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Comedian, Preacher Lawson and WKA Youth Gold Medalists among promotional debuts for AFL Act III

New York, New York: Pre-professional Muay Thai League AFL will host its ‘Act III’ event September 30th, 2022. Participating athletes include new talent, WKA medalists, and AGT finalist, Preacher Lawson





WKA Youth Gold Medalists

11-year olds Ricky Gutierrez of Sitan Gym and Aaron Mendoza fighting out of Hinds Combat will grace the night in their 75lb match up

The two are no newcomers to Muay Thai, having both fought in the WKA US National Championships this past August, both taking medals home.

As a single elimination style tournament, the WKA Nationals allow athletes the opportunity to compete in separate rules sets.

The day saw Mendoza winning gold in the Unified Kickboxing (Glory) rules division but losing to Gutierrez in the Muay Thai Youth B Class finals

Chief Business Officer, David Chan tells the story:

“The tenacity of these kids is undeniable. Aaron says he would have won if he was fresh, and Gutierrez is not backing down, AFL is honored to host the rematch”

Promotional Debuts

Additional promotional debuts include talent from new participating gyms and hobbyists

5-Points Academy, (Anthony Lebron at 150lbs , Julia Howe 110lbs) Church Street Boxing (Brandon Phan 125 lbs) and Rose Muay Thai (135lb Erik Cordova and 150lb Megan Smith) training under Lion Fight Champion, Brett Hlavacek

Already accustomed to the spotlights but in different ways, America’s Got Talent Season 12 finalist and comedian Preacher Lawson will take his first AFL Muay Thai match against Camilo Hernandez of Renzo Gracie Bayside at 175lb

“The fact we have talent at every level, shows we are doing a good job and the community is hungry for the chance to showcase themselves. Sean Hinds AFL Matchmaker reflects. “Without a way to support fighters on the amatuer level how can we expect the sport to grow?”

AFL is a pre professional sports league for Muay Thai Athletes. It hosts community based events highlighting local upcoming talent and provides a staging ground for a professional transition. All are welcomed.

For press or sponsorship inquiries contact info@aflpromotions.com


AFL Announces Main event and Co-main September 30th card; Willard Klein vs Jason Melendez

New York, New York: Pre-professional Muay Thai League AFL will host its ‘Act III’ event September 30th, 2022



Main Event

Willard Klein, Two Bridges vs Jason Melendez, Buctown MMA

165lb


Co Main Event

Elmer Recinos, Lil Bomb vs Jesse Borogad, Diamonheart

140lb




AFL steps into action with another highly anticipated event. True to the brand and in promotional fashion, bouts include rematches, rising talent and all levels for athletes representing East Coast Muay Thai.

The co-main event features familiar faces, Elmer Recinos of Lil Bomb Yess Boxing and Jesse Borogad of Diamondheart Brooklyn NY.

The two fighters have faced each other in a competitive bout on the previous July 15th AFL event. The match went the way of the judges, seeing Jesse as the winner

Reflecting on the matchup, Kit Yeung COO had this say:

“It was an exciting match. Fighters and coaches immediately requested and accepted a rematch. It couldn't have been an easier decision here, We Run It Back!”

Act III hosts no shortage of momentum from previous showings. Jason Melendez, another star and veteran of the AFL banner returns from giving a crowd pleasing spinning back kick KO

Winning 2 of 2 previous AFL event showings “The Chef” is leveling up his game. Melendez faces Willard Klein who boasts an unblemished 3-0 record.

“While we dont want to encourage fighters to look past their next opponents, It’s athletes like Jason and others that help chart our course as a league”. says Justin Kwan, Managing Director. “Championship belts and titles all are on the horizon for these athletes, let’s us be their platform and help grow their careers”

AFL is a pre professional sports league for Muay Thai Athletes. It hosts community based events highlighting local upcoming talent and provides a staging ground for a professional transition. All are welcomed. For press or sponsorship inquiries contact info@aflpromotions.com




Jason Melendez: “My goal is to spread positivity to as many people as I can.”

Interview by: Chris DeFilipppo


For Jason, fighting and police work not only provide a means to support his family, they allow him to promote positivity throughout his entire community.


AFL: How did you get into Muay Thai?


Jason: I've been training for 6 years. I was getting bullied as a kid so that's what made me get into it. I started off in karate, taekwondo, boxing, then I had some boxing bouts. Over time I realized my legs were longer than my arms and then I started doing muay thai.


AFL: At AFL: Proving Grounds, you seemed like you were having a lot of fun. How do you feel you performed?


Jason: I wasn't really nervous, I felt like I had a gameplan and it literally did not happen. I think I had one percent of my game plan take place in the fight, literally just the spinning back kick that you saw. When people see me train, I train really really hard and I try to knock people out. That's what I wanted, but I wasn't satisfied at all. I was disappointed.


AFL: You told us that we would see “Jason 2.0” at AFL: Rising Stars. What did you see from your opponent that led to the quick finish?


Jason: It basically went exactly how I wanted it to. I said I was going to freeze him the entire time. I let him hit me with the leg kick to see how much power he had, just to do a quick analysis of what he could do. Hit him with some feints, got him information, went to work, and the finish speaks for itself.



AFL: What are your overall takeaways from your time with the AFL?


Jason: I remember how great the energy was from the crowd. I fed off the energy and I heard multiple people calling my name. They told me to throw the spinning back kick, so I let it rock. I got a lot of energy from the other competitors, and made some great friends from other gyms. It was very very humbling. It was very well run,very professional and I’m excited about what's upcoming.


AFL: What can we look forward to in your next fight?


Jason: In my next fight I will be fighting in the co-main event. My opponent has more fights than me, and is undefeated as well. No shin guard, just elbow pads. We're taking the training wheels off. There are certain things that no one has seen except my training partners, so I would expect a faster finish next time.


AFL: What do you envision in your fighting future?


Jason: I definitely want to turn pro. My mom works 4 part time jobs, so I'm trying to make this a career to support her. What I make as a police officer is not enough to support her, so I turned to fighting to help her out, so she doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting. Eventually I want to fight professionally in MMA. I've been training wrestling and Jiu Jitsu, throwing some judo in the mix as well. That's the blueprint my coaches set out for me.


AFL: Tell us about your career in law enforcement, how did you get into that?


Jason: There was a lot of domestic violence in my house as a kid. I saw a lot growing up, more bad than I would like. One time my babysitter was there, she phoned the police, and that was the first time I saw a police officer help my family. It stuck with me to this day. As a police officer is to help, to give back to the youth, to do good in the community. My goal is to spread positivity, in my fight training, in my work as a police officer, and in my everyday life to as many people as I can.


AFL: What similarities do your work as a police officer share with the art of fighting?


Jason: Stress management has a lot to do with both. Fighting is a thinker's game, you have to have a clear mind and be relaxed, it takes the same to be a good police officer. Having a background in martial arts allows me to calm down and focus in stressful situations.


AFL: What fighters do you model your game after?


Jason: Jon Haggerty, combined with Michael Sabbot, some George St. Pierre and Petr Yan sprinkled in.


AFL: Most importantly - Favorite food, Movie, Book, Musician?


Jason: Sushi, The Wolf of Wall Street, Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins, The Weekend.


Jason makes his return next Friday, September 30th taking on Williard Klein: ACT 3, live from the 5 Star Banquet Hall in Queens, New York. Tickets are selling out fast, follow the link HERE, and we can’t wait to see you this Friday night.


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