The Challenger Muaythai airs finale tonight on AXN

MANILA, Philippines - Tonight at 10, AXN is set to air the intense, raw fight drama of the arena in the finale episode of The Challenger Muaythai, produced in crystal clear high definition. Sixteen world-class fighters previously converged to vie for the title of the first ever Challenger Muaythai World Champion and a grand prize of $100,000. This season became a showcase of respect, courage, determination and perseverance as much as it is about the lethal martial art form of Muaythai.

Hailing from all over the globe, the fighters were hand-picked by renowned Muaythai personality and World Muaythai Council VP Stephan Fox. As host of the series and with over 30 years of experience under his belt, Fox is qualified to take on the role of mentor to the fighters. Trainers Hanarong and Nugget also put the fighters through rigorous bouts of training each week, acting as the catalyst to push fighters to their limits within the ring. Produced by the Imagine Group and The Group Entertainment, the reality competition series also has host-actress Sonia Couling on board as ring commentator.

Aged between 18 and 35, the fighters hailed from countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Israel and South Africa. Defying fighter stereotypes are part-time models Fadi and Ilya who are bound to catch the eye of ladies with their chiseled features and muscled form. The fighters’ intimidating monikers like The Beast, The Cheetah, The Sniper and Black Dynamite echoed the impressive track records both in their countries and in the international arena. Some have started their training since the tender age of seven, while others have fought The Contender Asia champion Yodsanklai and even beaten him. The high caliber of fighters marked the quality of the reality series, and viewers certainly looked forward to a production quality of the highest standards.

With the championship title, the tension is sure to heat up quickly and dramatically for the grand finale showdown.

For the fighters, this is evidently not just a battle of brawns and agility, but of quick wits and strategy. Yet, despite the betrayals and friendships broken over previous fight selections, the Muaythai spirit remains highly intact among the fighters. They treat one another with respect before, during and after the fights; and their honor during combat is treated with the greatest regard. Throughout the series, viewers got a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the sport, and discovered that Muaythai is not just about the survival of the toughest. The discipline and dedication invested by each fighter is undoubted. Such is the spirit of Muaythai and an aspect of the sport rarely witnessed by spectators who only see the drama in the ring.