by Mark Wilson-Smith
Rage Kombat is set to return to Malta on Saturday, with an event that represents a significant milestone for the country’s combat sports sector.
The Malta-based promotion will stage its latest fight night at the Gianpula Main Room, marking the first time the internationally recognised venue has hosted a combat sports event.
The decision to host the event at Gianpula reflects Rage Kombat’s growing trend of blending large-scale sporting events at impressive venues.
Widely known as one of Europe’s leading nightlife destinations, the Gianpula Main Room will be reconfigured into a combat arena for the occasion.
Rage Kombat’s organisers say the choice of venue underlines their intention to explore non-traditional settings for martial arts events, while maintaining professional production standards and high entertainment.
The event is expected to attract both local spectators and visiting fans, contributing to Malta’s growing profile as a host for international sporting and entertainment events.
Local fighters showcased
In keeping with Rage Kombat’s tradition of showcasing different fighting styles, this event will feature Kickboxing, MMA, Grappling, and Muat Thai – with titles fights set to be featured.
The event also includes many local fighters looking to impress the home crowd.
Ruud Chircop, who will be challenging Belgian fighter Lucas Sidhu for the European Grappling Title, said: ‘‘The training camp was intense and very focused. Very excited to be fighting for the European title, so every session was about sharpening details and performing to the best of my abilities.’’
Emma Xuereb, who trains out of the respected Team Noel gym, will be facing tough Spanish competitor Reyes Prieto in a K1 Kickboxing bout.
‘‘I’m currently in the middle of my training camp, working through technical sessions, strength and conditioning, and sparring with the support of my coaches and teammates,” she said.
‘‘The preparation is going well as I get ready for this four-round bout against a Spanish opponent at Rage Kombat – looking forward to putting on a show as always!’’
Emma’s team-mate Julian Attard, who will also be competing in a K1 Kickboxing bout, was in a confident mood.
‘‘For this bout I had to get used to training with taller team-mates as I know that my opponent is much taller then me, all of my coaches and team-mates have been all very supportive, giving me tips and tricks against taller opponents to make sure we secure the win,” Attard said.
“My nutritionist, Clay Gatt, provides me with the necessary meal preps to keep me fuelled for the intense training sessions and at the same time cut weight.
‘‘As a Maltese fighter, I’m always honoured to represent my country abroad or in Malta, it’s always a huge honour to carry the Maltese flag on my back and make such a small dot in the map known.’’
MMA fighter Andrew Grech, who trains out of the growing Malta Fight Co gym, takes part in a domestic clash against Kudo Malta’s Maxo Karitchashuili.
Grech said: ‘‘This bout is a test I put on myself to showcase my discipline and dedication. The biggest challenge was to adapt my personal life to the fight camp, mostly having to commute from Gozo multiple times a week. With a fighter’s heart, anything is possible!’’
Celebrity participation
In addition to the multiple combat sports scheduled for the night, the audience will be treated to some celebrity guests too.
Love Island Malta winner Evey will be the celebrity ring girl on the night.
While legendary Ibiza DJ Jack Eye Jones will provide the half-time entertainment show – an artist whose “Ibiza Sessions” radio show garnered over 5 million downloads and his debut album, Summer Nights, peaked at #3 on the Apple Music Dance Chart.
Not to mention popular comedian Ali Storm who will be the host and MC for the night.
International broadcast exposure
The January 31st event will also see Rage Kombat continue its international reach as several American television channels and streaming platforms will broadcast the show live on the night.
The organisers believe this is an important step in positioning Malta as a hub for emerging fight promotions, with potential long-term benefits for athletes, coaches, and the wider sports industry.
By combining competitive bouts with large-scale production and overseas broadcast distribution, the promotion aims to create sustainable pathways for local and international fighters, while reinforcing Malta’s reputation as a destination for high-profile events.
Tickets are available at RageKombat.com/tickets
