Seventeen fights, six championship belts, and an evening of recognition and celebration marked YESANI Sports Club’s fourth international competition.
GLENDALE, California — September 26, 2026 — Championship competition shared the spotlight with community recognition as YESANI Sports Club presented its fourth international Muay Thai and kickboxing event at the Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale. Bringing together fighters, coaches, supporters, performers, and community representatives, YESANI 4 delivered an evening that celebrated both athletic achievement and the people who make it possible.
With 17 fights and six championship belts, the event offered an exciting program of competition while making room for remembrance, gratitude, and celebration. From the ceremonial opening to the championship presentations, the evening reflected a central principle: a strong sporting community is built through the commitment of many people, inside and outside the ring.
Among the night’s standout moments was a winning fighter’s presentation with two championship belts—one from IKF and one from YESANI Sports Club. The double-belt honor provided a memorable highlight in an evening filled with competitive energy and proud achievements.
A Powerful Opening and a Meaningful Tribute
The ceremony began at 5:00 p.m., with the Drummers of Compton bringing energy and a sense of occasion to the flag procession around the ring. The presentation of the flag and the performance of the national anthem established a dignified opening before the competition began.
Host Joshua Shibata also led a heartfelt commemoration in loving memory of Saekson Janjira, honoring a respected teacher and an influential figure in the development of Muay Thai in the United States. The tribute brought an important moment of reflection to the evening, remembering a life dedicated to the sport and its students.
Davit Mnatsakanyan, Executive Vice President of YESANI Sports Club, delivered the welcome and led the certificate-recognition portion of the program, which included 17 nominees. His role connected the opening ceremony with the evening’s broader celebration of service, partnership, and community involvement.
Together, these opening moments gave YESANI 4 a character beyond that of a traditional fight card: an occasion to compete, but also to remember, recognize, and appreciate.
YESANI Leadership Receives State, City, and County Recognition
A significant highlight of the evening was the recognition of YESANI Sports Club’s leadership through certificates from the California State Senate, the Burbank City Council, and the County of Los Angeles.
The recipients were Joe Yesayan, Founder and Chairman; Davit Mnatsakanyan, Executive Vice President; Kamel Krifa, Vice President; and Board Directors Asadour Moskovian and Vardan Kesabyan.
The presentations marked a proud moment for the organization and the leadership team behind its continuing development. Alongside the evening’s athletic achievements, these honors recognized the people working to create opportunities for fighters and bring the wider community together through sport.
For YESANI, the significance of the moment extended beyond the certificates themselves. It was an opportunity to acknowledge the planning, responsibility, and sustained effort required to bring an event of this scope to life.
Honoring the Schools, Partners, and Supporters Behind the Competition
YESANI 4 also placed a strong emphasis on gratitude, presenting its distinctive bear awards to individuals and organizations whose support has helped advance the club’s events.
A Big Bear Award was presented to Toni Fossum, IFS/IKF President and CEO, recognizing her leadership and the importance of the relationship between YESANI and IFS/IKF. International Fight
Special recognition was also given to two martial arts schools that have supported YESANI from the beginning. Anthony Lo Bianco of Garden Grove Muay Thai and Steve Marchione of The Arena received Big Bear Awards in appreciation of their continued commitment. The Arena’s official coaching roster identifies Marchione as one of its Muay Thai coaches.
Their recognition highlighted the essential role of coaches and schools in building a successful competition. Before any fighter enters the ring, there are training sessions, preparation, encouragement, and people who believe in that athlete’s potential.
YESANI also extended appreciation to Steven Fleming of ARES Boxing, acknowledging his place among the evening’s sporting-community supporters.
The sponsor presentations recognized the businesses and individuals whose contributions helped make the event possible. Golden Bear Awards were presented to Davit Jangiryan, representing an air-conditioning business; David Nalbandyan, a real estate professional; Martik of Kozanyan Meat & Liquor; and Armen, associated with the “Master Joel” coffee sponsorship.
These presentations made gratitude a visible part of the program, honoring the support behind the scenes as well as the achievements inside the ring.
Government and community service were also acknowledged. Brendan Hidalgo, Assistant Field Deputy for the East San Gabriel Valley in the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, was among those recognized. He received a Golden Bear Award and a certificate of appreciation from YESANI Sports Club.
Music and Performance Add to the Celebration
Live entertainment brought another dimension to YESANI 4, complementing the intensity of the fights with music and performance.
The program featured Mark Journey, Enfinal, Heaven Ava, Le Gianna, and Christine Marie, each recognized with a Singer Bear Award for contributing to the evening’s entertainment.
The Drummers of Compton and the national anthem performer were also honored, recognizing their important roles in shaping the event’s opening and atmosphere.
By bringing athletic competition, ceremonial presentations, and live performances into one program, YESANI created an occasion in which fighters, artists, sponsors, and community supporters each had a meaningful place.
A Shared Achievement Inside and Outside the Ring
YESANI 4 concluded as a celebration of more than championship belts. It brought together the dedication of athletes, the guidance of coaches, the generosity of sponsors, the talent of performers, and the work of an organizing team committed to the event’s success.
The 17 fights provided the competitive foundation. The six championship belts gave the evening its defining sporting stakes. The memorial tribute, leadership honors, and appreciation awards added something equally important: recognition that no achievement stands alone.
For Joe Yesayan, Davit Mnatsakanyan, Kamel Krifa, Asadour Moskovian, and Vardan Kasabyan, the fourth international competition marked another meaningful chapter in YESANI Sports Club’s development.
On September 26, YESANI celebrated champions in the ring—and the community standing behind them.
