About the show

The Contender Asia is a reality-based television series that follows 16 aspiring Muay Thai middleweight fighters from 14 countries as they compete in a series of outdoor challenges and sanctioned matches. The series is a deviation from the original Contender series, which involved boxing.

The winner will receive US$250,000. The program is hosted by former Muay Thai World Champion Stephen Fox (who also serves as the show's trainer) and Jaymee Ong.

Contestants

The fighters were divided into two groups: Blue Team and Red Team. Fox selected the team captains based on their fight records and characters. The leaders then chose their teammates in a "school yard pick". Blue Team and Red Team were given the names "Wild Boars" and "Tiger Kings" respectively, based on legendary Muay Thai fighters.

Wild Boars (Blue Team)

1. Rafik Bakkouri (France) - Leader
2. Naruepol (Thailand)
3. Bruce "The Preacher" Macfie (Australia)
4. David Pacquette (England)
5. Alain Sylvestre (Canada)
6. Zidov "Akuma" Dominik (Croatia)
7. "Yukay" Joakim Karisson (Sweden)
8. Sean Wright (Scotland)

Tiger Kings (Red Team)

1. John Wayne Parr (Australia) - Leader
2. Yodsanklai "The Hero" (Thailand)
3. Soren Mongkontong (Australia)
4. Jose "Pitu" Sans (Spain)
5. Dzabhar Askerov (Russia)
6. James Martinez (United States of America)
7. Kim Khan Zaki "Zig Zach" (Singapore)
8. Trevor "TNT" Smandych (Canada)