Elite Fighting Promotions Brings Historic Muay Thai Fight to Saratoga Springs
On Saturday, June 14th, Elite Fighting Promotions (EFP) will host its fourth event at the Saratoga City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY, promising an electrifying night of combat sports. Doors open at 4:30 PM, with fights kicking off promptly at 5:30 PM. This event marks a significant milestone for the region, as it will feature the first-ever sanctioned professional Muay Thai fight in Saratoga County, a historic moment for local martial arts enthusiasts. Tickets are available at elitefightingpromotions.com, with general admission priced at $55 and one front-row VIP table still up for grabs.
The main event showcases a 180-pound professional Muay Thai bout between Adell Lolic from Connecticut and Nick Johnson, a Glens Falls native now training in Las Vegas under MMA legend Randy Couture. Promoters emphasize the significance of this fight, as Muay Thai differs from kickboxing by allowing elbows, knees to the face, and clinch work—making it a brutal and thrilling spectacle. Don Walton, founder of EFP, highlighted the challenges of bringing such a fight to the area, citing high insurance costs that have historically deterred promoters. “It’s an insurance thing—it’s all about money,” Walton explained on the Buying Local podcast. “I managed to afford it this time around… I hope one day the show sustains itself.”
The co-main event features a 170-pound Muay Thai title fight between local favorite Logan Sanmarija, known as “the Viking” for his bearded, warrior-like presence, and Kenny Mosso from Massachusetts’ FAF gym. Sanmarija, fighting out of Sukdi Muay Thai in Albany, is a crowd-pleaser who often enters to Viking drum music. Walton, who spars with Sanmarija, described him as “a tough guy to kill,” predicting a “banger” of a fight given Mosso’s impressive resume.
The fight card boasts 17 bouts, totaling 34 fighters, with a mix of Muay Thai and MMA. Local talent is well-represented, including Gavin Baker and Ray Melancon from Walton’s gym. Baker, known for breaking an opponent’s nose in a previous fight, looks to continue his momentum, while Melanson, a veteran of Walton’s team, brings experience to the cage. Other local fighters include David Golly, a former Cage Wars champion from Brian Beery Jiu-Jitsu, facing Anthony Mixon from Buffalo, and Ricky Jorge, also from Beery’s gym, taking on Travis Revollo. Sukdi Muay Thai contributes several fighters, including Max Wreath, Trevor Stefanik, and Max Payne, adding to the regional flavor.
Walton’s approach to matchmaking ensures competitive fights, often going the distance. He prioritizes fairness, sometimes traveling to gyms to train with fighters and assess their skills firsthand. The event also caters to newer fighters, with the first three bouts under novice Muay Thai rules requiring headgear, offering a glimpse of up-and-coming talent.
Beyond the fights, the event promises a lively atmosphere. Speckled Pig Brewing Company will provide food and beverages. The Saratoga City Center will buzz with energy, enhanced by a new, competition-style 26-foot, six-sided cage that improves visibility for ground-based MMA action. A large screen will also ensure fans don’t miss a moment.
EFP’s mission is to grow the martial arts community in upstate New York, providing local fighters opportunities to compete without extensive travel. Walton, who has sold out previous shows, aims to educate and entertain, encouraging newcomers to experience the electric atmosphere of live fights. With a mix of high-stakes professional bouts and regional talent, this event is set to be a landmark for Saratoga’s combat sports scene.
