@corleyhmt is without question one of the driving forces in pushing American Muaythai out of the Dark Ages.
I first met Mike when I was Head Coach for TEAM USA, as one of my fighters at the IFMA World Championships in Korea in 2008, then I coached him again in 2009 in Thailand at the Same Tournament and then he went to Fairtex in Thailand to work and became the Team Manager at the IFMA Tournament with me in 2010. After IFMA… he went on to fight all over the world … when he decided to retire from fighting I am Proud to say I was the that presented him to the Board of TEAM USA as a candidate to become the next President.
I knew what he could do but what he did amazed even me if you know you know but if you don’t it’s a testament to his selfless nature he isn’t a household name because he didn’t try to be he made it about the sport about, the athletes and the coaches I’m sooooo very proud of all he accomplished as President 🤗 … give this a listen if you love Muaythai because there are not enough flowers to give this man for what he’s given to the sport!!!
Quick one day trip out to LA to sit down with Kru Puk and Kru Paulo Tocha at the first Muaythai gym in America. Had the honor of presenting them with well deserved awards from USA Muaythai and WMC HQ in Thailand for their life’s work in muaythai. A lot of history in that gym, you can feel it when you walk in. Also got to grab a meal with good friends. 🙏
2026 USA Muaythai Grand Nationals 🇺🇸
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. A lot of sacrifice goes into putting something like this together, and it showed all weekend.
This marked USA Muaythai’s 5th year running the Qualifier, and the experience continues to be unlike anything else. Get it on your calendar for 2027.
A strong team was formed across both the Junior and Adult USA Muaythai Teams. Looking forward to watching them represent this year on the international stage.
A new era of leadership has begun, and it’s off to a great start!
Today wraps up my second term as President of @usamuaythai . Nine years.
When I took on this role in 2016, the goal was clear. Legitimize USA Muaythai on the international stage and educate athletes, coaches, and officials on true international standards of Muaythai. That meant starting and operating a real nonprofit, committing to transparency, and doing the work the right way even when it was difficult or unpopular.
One of the most meaningful milestones during this time was earning formal recognition for USA Muaythai through the United States Olympic Committee, establishing our sport’s legitimate place within the Olympic movement in the United States. I am also thankful to @ifmaofficial for believing in my leadership and for working alongside USA Muaythai to elevate the sport.
More than any title or milestone, what I am most proud of is the people.
Watching kids who had never been on an airplane represent our country and win gold medals around the world. Watching the USA Youth Team be named Best Team multiple times. Watching the USA Adult Team earn Best Team honors at the Pan American Championships. And in 2022, seeing USA Muaythai win the overall medal count and be named Best Team at The World Games. When I stepped into this position, countries wanted to draw the United States. Today, we are seen as a serious opponent and have consistently finished in the top ten every year, without government funding.
Throughout these nine years, I never took a salary or any form of compensation for my work. My position was always that compensation would only be appropriate once we could fully support both our youth and adult national teams. Continued…
Next week Nov 14-15 Hammond, Indiana | USA Muaythai Officials Course with @ringkingusa@karokhao.mia@corleyhmt that prepares new and returning officials to work USA Muaythai Fight Nights and USA Muaythai Grand Nationals. Training covers IFMA and WMC scoring, refereeing, inspector duties, and weigh-in procedures.
Qualified participants will have the opportunity to work and shadow at @primefightpromotions the evening of November 15.
Registration Link in Bio
RIP Duke
Wasn’t close to him, but he definitely made people like me want to be better. He was a champion fighter, champion coach, promoter, commentator, and a mentor to many. When we crossed paths or spoke on the phone, he would ask how USA Muaythai was doing and I would enjoy hearing him talk about how GAMMA USA MMA was going. He gave me some advice as a gym owner / coach about 8 or 9 years ago that I’m only now really understanding.
Thanks, Duke 🙏
Nov 14-15 Hammond, Indiana | USA Muaythai Officials Course with @ringkingusa@karokhao.mia@corleyhmt that prepares new and returning officials to work USA Muaythai Fight Nights and USA Muaythai Grand Nationals. Training covers IFMA and WMC scoring, refereeing, inspector duties, and weigh-in procedures.
Qualified participants will have the opportunity to work and shadow at @primefightpromotions the evening of November 15.
Registration Link in Bio
2025 @ifmaofficial Youth World Championships are a wrap in Abu Dhabi! 🇦🇪
@usamuaythai brought home 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze, plus Best Athlete Over 14 and Best Coach awards.
Thank you @uaemkfed for hosting and IFMA for running a safe and smooth tournament.
Proud of our youth athletes who earned their place on the world’s biggest stage. This experience will carry with you in and out of the ring.
Shoutout to our Team Manager, Team Doc, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and entourage.
With many countries now bringing 50 plus athletes and a few bringing more than 100, our squad of 22 held strong. Next year let’s grow to 40 plus. Punch your ticket at the 2026 USA Muaythai Grand Nationals. Location and date coming soon.
Next up we have the Adult Pan Ams in Mexico City 🇲🇽 and the USOPC Assembly in Utah all happening this week!
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#usamuaythai #teamusamuaythai
@usamuaythai at the @usperformancecenter this past weekend!
A great weekend of training, learning, and sharing meals together. Big thanks to the USPC team and all the USA Muaythai coaches, officials, and staff who made it possible. Looking forward to more camps in the future!
Next up: Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi and the Adult Pan Am Championships Mexico City
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#usamuaythai
