THE CNMI continues to make waves in the sport of Muay Thai, with brothers Jesse and Roman Concepcion selected to compete in the Pan-American Championships, to be held in Monterrey, Mexico, from Feb. 13-16.
The World Boxing Council Muay Thai have given Jesse and Roman a remarkable opportunity to represent Team USA, aim for the gold and earn international points that will go toward their rankings when competing in state, regional, and national titles.
Roman, 11, and his 8-year-old brother Rai began their Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey three years ago, while 13-year-old Jesse joined a year ago.
According to their mother Ciana Concepcion, the boys have been immersed in competitive training over the past 10 months. She said they train rigorously from Monday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., as the only youth participants in adult-level programs.
In 2024, Roman and Jesse showcased their skills at the TBA Classics in Iowa, where Roman earned a bronze medal. Roman and Rai captivated audiences during an exhibition match at Downtown Bellevue Park in Washington, which drew hundreds of spectators. In addition, Jesse and Roman represented their sport in a demonstration at their middle school, a collaborative event with the Bellevue School District and the Bellevue Police Department.
Jesse closed out 2024 on a high note by winning his fight in October against a 15-year-old opponent, solidifying an impressive year of accomplishments.
Biggest names
In California, the Concepcion brothers attended a prestigious seminar to train alongside some of the biggest names in Muay Thai. Their dedication, discipline, and accomplishments have made them standout ambassadors for the sport, both in and out of the ring.
Throughout Jesse’s Muay Thai journey, he had the chance to meet several champions, including Saenchai, Yodsanklai, Duangdawnoi and Buakaw Banchamek. He has also trained with Smoking Joe Nattawaut and recently worked with UFC fighter Zhakwarius Johnson.
“Muay Thai has opened so many doors for me, creating incredible memories and opportunities,” said Jesse. Coming from a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he shared how incredibly proud he is to have this opportunity. “I love sharing where I’m from because most people I meet have never heard of Saipan or know where it is. Every time we compete, we walk out with our CNMI flag. While we’re representing Team USA, we’re also fighting for and representing our island.”
Jesse believes that his strengths are his range, kicks, and cardio, which he intends to use to bring home a medal.
For Roman, “Training alongside my brothers and sharing this journey together has been one of the best parts of Muay Thai for me.”
As for representing not only Team USA, but the CNMI as well, he said, “It means so much to represent both Team USA and my home. Many people don’t know where Saipan is, and every time we fight, it’s an opportunity to share that with them. I love that more people will learn about where I’m from.”
Roman believes that his teeps (push kicks) and tactical skills will earn him another medal.
This is the boys’ first international fight of the year, and they plan to compete in many more throughout 2025. They aspire to reach the pinnacle of the sport by competing in ONE Championship, with Jesse setting his sights on achieving that goal within the next three years.
For those interested in following their journey, you can watch their training and progress on Instagram at @jessejmma, @romanjmma, and @raijmma/.
Roman and Jesse Concepcion
Jesse Concepcion
Roman Concepcion
