Roman Concepcion Wins Muay Thai Junior Flyweight Title
The 13-year-old fighter secured a split decision victory over Jesse Hice at the Teeps for Tatas 2 event in Arizona.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Roman Concepcion claimed the Muay Thai junior flyweight championship after a five-round bout against 15-year-old Jesse Hice at the Twin Arrows Casino. The win marked a successful night for the Concepcion family, though Jesse Concepcion fell to Santi Nieva in his own championship match.
Why it matters
The event highlights the rising profile of youth Muay Thai competition in Arizona, showcasing young athletes performing at championship levels. The results establish new titleholders while setting the stage for future regional and international professional development.
Roman Concepcion, aged 13, defeated 15-year-old Jesse Hice across five rounds to secure the title. The match was determined by a split decision after both fighters demonstrated varied pacing and striking combinations.
The players
Roman Concepcion
He is a 13-year-old athlete who recently became the Muay Thai junior flyweight champion.
Jesse Hice
He is a 15-year-old fighter who competed against Roman Concepcion for the junior flyweight title.
Jesse Concepcion
He is a 15-year-old athlete who unsuccessfully challenged for the junior lightweight championship.
Santi Nieva
He is a combat sports athlete who defeated Jesse Concepcion for the junior lightweight championship.
The details
Roman Concepcion utilized the first round to analyze his opponent's range before accelerating his offensive output for the remainder of the fight. In the parallel bout, 15-year-old Jesse Concepcion applied early pressure against Santi Nieva before fading in the fourth round.
Timeline
The Muay Thai championship fights occurred on October 10, 2026.
The fighters return to action at the U.S. Open in November 2026.
The brothers plan to compete internationally in Thailand in 2027.
Season Trajectory
These championship bouts significantly impact the regional rankings for the upcoming U.S. Open tournament in Arizona. Success here positions the fighters for higher-seeded matchups as they navigate a competitive youth circuit leading toward international competition.
The split decision victory earns Roman Concepcion the junior flyweight belt and momentum heading into the U.S. Open. Conversely, the loss for Jesse Concepcion alters his standing in the junior lightweight division ahead of next month's tournament.
The takeaway
The event underscores the intense preparation required for youth combat athletes as they transition into competitive circuits. Fans and observers can anticipate increased technical development as these fighters prepare for the upcoming U.S. Open tournament.
What happens next
Roman Concepcion and Jesse Concepcion are scheduled to compete at the U.S. Open in Arizona during November 2026.
Further reading
For more on local fighting developments, see Arizona Mixed Martial Arts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Marianas Variety News & Views.
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