RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS (15 May 2010)—The Muay Thai Alliance of Texas' (MTAT) first fully sanctioned Muay Thai event kicked off in true traditional Thai fashion at Edinburg Baseball Stadium in Edinburg, Texas giving fight fans a first hand look at Muay Thai as it's done in the sport's motherland.

According to Kru Kayan Sitsanthaparn, Chairman of the Alliance, "Our events are a new option for fight fans looking to learn more about the art and sport of Muay Thai and see what we're about.  In the seven years that I have taught here, we have given lots of exposure to Muay Thai. Others have heard of Muay Thai through movies and it's inclusion as the striking art of choice for the MMA athlete, but the fans here had never seen a fully sanctioned traditional event.  Each bout was action-packed and was heavily marked with the honor, culture, sportsmanship, and tradition that make our art and sport unique."

The opening ceremony paid tribute to H.M. King Bhumibol Aduyadej of Thailand with all athletes standing in the ring with trainers at ringside, and called for prayer in the hope of restoring peace and harmony to the Kingdom of Thailand given the recent political turmoil.

The curious crowd comprised of MMA, traditional martial artists, connoiseurs, and newcomers "ooohed" and "ahhhed" in wonderment at the skills exhibited by the athletes.  Additionally, the presentation of the official IFMA video was played on the stadium's giant video screen.  Speaking of the positive benefits of Muay Thai were STFC 185 lb. MMA Champion and STFC 170 lb. MMA number one contender Frank Trevino and Abram Torres, respectively. Both athletes have been dedicated students at MTI-Texas since 2006.  Torres has trained and experienced fight night at Ratchadamnern Stadium in Thailand and had been selected to the U.S. National Team for competition in the 2008 TAFISA Games in South Korea.

Also making an appearance was San Juan's Roel Alvarado, number three ranked Junior Division fighter and 2009 IFMA Bronze Medalist.  A video chronicling his travel, training, and success in Thailand was screened for the appreciative fans.  His accomplishment makes him the FIRST junior division athlete in Texas and the entire United States to have earned a medal at the IFMA World Championships--the world's premier amateur championship event for the art and sport of Muay Thai.

Event Results:

Exhibition:

James Alexander (Texas Gladiators) vs. Phillip Dease (Arlington MMA)EXH

155 lb. match

Joel Estrella (MTI-Texas) vs. Chase Lester (Arlington MMA)   Winner:  Lester By Decision

165 lb. match

Richard Flores (MTI-Texas) vs. Ivan Wright (Arlington MMA) Winner:  Wright By Decision

Exhibition

Jesse Nelson (Texas Gladiators) vs. Antwan Williams (Arlington MMA) EXH

170 lb. Match

Jeff Trevino (MTI-Texas) vs. Lester Clark (Full Contact FC)  Winner:  Clark by TKO 4th Round

Main Event:

Robert Aguirre (MTI-Texas) vs. Eugene Rodriguez (Arlington MMA) Winner:  Aguirre by KO 3rd Round

The Alliance's next proposed event entitled "Texas Revolution: Urban Uprising" is being planned to take place in Dallas/Fort Worth pending TDLR approval. For more information on the MTAT visit their website at www.mtalliancetx.com.