Legends Return IV recap, results, review

Legends Return IV Makes History with Dublin's First Outdoor Muay Thai Event

History was made on Sunday, 2 August, as 309 Phuang Malai staged Legends Return IV: The Homecoming at Shelbourne Greyhound Stadium, becoming the first promotion to host an outdoor Muay Thai event in Dublin.

The landmark event delivered a packed 30-fight card featuring competitors from across Ireland and abroad. The show showcased the full spectrum of Muay Thai competition, with Amateur, C Class, B Class, A Class and Pro-Am contests leading into a professional K-1 bout to close the evening.

A Unique Setting

Shelbourne Greyhound Stadium proved to be an outstanding venue for Dublin's first outdoor Muay Thai event. The ring was positioned directly on the sand racing track, while spectators filled the tiered grandstands overlooking the action. The layout gave the event a feel reminiscent of Bangkok's iconic Rajadamnern and Lumpinee stadiums, with fans enjoying an unobstructed view of every contest from elevated seating.

As daylight faded and the evening progressed, the venue took on an entirely different atmosphere. The floodlights illuminated the ring while the first drops of rain began to fall, creating a dramatic backdrop that felt like something from a film. It was one of those moments where the setting elevated the action inside the ropes, giving the event a unique character rarely seen on the Irish Muay Thai scene.

The experience extended beyond ringside. Inside the stadium bar, televisions broadcast the live action from the ring, allowing patrons to keep up with every fight while grabbing food or a drink. It was a thoughtful addition that ensured nobody missed the action, even when away from their seats.

From the event layout to the fan experience, 309 Phuang Malai delivered a professional production that set a new benchmark for outdoor Muay Thai events in Ireland.

Title Fights Deliver

The evening's two A Class title fights lived up to expectations.

In the 57kg A Class title bout, Jay Counsel (309) captured the title in spectacular fashion, stopping Aaron McGahey (Cork Thai) in the opening round with a perfectly timed body shot. Counsel's patience, timing and precision were evident throughout the brief contest, producing a clinical finish that highlighted the effectiveness of high-level Muay Thai.

The second title contest saw Shazard Ponde (Valhalla) stop Harry Barnham (Origins) via first-round TKO. Ponde wasted little time asserting himself, producing an explosive finish against a dangerous opponent. It was another statement performance and further established him as one of the standout A Class competitors in his division.

Performance of the Night

While there were several outstanding displays across the card, Performance of the Night goes to Kyle Cowley of Warriors Gym.

Making his A Class debut, Cowley looked completely at home competing at Ireland's highest level. He fought with composure beyond his years, displaying excellent balance, sharp technique and intelligent shot selection throughout. Never looking rushed or overwhelmed by the occasion, he controlled the tempo of the fight and produced a mature performance that suggested he belongs among the country's top A Class competitors.

Other Standout Performances

Another impressive display came from Alice Mahony of Thurles Martial Arts, who earned a unanimous decision victory over Amy Byrne. Mahony maintained relentless pressure from the opening bell, using crisp boxing combinations and a high work rate over all five rounds to secure a deserved victory.

One of the most entertaining contests of the evening came in the 61kg Amateur division, where Arash Ahmied (Origins) and Rackie Pascua (Nak Thai) fought to a draw. It was an excellent back-and-forth contest, with both athletes enjoying success throughout. Neither fighter was able to separate themselves on the scorecards, and the draw was a fitting conclusion to one of the night's most competitive bouts.

A Historic Night for Irish Muay Thai

Legends Return IV will be remembered not only for the quality of action inside the ring but also for breaking new ground for the sport in Ireland. By successfully staging the country's first outdoor Muay Thai event, 309 Phuang Malai demonstrated what can be achieved with ambitious matchmaking, a unique venue and a professional presentation.

If this event is any indication of what's to come, the future of Irish Muay Thai continues to look incredibly bright.

Amateur

  • 57kg: Saul Glover (Jai Sua) def. Zack Kavanagh (309) via TKO (Round 2).
  • 62kg: Michaela Leonardo (Oranmore MT) def. Rebekah Ward (Nak Thai) via unanimous decision.
  • 51kg: Kristy Fenlon (Valhalla) def. Joanna James (Waterford MT) via unanimous decision.
  • 68kg: Aaron Buckley (BCF) def. Cosmin Caliman (Nak Thai) via unanimous decision.
  • 55kg: Evie Hearne (Waterford MT) def. Kacie Taylor (Thurles MA) via unanimous decision.
  • 55kg: Eoin Byrne (Jai Sua) def. Callum Butler (309) via unanimous decision.
  • 63kg: Gerard Arnold (Langka) def. Aaran Nolan (Origins) via TKO (Round 1).
  • 87kg: Omo Opeloyeru (Art of 8) def. Kev McNamara (Assassins) via TKO (Round 2).
  • 78kg: Sean Rooney (Jai Sua) def. Conor Secery (SDMT) via unanimous decision.
  • 61kg: Arash Ahmied (Origins) and Rackie Pascua (Nak Thai) fought to a draw.
  • 59kg: Jake O'Brien (Art of 8) def. Luis Felipe (Oito) via unanimous decision.
  • 75kg: Alkan Dahl (Jai Sua) def. Eddie Lynch (Oranmore MT) via unanimous decision.
  • 55kg: Kenedy Oliveira (Viera MA) def. Tadhg Flanagan (Assassins) via unanimous decision.
  • 64kg: Andressa Souza (Oito) def. Natalia Staroscinska (Champion) via unanimous decision.

C Class

  • 62kg: Fiachra Donnellan (Assassins) def. Ian Pattison (309) via TKO (Round 2).
  • 68kg: Phil Petrov (BCF) def. Rossi Franzoni (Assassins) via unanimous decision.
  • 65kg: Robbie Jones (309) and Aodhan Douglas (Langka) fought to a draw.
  • 69kg: Keto Doyle (Assassins) def. Leo Mulhall (309) via unanimous decision.

B Class

  • 70kg: Darragh Barry (309) def. Leon Lisboa (Oito) via unanimous decision.

Pro-Am

  • 54kg: Cody Butler (Jai Sua) def. Louis Murphy (Team Torres) via split decision.
  • 46kg: Alice Mahony (Thurles MA) def. Amy Byrne (309) via unanimous decision.
  • 61kg: Thomas Casey (DTB) def. Noel Grimes (Origins) via unanimous decision.
  • 57kg: Niko Vulettic (Jai Sua) and Kevin McGlynn (Cork Thai) fought to a draw.

A Class

  • 66kg: Cormac Robinson (Warriors) def. AJ Owens (Origins) via second-round knock out.
  • 57kg: Jay Counsel (309) def. Aaron McGahey (Cork Thai) via TKO (Round 1).
  • 59kg: Kyle Cowley (Warriors) def. Pedro Menezes (Viera MA) via unanimous decision.
  • 72.5kg: Shazard Ponde (Valhalla) def. Harry Barnham (Origins) via TKO (Round 1).
  • 65kg: Luzia Strobl (Munich Combat Academy) def. Cristina Prieto (309) via unanimous decision.
  • 68kg: Juan Galaz (Alonchai) def. Darragh Smyth (309) via TKO (Round 1).

K-1

  • 74kg: Alex Fagan (SBG) def. Joe Doyle (309) via unanimous decision.