Meet the Founder: Patrick Rivera

A lifelong martial artist, Patrick Rivera is driven by one goal: to make Muay Thai safer, more accessible, and more impactful for future generations. As the founder of the Muay Thai Development League (MDL) and Chairman of WBC Muay Thai USA, Patrick has dedicated his career to preserving the traditions of the sport while building a platform for ethical growth and development.

The Vision Behind the MDL
The MDL was born from a moment of clarity: witnessing the disparities in youth Muay Thai competition and realizing the need for a structured, safe, and development-focused league. From its humble beginnings as the Youth Development League (YDL) in 2017 to becoming a globally recognized platform today, Patrick’s mission has remained the same—empowering athletes with tools for growth, safety, and longevity.

Why the MDL Matters
In the MDL, every detail matters—from the Aggression Level Algorithm (AGL) that ensures balanced matchups to the detailed Score Reports that help athletes and coaches refine their skills. The MDL is more than a competition; it’s a movement designed to shape the future of Muay Thai and its athletes.

Patrick’s vision extends beyond the ring. By emphasizing community impact and long-term development, the MDL creates pathways for underserved communities to access martial arts and grow into leaders, champions, and professionals.

Be Part of the Journey
Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or a licensee, there's a place for you in the MDL. Join Patrick Rivera and a growing global community committed to shaping Muay Thai into the world's most respected martial art.

• For Athletes: Learn about our AGL System 

• For Licensees: Grow with the MDL as a certified promoter. [Link to Licensing Info]

• For Coaches and Officials: Visit our Event page for more!

Help us build the future of Muay Thai—one match, one athlete, one community at a time.