Young Surf Coast fighter strikes gold on world stage

A Surf Coast Muay Thai fighter has won his first gold medal – and he is only 12 years old.

Marley Williams has returned from the Amazing Muay Thai World Festival in Bangkok as a world champion after defeating American Cullen Steckler in the final.

Despite his dominant performance in Thailand, it has taken years for Marley to establish himself in the sport.

He said early losses affected his confidence, but dedication to training and a love of Muay Thai kept him returning to the ring.

“I’m way better now because I’ve done it so many times,” Marley said.

“I feel more confident now I am used to being in the ring.”

 

Marley defeated two American opponents to claim gold, both two years older than him.

Training for nine years, he is accustomed to being one of the youngest and smallest athletes in the gym.

“I like sparring and training with people my size at training,” Marley said.

“You’re not always going to verse someone the same size. There will always be people bigger or smaller, so it’s good to do both.”

Trained by his father and Bones MMA owner Matt Williams, Marley said sharing the sport with his parents makes the journey special.

His mother won gold in the same competition in 2025, giving the pair a shared achievement.

Marley said the local Muay Thai community has been a major source of support.

“I like the culture and the atmosphere; everyone in this sport is friendly,” Marley said.

“You wouldn’t want to go to a gym where people aren’t friendly and supportive.”

Marley said Muay Thai has continued to grow in popularity across Australia, with more competitors joining his age group.

Travelling around the country for competitions, he said safety and confidence are essential to success.

“If you’re stiff and you’re not confident, you’re not really thinking about what you are doing, you’re thinking about being scared,” Marley said.

“That’s when things go bad.”

With a long career ahead, Marley hopes his first world title is just the beginning.