SINGAPORE : The finale of the highly-anticipated "The Contender Asia" series was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday evening.

The 6,000-strong crowd were first treated to under-card matches which saw fighters from the World Muay Thai Council. The live event will determine the ultimate fight champion, who will win US$250,000 worth of prizes.

In the running for the trophy are Australia's John Wayne Parr, Thailand's Yodsaenklai and UAE's Dzhabar Askerov. The winner will be announced in the finale programme later this month.

The 15-part reality TV series, produced by Mark Burnett, follows 16 professional Muay Thai fighters from 12 countries.

Filming was done entirely in Singapore at various locations like Haw Par Villa, Sentosa and Chinatown.

Contestants are currently being recruited for a second season. - CNA /ls