Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA will host a two-day seminar on April 4–5, headlined by UFC light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. and joined by model, author, and Muay Thai practitioner Mia Kang.
The event will take a slightly different format than most seminars hosted at Bangtao. Rather than a standard technical session, the weekend combines an open workout, meet-and-greet, and an interactive seminar built around Rountree’s experience as one of the UFC’s most dangerous strikers.
Khalil Rountree Jr.: A UFC Contender with Deep Roots in Muay Thai
Rountree has become one of the most recognizable strikers in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. A finalist on The Ultimate Fighter and a long-time contender at 205 pounds, he has built a reputation for explosive knockouts and a striking style heavily influenced by Muay Thai.
What sets Rountree apart is his genuine connection to Thailand. During pivotal moments in his career, he spent extended periods training in Thai camps, immersing himself in the culture and refining the Muay Thai foundation that defines his fighting style today. He has returned frequently over the years, building lasting relationships with Thai coaches and fighters and openly expressing his respect for the traditions of the sport.
His striking game, built on patience, timing, and devastating low kicks, is a direct reflection of that investment.
The seminar will centre on three core areas that have defined Rountree’s approach to fighting: counter striking, mental strength, and competing against larger opponents. At 205 pounds, Rountree has spent his entire career navigating a division filled with fighters who carry size and reach advantages. His ability to neutralise those threats through timing, composed counter striking, and an unshakeable mental game has made him one of the most studied strikers on the UFC roster.
For athletes attending, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a fighter who has successfully translated authentic Muay Thai principles into high-level MMA competition and who has done it against some of the best in the world.
Mia Kang: Joining the Weekend with Her Own Compelling Story
Joining Rountree for the event is Mia Kang, who brings a different but powerful perspective to the weekend.
Born in Hong Kong, Kang built a successful international modeling career, most notably winning the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search in 2016. Behind that success, however, she spent years battling body image issues and eating disorders shaped by the pressures of the fashion industry. Her path changed when she discovered Muay Thai while spending time in Thailand. The sport pushed her to rebuild herself around strength, resilience, and confidence rather than appearance. She went on to compete in a professional Muay Thai bout and wrote a memoir, Knockout, chronicling that transformation. Today she uses her platform to advocate for body confidence, women’s empowerment, and healthier relationships with fitness and self-image.
Her presence adds a layer to the weekend that goes beyond technique, a reminder of what martial arts can do for a person far outside the competitive arena.
A Weekend with a Different Atmosphere
Day one opens with an open workout giving attendees a chance to watch Khalil train up close and get a feel for his movement and striking before the weekend officially gets underway. From there the day shifts to something more personal, with Khalil sharing words of wisdom on mindset and mental strength, the psychological side of competing at the highest level, before opening the floor for a Q&A in a relaxed, small-group setting. Attendees will also have the chance to get photos and have merchandise signed, making for a genuine connection with a top-level UFC athlete that goes beyond the usual fan experience.
Day two shifts to the gym floor for the seminar itself, where participants will receive hands-on instruction centred on Rountree’s counter striking system, the mental demands of high-level competition, and practical strategies for facing bigger, heavier opponents. The day wraps up with an informal sit-down on the mats, a relaxed close to the weekend where attendees can ask final questions and grab photos in a setting that feels more like a conversation among fighters than a formal event.
Event Details
Khalil Rountree Jr. & Mia Kang MMA Seminar
April 4–5, 2026 | Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA
Day 1 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Open workout, words of wisdom on mindset & mental strength, Q&A, photos & merch signing
Day 2 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Hands-on technical instruction followed by an informal mat sit-down, Q&A & photos
Price:
Day 1: 2,000 THB
Day 2: 2,000 THB
Both Days: 3,500 THB
BOOK TICKETS HERE
A Rare Opportunity for Fighters and Fans
Bangtao regularly hosts seminars with elite fighters and coaches, but this event stands out for fighters across the board, from those just finding their feet in the sport to active professionals looking to sharpen their game. The technical focus on counter striking and competing against size advantages gives it immediate, practical value, while the combined presence of Rountree and Kang makes for a weekend that is as much about mindset and motivation as it is about technique.
Spots are expected to fill quickly.