We spent an afternoon at one of the most renowned gyms in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Kombat Cardio, where we met Alex Lemberiadis, the victor of the most recent Muay Thai Victoria tournament.
“I’ve been involved in Muay Thai since I was young but only started taking it seriously and competing at an interclub level in late 2022,” Alex told Neos Kosmos.Muay Thai, the ‘art of eight limbs’, has witnessed a surge in popularity within Australia in recent years. While a relatively recent addition to the Australian sporting landscape compared to other martial arts, it has cultivated a dedicated fanbase.
The first ‘schools’ began to appear in the country during the 1980s, but it was over the past two decades that its popularity skyrocketed.
This rapidly escalating interest in the traditional Thai martial art is closely intertwined with the global recognition achieved by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The relationship between Muay Thai and the UFC is mutually beneficial. The UFC provides a platform for Muay Thai fighters to showcase their skills to a worldwide audience, while Muay Thai offers the UFC a rich repertoire of techniques and strategies that can be utilised within the Octagon.
The impact of Muay Thai on Alex’s life has been profound.
“What I love most about Muay Thai is how it teaches me discipline, hard work, and focus—traits I’ve carried into my everyday life. Over the past two years, Muay Thai has helped me grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, shaping me into a better person overall.”
A significant role in an athlete’s success is played by the gym, the coach, and the individuals within their close circle.
“This journey has been amazing, and I’m excited to keep learning, improving, and seeing where this path takes me. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my gym, teammates, my coach Taza, and loved ones every step of the way.”
Alex envisions his future within the rings and gyms.
“So far, I’ve had eight interclub fights, losing only one, and now one amateur win. I’ve also achieved a personal milestone of getting into the best shape of my life, which has boosted my confidence and well-being. I can’t wait to see what my future in the rings looks like.”
As the UFC continues to gain traction, it is anticipated that interest in Muay Thai within Australia will further intensify. Australian fighters will have increased opportunities to compete at a high level and represent their country on the international stage.
The rise of the sport in Australia is a phenomenon poised to persist in the coming years. Its association with the UFC, its health and fitness advantages, and the robust community that has formed around it are just a few of the factors contributing to its success.
