Two developments this week are extending muaythai’s international reach. The Ministry of Sports of Georgia officially recognised the Georgian National Muaythai Federation on 11 August, while Melbourne, in Australia, will host Muay Thai to the World × Rebellion from 15 to 17 August, combining athlete development, professional competition and technical education.
The initiatives represent two different forms of growth. In Georgia, official recognition provides a national structure linked to the International Federation of Muaythai Associations -IFMA-. In Australia, cooperation between Rebellion Muaythai and the Rajadamnern World Series -RWS- connects grassroots development and domestic competition with opportunities to enter the professional circuit in Thailand.
Institutional recognition for muaythai in Georgia
The Georgian federation began its IFMA membership process on 20 October 2025 and submitted the required documentation in December. After completing the administrative requirements, it was approved as a provisional member of the international federation on 29 June 2026. IFMA sent a letter of support to the Georgian ministry on 14 July, confirming that status and its recognition by the International Olympic Committee -IOC- as the international federation for the sport. The ministerial order completed the process less than one month later.
The recognition strengthens the organisation’s capacity to develop grassroots programmes, stage national competitions and establish pathways towards international participation. The federation is led by President Levan Ketsbaya and Secretary General Davit Kiria. It will also be able to expand the education of coaches, referees, technical officials and administrators in accordance with IFMA standards. IFMA President Sakchye Tapsuwan said: “This recognition reflects their commitment, perseverance and dedicated work. IFMA is proud to have supported the federation throughout this journey, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation as Muaythai enters an important new chapter in Georgia.”
From Melbourne to Rajadamnern Stadium
The Melbourne Pavilion will stage Muay Thai to the World × Rebellion with the support of the Royal Thai Government and the Sports Authority of Thailand. Admission was available free of charge through advance booking, although Rebellion has announced that all places have now been taken. The organisations have previously worked together through Road to Rajadamnern × Rebellion, a series of events that has enabled Australian athletes to compete at Rajadamnern Stadium and leading Thai fighters to take part in events in Australia.
The programme will begin at 15:00 with Roots 33, Rebellion’s development platform for emerging Australian professionals. An international card will follow from 19:00, headlined by multiple-time world champion Petchdam Petchyindee Academy, known as ‘Baby Shark’, and former MX Muay Thai champion Mardsinga Khaolakmuaythai. Brazil’s Luis Cajaiba will face Thailand’s Boonlert Sor Boonmeerit, while Australia’s Daniel Matthews will meet Madagascar’s Steph Lebreton. Rebellion promoter and Muaythai Victoria President Sy Nadji is helping to develop this pathway from grassroots participation to professional competition.
Education beyond the competition
The programme will continue on 16 and 17 August with the RWS Superstar Masterclasses at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Australian athletes and coaches will be able to attend sessions led by Rittewada, Petchthongchai and Kaensak. The classes add an educational dimension to the cooperation by sharing technical knowledge, competitive experience and content related to muaythai traditions.
Rebellion operates within the structure of Muaythai Australia and the international pathways of IFMA and the World Muaythai Council -WMC-. IFMA places this cooperation within its wider relationship with the WMC, Rajadamnern Stadium and RWS. The recognition secured in Georgia develops the country’s national federation structure, while the Australian programme connects education, domestic competition and access to the international professional circuit.
Last related articles
