Warriors Cup

United States Muay Thai

Warriors Cup is an American Muay Thai and kickboxing organization on the East Coast. The organization is known as the Home of East Coast Muay Thai and combines authentic Full Rules Muay Thai with Pro/Am events, title fights, and talent development.

The organization

Profile

Home of East Coast Muay Thai. Warriors Cup provides professional and amateur fighters with a platform in New York and the surrounding East Coast region. The organization operates under the banner of Three Pillar Promotions and usually hosts events at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens.

Authentic disciplines. The focus is on Muay Thai under traditional Full Thai Rules, along with kickboxing, pro/amateur galas, and title fights for regional and international championships.

Over the years

History

Founded in 2006. Warriors Cup was founded by Chris Tran, Eddie Marini, and James Guccione to provide the U.S. East Coast with a professional platform for authentic Muay Thai under traditional Thai rules, including knees, elbows, and clinching.

The Melrose Ballroom era. Under the banner of Three Pillar Promotions, the organization grew into a mainstay in New York. The intimate yet professional Melrose Ballroom became the home of a series of high-energy events that brought together gyms, trainers, and fighters from across the region.

Strategic recognition. In 2019, Chris Tran was appointed WBC MuayThai representative for the U.S. East Coast. Warriors Cup was also selected as ONE Championship’s exclusive U.S. partner for Road to ONE tournaments.

Tradition and inclusivity. The organization combines traditional values such as Wai Kru, Ram Muay, discipline, and respect with a modern and inclusive approach to matchmaking.

Within the sport

Activities and role

Pro/Am shows. Three Pillar Promotions organizes approximately 9 to 11 shows per year, mainly in the New York area. Both amateurs and professionals have the opportunity to gain experience in a professional arena.

Full Thai Rules. In the professional divisions, elbows, knees, and clinching are allowed according to traditional Muay Thai guidelines. Events are sanctioned by organizations including WBC USA MuayThai and the United States Muaythai Federation.

Road to ONE. As ONE Championship's exclusive American partner, Warriors Cup organizes qualifying tournaments. Winners can earn a professional ONE Championship contract worth $100,000.

Streaming and media. Warriors Cup manages its own platform, Warriors Cup TV, and works with Prime Video and YouTube for livestreams, archival footage, and highlights.

Competition structure

Divisions and weight classes

Mini Flyweight
140 lb division
WCMT Pro Super Welterweight
WBC North America MuayYing Prestige Title, 115 lb
Junior divisions

Connection

Membership and participation

Partnerships and recognition. Warriors Cup works with ONE Championship, WBC USA MuayThai, and GAMMA US. The organization serves as a central hub for gyms from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

Traditional values. The organization preserves Muay Thai culture through Wai Kru and Ram Muay and emphasizes discipline, humility, respect, and self-control.

Why this matters

Impact and meaning

Transformation of the East Coast market. Warriors Cup helped normalize Full Thai Rules in the United States and proved that there is a large audience for authentic Muay Thai outside Thailand.

A direct path to the world stage. Through Road to ONE, American talent gained a direct route to international contracts, making Muay Thai a more realistic career option for young fighters.

Community and culture. Rival gyms come together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. As a result, Warriors Cup has become a cornerstone of the East Coast Muay Thai community.

Inclusivity. Warriors Cup combines tradition with modern, diverse matchmaking, ensuring that the ring remains accessible to fighters from a variety of backgrounds.

Locations

Connected venues

Madison Square Garden

Media and additional information

Warriors Cup 80. The Pro/Am event is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. EDT. Tickets are available through Three Pillar Promotions and, according to the information provided, range from approximately $65 to $150.

Title bouts. The card includes Grace Dinsmore vs. Kristell Diaz for the WCMT North American Mini Flyweight title and David Agbodji vs. Marcos Vasquez for the WCMT U.S. Pro Welterweight title.

Champions and talent. Notable names include Sean Climaco, David Agbodji, Nate Bennett, Grace Dinsmore, Amy Duke, and Aiden Ellis. Climaco earned a Road to ONE contract through Warriors Cup 55, while Aiden Ellis won a NY State Junior Title at the age of fifteen.

Calendar and viewing. In addition to Warriors Cup 80, a show is scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the Melrose Ballroom, along with Warriors Series 4 on December 12 at the Infosys Theater near Madison Square Garden. Warriors Cup TV, Prime Video, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook offer livestreams, archival footage, and updates.