Vitas Karosas, the first-ever UTMA champion, will defend the organization’s 67 kg Muay Thai belt after a year-long hiatus. At the UTMA 18 tournament, in a five-round title bout, Turkish fighter Cengiz Lale – who made his debut in the organization with a knockout – will attempt to seize the championship belt from the Lithuanian.
This bout is one of many high-stakes matches scheduled for April 18 at the Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas. Notably, the main event of UTMA 18 will feature Sergejus Maslobojevas facing off against Ignas Pauliukevičius in the 95 kg weight category.
Tickets are selling fast and are available at kakava.lt, while the live Pay-Per-View (PPV) broadcast can be purchased at UTMA.lt.
Karosas made history in 2024 by becoming the first-ever UTMA champion after defeating Arnestas Naujokas at UTMA 8. He is also one of only two fighters in the organization to have successfully defended a title. Karosas achieved this at UTMA 11, where he defeated Naujokas in a rematch – this time competing with MMA gloves.
The upcoming title fight in April will follow the same format: 67 kg weight class, Muay Thai rules, and small MMA gloves.
“A year has passed, and defending the title annually is standard practice. There aren’t many Muay Thai fighters left who are brave enough to compete with MMA gloves, which is why title fights are rare. You treat every fight as a matter of honor and glory. The feeling isn’t different this time, but there is an added weight of responsibility – no one forces it on you, but you take it upon yourself to ensure the belt stays with you,” Karosas stated.
Meanwhile, Cengiz Lale made his UTMA debut earlier this year with a dominant performance at UTMA 17, where he knocked out Deividas Danyla in the second round of a Muay Thai bout with MMA gloves.
“Fighting for the UTMA title is a massive opportunity and a huge responsibility. I have worked my entire life for moments like this. Titles aren’t given; they are earned – and I am ready to earn mine in the ring,” said Lale.
Karosas closely observed the action at UTMA 17 from the stands and had a chance to evaluate his future opponent.
“I liked his decision-making during the fight, especially that elbow when Danyla took a step back. He is smart and patient, but I see many holes – things I can exploit in his stance and movement,” the UTMA Muay Thai champion noted.
The tension between the two escalated at the arena after Lale exchanged heated words with fans who had traveled from Israel. Karosas was quick to respond even then.
“We’ve exchanged words both directly and indirectly. In a way, this fight has become ‘personal.’ I’m actually glad about it – most of my opponents have been respectful and kind, so it’s fun to have a ‘villain’ who flips the bird and threatens you,” Karosas remarked.
Following the tournament, Lale took to Instagram to challenge Karosas, and the fight eventually became a reality.
“I believe fighters should face the best. To improve, you must challenge the champions. My call out was simple – I wanted the biggest fight possible. It’s not about disrespect; it’s about ambition. I don’t talk for attention; I talk because I want the fights to happen,” the Turkish fighter explained.
Karosas added that the interaction didn’t stop there: “He still messages me privately. It was strange because when we met at the hotel, he was very friendly and quiet. However, as soon as he found out I support Ahavat Gordon, his attitude changed. Not immediately at the hotel, but on social media. Everything changed radically and quickly.”
Despite the friction, Lale acknowledged Karosas’s prowess as a fighter.
“I’ve watched his fights. He is a tough fighter who always moves forward. I respect anyone who steps into the ring, but respect doesn’t change the outcome. On fight night, it will all come down to skill, heart, and preparation,” Lale stated.
The combination of MMA gloves and two fighters with knockout power promises an unpredictable and explosive encounter. Here is how the fighters view their strengths ahead of April 18:
“I believe my versatility will be the deciding factor. He is a pure kickboxer, whereas I am more well-rounded. His body will definitely suffer in this fight,” Karosas predicted.
“My greatest strengths are my experience, striking precision, and mindset. I stay calm under pressure and I know how to finish fights. I see many paths to victory, and on fight night, I will take whichever one he leaves open,” the challenger Lale concluded.
