SANDEE OPEN - 16th May 2026

SANDEE WTKA INTERCONTINENTAL OPEN 2026

May 16th | Barnsley Metrodome

For over 10 years, the Sandee Intercontinental Open has stood as one of the most respected and challenging titles in the sport. Known across the Muay Thai world as one of the hardest championships to win, this elite event is strictly capped at 300 entries—and for good reason.

The Sandee Open has a proven history of creating world-class fighters. Dakota Ditcheva (PFL), Jonathan Haggerty (ONE Championship), Ubaid 'Bad' Hussain (ONE Championship), Rudy Da Silva (ONE Championship), Josh Hill (4 x World Champion), and Joe Ryan (WMO & World ISKA Middleweight Champion) are all historic winners in their respective categories—athletes who went on to dominate on the global stage after proving themselves here.

After running large-scale events in up to five rings, we took the time to listen. Over a two-year consultation period with instructors and teams, the message was clear: five rings was simply too vast to manage effectively.

You spoke. We listened.

The new floor plan features a streamlined three-ring setup, creating a better experience for fighters, coaches, and spectators alike. The updated layout now includes:

• A spacious warm-up area directly adjacent to the rings

• A dedicated fighters’ and instructors’ zone for comfort and preparation

Event Schedule

• Weigh-ins: from 8:00am

• First bouts: 8:30am

• Estimated finish: 5:30pm

We’re proud to return once again to our long-standing home, Barnsley Metrodome, which has hosted this event consistently over the past decade.

This year will see 100 categories contested, with every category winner walking away with the coveted Sandee Championship Belt and medal.

A Gateway to the World Stage 🌍

The Sandee Open is the main qualification event for the WMF Team heading to Bangkok in March 2027—one of the most prestigious and authentic World Championships, hosted in Thailand itself.

It also serves as a qualifier for WMF World Finals in:

• Thailand

• Italy

• Armenia

• The UNIFIEDS in Tuscany

Open Means Open

This is a true open competition—fighters may enter categories regardless of experience. And history proves opportunity is real: around 30% of novice fighters (0–5 fights) take gold at this very event.

Supporting Grassroots Muay Thai

As part of our continued commitment to grassroots Muay Thai:

• Fighters who competed in the Novice Open in Durham (January) will receive a £10 voucher to spend at the SANDEE stall during the May event.

• Plus, expect big savings on supporters’ tickets.

Secure Your Place Now

Entries are open—once the 300-fighter limit is reached, that’s it.

SANDEE INTERCONTINENTAL OPEN 2026
May 16th | Barnsley Metrodome

Championship belts. World qualification. No shortcuts. Alternatively - shop our velcro boxing gloves collection and more on our online store!