The Cambodian Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF) and the Kombat Taekwondo organisation have announced a new professional-level series of cage fighting events that will combine Kun Khmer with Taekwondo, mixed martial arts (MMA), jiu-jitsu and karate for the first time in Cambodia. The competition will be launched in Cambodia from mid-2026, before being expanded to 46 other countries worldwide.
The new initiative, which will bring different combat sports into cage bouts against Kun Khmer, follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KBF president Khov Chhay, who also serves as secretary-general of the International Kun Khmer Federation, and Rick W. Shin, president of Kombat Taekwondo. The MoU was signed in Preah Sihanouk province on February 13.
Chhay explained that Cambodia will partner with Kombat Taekwondo, an organisation that promotes professional combat sports competitions, including Taekwondo, MMA, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and karate. He noted that while the organisation had previously included Thailand’s Muay Thai, it has now partnered with Cambodia’s Kun Khmer under the joint banner “Kombat Kun Khmer”.
“Kombat Kun Khmer will be a cage-based competition similar to MMA, but fought under professional Kun Khmer rules,” he said.
“The KBF and Kombat Taekwondo will jointly organise Kombat Kun Khmer events in Cambodia, as well as in 46 other countries worldwide that are members of Kombat Taekwondo,” he added.
As a first step in the cooperation, the two sides plan to stage the inaugural Kombat Kun Khmer event in Cambodia in mid-2026, before expanding to monthly competitions and events abroad.
“After signing the MoU, we will continue working together to organise the first Kombat Kun Khmer event, which could take place in May or June here in Cambodia,” Chhay said.
“We aim to move towards holding events on a monthly basis in Cambodia,” he continued.
He added that the cage-fighting competitions will feature well-known professional fighters from around the world, including practitioners of Taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing MMA and karate, all competing against Cambodian Kun Khmer fighters at a professional level.
Prior to signing the MoU, Shin visited Cambodia to hold discussions with Chhay on the development of combat sports, in line with Kombat Taekwondo’s strategy for the country.
During the visit, Shin inspected and assessed various venues across Cambodia and observed the rapid development of Kun Khmer, which he said provides favourable conditions for hosting professional combat sports events and for opening pathways for Cambodian fighters to compete on the international stage.
“Cambodia is a destination for future professional combat sports events,” he said.
“It is a growing market with strong potential and a solid martial arts heritage, making it an excellent candidate for international cooperation,” he added.
