Silambam skills, Muaythai knockout

BINTULU: From silambam to muaythai, Ayu Az’zetty Allyya Azmi needed just one month of training to make a winning debut, knocking out her opponent in her first-ever muaythai competition.

The 21-year-old, representing Team Legacy Muaythai, defeated Dayang Nur Fazedah in the 42-45kg category at the 10th edition of the Muaythai Premier Sarawak Cup 2026.

Ayu unleashes a front kick against Nur Fazedah.

Ayu, who represented Sarawak in silambam at SUKMA Selangor 2026 recently, said the limited number of tournaments in the sport prompted her to try muaythai.

“I was originally a silambam fighter, but because silambam doesn’t usually have that many tournaments, I wanted to try switching gears towards muaythai.

“This is my first-ever tournament, a major one at that, and my first-ever win and knockout,” she told Sarawak Tribune after her bout at Naim Street Mall Paragon today.

Her father and coach, Azmi Karim, said Ayu showed promise in the ring, particularly in her defence and counterattacks.

“Her defence was there, and she could counterattack, but she still needs experience,” he said.

A knockout debut to remember.

Azmi highlighted the technical artistry shared by silambam and muaythai, while Ayu intends to continue competing in both sports, entering muaythai tournaments when her silambam commitments allow.

Several bouts were held throughout the tournament, which began at 3:00 pm, featuring fighters competing across different categories.