable English skills. He was subsequently turned down for a spot due to his inability to communicate well enough for the show. If I was egotistical, and as you say “call the shots” in Contender, Madsua would be in, and I would have taken a cut on his purse. Just for the record, I never take a cut from Madsua’s purse (or anyone else).Money is not my main objective (getting Muaythai Olympic recognized is). The fighters get what they earn and deserve. I have the highest respect for each and everyone and bow down to them for all the sacrifices they make.

Khem is being given his chance at a screen test, which I think will be done this week, and the outcome of this is completely out of my hands. One thing I can ensure is that the final will not be on the 5th of December. That is the birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand. We all will be in Bangkok to celebrate this day together with the nation of Thailand.

Another thing, which is out of my hands, is the start date of the show. What I can tell you is that the loft is 80% complete and they are currently working on acquiring the necessary permits and so on.

I hope this answers your questions and misunderstandings. To finish this off, I do not want to get involved in ongoing discussions. We are very busy organising our upcoming IFMA World Championships in which over 1,000 boxers will be travelling to Bangkok, and also planning for the 2010 Sportaccord Combat Games in Beijing.

I would like to ask you before you believe the gossip of others, that you email me anytime (wmtc@hotmail.com). I’m sure one of our friendly and good looking office girls will answer any questions you may have. I am looking forward to working with everyone to take our sport to the highest level. Stay tuned for some very fantastic upcoming news for this year. Visit our website anytime (www.wmcmuaythai.org) or our amateur site (www.ifmamuaythai.org) for updates.

Stephan Fox
Vice President, WMC
Contender Asia, Host & Mentor

the fighters are in maylaysia now but due to a big fire or something the air in mayalasia is all smoked up and i think they have been sent to camps in thailand for a month to train before they return to maylaysia to start filming

this is getting exciting goooweee!!

Lucky Buggers!

Best of luck to Jordan, do yourself and the UK proud!!

FB'Slim

good luck jordan waston bring it back to the uk,got the talent to beat any of the 15 fighters.

Always nice to see a response from the "horses mouth".

Finally, the list is confirmed... and it looks like Levin Artem ( Russia ) and Diego Ballardin ( Italy ) are confirmed making the last two spots in CA2. The fighters have already been spotted in several locations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with a huge filming crew.

1. Mongkhon Wiwasuk aka Malaipet(Thailand)
2. Rafi Zouhier (Spain)
3. Mohd Faizal Ramli (Malaysia)
4. Jordan Watson (England)
5. Paolo Balicha (Portugal)
6. Kit Cope (USA)
7. Bernard Radin (Malaysia)
8. Duane Ludwig Bang (USA)
9. Cedric Muller (France)
10. Eli Madigan (Australia)
11 Bakhulule Baai (South Africa)
12 Marco Pique (Surinam)
13 Levin Artem (Russia)
14 Marcus Oberg (Sweden)
15 Diego Ballardin (Italy)
16 Jesse Miles LaCombe (Canada)

who do people think will be the front runners? pique, muller, watson, artem and malaipet have to be the top 5.jesse miles only has about 7-8 fights (i think) so is massivly under experienced, hopefully kit cope dies from a nasty cut or something! bernard radin is not in this league, duane ludwig has a shite name and hasnt fought muay thai or kickboxing for years. cant wait for this, if jordan does well and you guys go over im up for that 100%.

Good luck Jordan from everyone at spitfire muay thai. Everyone is backing you to take it!

Im up for trip over if he gets to final ... Liam if they are in Thailand has jord gone to Jitti .

Jordan is still in Kuala Lumpur at the moment for medicals and press conferences etc but the start of filming has been delayed due to a big haze in Kuama Lumpur and Ramadan.

He'll be going to Thailand to train for.a couple of weeks over the next day or 2 and yes he's asked if he can go to Jittis.

I think Pique will win the whole tournament...Kit will not last long, I don't think Duane will do as good with full thai rules as he does with k-1.

All the best Jordan, very nice lad and great fighter, think he'll be good for the camera's aswell!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9QnRK32ELk

look at jordan the little sexyman.....anyone wanna punch cope just from watching that little clip or just me lol

we'll let jordan spank him!

Man Kit's a dickburger. I think I'll quit Muay Thai if he gets through the first round.

I bet any money Kit Cope does not fight one round!Mystery illness or injury.

The word "doucher" keeps coming to mind. For XMAS I want a new BMX bike and Jordan v. Cope Round 1.

Good luck Cedric Muller, Class act.
jordan Watson bring it home for the UK.

dickburger lol like it

Nightsky is that Choanlet Kawesmarit in one of they photos?

Clader vs Madigan that will be a fight. Best possiblw final for me.

Who would you like to see face of on the comp?? Few big guy's in this one.