YOKKAO, a Bangkok fight brand, boasts unique 360-degree operations, unmatched in Muay Thai history

YOKKAO, a leading Muay Thai brand, was founded on 1st January 2010 in Bangkok by Philip Villa and DoungjajTananan. The brand began its journey by producing Muay Thai shorts and training equipment. In February 2011, YOKKAO established the YOKKAO Fight Team, sponsoring Muay Thai fighters worldwide. The earliest line-up of the fight team included renowned athletes such as Buakaw Banchamek, YoddechaSityodtong, and Saenchai P.K. Saenchai.

YOKKAO expanded its presence in the Muay Thai world by organizing fight events in various countries, including Italy, the UK, Hong Kong, China, Argentina, Australia, Mexico, and Thailand. The fight events were initially titled Muay Thai Combat Mania YOKKAO due to a partnership with Muay Thai Combat, which later shortened to the current name with the 9th event on 24th May 2014.

The brand introduced YOKKAO World Titles for 65 kg and 70 kg categories on 11th October 2014 at YOKKAO 10 & 11. Pakorn defeated Greg Wootton, while Jordan Watson secured a KO win over Mickael Piscitello, becoming the first YOKKAO World Champions at 65 kg and 70 kg respectively.

Over the years, YOKKAO has continued to grow and sign more fighters into its team, including notable names like Singdam Kiatmoo9, Tetsuya Yamato, Manachai, and Yodchai. In 2019, YOKKAO updated its logo design, and in November of the same year, the brand announced a 3-year sponsorship deal with renowned fighters RodtangJitmuangnon, NuenglanlekJitmuangnon, and SakaengamJitmuangnon.

In February 2021, YOKKAO signed female Muay Thai champions DuangdawnoiLooksaikongdin, Aida Looksaikongdin, and transgender fighter Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk. The following month, Glory Kickboxing world champion Petpanomrung

Kiatmuu9 joined the YOKKAO family. These signings showcase YOKKAO’s commitment to supporting and promoting talented athletes in the Muay Thai community.

YOKKAO’s business model involves establishing training centers worldwide through partnerships with local gyms. As of now, the brand has training centers in countries such as Australia, Canada, Argentina, the UK, San Marino, Croatia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Additionally, YOKKAO has held over 70 seminars globally, allowing participants to learn Muay Thai techniques from the fight team and trainers.

In September 2013, YOKKAO started hosting fight events in the UK, with the formal commencement on 8th March 2014 at the Macron Stadium in Bolton. The stadium has since become a regular venue for YOKKAO events in the UK. The company’s growth also includes the opening of a factory in Samut Prakan, Thailand, in June 2015, housing the factory, office, and a shop.

In early 2016, YOKKAO opened its first training center in Bangkok, which serves as the official training camp for the YOKKAO fight team. The brand’s global exposure was highlighted in February 2017 when it was featured on CNN for leveraging social media effectively.

YOKKAO expanded its presence in other countries by establishing warehouses and offices. In July 2017, a warehouse was set up in the Republic of San Marino. On 29th October 2018, YOKKAO hosted its first WBC title fight, where Manachai fought against Julio Lobo from Brazil for the vacant WBC Muay Thai world welterweight title. Manachai won the fight by decision, earning the championship belt.

In recent years, YOKKAO has continued to make strides in the Muay Thai community. In April 2019, the brand announced its first official event in Sydney, Australia. Later that year, YOKKAO Agency, a fighter management branch, was launched. InJuly 2019, YOKKAO held its first event in Dublin, Ireland, where Singdam fought against Craig Coakley for the WBC Muay Thai Diamond Super-Lightweight title. Singdam emerged victorious via decision, claiming the WBC diamond belt.

To further expand its reach, in August and September 2019, YOKKAO embarked on a 3-week seminar tour across the United States, featuring renowned fighters like Saenchai, Spencer Brown, Yodchai, and Kru Jack. They visited 20 gyms in 20 different cities, strengthening the brand’s presence in the North American market. In August 2019, YOKKAO also launched its third global warehouse in Las Vegas, US, with product distribution managed by Domita LLC for the North American region.

YOKKAO’s dedication to promoting Muay Thai and supporting athletes has been evident in its various initiatives and events. In September 2022, the brand resumed its Seminar Tour in the United States, featuring Muay Thai legends like Saenchai, Superlek, and Kru Fasai. These efforts showcase YOKKAO’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of Muay Thai both as a sport and a community.

Meet Philip Villa, founder at YOKKAO

“We are committed to developing cutting edge products to cater to the global fight community and handmade in Thailand by professional craftmakers, YOKKAO gear is unrivaled in terms of quality and design.”