In a world where MMA has risen to the mainstream, it is rare that people wonder exactly where its roots are. Warriors Cup, a Muay Thai location based in New York City, attempted to answer that question.
Warriors Cup, billed as the “East Coast home of Muay Thai,” held its 2024 season finale at Melrose Ballroom on Dec. 13. The event saw over 20 fights between Muay Thai fighters of all levels, from amateurs to professional fighters. The organization aims to give its competitors a platform to fight in front of a crowd.
Warriors Cup began in 2009 but was acquired by Three Pillar Promotions in 2019. The promotion puts on between nine and 11 events per year, all out of the Melrose Ballroom. Warriors Cup strives to bring more attention and national recognition to the sport of Muay Thai in the United States while holding the traditions that made the sport popular in its native country of Thailand.
Throughout the event, traditional Thai music is played during fights, and fighters enter with traditional Muay Thai headgear on their heads. Warriors Cup foundation is built on tradition, which has kept the sport popular around the world. While Warriors Cup has long been a staple of the New York area, the show is taking a road trip in 2025.
Beginning this year, Warriors Cup will hit the road, bringing fights to other parts of the East Coast. One of those three pillars, James Guccione, a former fighter with Warriors Cup, discussed the decision to begin taking the show on the road.
“We have a firm stance here in New York,” Guccione said. “But when you see our card, it’s not all New York fighters. We have fighters from all over the world. We’re going to take the show to them from now on. Rather than highlighting the best fighters when they come to us, we’re gonna start coming to them.”
What sets Muay Thai apart from more traditional MMA fighting is the lack of a “ground game.” In MMA, takedowns and ground fighting are a large part of the fighting style. However, in Muay Thai, the fighting is exclusively stand-up. Punches, kicks, and knees make up the vast majority of strikes in the sport, which adds to the high-power fighting the sport has become known for.
“There’s a nuance to muay thai, but it automatically attracts people.” Liam Tarrant, one of the broadcasters and former fighter for Warriors Cup said. “Because there’s no grappling element to it, so it translates pretty well. The action just kicks off, and I’d like to see more people come out and check it out.”
Attending a Warriors Cup event is unlike anything in the New York area. While most venues consist of assigned seating, only a very small group of seats are present at Melrose Ballroom. Most of the spectator space is standing room, and the saying “There isn’t a bad seat in the house.” Is the truth when it comes to Melrose Ballroom. There are three bars, two downstairs and one upstairs, that serve both nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. However, there are no food offerings at the events. Despite that, the atmosphere is electric, with a very passionate crowd at the edge of their seats at every turn.
“When you come to a Warriors Cup event, it’s a pay-per-view.” Justin T. Manning, Citi Field staple and Warriors Cup ring announcer, said. “The production is top-notch; you’re going to see the titles, you’re going to see the ring card girls, and you’re going to see yours truly. We got two floors sold out so everyone is representing and rooting for their gyms. We are deep all over.”
Warriors Cup will kick off its 2025 season with Warriors Cup 67, which will take place on Feb. 21, 2025, at Melrose Ballroom. Tickets can be purchased at the link here.
