ORAN MOR is renowned for many things; it's home to A Play, A Pie and A Pint, has a mural painted by acclaimed author and artist Alisdair Gray, and has seen the likes of Amy Winehouse perform, but today an altogether different show is kicking off.

The prestigious arts venue in Glasgow's west end has taken a departure from its comfort zone of jazz collectives and poetry readings to pursue a new direction ... the Muay Thai world championship.

Defending Scottish champion James Doolan will take on current world champion Rung Kharnphan from Thailand in what he has called the biggest fight of his life. Muay Thai is a form of martial art often referred to as "the art of the eight limbs", as the hands, shins, elbows and knees are all used to hit opponents.

Sandy Gourlay, general manager of Òran Mór, said the refurbished church could now be classed as an arts and sports venue.

She said the fight night, which will see more than 11 bouts take place, will offer a "nice change from weddings and the usual corporate functions".

"This is the first time we've ever had anything like this at Òran Mór and I think it's wonderful. These events are well organised, these are professional people who take part, and I think it's a great thing for venues like ours to open up to everyone."

When asked if a fight night would cause a rift with the trendy west-enders who frequent the bar on Byres Road, Gourlay said: "I don't see anything wrong with it. It's something different and the response has been amazing. We sold out very quickly and all week we've been getting more and more people in looking for tickets."

She added: "We are here for everyone and as long as the event is well organised we will put on more events like it."

The "Scotland Taking on the World" fight night has sold out, with 500 tickets purchased at £25 per head.

Guy Ramsay, 39, who runs the Caledonian Muay Thai team in Glasgow's Griphouse gym, and is jointly organising the bout with Sportfight Scotland, said this was an opportunity to "remove the intimidation factor" from the sport.

"We've held fights in bigger venues but maybe not as nice," said Ramsay.

"This is a step up in terms of the quality of venue. It's important for us to get away from the dark ages of fights happening in miners' clubs or small backstreet gyms. This could really elevate the sport in the public's eyes."

Doolan, 29, who will fight for the world title later today, said Muay Thai was a "civilised sport" and well suited to a venue such as Òran Mór.

"It's quite upmarket and I think it's going to be surreal fighting there," he remarked.

When asked how he felt about the impending fight, Doolan said: "I am looking forward to it but I'm apprehensive at the same time. My opponent is a lot more experienced than me. I think I'm a better athlete than him, but he's tricky and a really fantastic fighter."

Doolan went on to say he hoped having the fight at Òran Mór would break down stereotypes surrounding the sport.