Sanjiv Huligalle
This partnership reflects a broader trend in Colombo, the growing demand for large-scale sporting events and the rising popularity of sports tourism in Sri Lanka. Combat sports, especially K-1 kickboxing, are finding a new audience in the country, with fans drawn to the fast-paced action, skilful technique, and adrenaline-fueled atmosphere
What sets this event apart is the launch of a brand-new category: the KFL Extreme Championship. This new division is dedicated to spotlighting emerging Sri Lankan fighters, offering them the chance to perform on the same stage as seasoned international athletes.
Cinnamon Life, South Asia’s largest integrated entertainment destination, is set to host one of the region’s most highly anticipated combat sports events, Karma Fight League’s fifth K-1 fight night, known as KFL 005. Scheduled for July 25, the event will take place at the Lumina Ballroom, a premium venue within the Cinnamon Life complex in Colombo. Promising a night of intense action, athleticism, and regional pride, KFL 005 will feature top fighters from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Australia, showcasing talent across both male and female divisions.
What sets this event apart is the launch of a brand-new category: the KFL Extreme Championship. This new division is dedicated to spotlighting emerging Sri Lankan fighters, offering them the chance to perform on the same stage as seasoned international athletes. It is a significant move by Karma Fight League to invest in local talent and elevate Sri Lanka’s combat sports scene. For young fighters, this opportunity could be the first step toward a professional career in kickboxing and a future in international sport.
Cinnamon Life is not just providing the venue, it is the official hospitality partner of KFL 005, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration between Cinnamon Life and Karma Fight League. The event aligns closely with Cinnamon Life’s ambition to become a leading platform for major events in the region, combining luxury hospitality with world-class entertainment experiences.
Sanjiv Hulugalle, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership. He said, “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking event. Just as KFL is set to redefine the landscape of combat sports in Sri Lanka with a bold and innovative vision, Cinnamon Life has reimagined the hospitality experience, setting a new benchmark across the country. We take pride in showcasing the essence of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality, and this collaboration is the perfect reflection of that spirit. It promises to be an unforgettable, high-energy experience and we are very excited.”
This partnership reflects a broader trend in Colombo, the growing demand for large-scale sporting events and the rising popularity of sports tourism in Sri Lanka. Combat sports, especially K-1 kickboxing, are finding a new audience in the country, with fans drawn to the fast-paced action, skilful technique, and adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. The inclusion of both male and female fighters also signals an important shift towards greater inclusivity in the sport, supporting the global growth of women’s participation in combat sports.
The fight card for KFL 005 is expected to offer an exciting range of matchups. While full details are yet to be released, fans can expect a night of explosive clashes between experienced professionals and ambitious newcomers. With representatives from four countries, the event will provide a unique blend of fighting styles and national pride, making for an electric atmosphere in the Lumina Ballroom.
A standout feature of the evening will be the debut of the KFL Extreme Championship. This division aims to spotlight some of the most promising young fighters from Sri Lanka. These up-and-coming athletes will compete in front of a packed crowd, offering them exposure, experience, and a chance to prove themselves on a major platform.
The move is a clear demonstration of Karma Fight League’s commitment to building the future of the sport in Sri Lanka and creating a strong domestic foundation for its international ambitions.
Tickets for the event are already available online, and early sales indicate strong demand from local and international audiences alike. The combination of high-level competition, emerging local talent, and a luxurious setting makes KFL 005 a unique draw for fans of combat sports, as well as those looking for a memorable evening of entertainment.
More than just a fight night, KFL 005 represents a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s sports landscape. Hosting such a significant regional event demonstrates that the country has the infrastructure, professionalism, and enthusiasm to compete with other Asian nations in staging high-calibre sporting events. It also sends a powerful message to event promoters, investors, and global sporting organisations that Sri Lanka is open for business.
A successful KFL 005 could set the stage for future events, not only in kickboxing but across a wide range of disciplines including tennis, basketball, and even live music festivals. It’s a moment that could inspire more collaborations, attract global audiences, and place Colombo firmly on the map as a destination for world-class entertainment.
For Karma Fight League, the event could be a game-changer. A well-executed night with strong attendance, international interest, and positive feedback would support its plans for expansion. The organisation has already hinted at ambitions to take its events to other countries in the region and perhaps even further afield. Success at KFL 005 would bolster its credibility and fanbase, opening doors for more international partnerships and large-scale productions.
The KFL Extreme Championship, in particular, has the potential to shape the future of the sport in Sri Lanka. By giving young fighters access to elite-level competition and global visibility, the division acts as a powerful development tool. It will likely encourage more youth participation in martial arts, improve training standards, and create new career pathways for talented individuals who may not have had access to such platforms before.
In the end, KFL 005 is about more than just combat. It’s about ambition, partnership, and creating moments that matter; for athletes, fans, and the city itself. With all the elements in place for an unforgettable evening, Colombo is ready to shine. All eyes are now on July 25. Let the countdown begin.
