Elijah Rodrigues: WBC MuayThai British Cruiserweight Champion

Elijah Estanislao celebrates his WBC MuayThai British Cruiserweight Championship victory with his coach.

At Diesel AK Woolwich, Elijah Rodrigues is the head coach who helps our members build their skills, confidence and discipline on the mats. Competing as Elijah Estanislao—spelled Elijah Estanisioa in the WBC MuayThai championship announcement—he brings the same calm, focused approach into the ring at the highest level of British MuayThai.

From the amateur ranks to A-Class competition

Before establishing himself as a British championship contender, Elijah spent several years climbing the UK MuayThai rankings, progressing from amateur status into A-Class professional bouts. His route through the country’s leading promotions tells the story of a fighter shaped by experience, hard rounds and steadily rising levels of competition.

In August 2021, Elijah met Wilson Diogo in a C-Class, -85kg MuayThai rules bout on Road to MTGP. He used his clinch effectively and, after surviving a first-round count, rallied with a big right hook that scored well. Diogo took a close unanimous decision, but the contest was an early example of Elijah’s composure and refusal to fade under pressure.

By November 2022, Elijah was competing on the MTGP x Road to ONE bill at Indigo at The O2, taking on Fabio Loi in an A-Class, three-round encounter. In June 2023, he added another major stage to his record when he faced Lewis Harwood on the Roar Fighting Championship main card.

November 2023 brought one of the defining action fights of his development. Representing Diesel Gym London at Hitman Fight League vs. CFS 18, Elijah faced Loz Smithen in a contest remembered as an absolute bloodbath. It reinforced his reputation as a remarkably durable, relentlessly aggressive action fighter.

A champion’s surge

The heavy-hitting developmental years paved the way for a standout run from 2024 onwards. In July 2024, Elijah captured the ISKA British Title with a fourth-round face-kick TKO over Mike Collyer. In May 2026, he delivered a devastating one-shot knockout at Hitman Fight League, setting the tone for the next step in his career.

On 5 July 2026, Elijah was recognised as the new WBC MuayThai British Cruiserweight Champion. The title was won at a CFS Promotions event in Sevenoaks, Kent, where he faced the experienced Brian Houston. Across the scheduled rounds, Elijah controlled the contest with sharp technique, composure and effective ring craft, earning a unanimous decision from all three judges.

That victory secured the green-and-gold WBC MuayThai belt and marked a major moment in Elijah’s competitive career. It is a title earned through the unglamorous work that matters most: showing up consistently, refining the details and staying composed when the pressure rises.

For Diesel AK Woolwich members, that experience is felt in every session Elijah leads. His coaching is grounded in the same standards that carried him to a British championship: purposeful training, respect for the art and a belief that progress comes from disciplined work over time.

We are proud to have a WBC MuayThai British Cruiserweight Champion leading the team at Diesel AK Woolwich, and proud to celebrate Elijah’s achievement with the whole club.

Title highlights

• ISKA British Title — won July 2024, fourth-round face-kick TKO over Mike Collyer.
• WBC MuayThai British Cruiserweight Championship — won July 2026 by unanimous decision over Brian Houston, CFS Promotions, Sevenoaks, Kent.