Rage Kombat: Inferno – The Big Preview
TA’ QALI, Malta – A high-octane collision of combat sports and live entertainment is set to erupt in Malta as Rage Kombat: Inferno blazes into the Greek Amphitheatre at Ta’ Qali on Saturday, July 19. Promising a night of world-class arm-wrestling, kickboxing, grappling, and music, the open-air spectacle is gearing up to be one of the island’s most electrifying events of the year.
Organisers expect a packed crowd and a festival atmosphere as the show kicks off at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening from 7:00 p.m..
A Combat Festival Like No Other
More than just a fight night, Rage Kombat: Inferno is billed as a “Combat sports and music festival”—an adrenaline-charged fusion of elite martial arts, high-energy showmanship, and immersive entertainment.
The fight card spans disciplines including:
- Muay Thai
- K-1 Kickboxing
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
- Arm-wrestling
- Submission-based grappling
Between bouts, fans will be treated to live music from a Canadian rock act, a dance routine from female bodybuilder Deborah Bellomo, DJs, and a stage-hosted program featuring celebrity MC Ali Storm. A fun bar will be operated by Stretta Brewing Co., adding to the summer night’s party vibe.
Malta’s Mercieca Seeks Redemption in Main Event
Headlining the night is a dramatic rematch between Malta’s own Kersten Mercieca and Bulgaria’s Bozhidar Simeonov—a rivalry fueled by unfinished business. Their last arm-wrestling clash ended in heartbreak for Mercieca, who suffered a severe bicep tear that sidelined his career.
Now fully recovered, he’s fighting for both redemption and the vacant Rage Kombat Arm-Wrestling World Title.
“I’m more experienced and ready to give a great rematch,” said Mercieca.
Simeonov, unfazed, issued a warning of his own: “Second chance does not mean I’ll go easy. I’m coming to shake your ground.”
Title Fights Across Disciplines
Also on the arm-wrestling card, Antoine Zammit (Malta) faces off against Toms Rozītis (Latvia) for the Rage Kombat European Title. Zammit aims to rise to the continental stage, while Rozītis—on a winning streak across Europe—is eyeing another belt.
Meanwhile, submission grappling makes its debut at Rage Kombat with the inaugural European Grappling Championship. Held as a single-night, four-man tournament, the contest features high-level competitors from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, MMA, and Kudo, battling it out in a five-minute submissio round. Should no submission occur, then an additional two-minute ‘shoot-out’ round will be added where points will be scored for throws and takedowns. With a prize pool including cash, trophies, and sponsorship perks, this tournament is attracting serious attention across the continent.
Malta’s Bid for Title Glory
On the striking front, fans can expect ISKA-sanctioned K-1 European title fights, alongside a full undercard of Muay Thai and other K1 matches—many featuring Malta’s most promising local talent.
The first K1 title bout of the evening sees local talent Victor Galea take on Spain’s Aitor Garcia in the 50kg category. Both competitors have a string of titles to their name, so expect fireworks with this one – neither fighter is expected to take a step backwards.
The second K1 title bout features to two fierce female competitors – Ahweafa Garenne of Malta against Saray Moreno of Spain. Garenne, like Galea, has been training under respected coach Calvin Caruana Triccas at Malta Fight Co. The gym has a good reputation across the island, and fans will be expecting a great performance from Ahweafa.
More Than Just a Fight
Organisers say the event is about more than belts and knockouts—it’s about putting Malta on the global combat sports map.
“This isn’t just a fight night—it’s a full sensory experience,” said a Rage Kombat spokesperson. “We’re blending serious competition with explosive entertainment. Expect energy, excitement, and the unexpected.”
Get Your Tickets
With limited capacity at the amphitheatre and buzz building rapidly, fans are urged to book early. Tickets are available now at ragekombat.com.
