Negombo to host first ever MMA and Muay Thai fight night

Rohan Speldewinde (fourth from left) Chairman of the UNLEASH Organising Committee, addressing the media. Others present on the occasion were, from left: Indika Jayamaha (Wijeya Newspapers), organising committee directors Mehul Mirihana, Prashantha Wanigasuriya, Rohan Speldewinde, Kasun Kaz de Silva, Dilshan Sriskadarajah (Glory MMA), Vimukthi Abeynayake (Vanquish Muay Thai) and M. Muadh (UMC)

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka’s fast-growing combat sports movement will reach a new milestone on February 8 when UNLEASH 002, a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Muay Thai fitness fight night takes centre stage at the Grandeeza Hotel in Negombo.

The event marks the first professional combat sports night ever held in Negombo and is expected to attract nearly 1000 spectators. UNLEASH 002 will showcase top Sri Lankan fighters from across the island, alongside two rising Maldivian athletes and two title bouts, further strengthening UNLEASH’s position as the country’s leading MMA and Muay Thai fight-night platform. 

Wijeya Newspapers’ Daily Mirror will serve as the official media sponsor.

UNLEASH is a professional promotion brand bringing MMA, Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu under one unified platform. Established to build a structured, credible and sustainable combat sports ecosystem in Sri Lanka, the organisation places strong emphasis on athlete development, audience expansion and long-term industry growth.

The promotion’s debut event, UNLEASH 001, held in June 2025 at Colombo’s Royal MAS Arena, proved the concept’s success. The fight night featured 12 bouts, including two title fights, drew a live crowd of around 700 spectators and reached nearly 7000 online viewers, highlighting growing public interest in professionally organised combat sports.

Beyond elite events, UNLEASH continues to invest in grassroots development through its Road to UNLEASH (RTU) programme. This initiative supports amateur and semiprofessional fighters and has expanded participation beyond Colombo to regions such as Jaffna, Matara, Kandy and Kurunegala.

With MMA now a multi-billion dollar global industry, UNLEASH aims to position Sri Lanka firmly on the regional combat sports map. The long-term vision includes developing fighters and referees capable of competing at the highest level, including the UFC by 2035.

Addressing the media in Colombo, Rohan Speldewinde, Chairman of the UNLEASH Organising Committee revealed that despite the sport’s rapid rise in popularity, Sri Lanka currently lacks a Sports Ministry–recognised national governing body. He confirmed that steps are being taken to establish a national association and secure official registration in the near future.

Discussions have also begun on organising a South Asian Combat Sports Championship, reflecting the sport’s growing appeal across the region.