Karl Williams is quickly becoming a force to reckon with in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Known for his powerful grappling and ever-improving striking, Williams has his eyes set on dominating the division. As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Jhonata Diniz this Saturday, there’s more to Williams than meets the eye. Relocating to Las Vegas, the heart of MMA, has been a game-changer for Williams, both in his training and personal life. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs during camp, a lot of family stuff going on; it’s a training camp,” Williams shared. Despite the challenges, he’s fully committed to his fifth walk to the Octagon, aiming to prove that he’s a name to be feared in the heavyweight division. Living in Las Vegas with his family has brought a new level of focus to Williams. “Being here with the family changes the dynamic. It helps you stay focused because it’s like, okay, I have to get this win,” he explained. This added motivation is evident as Williams continues to sharpen his skills, training with top heavyweights at Xtreme Couture. Since joining the UFC roster two years ago, Williams has consistently showcased his growth. His last victory at UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas against Justin Tafa was a testament to his evolving skill set. “I held my own. I was able to pull off the win, and I said, ‘Okay, I’m coming into this MMA journey,’” he said. As Williams prepares to face fellow Contender Series alum Jhonata Diniz, he’s confident in his approach. “He’s a striker, but I’ve faced plenty of strikers. I don’t think he hits as hard as Tafa,” Williams stated, ready to blend his previous fight strategies to secure another win. Holding a 10-1 record, Williams is unfazed by the idea of losing, viewing any setback as an opportunity to improve. “Losses happen. When it did, I went back to the drawing board and did more jiu jitsu. So it teaches you, don’t get comfortable,” he reflected. Looking beyond Saturday, Williams is focused on continuous improvement and aims for another fight before the year’s end. But it’s not just about fighting for him. Williams is deeply committed to his charitable work outside the Octagon. “Everybody needs help, so if I just have to cook and we can raise money for it, I do that right now for all my friends and family. Nobody loses when you have a barbecue,” he said, emphasizing his desire to give back. As fight night approaches, Karl Williams is ready to show the world just how much he’s grown. “I’ve been working a lot on my striking. Hopefully, they say, this guy is an athletic heavyweight and a well-rounded guy,” Williams said, eager to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Tybura vs Spivac 2 live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 10, 2024. Prelims start at 4pm ET/1pm PT, with the main card kicking off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

Black Belt Magazine  proudly showcases exceptional martial arts training programs and events from around the world. Find this event in our Directory Section  and list your event free to a worldwide audience. This week we feature "The International Karate Championships" The International Karate Championships 60th Homecoming August 30 and 31st  Pasadena California  The Long Beach International Karate Championships is an international karate and martial arts tournament first launched in Long Beach, California in August 1964 founded by Kenpo Grandmaster Ed Parker.   Mike Stone the first champion of the legendary Internationals circa 1964 Many great tournament fighters made their mark at this tournament, starting in with Mike Stone and years following  including Chuck Norris, Mike Stone, Joe Lewis, Jim Kelly, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Billy Blanks, Jerry Piddington,  Bill  "Superfoot" Wallace, and forms champion Chong Lee. Ed Parker and Chuck Norris with the iconic Internationals trophy The Internationals is also where Bruce Lee was first introduced to the martial arts community. In 1964, Bruce Lee appeared at the inaugural tournament and demonstrated his one-inch punch and two-finger push-ups. Bruce Lee and the "One inch punch" the punch heard around the world. Bruce worked with Robert "Bob" Baker of Stockton, California, who was his student and became the lead villain in Fist of Fury . "I told Bruce not to do this type of demonstration again", he recalled. "When he punched me that last time, I had to stay home from work because the pain in my chest was unbearable.” Since 2004, the International Karate Championships, have been actively produced by Steve Cooper. Cooper's personal motivation stems from his desire to continue the legacy of the first tournament he ever competed in and the excitement it brings. Cooper fondly recalls early events, with Parker's wife Lelani managing registration and other family members assisting, making it a true family operation that supported an international community. "Today, we continue to celebrate Parker's work with the tournament's anniversary. The event has evolved to honor and showcase the next generation of karate talent." said Cooper. Steve Cooper executive producer of The Internationals Karate Championships This year's event will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Long Beach International Karate Championships in the hometown of American Kenpo–Pasadena, California the home of Parkers first dojo. The famous Parker dojo located in Pasadena CA This years event will also include “The Home Coming” Kenpo workshops featuring some of the top Kenpo masters from around the world. The event will also feature a martial Arts Expo with industry booths and celebrities to meet and greet. This year’s guests include Bill Wallace, Dian Tanaka, Abdul Latif, Jeff Speakman, Tadashi Yamashita, and Cynthia Rothrock. More information: www.longbeachikc.com

Are you a judo enthusiast intrigued by the world of wrestling? With the Olympic wrestling tournament fast approaching, now is the perfect time to dive into this electrifying sport. Wrestling offers a refreshing yet familiar experience for judo fans, blending similarities with unique distinctions that make it an exciting addition to your sports repertoire. This guide covers everything you need to know about wrestling, from key differences to top athletes and must-watch events. Let us find out why judo fans love wrestling.. The Fascinating Intersection of Judo and Wrestling Both judo and wrestling emphasize grappling, leverage, balance, and control, making them appear strikingly similar. Athletes like Turkish Paralympian Ibrahim Bolukbas have competed in both disciplines at the Olympic level, showcasing the crossover potential. As a judo fan, you'll appreciate the strategic clinch work and takedowns that define wrestling. Key Differences: Scoring and Strength Wrestling distinguishes itself from judo primarily through its scoring system and rules. Points are awarded for takedowns, near-falls, reversals, and escapes, with a greater emphasis on raw strength. This unique scoring system can make wrestling an exhilarating sport for judo fans, offering a fresh perspective on grappling and competition. Plus, with numerous wrestling betting sites available, you can enhance your viewing experience by placing bets on your favorite athletes. Exploring the Varied World of Wrestling Wrestling isn't a monolithic sport; it boasts several exciting variations: WWE: Known for its theatricality and storytelling, WWE combines athletic prowess with entertainment. Olympic Wrestling: Focused on pure strategy and physicality, this is the wrestling you see at the Olympics, locally known as collegiate or folkstyle wrestling. Lucha Libre: This Mexican-style wrestling is renowned for its vibrant costumes and high-flying aerial moves, adding a spectacular visual element to the sport. Top Wrestling Athletes to Watch The wrestling world features a diverse array of athletes, from WWE superstars to Olympic champions. Here are some standout names: Olympic Champions: David Taylor (Men’s Freestyle 86kg) Gable Steveson (Men’s Freestyle 125kg) Tamyra Mensah-Stock (Women’s Freestyle 68kg) WWE Superstars: Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes, a main event player Becky Lynch, known for her audience engagement and victories

Jonathan Haggerty will get his stiffest challenge to date when he arrives in the United States to defend the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6. The Brit will have to contend with possibly the pound-for-pound best striker today, Superlek Kiatmoo9 — a man who already holds a win over him. The stakes at hand are not lost on anyone, including Haggerty’s brother, Freddie. “It’s massive. Jon knows how big it is. Everyone regards Superlek as the pound-for-pound greatest, so to beat Superlek and get revenge from the first fight would be huge,” Haggerty told ONE. “Personally, I think the first fight was stopped in the most pathetic way. It was the tiniest cut on Jon. You could’ve put a plaster over it, it was so little. But for him to work back to this point, to grow so much, and to have the chance to even the scores, it couldn’t be bigger.” “If he beats Superlek, he’s the pound-for-pound best.”  Since the first time they met, both men have improved tremendously. Haggerty’s move to bantamweight has given him new life, and his power has only increased now that he is not depleting himself. The younger sibling to the bantamweight king feels this match will be significantly different than the first encounter between the two elite strikers. “He was a kid in the first fight. But he’s a man now. He’s bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter than the version of him in 2018,” Haggerty remarked. “He’s been in the deep waters with these Thai guys. Even against Felipe Lobo, he’s been in the deep waters, and he knows he’s got that dog in him. He knows he can dig deep, and if he has to have a dogfight, he knows he can do that.” “He just knows so many little details about himself compared to last time that will go a long way in helping him win.”  The 19-year-old has been taken aback by his brother’s preparation for the title defense. Haggerty has never seen him more focused going into a match and expects the best of “The General” to come out in Denver. “This is the best [Jonathan has] ever looked. This is the most dedicated he has been. He’s never put as much work into a fight the way he is for this one. The way he’s eating too, everything. He’s just got his head down.  “When I got over here for my fight in July, he had already been grafting for weeks. It’s so important, and it’s even bigger with his belt on the line. He obviously doesn’t want to lose that. He’s doing everything possible to keep hold of it.”  Everyone in Haggerty’s camp has been looking at Superlek’s game ahead of ONE 168. The teen star feels he sees a few holes in the Thai star’s game and expects his brother to exploit them on September 6. “Superlek has one style, but he’s great at it. His right side is so dangerous. The right kick and elbow are so lethal. I don’t believe his punches are the greatest, so I think the main worry for Jon is to keep away from the elbows and the kicks.   “I don’t think Jon will be too worried, though. He’s working on a great game plan to stop these kicks and elbows and have counters for everything. I think he’s going to absolutely smash it.”  When it comes to predictions, nothing is surprising about Haggerty’s call. The talented teen is putting full faith behind his brother and expects a dominant showing inside the Ball Arena for ONE 168’s main event. “I believe Jon will stop Superlek. I know it. I reckon Jon will stop him in the fourth round.  “He’ll drag him into some deep waters. Nobody has ever stuck it on Superlek much. The only person I’ve ever seen take it to him was Takeru in that round at ONE 165. Takeru had him hurt. Somehow he stayed standing. I don’t know how, but he did. He took a lot of shots and showed heart.   “But if Takeru can hurt him in boxing gloves, I think Jon can really mess him up in 4-ounce gloves.”  ONE 168: Denver airs live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, September 6. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

The father of modern Arnis, Remy Presas taught thousands of students worldwide and was one of the first to spread the Filipino arts on a global scale. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The debate over which is more important in combat, the speed of the foot or fist or the power of the muscle moving it, is never-ending. Online, one frequently sees comments like, “He might be lightning fast, but his strikes won’t do any damage. You need power, not just speed.” Those writers would have us conclude that a speeding mass has no power, and as anyone who knows science will tell you, that’s not quite right. For example, consider what Ed Parker wrote on Page 92 of The Zen of Kenpo: “Speeding mass contributes to overwhelming power.”  So which is more important for winning in combat, speed or power? We’ll discover the answer together using the opinions of some famous fighters and just a little bit of physics.  Let's find out if speed matters over power.. SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE  Mike Tyson Said So  “Iron” Mike Tyson, former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, said the following on the subject:  “I was never a big heavyweight — when I was in my prime, I never weighed over 217, 219 — but me and my trainer Cus D’Amato, we always put a great deal of emphasis on our speed and combinations. He always told me, ‘Speed kills, speed is what kills.’”  For those who aren’t old enough to have watched Tyson in his prime, know that some of his fights went only 30 to 40 seconds before ending in a knockout. Talk about speed! (I remember paying $60 to watch one of his bouts on pay- per-view in the mid-’90s, and — wouldn’t you know it? — it wound up being one of those 30-second knockouts.)  SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE Bruce Lee Said So  The founder of jeet kune do had this to say on Page 47 of Tao of Jeet Kune Do: Expanded Edition: “A powerful athlete is not a strong athlete, but one who can exert his strength quickly. Since power equals force times speed, if the athlete learns to make faster movements, he increases his power, even though the contractile pulling strength of his muscles remains unchanged.  “Thus, a smaller man who can swing faster may hit as hard or as far as the heavier man who swings slowly.”  Like a lot of you, I grew up watching Lee’s movies, and I don’t know anyone who wasn’t astonished by the speed and power he displayed.  SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE Bill Wallace Said So  For its January 2013 issue, Black Belt asked some of the most respected mar- tial arts masters in the world for their best training and fighting advice. The answer that Bill “Superfoot” Wallace provided was among the best I’ve seen, and it stuck in my brain.  Floyd Burk, author of the piece, wrote: “Don’t think you’ll be able to use strength alone to defeat any opponent, Superfoot says. As evidence, he cites baseball players: ‘They don’t use brute force to hit the ball for distance; they work at developing quickness. You should do the same. Don’t be strong; be quick. Do your technique so fast your opponent can’t see it. If he can’t see it, he can’t react to it. If he can’t react to it, he can’t evade, block or control it. If he can’t do any of that, you win.’”  SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE Sports Say So  Thus far, we’ve looked at various fighters and their opinions, but what do athletes in other sports have to say on the issue? Funny that Superfoot mentioned baseball. Ron Fairly is a former pro baseball player and broadcaster, and what he once said backs up what Wallace stated in the Black Belt article.  “If I had to name a No. 1 asset you could have for any sport, I’d say speed,” Fairly said. “In baseball, all the guy has to do is make contact.”  Read that again. He said, “any sport.” He also said “make contact.” If you don’t think that applies to striking, ask Mike Tyson.  By now, you’re starting to see how speed leads to power in virtu- ally every athletic endeavor. It isn’t always the biggest golfer who hits the ball 300 yards. Baseball pitchers who throw 95-mile-an-hour fastballs aren’t necessarily the muscle- bound guys.  SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE Science Says So  Until now, we’ve looked at statements made by individuals inside and outside the fight sports. But what does physics teach us about the subject?  First, let’s examine the definition provided by Wikipedia: “Physics is the natural science that studies matter and its motion and behavior through space and time and that studies the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.”  Physics can give us insight into many issues related to the martial arts, including this one. During my 40-plus years as a full-time martial arts instructor, I’ve had several physics majors as students. One of them is active in my Boulder, Colorado, school. His name is Dr. Piwonka-Corle.  “In physics, we learn that energy = 1⁄2 x mass x velocity2. That last term is speed squared,” he said. “That means that for two people with the same arm size, if one of them punches twice as fast, that punch will deliver four times the energy. If they can punch four times faster, that is 16 times the energy — a real knockout blow in one strike.”  It looks like science backs up what great fighters have been saying for years.  SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE Sun Tzu Said So  If you don’t trust science, maybe you’ll trust history. Sun Tzu was a Chinese general, military strategist and philosopher who lived during the Eastern Zhou period (770-255 B.C.). His most famous work is The Art of War, a masterpiece of military strategy that has influenced philosophers in the East and the West, as well as countless military leaders.  “What is of greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed,” Sun Tzu wrote. “Quickness is the essence of war.”  SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE of the Freeze Factor  A guy who has fast hands can freeze his opponent in time and space for a split second. The key involves playing mind games with the other person. Punch him a few times here, land a few blows there and do it all with blinding speed — and he won’t know what hit him.  He’ll be confused, which frequently manifests as the inability to do anything for a moment. He’ll start backing away from you while keeping his guard up. That will hinder him even more at a time when he desperately needs to see what’s in front of him and what’s coming at him.  SPEED MATTERS BECAUSE Fast Fighters Land More Punches  The obvious benefit of being faster than the other guy is that you have a better chance of landing more strikes. You still need to be accurate, but by being faster and getting more shots off, you should land more, which increases the likelihood of victory.  If you play your moves right, possibly freezing your opponent as mentioned above, you’ll be in a win-win situation. Your opponent will throw fewer techniques because you’re landing speedy counterattacks on his head and body. With that happening, he’ll be filled with doubt, and doubt kills. Soon after doubt sets in, fear takes over — and that will make him slower still. In combat, fear is even deadlier than doubt.  In the end, the winner is the fighter who’s quick off the draw and able to strike faster than his opponent can react. It’s that simple.  Final Thoughts  Clearly, my answer to the speed-vs.- power question is speed. When you boost your speed, you enjoy all the aforementioned benefits, which are more than enough to dismantle any opponent. Speed beats power any day of the week, provided that speed is coupled with good technique. Speed can enable most martial artists to finish an opponent with just two strikes, and maybe even one if you hit him right. It also makes you hard to catch with a counter. And as I stated at the outset and supported with outside opinions, speed is power.  Please don’t interpret this article as an argument that power is use- less. Far from it. Power can make you rock solid. Power can enhance your endurance by letting you get the job done with fewer repetitions. Power can beat speed if speed isn’t properly developed and if you aren’t accurate. Just never forget that the two are interrelated. You can never have enough speed or power.  If you have the time to develop both and if your body allows it, by all means do so. No fighter is more capable than one who possesses a variety of attributes. However, if you can bolster only one, the better choice — in the opinion of many, myself included — is speed.  Jim Brassard is a 10th-degree black belt with more than 40 years in the arts. He was the recipient of a Sports Award for the Martial Arts, given by President Barack Obama. His website is ShaolinAmericanKempo.com .

Brazilian Bantamweight Reflects on Her Five-Year UFC Journey, Anticipates Clash With Irene Aldana Ahead of Her 2024 Debut This Saturday When Karol Rosa steps into the Octagon to battle Pannie Kianzad on the preliminary card of Saturday’s Fight Night event at the UFC APEX, she will be three weeks shy of the five-year anniversary of her UFC debut. The 29-year-old bantamweight made her first appearance in Shenzhen, China, on the same card as her teammate, then-strawweight champion Jessica Andrade. She earned a split decision win over fellow Brazilian newcomer Lara Procopio. Three more victories followed, establishing Rosa as an emerging name in the 135-pound weight class. However, recent results haven’t been as consistent. “I’ve said since Day One that the goal is to get to a title fight, and I believe that every fight that I’ve had, I improved a little bit,” Rosa said on Wednesday morning, speaking through her translator, Tiago Okamura. “Every fight, every camp, I improve a little and hopefully that is gonna get me to a position where by the time I get my title fight — when that comes — I’m gonna be the best version of myself and with the best chances of taking the belt.” Over her last five outings, Rosa has alternated outcomes, with each contest going to the scorecards, as all of her UFC appearances have thus far. Each battle has come against ranked opponents, including former title challengers Sara McMann, Yana Santos, and Irene Aldana. While those matchups didn’t go her way, Rosa believes they have all contributed to her steady improvement. “I’m improving and you’re always gonna see a better Karol Rosa than you saw last time,” she said, offering a tease of what to expect when she faces off with Kianzad this weekend in Las Vegas. “I think I’ll be able to show that not only am I a complete MMA fighter, but I did tweak quite a bit of my striking as well, so I think you’re going to see a little bit of everything in this fight. Much of that confidence stems from her battle with Aldana last time out at UFC 296. Paired off with the Mexican contender in her first appearance since challenging for the bantamweight title last summer, Rosa took the fight to Aldana, battering her lead leg and opening an early lead. But Aldana steeled herself and continued to march forward, landing fewer but more impactful shots than Rosa in each of the final two rounds to secure a come-from-behind unanimous decision win. Some may argue that Rosa is simply trying to find a silver lining in a fight that didn’t go her way, but her assessment aligns with how we often discuss the different challenges competitors need to face to claim a spot in the upper tier of their respective divisions. Results are certainly important, but so too is finding out that you belong; that you’re capable of going 15 hard minutes with a recent title challenger that has gone 8-3 over her last 11 fights and only been beaten by women who have held championship gold. Those things can often be more beneficial than a clear win over someone you’re “supposed to beat,” and that’s precisely why Rosa’s confidence is at an all-time high entering this weekend’s matchup with Kianzad. Given their similar trajectories over the last handful of years, it’s surprising that the women haven’t crossed paths inside the Octagon before, as Kianzad has just eclipsed the five-year anniversary of her return to the promotion following her time on The Ultimate Fighter, and charted a similar course to being a fixture in the rankings. Entering with plans to halt her two-fight skid and propel herself forward in the wide-open bantamweight ranks, Rosa knows she’ll be facing a tough, motivated foe this weekend, and sees Saturday’s contest as another test she needs to take and pass to keep progressing towards her ultimate goal. It’s also an opportunity for Rosa to shine opposite another pair of ranked bantamweights looking to work forward in the division. While Rosa and Kianzad are stationed on the prelims, tenured vet Yana Santos and Stockton’s Chelsea Chandler occupy one of the six main card slots this weekend, giving Saturday a little bit of a showcase feel for those angling to make waves in the 135-pound ranks. Asked how she intends to ensure that she’s the one everyone is talking about when the dust settles and the action is over this weekend, the Brazilian smiled and laughed. “Not trying to put anybody down, but watch my last fight, and you can expect more of that,” she said confidently. “If you want to watch a fun fight, tune into mine — you’re not gonna regret it.” Don’t miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Tybura vs Spivac 2 live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 10, 2024. Prelims start at 4pm ET/1pm PT, while the main card kicks off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

The UFC is set to electrify Paris for the third consecutive year with a thrilling clash between lightweight titans. No. 10 ranked Renato Moicano faces off against No. 12 ranked Benoît Saint Denis in a headline bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks. Adding to the excitement, middleweight contenders No. 4 ranked Nassourdine Imavov and No. 7 ranked Brendan Allen will battle it out in a co-main event sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. More details on UFC Paris: Moicano vs Saint Denis below. Renato Moicano’s Quest for Glory Renato Moicano (19-5-1, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida, by way of Brasilia, Brazil) is ready to conquer enemy territory. Riding a three-fight win streak with victories over Calvin Kattar, Cub Swanson, and Drew Dober, Moicano aims to add Saint Denis to his impressive record. Benoît Saint Denis’ Homecoming Battle Benoît Saint Denis (13-2-0, fighting out of Bayonne, France) returns home after a sensational Fight of the Night bout against UFC veteran Dustin Poirier. Making his UFC main event debut, the French favorite looks to secure his sixth win inside the Octagon® and deliver a dominant performance against Moicano. Imavov vs. Allen: A Middleweight Showdown Nassourdine Imavov (14-4-0, fighting out of Paris, France) is determined to maintain his momentum after a statement win over former title challenger Jared Cannonier. With KO power and a well-rounded skill set, Imavov aims to dispatch rising star Brendan Allen emphatically. Brendan Allen (24-5-0, fighting out of Covington, Louisiana) has been turning heads since joining the UFC in 2019. With victories over Kevin Holland, Paul Craig, and Chris Curtis, Allen is focused on earning his first UFC title shot with another dominant showing. Exciting Undercard Bouts: Former world champion Germaine de Randamie (10-5-0) returns to take on French prospect Nora Cornolle (8-1-0). Fares Ziam (15-4-0) vs. Matt Frevola (11-4-0) in a lightweight showdown. Featherweight prospect William Gomis (13-2-0) faces Joanderson Brito (17-3-1). Undefeated light heavyweight Oumar Sy (10-0-0) clashes with Daun Jung (15-5-1). Dariya Zheleznyakova (9-1-0) takes on Ailin Perez (10-2-0) in a bantamweight bout. Daniel Barez (16-6-0) vs. Victor Altamirano (12-4-0) in a flyweight match. Morgan Charriere (19-10-1) returns against AJ Cunningham (11-4-0). Ion Cutelaba (17-10-1) battles UFC newcomer Ivan Erslan (14-3-0) in a light heavyweight bout. Don't miss out on this action-packed event in Paris!

Since its inception in 2016, BRAVE Combat Federation has showcased top MMA talent from Kazakhstan. Now, Erasyl Shukataev aims to continue this tradition and establish himself as a major figure in Kazakh MMA by headlining BRAVE CF 84 against Bidzina Gavashelishvili in a flyweight contest. Currently on a four-fight winning streak, with 10 of his 11 victories coming by finish, Shukataev is a former regional champion eager to demonstrate his championship-level skills in the global MMA stage during his promotional debut in China. Although Shukataev will not be the first Kazakh fighter to headline a BRAVE CF event, he is seen as a potential breakthrough talent for Kazakh fighters, particularly in the flyweight division, which has seen fighters like Azat Maksum and Asu Almabaev. Shukataev’s recent performances highlight his well-rounded skills and adaptability. Drawing inspiration from Maksum’s knockout power and Almabaev’s submission expertise, Shukataev enters the flyweight division as a promising contender in a division still seeking its inaugural champion. In addition to his Kazakh heritage, Shukataev has been a champion in WEF, a partner organization of BRAVE Combat Federation. The last WEF champion to make an impact in BRAVE CF was Abdisalam Kubanychbek, who currently holds the Lightweight title, adding to the expectations on Shukataev. By facing a top contender like Gavashelishvili in his promotional debut, Shukataev has a huge opportunity to emerge as the next big star in Flyweight.  BRAVE CF 84 will mark BRAVE Combat Federation’s debut event in China and begin a busy 70-day period for the organization, which will include hosting six events across six nations.

ONE Fight Night 25 will help kick off the fall season with two World Championship matchups on Friday, October 4. In the main event, ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Alexis Nicolas will run it back with Regian Eersel as “The Immortal” seeks to reclaim the throne. Nicolas stunned Eersel in a five-round thriller by unanimous decision in April 2024 at ONE Fight Night 21. After a long reign, someone finally bested the Surinamese striker on the global stage. However, his nearly 8-year-long unbeaten streak has allowed him an immediate rematch. Eersel still holds the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title. Reclaiming the kickboxing crown will keep him in the discussion for the pound-for-pound best conversation; one Nicolas hopes to dash by affirming his dominance in Bangkok. Atomweight gold will be on the line in the co-main event. With Stamp Fairtex on the sideline recovering from a torn meniscus, the division will roll on with Denice Zamboanga and Alyona Rassohyna vying for the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title. Zamboanga has proven to be the division’s top contender. Although her meeting with Stamp had to be postponed when the injury occurred, she still competed at ONE 167 with a dominant decision win over Noelle Grandjean. Now the Filipina hopes to bring gold back home and secure her match against the three-sport World Champion. But Rassohyna wants a future date with Stamp as well. The Ukrainian holds a win over Stamp in 2021 with a last-second guillotine choke. Stamp would even the score by split decision seven months later. But their story is still unfinished, and Rassohyna holds the more decisive result between the two. Defeating Zamboanga is her ticket to an undisputed title shot in a huge trilogy contest. ONE Fight Night 25 airs live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

BRAVE Combat Federation has revealed the full fight card for BRAVE CF 85, set for August 18 in Lahore and the event will feature top MMA talent from Pakistan and international MMA stars. The event will be headlined by a Featherweight showdown between Rauan Bekbolat and Omar Solomanov which has implications on the future of the Featherweight division as it could decide the next challenger for the title. Undefeated in BRAVE CF, Solomanov will be looking to cement his position as the number one contender in the division when Rauan Bekbolat looks to disrupt Solomanov’s run and make an impression in the most global MMA organization in the world. An India vs. Pakistan showdown between Indian MMA veteran Srikant Sekhar and undefeated Pakistani superstar Rizwan Ali at Lightweight will serve as the co-main event of the night and it will be one of the two India vs. Pakistan matchups on the card alongside Bharat Khandare vs. Zia Mashwani at Bantamweight. The fights will mark the latest chapter in the historic sporting rivalry, featuring the best names from both nations going up against each other African Superstar Eliezer Kubanza returns to action as he continues his pursuit of the Super Welterweight title shot as he takes on Kyrgyzstan’s Salamat Orozakunov. Kubanza looks to get inside the cage after his fight cancellation at BRAVE CF 82 when Former Kyrgyz Armed Forces officer Orozakunov will be looking to derail the hype around Kubanza and make his mark in BRAVE Combat Federation. Muhammad Idrisov makes a quick return to the cage after his dominant win at BRAVE CF 83 and will fight Lasha Abramishvili who is riding on a three-fight winning streak with all three wins coming via first round stoppages.  Ismail Khan and Abbas Khan will be in action representing Pakistan when they fight Kazakh Wrestling standout Bagylan Zahakansha and Egypt’s Adham Mohamed respectively.  Pakistan’s Aqib Awan, meanwhile, will fight Marwin Quirante who enters the BRAVE CF cage with hopes of becoming the next Filipino star in the organization.  Mojtaba Nasiri and Yuki Angdembe will open the card at Bantamweight and this will be followed by the Super Lightweight clash between Murad Guseinov and Ruslan Serikpulov with Murad Guseinov aiming to remain undefeated.  BRAVE CF 85 will be part of the BRAVE International Combat Week, marking the second BRAVE CF event in Pakistan. BRAVE CF 85 Fight Card Featherweight: Omar Solomanov vs. Rauan Bekbolat Lightweight: Rizwan Ali vs. Srikant Sekhar Super Welterweight: Eliezer Kubanza vs. Salamat Orozakunov Flyweight: Ismail Khan vs. Bagylan Zahakansha Bantamweight: Muhammad Idrisov vs. Lasha Abramishvili Bantamweight: Zia Mashwani vs. Bharat Khandare Flyweight: Aqib Awan vs. Marwin Quirante Super Lightweight: Abbas Khan vs. Adham Mohamed Super Lightweight: Murad Guseinov vs. Ruslan Serikpulov Bantamweight: Mojtaba Nasiri vs. Yuki Angdembe

Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, Francis “The Predator” Ngannou returns to MMA in the World Title Fight of the year vs PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan ‘Problema’ Ferreira The greatest women’s MMA fighter of all-time Cris ‘Cyborg’ faces two-time PFL Champion Larissa Pacheco in World Title Fight as co-main event PFL PPV Super Fight takes place Saturday, October 19 – Live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide BRACE FOR IMPACT, MMA superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world,  Francis Ngannou  (17-3) makes his highly anticipated return to the sport of MMA, as “The Predator” faces the most-feared heavyweight, 6-foot-8 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion  Renan “Problema” Ferreira  (13-3, 3 NC) for the newly minted PFL Super Fights Championship Belt. The co-main event will feature another major world title fight featuring the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all-time,  Cris “Cyborg”  (27-2, 1 NC), whose legacy will be on the line when she squares off against PFL two-division champion  Larissa Pacheco  (23-4), who looks to prove she is the greatest women’s MMA fighter on the planet. “The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of superstar, undisputed Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou, to MMA in The Battle of the Giants against the most-feared Heavyweight, 6-foot-8 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira in the biggest world title fight of the year,” PFL CEO Peter Murray said. “On October 19 live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide, MMA fans around the world will witness a true battle of the greatest fighters on the planet competing for the PFL Super Fights Championship Belts.” “Renan is a great fighter; I have been watching him for years,” said undisputed Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. “I have been studying him for years, in fact I’ve been telling people to watch this guy. He’s quite unique, he’s athletic, fast, his size doesn’t impress me as much as his skill. ”BRACE FOR IMPACT. The two world title fights headline PFL’s The Battle of the Giants pay-per-view event on Saturday, October 19 live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S and DAZN worldwide.  “We are incredibly excited to be broadcasting this blockbuster night of PFL action October 19”, said Pete Oliver, CEO Growth Markets DAZN. “Francis Ngannou is one of the biggest names in combat sports and coupled with the man mountain that is Renan Ferreira this fight night is not one to be missed. Catch it all live worldwide on DAZN." Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira - Heavyweight Super Fight The world has waited over two years for Francis Ngannou to make his return to the sport of mixed martial arts. Since then, a lot has changed in the combat sports landscape, including the promotion for which “The Predator” competes, but what has remained constant is his position as ‘the baddest man on the planet."Now, following a two-fight game changing run in the boxing ring against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Professional Fighters League’s Francis Ngannou will continue to face elite competition when he meets Renan Ferreira, a 6’8’ Brazilian titan who has fought eight times since Ngannou’s last MMA bout, and viciously finished his last four opponents, including this past February’s 21-second thrashing of longtime Bellator champion Ryan Bader.This mega-fight between two of the most devastating strikers on the planet is a true test for the returning undisputed Heavyweight World Champion in his historic MMA return. “Problema” will look to impose his will over a household name and show the world who has been the king in Ngannou’s absence. Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco - Women’s Featherweight Super Fight Cris Cyborg is considered the greatest women’s athlete in MMA history, fighting and defeating the best Featherweights in the world for almost 20 years. Never one to shy away from fighting the best, Larissa Pacheco, a fellow Brazilian is currently on a ten-fight winning streak, with victories against names like Kayla Harrison and former Bellator Champion Julia Budd.Both of these World Champions have respectively cleaned out their divisions and now will face off for the right to claim to be the best in the world. The Professional Fighters League has the two best athletes on the planet at 145-pounds vying for gold when they compete on October 19.