Fighting Talk NZ

Welcome back from the team, and how many shows did we miss... safe to say a lot!

Today we chat how Tony’s Streetfighter gaming experience helped with sponsorship The massive Art of War show mains, Canterbury Throwdown, Urban disturbance, the Paramount junior show, the upcoming final?  Sifu Phillip Lam show, Capital Punishment and more… 

Tony is here to chat to the 2nd half of the main event, Michael Lynch representing Hitman Lee Gar who will be taking on Hugh at Art of War 29

Tony interviews half of his main event

Hugh O'Donnell and his coach Matt, chat about their upcoming war with Scouser but NZs own Michael Lynch

The team chats about the best one minute scraps yet, and should the refs be putting themselves on the line more for the fighters

We chat 1 minute scraps, and the whole 4 cards that happened this weekend

Benji had a fight name? The team catch up on the SMAC Youth show, Pasifika Muay Thai , the TMT show and Kaos.

Do you think it's better to put the main card in the middle of the event? Let us know

For once the Auckland lads had a quiet weekend, though it won't stay that way. Meanwhile Mark spent a lot of time booked and busy with Capital Punishment 77.

What happened at 1 minute scraps? Fighters make it different? And whose ready for Capital Punishment

Everyone managed to meet up in one evening, including the editor! And what a weekend of fights came with it.

We had a big weekend with a huge range of events happening, and then how about a discussion on when fans are to much?

The team has an abundance of fighters and fight events all been and upcoming this weekend, how many did you go to, or are you going to?

A whole bunch happened while the lads took a break, and we just had to talk about all of it

Mark and Tony, no Benji this week cause he forgot... chat the fights the past weekend and how many big shows are going on in Auckland this weekend.

You won't want to miss these ones.

Mark sits down to chat with MC Michael Coco Hay about his experience so far and how combat sports is shaping up as a whole in New Zealand

It's a huge weekend of fights upcoming, a full thai show will really kick the year off with a bang, meanwhile we discuss the idea that maybe AI could take Tonys job...

The team is back and better than ever from the summer break, discussing starting the year back at the gyms, the Mae Mai show upcoming and even a special shout out to Jess (who appreciates acknowledgement)

Mark sits down to chat with Zion Perry of Warrior Training Academy, about his recent success and upcoming MMA debut!

Who were the stand out fighters, who deserved fight of the year? how did art of war and the dads scrapes go! We discuss

Today the team discuss the past weekend, which included international world titles, 9 minute rounds, but also some solid cards for Kru Chain and Sunday Sessions.

Don't miss it.

Wow what was that show! King in the Ring didn't disappoint and congrats to Zion!

Looking ahead to so many shows before the end of the year, still so much to be excited about

Reviewing last weekend and looking ahead to King in the Ring, hear all the pics, except Tonys because he in unbiased

With Capital Punishment, TMT, Brawl in the Hall and Shuriken all happening in one weekend, we as fight fans are spoiled for choice

The team chats the weekend and whats coming

From Knees of Fury to the K-1 Invitational, the crew dives into the biggest fight weekends across Aotearoa ringside stories, controversial calls, walkout song debates, and a few nut shot horror stories.
Catch Benji, Mark, and Tony as they talk titles, talent, and tales from behind the ropes.

The team break down some recent fights and how our sport is so different to others

The team sit down to chat where they were in the weekends, some of their big fight wins, and whats coming up

The team connects again to run through the last weekend, and what is upcoming!

The team sat down together to chat about the fights coming up this weekend, with some big names including Lucas McAdam and Zion Perry.

Arsenal X will also be a banger that night, this show has had some banger of fights, and big names like Navajo Stirling and Aaron Tau, who will be next?

The biggest topic in NZ Fighting, how do we as a sport build up our fighters, bring more eyes and opportunities to them, and all in all get them making a living out of the sport they love.

Do you have any ideas?

Mark sits down and chats with Wellington's most active fighter, Zion of Warrior Training Academy. Let's hear about his experience fighting the big names this year, the upcoming Lucas McAdam fight, King in The Ring and did someone say a MMA debut?

Mark, Tony and Benji chat about some fights over the weekend, then what is up and coming. Each of the guys are looking at some up and coming fighters from their areas, knowing the future is in good hands.

Fresh from the fight and straight to the mic.
Mark, Benji, and Tony break down Tony’s Art of War scrap, recap the big TMT fight from the weekend, and get into the nitty-gritty of the issues with elbow pads. Plus, a look ahead at what’s next on the NZ combat sports calendar.

Fighting Talk NZ – New Era, Same Heat

Mark and Benji are back and this time, they’re joined by a fresh voice! Tony and the crew jump on the mic for a no-holds-barred breakdown of all things fight sports. In this episode, the team dives into the upcoming Capital Punishment card, gives their take on TMT’s upcoming show and breaks down what’s going down at Art of War. New hosts, same Fighting Talk flavour — raw, real, and straight from the Aotearoa fight scene.

Its been 3 years and we've had a blast, but the time to move on is here. We say see you later to Steve and Scott in amongst discussing the last few shows and upcoming events. Thanks heaps for tuning in and supporting the show. Mark will be carrying on with a new revamped listening experience which will be out in the near future so stay tuned for that!!

Tommy Gunn is a guy putting people first and showing how to grow professional MuayThai in Aotearoa. Mark caught up with Tommy and found out a bit more about his time in MuayThai.

Mana FC was yet another huge promotion in the first half of 2025. The boys break down some of their favorite moments from the Anzac weekend show recently.

Regy is the head honco at Warrior Training Academy, producing amazing fighters, WBC media design, level 3 official and team member. Learn some more about his journey in the sport and how he sees things currently.

We are super fortunate to have pro fighter, coach, fight commentary and analyst Nyrene Crowley join us as we breakdown some huge fight shows including King of the Ring, Lights Out, Art of War and discuss who to look out for in the 1-5 fight experience level. Shout out to Tihipuke MuayThai for the fund raising to whangai whanau to Aotearoa.

Lights Out 2.

King in the Ring

Knees of Fury

Lights Out

The rise of Combat Sports Network with CSN CEO Oz Jabur.

Capital Punishment Review

Muay Thai League - Upcoming. Jeffery Kelly vs Albert Tuua

Muay Thai Super Series - Kaitlyn Tucker vs Niahm Kinehan WBC World Title.

Arena Wars Review

Summary

In this conversation, Mark chats with Scott about his journey in the world of Muay Thai, from his early days in Taekwondo to becoming a prominent figure in the sport as a fighter, coach, and promoter. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a significant injury that sidelined him for years, and how he eventually built a successful gym. Scott emphasizes the importance of mental health in fighting and the need for a supportive community within the sport. He also talks about his role with the WBC in New Zealand, the fragmented state of the Muay Thai scene, and his aspirations for the future, including creating more opportunities for fighters and promoting a positive environment in the sport.

Steve Pipe is a former pro fighter turned strength and conditioning coach. Steve shares his journey from a young martial arts enthusiast to a professional fighter, detailing his experiences in various combat sports, including Muay Thai. He discusses the transition to coaching, the importance of strength and conditioning in combat sports, and addresses common misconceptions. The conversation also touches on the balance between skill training and strength conditioning, emerging trends in the field, and the future of combat sports in New Zealand.

November and December have been big months. We get into some of the big fights and go through our picks of the year.

Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks for listening! We will be back in 2025!

Chapters

00:00 Beehive Adventures and First Sting

03:15 Art of War: A Fight Fan's Perspective

06:29 The Evolution of Fighters: Life After the Ring

09:26 Weight Classes and Fight Dynamics

12:22 The Thrill of the Fight: Crowd Energy and Performance

15:37 Muay Thai Training: Overcoming Challenges

18:27 WBC in New Zealand: A New Era for Fighters

21:22 The Culture of Defending Titles

25:36 Training Intensity and Growth in Muay Thai

29:22 The Balance of Training in Thailand

35:32 Julian Jensen's Fight Analysis

41:18 Caitlin's World Title Preparation

46:11 Michael Isaac's Upcoming Title Fight

50:07 New Chapter

Tommy Gunn is a prominent Muay Thai fighter and promoter, known for his significant contributions to the sport in New Zealand. He has been instrumental in organizing various high-profile events. These shows showcase top talent and elevate the profile of Muay Thai in the region, drawing attention from fans and fighters alike. With his passion for the sport and dedication to promoting local talent, Tommy continues to play a key role in the growth of Muay Thai in New Zealand.

In this episode of Fighting Talk NZ, the conversation begins with reflections on early education choices for children, particularly in rural settings, and the importance of cultural identity in parenting. As the discussion progresses, the dynamics of school life and the experiences of children in combat sports are explored. The hosts analyze recent performances from Capital Punishment highlighting impressive fighters and upcoming events, including TMT's 10th anniversary show, Chopper vs The Wildman on Sifu Lams promotion both promise to be a significant occasions in the combat sports calendar.

Brenna is a Kiwi born fighter living in America after spending time in Australia and Thailand. Brenna is married to Muay Thai legend Pettawee Sor Kittichai and the couple recently were the corner staff on One Championship for Seksans fight with Liam Harrison and Superleks fight with Johnathon Haggerty which we get into as the highlights of this awesome experience.

We have an open discussion on everything Muay Thai going on around New Zealand currently.

Arsenal X

Zoe Putorak and the 20k 8 women

Training for teamwork ideas.

Wai Kru protocol and the lack of understanding of this tradition.