“The Contender Asia:  A new reality television show brings Muaythai to the masses”

The Contender Asia is based on the hit series, The Contender, which showcased western boxing in the United States.  The show’s hosts included the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard.  This new breed of reality television based on combat sports and the sportsmen who practice them draws a massive following of viewers eager to find out more about the human side and spirit of tough competition.

Sixteen of the best Muaythai fighters from 12 countries all come together for The Contender Asia series for the chance to win $500,000 Singapore dollars, and become the first ever Contender Muaythai Champion.  Shot in Singapore, The Contender Asia is the first ever reality television series to be made about the sport of Muaythai.  Brought to you by Mark Burnett Productions, the makers of hit reality shows such as The Apprentice, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, Survivor and more. 

The Contender Asia tells the stories of 16 fighters.  Through a series of challenges the matches are decided and any warrior at any given time can be called into the ring.  Each week the stories of their lives unfold, revealing the real human drama.  They train, live and fight together, building a closer bond as their time passes.

The series has become the number one ranked show in Asia and is shown in 27 Asian countries and will be shown to over 50 more countries to an estimated audience of over 400 million people.

The General Secretary of IFMA, Stephan Fox, was the mentor and co-host of the show.  Mr. Fox states that, “Through Contender Asia the world will see the culture, the tradition, the excitement and especially the values and friendship of Muaythai.”

Muaythai’s popularity will most definitely sky rocket as the show allows the viewer to share the journey that these 16 remarkable fighters undertake.  It will not only showcase Muaythai, but will also show the audience that the men who are the practitioners of this martial art form are not only skillful, agile and powerful, but are also men of character, poise, and have nothing but the utmost respect for one another.

For all further info, check out www.contenderasia.com or www.ifmamuaythai.org