By Mark Wilson Smith
Ta’ Qali’s Greek Amphitheatre to Host Explosive Combat Sports Showdown Featuring World-Class Arm-Wrestling, Grappling, Kickboxing, and Live Entertainment
Combat sports fans are bracing for a scorcher as Rage Kombat: Inferno lands at the Greek Amphitheatre in Ta’ Qali on Saturday, 19 July, promising a fiery blend of international arm-wrestling battles, kickboxing clashes, Muay Thai bouts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu matches; a grappling tournament, and an all-out festival experience.
Set against the dramatic open-air backdrop of the amphitheatre, the event kicks off at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening from 7:00 p.m, as promoters expect a sell-out crowd.
Organisers describe Inferno as “a hybrid combat festival,” blending elite competition with a party spirit. The card spans multiple combat disciplines and even live music and dance performances between bouts.
Maltese athletes compete for European glory
Inferno will include two Maltese kickboxers competing for ISKA-sanctioned European titles against top opposition. Victor Galea, fighting out of Malta Fight Co gym, will face off against Spain’s Aitor Garcia. Both competitors have picked up a string of titles throughout their careers, so this one promises to be an epic encounter.
In a female bout, Ahweafa Garenne, a gym-mate of Victor Galea, will also compete against Spanish opposition.
Standing in the way of title glory is respected fighter Saray Moreno. Garenne has been developing her skills under the tutelage of trainer Calvin Caruana Triccas and will be in a confident mood ahead of this bout.
A world champion arrives in Malta
One of the headlining matches of the night is a high-stakes arm-wrestling rematch between Malta’s own Kersten Mercieca and World Champion Bozhidar Simeonov from Bulgaria. The two first clashed three years ago, with Mercieca suffering a bicep tear that cost him the match — and nearly his career.
Now fully recovered, he’s seeking redemption in a showdown for the Rage Kombat Arm-Wrestling World Title.
“I’m more experienced than before and I’m willing to give a great rematch,” Mercieca said ahead of the bout.
Simeonov responded: “Second chance does not mean I’ll go easy on him. I’m coming to shake your ground once again!”
A second title bout pits Antoine Zammit, another Maltese powerhouse, against Latvia’s Toms Rozītis for the Rage Kombat European Arm-Wrestling Title. While Zammit is eager to prove himself on the continental stage, Rozītis— a recognised European Champion — is confident he’ll take the title back home.
Grappling Championship Debuts
Adding to the mix is the inaugural European Grappling Championship, held as a four-man single-night elimination tournament and inspired by Simon Perez. Featuring elite grapplers from various martial arts—Lucas Sidhu (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), Alec Grech (Judo & BJJ), Domenico Nicosia (MMA), and Alexey Matveev (Kudo) — the fast-paced contest will unfold as two semi-finals and then a grand-final under submission-based rules within a five-minute round; should no submission occur, then a ‘shoot-out’ round will happen where points are scored for takedowns.
Alec Grech, who participated in the previous Rage Kombat event, was in a positive mood: ‘‘Feeling more confident and stronger this time around, and with the new submission format I am sure my opponents are gonna have a hell of a time to keep me down.’’
With a prize pool including cash, trophies, and gifts from sponsors, the tournament has drawn high-level interest from across Europe.
Further Action and Festival Vibes
Beyond the grappling, arm-wrestling, and kickboxing showcases, Inferno will also include a variety of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu bouts, featuring some of Malta’s top talent.
The atmosphere will be elevated by a festival-style setup complete with live music from a Canadian rock singer, performances by local backing dancers and DJs, and on-stage hosting by celebrity MC Ali Storm. Fans will also be able to enjoy a special bar from the Stretta Brewing Co., lending the night a distinctly celebratory edge.
More Than Just a Fight Night
What sets Rage Kombat apart, according to organisers, is its commitment to blending serious athletic competition with high-energy spectacle. Fighters compete not only for titles but for exposure, and recognition on an international stage.
“This isn’t just a fight night—it’s a full entertainment experience,” a spokesperson said. “We give the fans a great show and the athletes international exposure – as this event will be broadcast by both Triller and Swerve TV across the globe.’’
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are now available via ragekombat.com/tickets with general admission expected to sell out quickly due to the high demand. Fans are advised to book early to secure the best seating.
Full Fight Card
Lucas Sidhu (BJJ) vs Domenico Nicosia (MMA) – Semi Final 1
Alec Grech (Judo & BJJ) vs Alexey Matveev (Kudo) – Semi Final 2
Dejan Briffa (Malta) vs Jonathan Cardona (Colombia) – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Semi Final Winner 1 vs Semi Final Winner 2 – For Rage European Title
Antoine Zammit (Malta) vs Toms Rozītis (Latvia) – Rage European Arm-Wrestling Title
Kersten Mercieca (Malta) vs Bozhidar Simeonov (Bulgaria) – Rage World Arm-Wrestling Title
Victor Galea (Malta) vs Aitor Garcia de la Fuente (Spain) – ISKA European Kickboxing Title
Josh Gatt (Malta / Australia) vs Edward Pace Bonello (Malta) – Muay Thai
Kyle Vella (Malta) vs Owen Sultana (Malta) – Muay Thai
Patryk Cutajar (Malta) vs Samuele Andolina (Italy) – Muay Thai
Ahweafa Garenne (Malta) vs Saray Moreno (Spain) – ISKA European Kickboxing Title
Kevin Argelier (France) vs Ismail El Fannouri (Morocco) – K1 Kickboxing
