The PalaPellicone in Ostia is set to host the sixth edition of the WMO Muay Thai European Championships from October 9 to October 11, 2026, bringing approximately 300 athletes from over 20 countries to the Rome area, RomaToday reported.
International Delegations Converge on Ostia
Athletes from more than 20 nations will compete across amateur, Pro-Am, and professional categories at the technical center of the Italian Weightlifting, Judo, Wrestling and Karate Federation (FIJLKAM), according to Sport Business Management. Confirmed delegations arriving in the Italian capital include fighters from Spain, France, Germany, Cyprus, Wales, England, Switzerland, Scotland, Portugal, Ireland, Ukraine, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece, Romania, Belgium, Israel, Tunisia, and Ethiopia.
The competition program encompasses full-contact Muay Thai, Muay Boran—the ancient martial art governed under the World Muay Boran Federation (WMBF)—and Krabi Krabong, a traditional discipline utilizing weapons such as swords and sticks. Mauro Magliocchetti, the Italian representative for the World Muay Organization (WMO) and organizational director of the event, stated that the tournament aims to bridge amateur divisions, Pro-Am bouts, and elite professional fighting.
The R.O.M.A. Female Title Bouts
The focal point of the weekend schedule is “THE R.O.M.A. – The Ring Of Martial Arts” gala on Saturday evening, October 10. The card features eight total fights, highlighted by five all-female championship bouts with titles on the line.
In the Mini Flyweight division (-47.627 kg), 18-year-old Italian Valentina Cancello faces 33-year-old Cypriot Sveta Pozidou for the WMO European title. The Super Flyweight European championship (-52.163 kg) pits 24-year-old Turin native Giada Lo Verso against 41-year-old German competitor Angelique “Noi” Haase. For the Featherweight European belt (-57.153 kg), 19-year-old Rome fighter Rachele Malatesta meets 32-year-old Ukrainian Jennifer “Jenny Vettom” Paul.
An all-Italian matchup features Rome’s Martina “The Diamond” Goio against Tuscan fighter Sofia Chiarini for the WKA K-1 Featherweight title (-52 kg). Meanwhile, the WMO International Mini Flyweight title (-47.627 kg) sees Maltese athlete Garenne Ahweafa Morgane Lysphael square off against British fighter Sybilla Ulfig.
Lazio and Sport E Salute Support Youth Sports
Elena Palazzo, regional councillor for Sport, Tourism, and Environment for Lazio, noted that hosting the tournament highlights the region’s commitment to youth values and sports participation, emphasizing the significance of an entire gala dedicated to women’s title fights.
Fabio Caiazzo, board member of Sport e Salute, added that the event aligns with institutional goals of promoting grassroots sport alongside high-level competition, fostering inclusivity and sports diplomacy through martial arts. The event also receives strategic backing from “Amazing Thailand,” the tourism promotion brand created by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), alongside institutional patronage from the Libertas sports promotion agency and FE.NA.L.C.
Saturday Lineup Includes Male Bouts and Pro-Am Championships
Alongside the women’s championship card, Saturday’s combat lineup includes three male bouts: Gaye Mamadou against Andrea Pietrosanto in K-1 at -81 kg, Valerio Pernaselci facing Nikola Preci in Muay Thai at -75 kg, and Mamadou Yero Bah meeting Filippo Meoni in Muay Thai at -65 kg. Afternoon sessions on Saturday will feature Pro-Am championships across all weight divisions for both men and women ahead of the evening gala.
Worth a look
