'Contender' set to get new kicks
Burnett launching spinoff in Thailand
By BOBBIE WHITEMAN

Mark Burnett is kicking "The Contender" franchise into a whole new sport.

He's launching skein's first international spinoff, featuring the kickboxing discipline of Muay Thai in Thailand, in partnership with Imagine OmniMedia.

"The Contender Muay Thai" will begin production later this year.

Sixteen fighters will compete for the ultimate prize of becoming "The Contender."

The series will air on Channel 5 in Thailand; discussions also are ongoing with networks in Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Executive producers are Burnett and Riaz Mehta. Skein will be directed by ex-world champion Muay Thai boxer David Ismalone.

"Our format will fit perfectly with the international phenomenon of Muay Thai, and we have plans to bring the series to several other countries to orchestrate a true worldwide competition," Burnett says.
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Friends of Antarai add:

The rumored fighters are:

Yodsanklai Fairtex
Samkor Kietmonthep
Jomhod Kiatadisak
Naruepol Fairtex
Kaoklai Kaennorsing
Sagatpetch Ingramgym

Some of the names they are throwing around are a bit insane. I think the list is pretty suspect though. I..m fairly confident that the Fairtex folks would be up all on this. However I don..t see them pitting their own fighters against each other.. maybe different weight classes?