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The League X preview: 8-man tournament and 20 000€ jackpot

The League X preview: 8-man tournament and 20 000€ jackpot

On 15 November 2025, The League X takes over Tondiraba Jäähall in Tallinn with an 8-man -80 kg K-1 tournament, a record 20 000€ jackpot and a stacked card of Muay Thai, K-1 and pro boxing superfights that should reshape the Estonian striking landscape.

Event fact box

  • Event: The League X (10th anniversary show)
  • Promotion: The League (Kevin Renno Võitlusspordi Akadeemia)
  • Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
  • Venue: Tondiraba Jäähall, Varraku 14, Tallinn, Estonia
  • Time: Doors 17:30, fights approx. 18:00–23:59 (local, EET)
  • Main attraction: 8-man -80 kg K-1 rules tournament (quarterfinals, semifinals, final in one night)
  • Grand prize: 20 000€ jackpot + The League championship belt (record purse in Estonian combat sports)
  • Other bouts: Pro boxing heavyweight superfight, WBC Baltic Muay Thai title, international Muay Thai and K-1 superfights, reserve fight for the tournament
  • Live audience: Tondiraba arena configuration tailored for a big-arena fight night atmosphere
  • Streaming: Official live broadcast via The League’s own channels (details on theleague.ee closer to the event)

The League X – the biggest night in Estonian striking so far

The League has grown in just a few years from a local kickboxing concept into Estonia’s leading stand-up combat sports series. Its trademarks are a big-arena presentation, carefully curated superfights and the now-traditional 8-man -80 kg tournament. With The League X, the promotion is scaling everything up: the crowd, the international talent pool and especially the money on the line.

For the first time in The League history, a fighter can walk out of Tondiraba with a 20 000€ jackpot plus the series’ own championship belt. That prize pool is being billed as the largest single purse in Estonian combat sports history, underlining the ambition behind this anniversary event. The winner will not just be the first “The League X champion” – he will instantly become one of the most valuable names in the regional K-1 scene.

Around the tournament, the card is loaded with names that Estonian fight fans already know: rising star brothers Ruslan and Roman Mitjajev, Muay Thai technician Sigrid “The Terminator” Kapanen, finisher Dmitry Salamatin and the pro boxing debut of popular heavyweight Uku Jürjendal. The matchmaking leans into styles that produce action: pressure fighters, aggressive counter-strikers and clinch specialists who are used to performing under bright lights.

Visually and structurally, The League X aims to feel like a “mini K-1 World Grand Prix” transplanted into Tallinn: one night, one weight class, tournament storylines, walkouts with big-screen production and a clear narrative from opening bout to the crowning of the champion.

The League X main event: the 8-man -80 kg K-1 tournament

The core of The League X is the 8-man -80 kg K-1 rules tournament. Eight fighters from Estonia and the wider European scene enter the bracket; by the end of the night, only one will have survived three high-intensity fights of up to three three-minute rounds each.

Format and structure

The tournament follows the classic K-1 one-night format:

  • Quarterfinals: Four opening bouts at -80 kg set the tone and test the fighters’ ability to start fast without burning out.
  • Semifinals: Winners are matched based on the pre-drawn bracket, with little recovery time – strategic energy management becomes crucial.
  • Final: The last two fighters compete for the 20 000€ jackpot and The League championship belt.
  • Rounds: All tournament bouts are scheduled for 3 x 3 minutes under K-1 rules.
  • Reserve fight: An 81 kg K-1 reserve bout on the main card ensures that if a winner cannot continue, a fresh but tested alternate can step in.

For the eventual champion, that means up to nine hard rounds in a single evening. Even for conditioned professionals, the cumulative damage, adrenaline crashes and emotional swings between fights are a serious test. The League format rewards athletes who combine finishing power with efficient defense and smart pacing.

Visual idea: a simple tournament bracket graphic that tracks the 8-man progression through quarterfinals, semifinals and the final, updated in real time on social and the arena screens as the night unfolds.

Key tournament contenders to watch

The full 8-man line-up brings together proven League veterans and dangerous new faces. Two storylines stand out before the first bell of The League X.

Ruslan Mitjajev – homegrown phenom chasing the double

Ruslan Mitjajev arrives at The League X as arguably the most hyped homegrown prospect on the card. Still in his late teens, he has already won a previous The League 8-man tournament and captured a WBC International Muay Thai title under The League banner, finishing a seasoned opponent by technical knockout in the championship rounds. His combination of rangy boxing, sharp knees and calm shot selection under pressure has made him one of the promotion’s breakout stars.

Now Ruslan steps back into the one-night tournament format at -80 kg with much bigger stakes: not just prestige, but the 20 000€ jackpot and the status of being the first The League X champion. For an Estonian fighter, winning the tournament at home in Tondiraba would be a career-defining result that could open doors in bigger European promotions.

Technically, Mitjajev excels at:

  • Leading the dance with a long jab and feints, forcing opponents onto his timing.
  • Mixing level changes – body shots and low kicks – to slow down aggressive pressers.
  • Using knees and elbows effectively in Muay Thai, and adapting those instincts into K-1-legal clinch exchanges.

Jordan “The Destroyer” Djoumessi – international power from Cameroon

From the international side of the bracket, Cameroon’s Jordan “The Destroyer” Djoumessi brings serious credentials. At 27 years old, he has already fought for titles on the European King of Kings (KOK) circuit and arrives in Tallinn with a reported professional record around 8 wins and just 1 loss – with a reputation for aggressive, forward-marching kickboxing and fight-ending combinations.

Djoumessi’s style is built for tournaments: he likes to march his opponents to the ropes, rip hooks to the body and head and finish with heavy low kicks or knees. If he can keep fights short in the early rounds, conserving energy while scoring damage, he may be one of the most dangerous men in the semifinals and final.

Styles in the bracket

While not every name has been pushed in mainstream media, the overall mix in the The League X tournament aims for contrast:

  • Pressure fighters who thrive on chaos and high pace.
  • Counter-strikers who sit back and punish entries with straight shots and knees.
  • Clinching specialists who use the limited K-1 clinch window to score quick knees before being separated.
  • Young unknowns who see this as a shortcut to the wider European stage.

For the audience, that means most tournament fights should be decided by clean striking skill and tactical intelligence rather than grinding grappling battles. The 3 x 3 minute format forces urgency; there is limited time to “download” an opponent before judges are already weighing damage, knockdowns and ring control.

Keys to victory in The League X tournament

The 20 000€ jackpot guarantees that everyone in the bracket will show up motivated. But historically in one-night formats, the winners share a few recurring traits:

  • Low damage intake early: Fighters who win clean decisions or quick stoppages in the quarterfinals tend to be fresher in the final. Getting dragged into a three-round war in the opening bout is expensive.
  • Leg kick resilience: With many K-1 stylists in the field, defending and returning low kicks is key. One badly damaged lead leg can ruin a whole night.
  • Bodywork and conditioning: Investing in the body in round one pays off in round three; across three fights, that adds up. The better-conditioned athlete can steal late moments even in close rounds.
  • Emotional control: Winning a quarterfinal or semifinal in front of a loud Tondiraba crowd is a rush. The champion is usually the one who can celebrate briefly, then immediately reset mentally for the next assignment.
  • Corner discipline: Short turnarounds magnify the role of the corner team – efficient cut work, honest feedback and clear, simple tactics for the next opponent matter more than ever.

The League X superfights and title bouts

Surrounding the tournament, The League X offers a deep card of single fights designed to showcase both Estonian and international talent. These bouts carry their own stakes and will likely set the tone between tournament rounds.

Uku Jürjendal vs Kevin Masirika – heavyweight pro boxing debut

One of the main talking points for the broader sports audience is the pro boxing debut of Estonian heavyweight Uku Jürjendal. Known to many from outside boxing, Jürjendal now steps between the ropes under professional rules against Kevin Masirika in a 91+ kg superfight scheduled for 3 x 3 minutes.

At 193 cm, Jürjendal brings clear height and reach advantages and will look to keep the fight at long range behind a stiff jab and straight right. Masirika, slightly shorter but often more experienced in pure boxing exchanges, may attempt to close distance, work the body and turn this into a physical, clinch-heavy affair on the inside.

For The League, this bout is a bridge between the striking and mainstream sports audiences: a local personality trying a new discipline on the biggest possible stage. For Jürjendal, a strong showing could set up a future dedicated boxing campaign; for Masirika, upsetting the debutant in front of a home crowd would be a statement of its own.

Henry Rohtla vs Vakaris Didika – WBC Baltic Muay Thai title at 67 kg

Another centrepiece of the card is the WBC Baltic Muay Thai title fight between Estonia’s Henry Rohtla and Lithuania’s Vakaris Didika at 67 kg, scheduled for 5 x 3 minute rounds. The WBC brand carries weight in Muay Thai, and for both men this is a chance to anchor their name in regional rankings.

Rohtla typically brings a high-volume, elbow-friendly Muay Thai style – heavy on kicks, knees and forward pressure. Didika, younger and rangy, tends to rely on sharp counters and timing. Over five rounds, small adjustments in distance and rhythm will be crucial; whoever can enforce their preferred pace without eating big elbows in the clinch should edge ahead on the scorecards or find a late finish.

A WBC belt on The League X card also underlines how far the series has come: from local shows to hosting internationally recognised title fights.

Roman Mitjajev vs Aleksandre Jikia – K-1 superfight at 84 kg

While Ruslan chases tournament glory, his brother Roman Mitjajev gets his own showcase in a K-1 superfight at 84 kg against Georgia’s Aleksandre Jikia. The matchup pits an explosive, technically polished Estonian striker against a physically strong opponent from a country with a deep combat sports culture.

The Mitjajev brothers recently became the first officially contracted fighters of The League, underscoring how central they are to the promotion’s long-term plans. Roman already owns a strong record with highlight-reel finishes, and a convincing win here could cement him as one of the faces of the series beyond The League X.

Expect Roman to lean on precise combinations, sharp kicks and disciplined defense, while Jikia will likely look to test the Estonian’s chin with heavy hands and mid-range exchanges.

Sigrid Kapanen vs Tereza Stechova – high-level women’s Muay Thai

The League X also features elite women’s striking. Estonian favourite Sigrid “The Terminator” Kapanen meets Tereza Stechova at 63.5 kg in a Muay Thai superfight (3 x 3 minutes). Kapanen has been one of the most compelling stories in recent League events, combining steady technical improvement with a fan-friendly, forward-moving style.

Against Stechova, Kapanen will need to balance aggression with patience. The Czech fighter is known for her toughness and willingness to trade. In three short rounds, early momentum is everything; whoever claims the centre of the ring first and starts scoring clean kicks and knees will put the judges under pressure.

For The League brand, strong women’s bouts like this help broaden the appeal of The League X beyond the traditional male fight-fan demographic.

Dmitry Salamatin vs Fabio Doda – Muay Thai technicians at 63.5 kg

Dmitry Salamatin, a familiar name to Estonian fans, returns at 63.5 kg in a Muay Thai superfight against Italy’s Fabio Doda. Scheduled for 3 x 3 minutes, this matchup is less about raw brawling and more about who can impose their preferred Muay Thai game.

Salamatin has openly discussed putting more emphasis on mental preparation and tactical clarity for The League X, working closely with support staff to ensure he performs at his peak under bright lights. Doda, in turn, brings his own European experience and will not be intimidated by a loud away crowd.

Expect lots of kick-heavy exchanges, clinch battles with knees and short elbows (within rule constraints) and a contest where small defensive lapses can decide the bout.

Ott Remmer vs Francesco Carbotti – K-1 action at 72.5 kg

In K-1 at 72.5 kg, Ott Remmer faces Italy’s Francesco Carbotti. Both are young, both have already built respectable records, and both tend to fight at a pace that matches The League’s production style: forward, high-output kickboxing with lots of combinations.

For Remmer, The League X is a chance to prove he can hang with seasoned international opponents and perhaps earn a future spot in the 8-man tournament. For Carbotti, derailing a hometown favourite can open the door to more bookings in the Baltics.

Reserve fight & new names to watch

The undercard includes:

  • K-1 reserve fight at 81 kg: Mikk Meresmaa vs Kevin Remmelgas, 3 x 3 minutes – the winner is the first in line if a tournament fighter cannot continue.
  • Additional Muay Thai pro bout at 81 kg: two emerging names using The League X stage as a launchpad into the professional ranks.

These fights matter quietly: a strong performance here can be the difference between staying on the undercard and breaking into future main cards or tournaments. For fans in the arena, they are also a chance to spot tomorrow’s headliners early.

What to expect live at Tondiraba during The League X

The League has consistently treated production as part of the product: curated walkout music, lighting, big screens and a pacing that tries to minimise long dead spots between fights. With The League X, those elements will be pushed even further.

Tondiraba Jäähall’s arena bowl allows for:

  • Good sightlines around a central ring, especially in the lower and middle tiers.
  • Sound design that amplifies walkout music, but also lets the sound of kicks and punches carry into the stands.
  • Lighting rigs that emphasise the ring and darken the crowd, giving the night a premium TV-show feel.

Add to that the narrative of a one-night tournament and you get a natural rhythm: early undercard, the first wave of quarterfinals, a spike of excitement, then superfights to reset the atmosphere before the semifinals. By the time the final begins, the crowd has lived with these fighters for hours – they have seen their walkouts, their corner reactions and their visible fatigue. That emotional investment is what makes the moment of crowning the The League X champion so powerful.

Start times and how to watch The League X

For those heading to Tondiraba, the key is to arrive early enough to catch the undercard and the first tournament quarterfinals – that is where you get to know the fighters before the later-round drama.

  • Doors open: 17:30 (EET, Tallinn local time)
  • First fights expected: around 18:00
  • Main card & 8-man tournament: expected to dominate the evening hours up to around midnight

International viewers can usually access The League events via the promotion’s own online streaming platforms or partner sites, linked from the official event page on theleague.ee and from ticketing portals. Pricing, geoblocking and language options are typically announced closer to fight night.

If you are following from abroad, keep in mind:

  • Central Europe (CET) is generally one hour behind Tallinn (EET).
  • UK and Ireland (GMT) are two hours behind Tallinn in November.

That means the main tournament bouts for The League X will likely fall into the early-to-late evening window for most European viewers.

Why The League X matters for Estonian and European striking

At a macro level, The League X is about more than one night of fights. It signals the maturation of Estonia’s stand-up combat sports scene in several ways:

  • Record purse: A 20 000€ jackpot aligns the event’s financial incentives with mid-tier European promotions and makes Estonia a realistic destination for ambitious international fighters.
  • Talent pipeline: By investing in local stars like the Mitjajev brothers, Sigrid Kapanen and others, The League is building a recognisable roster rather than just one-off cards.
  • Partnerships: Cooperation with organisations like the WBC Muay Thai Baltic structure helps align The League X with established global sanctioning frameworks.
  • Audience education: Mixing formats – K-1, full Muay Thai, pro boxing – on one card helps casual fans understand the nuances of different striking arts and keeps the night dynamic.

For fighters, The League X is both a goal and a stepping stone. Win here, and you not only secure financial reward but also highlight footage and credibility when negotiating with promotions abroad. Lose competitively, and you still walk away having shared a big stage with international opposition.

FAQ: The League X

What is The League X?

The League X is the 10th anniversary fight night of The League, a Tallinn-based kickboxing and Muay Thai series. The event centres on an 8-man -80 kg K-1 tournament with a 20 000€ jackpot, supported by a full card of Muay Thai, K-1 and boxing superfights at Tondiraba Jäähall.

When and where does The League X take place?

The League X happens on Saturday, 15 November 2025 at Tondiraba Jäähall in Tallinn, Estonia. Doors are scheduled to open at 17:30 local time (EET), with the first fights expected around 18:00.

What is special about the 8-man tournament at The League X?

The League X 8-man tournament is contested at -80 kg under K-1 rules and takes place in a single night: quarterfinals, semifinals and final. The winner earns a 20 000€ jackpot and The League championship belt – the largest reported single prize in Estonian combat sports to date.

Which fighters should I know before watching The League X?

On the tournament side, keep an eye on Estonian phenom Ruslan Mitjajev and Cameroonian striker Jordan “The Destroyer” Djoumessi. On the superfight card, notable names include Roman Mitjajev, Sigrid Kapanen, Dmitry Salamatin, heavyweight boxer Uku Jürjendal, Henry Rohtla and several international opponents such as Vakaris Didika, Aleksandre Jikia, Fabio Doda and Francesco Carbotti.

How can I watch The League X if I am not in Tallinn?

Ticketing platforms and the official The League website link to the live broadcast options for The League X, typically via the promotion’s own streaming service or partner platforms. Check theleague.ee and local ticketing pages during fight week for up-to-date streaming details, pricing and language options.

Why is The League X considered a milestone event?

The League X combines a record 20 000€ jackpot, a high-profile 8-man tournament, WBC-sanctioned Muay Thai title fights, the signing of the Mitjajev brothers as official League fighters and a large-arena setting at Tondiraba Jäähall. Together, those elements make it a milestone both for The League brand and for Estonian striking sports in general.

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