In the evening training hall, the air is thick with sweat and the smell of rubber mats. Eighteen-year-old Gorom Chanreach, a rising star in Cambodian mixed martial arts, is always on the move. From the moment he wakes up, it’s all about wrestling and grappling. He’s gearing up to represent Cambodia at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, happening from mid-September to early October 2026. This time, mixed martial arts is an official event, and over 40 countries and regions will be competing for medals.
When asked about his training focus, Gorom doesn’t hold back. He’s noticed that while Cambodian fighters are strong in stand-up techniques, they often struggle on the ground. To avoid falling behind, he’s been drilling ground techniques every day and pushing himself hard in strength training. With the streets filled with the smell of motorcycle exhaust, the training in the gym is serious business—there’s no room for mistakes.
Local media report that Cambodia will send athletes to compete in 14 different sports at the Asian Games. For mixed martial arts, only two athletes—a man and a woman—along with one coach, will represent the country. The competition is set for September 20 to 22, 2026, and before then, these young fighters will be sweating it out on the mats.
