Muay Thai in Oklahoma continues to grow as PRIDE MMA and TBA-SA host the largest technical Muay Thai scrimmage to date, featuring 150+ athletes and 160+ bouts.
This past weekend marked another major step forward for the growth of Muay Thai in Oklahoma.
Working alongside the Thai Boxing Association – Sanctioning Authority (TBA-SA), we hosted our largest technical Muay Thai scrimmage to date. Teams traveled in from Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and across Oklahoma, bringing together more than 150 athletes for 160+ educational technical bouts over two days focused on development, timing, and scoring inside the ring.
These were not full-contact fights. These were structured technical Muay Thai bouts designed to help athletes grow in a controlled environment — the right way, with professionalism and respect for the art.
And what we saw this weekend wasn’t just participation.
It was momentum.
The Muay Thai community in Oklahoma is growing, and the foundation being built right now is stronger than ever.
TBA-SA Is Leading the Way
A major reason this momentum exists is the leadership and vision behind the Thai Boxing Association – Sanctioning Authority.
For years, Pam and Pete Peterson have been creating opportunities for athletes and gyms across the country through well-structured events that prioritize education, safety, and long-term development. Their work extends far beyond local scrimmages. They are also the driving force behind the TBA Classic – Muay Thai World Expo, widely recognized as the largest Muay Thai tournament in North America.
Held annually in Des Moines, Iowa, the TBA Classic brings together hundreds — and often more than a thousand — athletes from around the world to compete under pure Muay Thai rules.
What makes that event special isn’t just its size — it’s how it’s run. The focus is on professionalism, structure, and preserving authentic Muay Thai without blending in other rule sets.
That same standard is exactly what we experienced here in Oklahoma.
Throughout the weekend, Pam and Pete Peterson’s influence was evident in the way the scrimmages were organized — from athlete safety to smooth logistics to the culture of respect between gyms. Their leadership continues to set the tone for how Muay Thai can grow nationwide while maintaining integrity.
They’re not just organizing events.
They’re building pathways — and Oklahoma is becoming part of that larger vision.
A Milestone Weekend for Muay Thai in Oklahoma
This scrimmage represented the largest TBA-SA technical Muay Thai event hosted in Oklahoma to date.
With athletes traveling from multiple states, the energy in the room reflected a community that is leveling up. Experienced competitors refined their scoring strategies. First-time participants stepped in with composure and heart. Coaches collaborated, shared knowledge, and supported athlete development in a way that reflects what Muay Thai should be.
Technical scrimmages like these are essential to the growth of the sport. They give athletes the opportunity to sharpen timing, distance, and ring awareness without the intensity of a sanctioned bout — allowing learning to happen faster and safer.
The results were clear.
Growth was visible in every round.
Recognition From the Oklahoma Sports Sanctioning Authority
Another important milestone came with the presence of a representative from the Oklahoma Sports Sanctioning Authority.
They observed the structure, professionalism, and safety measures behind these technical bouts — and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Moments like this matter.
They help build trust with regulators and create momentum toward hosting sanctioned full-contact Muay Thai events and tournaments right here in Oklahoma. That’s a long-term goal we’re actively working toward, and weekends like this show what’s possible when the community comes together with a shared vision.
Growth happens through consistency, professionalism, and integrity — and that’s exactly what was on display.
To the Athletes and Coaches — Thank You
To every athlete and coach who traveled, competed, and supported this scrimmage — thank you.
We saw tremendous growth, a lot of new faces, and an incredible amount of positive feedback from visiting teams. The respect shown across all gyms made this event something special.
Muay Thai grows when people show up ready to learn.
And this weekend, the community showed up in a big way.
PRIDE Is Family
A huge shout-out goes to our PRIDE crew here at home.
The coaches, leadership team, and volunteers who worked behind the scenes made this event run smoothly from start to finish. From coordinating athletes to keeping everything on schedule, the professionalism and effort from our team made all the difference.
Events like this don’t run themselves.
They run because people step up — and this team stepped up in a big way.
Looking Ahead — The Future of Muay Thai in Oklahoma
The momentum coming out of this weekend is undeniable.
Alongside the leadership of Pam and Pete Peterson and the continued growth of TBA-SA, local efforts are playing a major role in pushing Muay Thai forward in Oklahoma. Coach Jason Epps and Coach Jessi Cargill of PRIDE Mixed Martial Arts remain committed to building opportunities for athletes through technical development, structured scrimmages, and a culture rooted in respect for authentic Muay Thai. By working closely with the Petersons and the broader TBA-SA community, PRIDE is helping create a stronger foundation for the sport locally — one that focuses on education, professionalism, and long-term growth rather than short-term recognition.
With the continued leadership of Pam and Pete Peterson and the support of TBA-SA, we’re seeing a stronger, more unified Muay Thai presence take shape in Oklahoma. More scrimmages are on the horizon, and we’re continuing to work toward sanctioned events that will give athletes even more opportunities to grow.
This wasn’t just another weekend of training.
It was a glimpse into where Muay Thai in Oklahoma is headed — built on professionalism, community, and a shared respect for the art.
And we’re just getting started.