Women taking over the Muay Thai arena at Capital Combat Pro Series

Posted on 13 February, 2026

When Tilly Bell’s mum suggested she go down to her local gym to try out a Muay Thai class, she wasn’t expecting it would spark Tilley’s career as professional combat fighter.

It’s not easy for a mum to watch her daughter get kicked and punched by an opponent, but for Tilly, it has been a life-changing, life-affirming and hugely enjoyable turn of events.

Plus, she says, it barely even hurts!

“I was never a gifted or physically talented young woman, and it took a bit of a push from my Mum to go to a class. I’d just stopped playing netball due to a bad knee, and I was quite overweight and unhappy. Mum told me to take my friend to try a Muay Thai class and boy oh boy am I glad she did! We laugh about it now, as Mum couldn’t have imagined that I would dedicate my life to being a fighter just a few years later. It’s something that can be a bit tough for a Mum to watch. From the first few classes I ever did at Choppers Gym in Dickson I was hooked, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the life path it’s encouraged.

“I always get questions from people trying to fathom how I get punched and kicked and it doesn’t ‘hurt’, and I think you just get used to it. Plus the more you train, the better you become at safely blocking punches and kicks. Or if you’re a bit of a competitive weirdo like me, you learn to really love the hits and the ‘pain’. If I cop a really hard kick to my ribs, or a punch straight to the nose it’s almost like a green light going off in your head, you give a cheeky smile and then think ‘let’s go mate, my turn hahaha!’.”

Tilly Bell

Canberrans will be able to see Tilly in action when Capital Combat Club hosts a professional Muay Thai fight show, the Capital Combat Pro Series on Saturday, 28 February 2026 at the Vault on Dairy Road in Fyshwick.

The event will place a strong spotlight on women in combat sports, featuring two high-profile female athlete bouts that represent both the depth of local talent and the growing prominence of women in professional competition. These match-ups highlight not only athletic excellence, but also the dedication, resilience, and discipline of female fighters competing at the highest level, according to board member Lynn Nguyen.

The club, a not-for-profit organisation, works hard to provide professional pathways for local fighters—particularly women—within a traditionally male-dominated sport. The event will shine a light on Tilly as she competes for the inaugural WBC Muay Thai National Title in the Light Heavyweight division. This will be a history-making bout for both Tilly and her opponent, Jasmine Lalor from Brisbane – the first time that WBC Muay Thai has approved a national title for female athletes in that weight category.

The main headliner, however, is  Zoe Putorak who will be defending her WBC Muay Thai World Title in the Super Lightweight division against Sigrid Kapanen from Estonia. A four-time WBC champion, Zoe picked up Muay Thai at age eight and has not looked back. She loves the discipline and technical aspects of the sport and has made a major name for herself on the world circuit.

“I love being able to inspire the next generation of fighters and showing women can fight gnarly like the men!”

Zoe Putorak

The competition has matched a further three female-athlete bouts, putting women at the centre of national competition.

Tilly says Muay Thai is a wonderful pursuit for girls and women to consider, not only to stay fit, but to join a supportive and inclusive community.

“It can seem intimidating stepping into a gym, but there are more women and girls now than ever that are absolutely thriving in their Muay Thai training. You can take it at your own pace and really build your confidence. So many gyms including the one I train at have women’s only classes and the option to do a free trial, it’s the perfect place to start!”

That sentiment is echoed by Zoe, who wants women to give the sport a try.

“Please just jump in and give Muay Thai a go! Take a friend along with you, I promise you’ll have fun learning a new skill and will enjoy the mental and physical benefits that come with it! Always back yourself!”