In Episode 234 of the Pu’u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down in person in the Black Room at Teep Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona with Mike Martinez, founder of Monster Promotions and longtime coach, matchmaker, and event promoter.

Mike returns to the podcast (previously featured on Episode 164) to break down what it actually takes to build Muay Thai events in the United States — from matchmaking and fighter development to the real economics behind running a show.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  How Monster Promotions started and why it was built 
•  The reality of running Muay Thai events in the U.S. (costs, logistics, and risk) 
•  What makes good matchmaking — and why “easy fights” don’t grow fighters 
•  Building fight cards, tournaments, and title bouts 
•  The challenges of promoting in smaller markets like Flagstaff, Arizona 
•  Elevation, travel, and preparation for fighters competing at altitude 
•  How fighters and gyms can better support promotions and grow the sport 
•  The importance of relationships, collaboration, and long-term vision in Muay Thai 

Mike also shares insight into upcoming events like Cinco de Monster, expansion plans into Las Vegas and Phoenix, and how promotions are evolving with media, livestreaming, and modern marketing.

This episode is a must-listen for fighters, coaches, gym owners, and anyone interested in the business and growth of Muay Thai in the United States.

Learn more about Monster Promotions: https://www.monsterpromotions.org/

Support the show

Leave a message or text us 24/7/365!
+1-805-456-3316

💬 What Do You Think? Join the Discussion!
📩 DM us on Instagram: @muaythaipodcast
💥 Join the Black Room VIP Community to talk more about this topic!

📺 WATCH & LISTEN NOW: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More!

👊 Train hard, stay sharp, and keep the Muay Thai spirit alive. See you next time!