There are a number of disciplines that have helped build what is known today as Mixed Martial Arts. You have western boxing, Greco roman and freestyle wresting, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Karate, etc. Arguably one of the fastest growing of all of these is the art of Muay Thai. A form of kick boxing originated in Thailand that incorporates the use of clinches, knees, and elbows. It’s a brutal yet beautiful sport to watch, and you shouldn’t be sleeping on it!

Meet Jay Matias. A 22 year old fighting out of Aziz Nabih’s Sitan Gym located in Astoria, Queens. (Queens get the money!). Training at the age of 15, Matias knew he wanted nothing more than to learn and master ‘the art of the 8 limbs’. Quickly after moving to New York from Florida, Jay was put in touch with Aziz through Omar Chebali who originally trained Jay back home.

Matias has won a number of awards that include WKA 2011 North American Lightweight Amateur Champion, WKA Eastern Regional Lightweight Amateur Champion, WKA 2007 132ibs North American Lightweight Champion, as well as Take On Productions 2011 “Fight of the Year” against Jake Mainini. http://youtu.be/AyBK_DQCanM. On top of all of that, the hard working 22 year old has been ranked #2 in the U.S. under WBC.

In a sign of greatness and perfect timing, Jay Matias will be fighting on June 2^nd, the same weekend as our other Mishka affiliated fighters, Zachary Ochoa and Diego Lopez. Richmond, VA will be hosting the first ever WKA Full Rules Pro Title fight and Jay is looking to avenge a loss he was given back in 2007 against Ognjen Topic, a fight Topic won by split decision. Jay Matias is Engineered To Destroy and we’re 100% behind him, and you oughta be too.

- Ilyas