Leading figures from the world of Muay Thai boxing are set to descend on Abu Dhabi for the inaugural Yas Island Muay Thai Championships.

Tickets are on sale now for the six-fight event on November 23, with fighters coming from all over the world to take part.

Two British fighters will lead the double-headed event. Jake Purdy will take on Youssef Boughanem of Morocco, while Jack Kennedy will fight Thailand’s Somchai Lueamlam.

The four undercard bouts will see Walter Goncalves take on Pedro Ruiz, Jussi Santalahti fight Fernando Groenhart, Salinkhan Ibragimov against Jose Manuel Hita Rodriguez and Illyass Chakir against Nicolas Mendes.

Yas Island’s du Forum will host the event, which comes after an increase in popularity for Muay Thai in the UAE in recent years. Yas Island hosted its first Muay Thai event in 2014.

The martial art originated in Thailand and is often called the ‘art of eight limbs’ as fists, elbows, knees and shins can all be used.

Like boxing it is arranged by weight classes and fights consist of five rounds. Judges award points for both offensive and defensive moves.

The event is organised by Flash Entertainment, an events company based in Abu Dhabi, which manages the du Forum.

CEO John Lickrish explained: “We’re delighted to be supporting up-and-coming sports that directly reflect our company’s commitment to provide the region with diverse entertainment programmes.”

Tickets are on sale now via ticketmaster.ae or through calling 800 86 823, with prices starting at AED 50.