Women’s Flyweights Dakota Ditcheva and Taila Santos to Square off for $1 Million at 2024 PFL World Championship Heavyweights Denis Goltsov and Oleg Popov to Square off for $1 Million at 2024 PFL World Championship 2024 PFL Global Season action continues  Friday, August 16 from Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida   across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe, and additional premium sports platforms internationally. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) kicked off the 2024 PFL Global Playoffs live from the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The evening’s 10 fight card featured four Playoff bouts across the Heavyweight and Women’s Flyweight divisions. Dakota Ditcheva, one of the fastest rising stars in mixed martial arts, faced grappler Jena Bishop in Women’s Flyweight Playoff action. Ditcheva, wowed the crowd and her opponent once again, landing a vicious knee which put Bishop on the mat. After Ditcheva implored her opponent to get up, she moved in for the finish and will now head to the 2024 PFL World Championship on the power of a first round TKO. In the main event of the evening, Denis Goltsov, the top seeded Heavyweight, faced Tim Johnson with a trip to the 2024 PFL World Championship on the line. Goltsov spent little time overpowering Johnson and finished him in the first round with thunderous punches from the mounted position to earn a second straight berth in the 2024 PFL Heavyweight Championship. Further Heavyweight PFL Global Season Playoff action saw Oleg Popov, who was riding a 16 fight win streak - the longest in the sport - step into the PFL SmartCage against Linton Vassell. Popov used his wrestling mastery and technical prowess to wear Vassell down. After three rounds Popov walked away with the unanimous decision victory and a ticket to the 2024 PFL World Championship. The PFL Global Season Playoff kicked off in the Women’s Flyweight division where Bellator Champion and MMA icon, Liz Carmouche squared off with Taila Santos. The two battled, landing hard strikes and showing technical prowess for three rounds. In the end, Santos came away with the unanimous decision and clinched her spot in the 2024 PFL World Championship.  “The beginning of the Professional Fighters League Global Season Playoffs means it is time for the best to win and advance,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “Tonight in Nashville we saw four athletes punch their tickets to the PFL World Championship, where they will continue on their million dollar journeys.” “The PFL once again delivered fans around the world with the best action in MMA,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations, Ray Sefo. “Four extraordinary athletes are on their way to the highly anticipated 2024 PFL World Championships.” Additional Heavyweight action featured Tyrell Fortune and Sergei Bilostenniy, who wasted little time in their matchup. Fortune delivered a quick takedown, however, Bilostenniy impressively reversed the move into a heel hook submission. Bilostenniy earned his first career submission victory and moved his career record to 13-3. Alexei Pergande and Daniel Boehle squared off in Featherweight action. Pergande, a Nashville native and PFL Challenger Series winner, showed his technical prowess defeating Boehle via unanimous decision while remaining undefeated at 5-0.  In a Featherweight clash, Cody Law submitted Zack Hicks in the first round via rear naked choke. A Bellator alum, Law put his NCAA wrestling skills to good use in his PFL victory debut. Lightweight’s Dedrek Sanders and Sergio Cossio collided in the PFL SmartCage, with Sanders coming out with the win. The first round knockout was Sanders fourth career knockout. In a Welterweight contest, the aggressive Anthony Ivy defeated Jaleel Willis via second round submission. The rear-naked choke was Ivy’s 7th straight win and his 8th career submission.  To begin an electrifying night of PFL Playoff action, Kevin Pease faced Nick Meck in a Welterweight Showcase bout. Pease remained undefeated at 6-0 after a unanimous decision victory in his PFL debut.   The 2024 PFL Global Season continues with action in the Light Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions, Friday, August 16 from Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. All 2024 PFL Global Season events are live across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and DAZN in Canada and Europe with additional international premium sports platform distribution reaching 160 countries globally. COMPLETE RESULTS Main Card Results: Heavyweight Semifinal: #1 Denis Goltsov def. #4 Tim Johnson by 1st round TKO (2:26) Women’s Flyweight Semifinal: #1 Dakota Ditcheva def. #4 Jena Bishop by 1st round TKO (3:54)  Heavyweight Semifinal: #2 Oleg Popov def. #6 Linton Vassell by submission (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)  Women’s Flyweight Semifinal: #2 Taila Santos def. #3 Liz Carmouche by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)  Early Card Results: Heavyweight: Sergei Bilostenniy def. Tyrell Fortune by 1st round verbal submission (2:00, heel hook) Featherweight: Alexei Pergande def. Daniel Boehle by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Featherweight: Cody Law def. Zack Hicks by 1st round submission (3:15, rear-naked choke) Lightweight: Dedrek Sanders def. Sergios Cossio by 1st round KO (2:34) Welterweight: Anthony Ivy def. Jaleel Willis by 2nd round submission (4:49, rear naked choke) Welterweight Showcase: Kevin Pease def. Nick Meck by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

As the Paris 2024 Olympics captivate audiences worldwide, anticipation is building for the judo mixed team event on Saturday. Following an intense week of individual judo competitions, this event promises to be one of the Games' most thrilling spectacles, featuring some of the sport’s finest athletes. Japan and France are emerging as the teams to watch in this exciting contest. Japan's Dominance and France's Gutsy Victory Japan has been a dominant force in judo, capturing three gold medals in the individual events this week alone. The Japanese team’s prowess extends beyond individual performances; they have an unmatched record in the mixed team event. Japan has clinched the mixed team world title seven times, winning every world championship from 2017 through 2024. Despite their silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Japan will be looking to reclaim the top spot in Paris. France, the host nation, has shown exceptional strength throughout the judo tournament, winning nine medals in the individual events. The French team, buoyed by the legendary Teddy Riner, who remains an icon in the sport, aims to repeat their triumph from Tokyo 2020. In that historic final, France defeated the heavily favored Japanese team to secure the gold medal. France also boasts a strong track record at the world championships, having been silver medallists six times, each loss coming against Japan. Other Contenders While Japan and France are the front-runners, the competition is fierce. Brazil is another strong contender, having won three world championship medals in this event, including a silver in 2017 and bronzes in 2019 and 2021. Georgia has also been impressive, earning bronze medals at the last two world championships in 2023 and 2024. The mixed team event, which debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, brings together male and female judokas in a dynamic and strategic competition. The format has quickly become a fan favorite, adding a new layer of excitement to the sport. The mixed team event is only in its second Olympic outing, but it has already made a significant impact. The inaugural event at Tokyo 2020 saw France claim gold, Japan take silver, and Germany and Israel share the bronze. This year's event in Paris promises to build on that legacy, showcasing judo’s blend of strength, skill, and strategy. With Japan aiming to solidify their supremacy and France determined to defend their Olympic title on home soil, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown. The presence of Teddy Riner adds an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation, as fans eagerly await to see if he can lead his team to another historic victory. Analyzing Key Weight Categories In the U57kg category, France’s Sarah-Léonie Cysique and Japan’s Funikubo Haruka are equally matched. However, with the support of the French crowd and her reputation in team events, Cysique might play a crucial role. In the U70kg category, France’s Marie-Ève Gahié and Japan’s Niizoe Saki will face off, with both athletes seeking redemption after not looking their strongest in individual events. In the +70kg category, France’s Romane Dicko appears stronger than Japan’s Akira Sone. In the men's division, Japan’s Hashimoto Soichi, who had a challenging third day, is expected to bounce back and be crucial for the team. France’s Gaba Guillaume has been outstanding, but Hashimoto should help the Japanese here. In the U90kg category, Japan’s Murao Sanshiro will be essential for the team, while France will rely heavily on their fixed point scorer, Teddy Riner, in the +90kg category. Both countries have only a few guaranteed point catchers, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the event. With a blend of experienced champions and rising stars, the judo mixed team event at Paris 2024 is set to be a thrilling and unforgettable contest, highlighting the strategic depth and emotional intensity of judo.

UFC is set to light up Abu Dhabi with an electrifying fight card as No. 2 ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen clashes with No. 10 ranked Umar Nurmagomedov on Saturday, August 3. This thrilling event is brought to you in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Catch UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov live at 3 pm ET/12 pm PT on ABC/ESPN+, with prelims starting at Noon ET/9 am PT on ESPN2/ESPN+. The main event is scheduled for five rounds, while all other bouts are set for three rounds. Here are the official weigh-in results for UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov. MAIN CARD Main Event - Bantamweight Bout:  Cory Sandhagen (136) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135) Co-Main Event - Middleweight Bout:  Shara Magomedov (186) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (185) Bantamweight Bout:  Marlon Vera (136) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (135.5) Welterweight Bout:  Tony Ferguson (170) vs. Michael Chiesa (170) Women’s Strawweight Bout:  Mackenzie Dern (115) vs. Loopy Godinez (115.5) Lightweight Bout:  Joel Álvarez (155.5) vs. Elves Brener (155) PRELIMS Light Heavyweight Bout:  Alonzo Menifield (205) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (205) Lightweight Bout:  Mohammad Yahya (155) vs. Kaue Fernandes (155.5) Heavyweight Bout:  Shamil Gaziev (262) vs. Don'Tale Mayes (265) Lightweight Bout:  Guram Kutateladze (155) vs. Jordan Vucenic (155) Women’s Strawweight Bout:  Viktoriia Dudakova (115.5) vs. Sam Hughes (114) Lightweight Bout:  Jai Herbert (155.5) vs. Rolando Bedoya (155) Middleweight Bout:  Sedriques Dumas (186) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185) Don't miss a single moment of UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov, live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on August 3, 2024. Prelims kick off at 12 pm ET/9 am PT, with the main card airing live on ABC, ESPN & ESPN+ at 3 pm ET/12 pm PT. Tune in for a night of unforgettable action!

After Back-to-Back Losses, Mackenzie Dern Adopts a Composed Fighting Style Aiming for Success in UFC Abu Dhabi. When you step into the Octagon with another elite athlete wearing four-ounce gloves, you're already beyond conventional safety and fear. For fighters like Mackenzie Dern, it's tempting to just bite down on the mouthpiece and brawl. While that may seem easier, the true challenge lies in maintaining composure, sticking to technique, and adhering to a game plan. Dern believes she has made significant strides in these areas ahead of her return against Loopy Godinez at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi. Since joining the UFC roster in March 2018, Dern has built a reputation based on her exceptional jiu-jitsu skills, toughness, and grit. Whether the fight goes to the mat or not, Dern is always moving forward, never quits, and doesn't mind taking damage as long as she can deliver some of her own. However, after three losses in her last four fights, particularly following her decision loss to former title challenger Amanda Lemos, she realized it was time to change her approach. “It gave me confidence,” Dern shared in an interview with UFC.com . “It really pushed me to find what's missing. I think the only thing missing is taking a little less damage, which indirectly means being calmer and more observant. I now see that I have what it takes to get to the belt.” However, executing this goal is easier said than done, especially against a formidable opponent like Godinez. Dern has never shied away from a brawl, as evidenced by the fact that half of her six performance bonuses were for Fight of the Night. Despite her intentions, Dern knows that Godinez is always ready for a brawl, making it uncertain whether she will stick to her new approach or revert to old habits. Regardless of the fight's outcome, Dern is determined to get her hand raised and kickstart another run up the strawweight division, which is as open as ever. As always, Dern is also driven to set a positive example for her daughter, Moa, who is in Abu Dhabi with her. “Everyone wants that win,” she said. “That's what we train for. That’s our job. Getting that win, getting back on a winning streak, and especially winning with my daughter here means everything to me.” Don’t miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov, live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on August 3, 2024. Prelims start at 12pm ET/9am PT, while the main card kicks off live on ABC, ESPN & ESPN+ at 3pm ET/12pm PT.

In a display of sheer dominance and unwavering spirit, Teddy Riner has once again captivated the world, clinching his fourth Olympic gold medal in a stunning performance that will be remembered for ages. On an electrifying day at the Champs-de-Mars Arena, Riner didn't just win; he made history, surpassing the record set by Japan's Tadahiro Nomura with three individual Olympic titles. Starting his Olympic journey back in 2008 with a bronze in Beijing, Riner has been on a relentless pursuit of greatness. His golds in London and Rio are testimonies to his skill and determination. Despite a setback in Tokyo 2020, where he secured a bronze, Riner has bounced back, showcasing the heart of a champion in the face of intense pressure, especially from his home crowd in France. The finals saw Riner face off against the world champion Kim Min-Jong from Korea in a highly anticipated bout. Riner's preparation was evident as he executed a flawless Harai Goshi, sending Kim soaring and the French crowd into a frenzy. His victory not only added another gold to France’s tally but also restored national pride, proving that he could indeed carry the weight of his nation's expectations. French President Macron was among the throngs of supporters who witnessed Riner's historic win, which was a significant boost for the French judo team. Earlier matches saw Riner overpower opponents like Temur Rakhimov of Uzbekistan and Guram Tushishvili, setting the stage for his ultimate victory. With this win, Riner has now secured his place as the most decorated judoka in Olympic history, with a total of six medals. France, energized by Riner's victory, is now eyeing further glory in the team competitions, hoping to challenge Japan, which currently leads the medal table. This victory is not just about another gold medal; it's about Teddy Riner's enduring legacy and his unparalleled contribution to judo. As the dust settles on this monumental day, the judo world and fans worldwide celebrate a true champion who continues to inspire and amaze. Teddy Riner, a name synonymous with victory, resilience, and Olympic history!

After a series of frustrating delays and cancelled bouts, Joel Alvarez is ready to make his highly anticipated 2024 debut and reclaim his place among the elite in the UFC's lightweight division. With an impressive track record of never letting a fight go to the judges, Alvarez is set to face Elves Brener in a match that could easily steal the show this Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Despite his absence from the Octagon, Alvarez remains a formidable contender, holding a remarkable record of 20 wins, all by finish. The towering Spaniard, standing at six-foot-three with a 77-inch reach, is a nightmare for his opponents, blending knockout power with a slick submission game. The upcoming fight is not just a return to action for Alvarez; it's a crucial step towards breaking back into the Top 15 rankings and proving he's not just a participant but a prominent player in the lightweight category. His opponent, Brener, comes off a stellar rookie year but stumbled in his last outing. This sets the stage for a thrilling clash where Alvarez could deliver Brener's first-ever stoppage loss. Set against the backdrop of the glittering Etihad Arena, this encounter promises high stakes and high drama as both fighters look to secure their positions and dazzle fans with their fighting prowess. Tune in to ESPN this weekend for a night of unstoppable action where Alvarez plans to not only win but dominate, aiming to line up another fight in Abu Dhabi later this year.

Bidzina Gavashelishvili aims to achieve what his fellow Georgians Ilia Topuria and Guram Kutateladze could not: become a world champion in BRAVE Combat Federation; and his next step toward this goal will be in China, where he will face Erasyl Shukataev in the main event of BRAVE CF 84. Regarded as the top flyweight in Eastern Europe, Bidzina demonstrated his talent at BRAVE CF 72, where he secured a decision win over Magomed Idrisov. Entering the fight as an underdog, Gavashelishvili’s victory surprised many and positioned him as a rising star in Georgian MMA. Following in the footsteps of Ilia Topuria and Guram Kutateladze, who gained global exposure through BRAVE Combat Federation, Gavashelishvili seeks to become the first Georgian world champion in the organization. The win against Idrisov has served as a big boost for his title aspirations. He was scheduled to resume his pursuit of the title at BRAVE CF 82 in Mauritius against Luthando Biko but the fight was cancelled due to an injury to Biko which delayed Gavashelishvili’s progress. Now, with a main event spot at BRAVE CF’s debut event in China, Gavashelishvili is poised to move closer to making history for his nation as another impressive win could establish him as the top contender in the division. The organization is yet to crown the inaugural Flyweight World champion with various challenges such as fight cancellations and weight misses being obstacles in the past.  BRAVE CF 84 will be the fourth event of 2024 for BRAVE Combat Federation, following events in Slovenia, Mauritius, and the Netherlands. In addition to the high-stakes flyweight clash between Gavashelishvili and Shukataev, the event will feature top Chinese talent facing global superstars.

This week, The Black Belt List honors martial artists who transitioned from gaining fame in martial arts to becoming leading men and women in the challenging world of Hollywood. Their dedication to martial arts matched their commitment to acting, and their hard work has truly paid off. These are our magnificent seven - from stunt performers to leading stars!! Michelle Lee Michelle Charlene Lee is a dynamic Asian American actress known for her roles as Violet in Blood and Treasure 2 , Mileena in Mortal Kombat Legacy , and appearances in Black Widow and Venom . She has also graced the cover of Inside Kung Fu Magazine . With a black belt in Wushu, Michelle continues to showcase her remarkable skills in both the entertainment and martial arts worlds. Her impressive career spans both acting and stunt work, with notable roles as a stuntwoman in Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Captain Marvel, and motion capture performances for iconic video game characters like Ellie in The Last of Us 2, Ada Wong in Resident Evil 6, and MJ in Spider-Man 4. Michelle's exceptional blend of acting and physical prowess has earned her significant accolades, including a SAG Award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble for Top Gun: Maverick and a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble Cast in Pirates of the Caribbean 3 .  Jon Foo Jon Foo is a British actor, martial artist, and stunt performer celebrated for his role as Jin Kazama in the 2009 live-action film Tekken .  Inspired by his parents' passion for martial arts, his father in Karate and his mother in Judo. Jon began training in Kung Fu and later expanded to MMA. He started his journey with the London Chinese Acrobats, eventually signing with a major film company in Asia. A skilled practitioner of wushu, Jon has showcased his talents in films such as Tom-Yum-Goong (US title: The Protector) , Batman Begins, House of Fury, Left for Dead, and Life (Shi cha qi xiao shi) . Renowned for his stunt work, he gained widespread recognition as Jin Kazama in Tekken and portrayed Ryu in the short film Street Fighter: Legacy . Zoe Bell Zoe Bell, renowned for her incredible talent leading a double life as a stunt double and actress, has earned a reputation for her unmatched dedication and skill in martial arts and acting. Born on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, her background in gymnastics and martial arts, Zoe Bell’s Hollywood career began as a stunt woman first as Lucy Lawless’s stunt double in the cult classic Xena – Warrior Princess and subsequently as Uma Thurman’s stunt double in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol 1 and Vol 2. Bell continued to work with Tarantino, as an actor in Death Proof and as stunt coordinator on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood . Bell is the recipient of the Taurus World Stunt Award for Best Overall Stunt by a Stuntwoman and a Screen Actors’ Guild Award. Neil Brown Jr. Neil Brown Jr. has carved a niche for himself in Hollywood with memorable roles across television and film. Neil's journey began with appearances in the martial arts TV series WMAC Masters.  Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Guillermo, the leader of the Vatos in The Walking Dead, Neil's career is marked by versatility and talent and as the role of Ray Perry in the CBS series SEAL Team , further solidifying his status as a talented actor.  He gained further recognition playing Felix on South Beach and DJ Yella in the acclaimed 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton . Fernando Chien Fernando Chien, also known as Funan Chien, is a Taiwanese actor and stunt performer celebrated for his roles in Fast Five  and TNT's The Last Ship . Though introduced to Taekwondo and Karate at six, he seriously pursued martial arts in his twenties, focusing on Hung-Gar Kung Fu in Montreal. In 2002, Fernando relocated to Los Angeles to chase his film and TV dreams. There, he expanded his martial arts repertoire to include Wushu, Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai, training under experts like Gokor Chivichyan and Gene LeBell at the Hayastan MMA Academy. Currently, he trains with the Werdum Combat Team. Fernando skillfully navigates between acting and stunt work, joining the renowned action team Reel Kick. His film credits boast appearances in Crank , The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor , Red Dawn , Fast Five , and Iron Man 3 . On television, he has featured in series such as NCIS: Los Angeles , The Guild , and Star Trek: Enterprise . In 2016, he portrayed President Peng Wu on The Last Ship . Darren Shahlavi Darren Shahlavi began his martial arts training at the age of seven in a theater in Manchester, England. At seventeen, a seminar on "Hong Kong style fight choreography" by Kung Fu star Donnie Yen ignited his ambition to work in Hong Kong cinema as a path to Hollywood  In the early 1990s, Shahlavi moved to Hong Kong, starting as a stuntman. His breakthrough came when director Woo-Ping Yuen cast him as the lead villain in Tai Chi Chuan. In 2010, Darren returned to Hong Kong cinema, co-starring with Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung in Ip Man 2. He played "The Twister," a British boxing champion, in this acclaimed film about Bruce Lee’s Kung Fu master, Ip Man. The movie became a box office hit and revitalized his fanbase among action enthusiasts. Darren's martial arts prowess led to roles in films like Riddick, Blade: Trinity, 300, Watchmen, and Night at the Museum . He also appeared in Hollywood projects such as I Spy alongside Eddie Murphy and The Final Cut with Robin Williams, along with TV guest spots on Sanctuary, Human Target, and Reaper. Darren's subsequent projects included Born to Raise Hell with Steven Seagal, Hangar 14 with Steve Austin, and starring roles in Aladdin and the Curse of the Djinn and Mortal Kombat. Raymond Park aka Ray Park Raymond Park is from Glasgow, Scotland, is a British actor, martial artist, and stuntman. He gained fame as Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Solo: A Star Wars Story , performing motion capture in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.   At age seven, Park moved with his family to London. Inspired by his father's love for Bruce Lee, he began martial arts training, studying Hapkido, Shaolin Kung Fu, and modern wushu. By 15, he traveled to Malaysia to hone his skills. From 1991 to 1996, he competed internationally with the British national wushu team before shifting his focus to acting in the late 1990s. Park's film career began as a stunt double in Mortal Kombat Annihilation . He played various non-speaking monster roles, including Baraka. His breakout role came in 1999 as the Sith Lord Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace . Although the character's voice was dubbed by Peter Serafinowicz, Park's physical performance left a lasting impact. He later appeared in Fanboys as a security guard with a nod to his Star Wars role.  Park's first speaking role came as Toad in X-Men . That led to Snake Eyes in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and Edgar in Heroes . He also served as Christopher Walken’s stunt double in Sleepy Hollow, participating in pivotal action scenes.

Marlon Vera is all geared up for his upcoming clash with Deiveson Figueiredo this Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi, undeterred even by early morning medical checks. "They'll only find steak and vegetables," Vera joked about his pre-fight blood test results, ready to put his recent defeat behind him. In March, Vera faced a setback against UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley, but he's now refocused and determined to climb the ranks once again. "They asked about Figueiredo, and I was ready," Vera said, eager to get back into the title chase after nearly a decade in the UFC and 23 fights to his name. Now ranked No. 4 at 135 pounds, Vera sees his journey not just as a challenge but as a necessary path to his ultimate goal—becoming a double champ. Despite the tough competition, he remains optimistic, drawing lessons from his past experiences to forge ahead. "You have to let it go in order to grow," he reflected on his loss to O'Malley, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and staying positive. Figueiredo, a formidable former flyweight champion who's undefeated since moving up to bantamweight, is next in line for Vera. This matchup, Vera believes, is more favorable than a potential bout with Henry Cejudo that fell through. "It's a healthy fighter with a better record, and a former champion who’s undefeated at my weight," Vera noted, recognizing the significance of this fight for his career trajectory. As Fight Night approaches, Vera is not just fighting for a win but for a chance to rewrite his story and chase the elusive title of a UFC double champion. "Sometimes you just got to get up and keep going," he stated, ready to face whatever comes his way. Tune into UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov, live from Etihad Arena on August 3, 2024, to see if Vera can turn his championship dreams into reality. The action starts with prelims at 12pm ET and the main card at 3pm ET on ABC, ESPN & ESPN+.

After an eight-year wait filled with anticipation and setbacks, welterweight Michael Chiesa is finally set to face the formidable Tony Ferguson at UFC Abu Dhabi, broadcasted live this Saturday on ABC. Originally slated to clash in the lightweight division, Chiesa’s transition to welterweight after a severe back injury left fans doubting this dream match would ever happen. But the stars have aligned, and both fighters are eager to prove themselves. Chiesa expressed his excitement about the bout, stating, “It's like unfinished business. I’ve always wanted to test myself against Tony." Despite their respectful camaraderie, Chiesa acknowledged the gravity of the fight, especially after his own challenges, including three consecutive losses which led him to take a year off to focus on mental fortitude. “This sport really is 99 percent mental," he emphasized, attributing his comeback readiness to work with a sports psychologist. On the other side, Ferguson enters the ring on a seven-fight losing streak but remains a legend from his 12 consecutive victories and interim lightweight championship win. Chiesa refuses to underestimate Ferguson, fully preparing for the version of Tony that once dominated the Octagon. Their bout is part of a larger fight card, UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov, at the prestigious Etihad Arena. With both fighters aiming to reclaim their former glory and Chiesa promising a performance showcasing his best self, this matchup promises to be more than just a fight—it's a battle for redemption and respect. Tune in to witness this electrifying clash between Michael Chiesa and Tony Ferguson, along with other thrilling bouts, starting with prelims at 12pm ET/9am PT, and the main card live on ABC, ESPN & ESPN+ at 3pm ET/12pm PT on August 3, 2024. Don't miss what could be one of the most intense matchups of the year.

Saturday August 10th marks the 11th Legacy FMA event live from the American birthplace of FMA Stockton, California. One of the most influential figures in the American FMA movement was the late Grandmaster Angel Cabales. He opened the first school in Stockton, CA, teaching Eskrima to both Filipino and non-Filipino students. He is celebrated as the Father of Eskrima in the U.S. As a young practitioner, Darren Tibon was inspired by his Martial Science Master, Angel Cabales, to preserve and strengthen this art form. Requested by his teacher to “never let the art die or be weak," Tibon sought inspiration to honor his teacher. Inspired by his teacher and his Filipino FMA family, including his grandfather Marcos and father Eugene Tibon, the Legacy FMA series was born. Now in its 11th edition, the Legacy event offers participants an immersive experience in the beauty and effectiveness of FMA. Over the course of an eight-hour day, both classical and modern instructors pay homage to their teachers and systems, contributing to the advancement of FMA. What sets the Legacy apart from other seminars is the participation of up to 20 masters, each sharing their unique expertise and insights.  This collaborative atmosphere fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse techniques and philosophies within FMA, ensuring the art continues to thrive for future generations. This years instructor list includes: Ray and Jobu Cordoba Ferd Terado Joel Juanitas and Kirk McCune Richard Von Donk Sultan Uddin Gabriel Asuncion James Hundon Harinder Singh Palaka Namahoe Claudio Maurelli  Cedric Concon Harry Green Felix Roiles Jesse Cabuyadao Adam James Jose Rogers

As the Paris Olympics draw near, all eyes are on the heavyweight judo event, where legends and rising stars collide on the final day of competition. The spotlight shines brightest on France's own Teddy Riner, a judo giant aiming to claim his third Olympic gold medal on home turf. With a career sprinkled with historic victories, Riner seeks to add another golden chapter in front of an adoring home crowd, potentially marking a fairy-tale finish to his illustrious career. The day is equally critical for Lukas Krpalek of the Czech Republic, who strides into the arena as the reigning Olympic champion in the +100kg category. Despite entering unseeded and without the weight of expectations, Krpalek’s previous successes in multiple weight divisions make him a formidable contender. His journey through the tournament promises suspense and unpredictability, setting the stage for thrilling clashes. The heavyweight division boasts a dynamic mix of seasoned champions and eager challengers. South Korea’s Kim Minjong, the reigning World Champion, and Tajikistan’s Temur Rakhimov lead their respective draws. Europe’s Guram Tushishvili, a former World Champion with a flair for dynamic judo, and Japan’s Saito Tatsuru, who nearly toppled Riner at the Paris Grand Slam, are other top seeds to watch. On the women’s side, France's Romane Dicko enters as the favorite in the +78kg category, riding high on a wave of three consecutive Grand Slam victories. Despite a setback in Tokyo, Dicko is poised to capture her first individual Olympic gold, reinforcing France's dominance in the sport. The draw also features formidable competitors like Israel’s Raz Hershko and Turkey’s Kayra Ozdemir, each aiming to leave their mark on Olympic soil. As the final day unfolds, the Paris Olympics are set to host a spectacular display of judo mastery, with athletes from across the globe vying for Olympic glory. With historic achievements within reach and an array of elite judokas ready to showcase their skills, this event promises to be a memorable climax to the judo competitions.