ONE Championship will pack Lumpinee Boxing Stadium again on Friday, August 2, for ONE Friday Fights 73. A 142-pound catchweight Muay Thai affair will headline the evening as Worapon Sor Dechapan meets Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree. Both Thai strikers are enjoying back-to-back victories and are seeking a third to officially begin a winning streak that could lead them to the next big step in their careers. The ever-exciting wars the two have been in will surely continue as they collide under the bright lights. Sanpet Sor Salacheep and Watcharaphon Singha Mawynn meet in the co-main event of the evening at 130 pounds. Sanpet has begun his ONE tenure with two victories, including a knockout in his last match at ONE Friday Fights 63. But the 21-year-old will look to get back in the win column and push his organizational record to 3-1 by stopping his fellow countryman. Win Sitjanim and Xavier Gonzalez will run their May contest back in a 128-pound catchweight affair. At ONE Friday Fights 62, Gonzalez edged Win by a narrow split decision. Split by a hair, the two return for a clearer result in their second meeting. Two MMA bouts will open the night as Khalim Nazruloev meets Zhamoliddin Rakhmonzhonov in a flyweight matchup, and Antonio Bushev collides with Mohammad Fahmi at lightweight to open the show. Plenty of more exciting, hard-hitting action comes your way on Friday, August 2, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT on ONE’s official YouTube channel. ONE Friday Fights 73 Full Card Worapon Sor Dechapan vs. Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree Sanpet Sor Salacheep vs. Watcharaphon Singha Mawynn Win Sitjanim vs. Xavier Gonzalez Sornsueknoi FA Group vs. Jencherng Pumpanmuang Fino Chor Ketwina vs. Toyota Eaglemuaythai Sungprab Lookpichit vs. Petmai MC Superlek Muaythai Ricardo Bravo vs. George Jarvis Sonrak Fairtex vs. Alfie Ponting Ilashev Dostonbek vs. Tasuku Yonekawa Fahjarat Sor Dechapan vs. Kuroda Naoya Khalim Nazruloev vs. Zhamoliddin Rakhmonzhonov Antonio Bushev vs. Mohammad Fahmi

Belal Muhammad's 1233-day wait to face Leon Edwards again culminated in an unforgettable showdown at UFC 304 in Manchester. Right from the start, the 36-year-old Palestinian-American showed he wasn't about to waste his shot. Muhammad fought with a tremendous sense of urgency, taking the champion down repeatedly and keeping him off-balance for the majority of the contest. This relentless approach led to a unanimous decision victory, extending Muhammad’s winning streak to six and his unbeaten run to 11. Muhammad hasn’t lost a fight since January 2019, when he dropped a decision to Geoff Neal. Despite setbacks, including a controversial eye poke from Edwards in their first bout, Muhammad persevered, defeating five straight ranked opponents to solidify his status as the No. 1 contender. His victory over Edwards was a testament to his commitment, determination, and belief in his abilities. Muhammad’s success is a reminder of the value of persistence and hard work in the face of adversity. Tom Aspinall continued to prove why he's considered the best active heavyweight in the UFC, successfully defending his interim title with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event. Aspinall’s performance was swift and devastating, avenging his previous loss to Blaydes due to a knee injury suffered just 15 seconds into their first bout. With this win, Aspinall extended his record to 7-1 under the UFC banner, with all victories coming inside the distance and only one fight lasting beyond the first round. Beyond his fighting prowess, Aspinall's humility and character stand out. When asked to send a message to Jon Jones, Aspinall expressed respect and a desire to prove himself by sharing the Octagon with the all-time great. He also used his platform to advocate for autism awareness, a cause close to his heart. Aspinall’s post-fight celebration with his team and family, and his genuine happiness for his friend Mick Parkin’s victory, underscore his selflessness and integrity. Aspinall is a role model both inside and outside the Octagon. Paddy Pimblett silenced his critics with a stunning first-round submission victory over King Green. The lively Scouser, known for his charismatic entrances and sharp orange trunks, capitalized on Green’s sloppy takedown attempt by locking in a guillotine choke before transitioning to a triangle choke, putting Green to sleep. Throughout his steady march up the lightweight rankings, many doubted Pimblett’s abilities, expecting him to falter. However, Pimblett has consistently posted victories, and his win over Green, a seasoned veteran, solidifies his place in the division. Despite criticisms and doubts, Pimblett has proven his skills time and again. His calm and composed performance against Green showcased his growth as a fighter. With this victory, Pimblett is set to take his rightful place in the Top 15 lightweight rankings, proving his legitimacy as a threat in the division. Quick Hitters Gregory Rodrigues:  The all-action fighter delivered another impressive performance, defeating Christian Leroy Duncan and positioning himself as a crucial test for up-and-coming middleweights. Rodrigues' aggressive style and relentless pace make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Arnold Allen:  After a two-fight skid, Allen secured a much-needed, gritty win over Giga Chikadze in the main card opener. Allen's perseverance through setbacks and his ability to turn things around demonstrate his resilience and skill. Nathaniel Wood:  Despite hitting Daniel Pineda with everything he had, Wood secured a victory, moving to 4-1 in the featherweight division. Wood’s relentless attack and determination were on full display, showing his potential to break into the rankings. Bruna Brasil:  Brasil showcased her improved skills and resilience, earning a significant win over Molly McCann. Despite not getting the first-round stoppage, Brasil’s dominant performance highlighted her growth as a fighter. Jake Hadley:  Making the most of a short-notice opportunity, Hadley halted a two-fight slide with a decision win over Caolan Loughran. Hadley's ability to adapt and perform under pressure bodes well for his future in the UFC. Sam Patterson:  Patterson continued his impressive run in the welterweight division with a second straight first-round submission win. His dominance and skill make him an intriguing prospect to watch. Mick Parkin:  The promising heavyweight prospect secured his first stoppage victory inside the Octagon, moving to a perfect 10-0 record. Parkin’s performance demonstrated his potential to rise in the heavyweight ranks. UFC 304 was a night of incredible upsets, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable performances that have reshaped the landscape of several divisions. From Muhammad’s persistence paying off to Aspinall’s continued dominance and Pimblett’s silencing of critics, this event was filled with moments that will be remembered for years to come.

Cory Sandhagen faces Umar Nurmagomedov, this August 3 at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi. When you’re a lifer in mixed martial arts, that rundown feeling is just part of the fight game. It’s the sign that the fight, the chance to put on display months of hard work, is getting closer. And for the 32-year-old Sandhagen, who seems like he is about one win away from his second crack at a UFC title, the opportunity to push himself to the brink is everything he could want. “Umar brought the best out of me in this fight camp,” Sandhagen said. “I've never worked so many hours to learn more and more and more and more. Of course, that, paired with the physical piece and then the mental piece and just all of it, I've already pushed myself harder than I've ever had to push myself, which is great. (I’m) super grateful for that. “I feel like I unlocked some new things inside of myself.” When fight fans last saw the Colorado native, he had finished a clean sweep on the scorecards of Rob Font in Nashville, but that performance wasn’t the one for which Sandhagen hoped. Although he dominated Font — who stepped in on short-notice when Nurmagomedov pulled out with an injury — it wasn’t the most exciting approach. Sandhagen suffered a torn tricep in the first round, which forced him to adopt a wrestling-heavy attack for the majority of the bout. Instead of throwing his kaleidoscope of skills at Font in hopes of overwhelming him, Sandhagen was forced to maintain top control, stay safe and get the nod from the judges. Sandhagen went so far as to apologize to the UFC brass for the performance, which UFC CEO Dana White said wasn’t as disappointing as it was being made out to be. A big silver lining was Sandhagen’s continued evolution. He might not have had the toolbag to shift gears in the same way in years prior. Regardless, Sandhagen was forced to take time off to recover, so, despite three consecutive wins in the span of 11 months, he found himself sidelined in the ultra-competitive bantamweight division. A couple weeks after his win over Font, Sean O’Malley wrested the belt from Aljamain Sterling and defended it in style against Marlon “Chito” Vera, while Merab Dvalishvili stamped his claim as the No. 1 contender with a win over former double-champ Henry Cejudo. Although he would have rather racked up another win and maybe a title shot in the same timeframe, Sandhagen enjoyed those “inspiring” wins from O’Malley and Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, he was relegated as a one-armed southpaw for months. He did get married—sling and all—to his longtime partner Erica and started posting more frequently on his YouTube channel, the latter endeavor a response to the sport’s growing popularity. Sandhagen also expressed appreciation for Wittman’s positive attitude and frequent encouragement of his athletes, whether they are drilling, sparring or in a fight, saying it gives him a sense of togetherness in the trenches. He expects to “surprise” people when he steps across from the undefeated Nurmagomedov on August 3. From his approach on the feet to his defensive grappling skills, Sandhagen feels wholly prepared to announce himself as the next guy in line for a title fight. He holds a healthy respect for Nurmagomedov’s “unique” skillset, calling him a called him a “no bulls**t, very well-rounded martial artist,” like himself. He particularly is intrigued with the way Nurmagomedov approaches striking in combination with his well-documented wrestling prowess, making for a contender many others in Sandhagen’s position would try to avoid. Instead, Sandhagen is chomping at the bit to hand Nurmagomedov his first career loss. Heading to the site of his first career main event against Marlon Moraes as well as his interim title fight with Petr Yan, Sandhagen can’t help but feel like he is in his own version of Enter the Dragon, in which Bruce Lee and other martial artists travel to a remote location to compete. Movie references aside, Sandhagen said he “pats himself on the back” for how he handled the injury-induced layoff. From sharpening himself physically, mentally and spiritually as a fighter to the “overtime” put in during training camp, he sees August 3 as the start of his run to the title. “I'm really grateful that I get to fight with Umar,” he said. “(He) pushed me to be better than I feel like I've ever been.” 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.

This Saturday, August 3, 2024, the UFC returns to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action with UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov, that promises to be an unforgettable event with 13 bouts featuring some of the most talented fighters in the sport. Here’s a detailed preview of each fight on the card. Main Event: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight - 135 lbs) The main event features bantamweight sensation Cory Sandhagen taking on the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. Sandhagen, known for his striking prowess and unorthodox techniques, faces a stern test in Nurmagomedov, whose grappling and all-around skills make him a formidable opponent. This clash of styles promises fireworks as both fighters vie for bantamweight supremacy. Co-Main Event: Shara Magomedov vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight - 185 lbs) In the co-main event, rising star Shara Magomedov faces Polish powerhouse Michał Oleksiejczuk. Magomedov's dynamic striking and relentless pressure will be matched against Oleksiejczuk's durability and knockout power. This middleweight bout is expected to be a high-paced battle with potential title implications. Main Card Highlights Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight - 135 lbs) : Marlon Vera takes on former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in a pivotal bantamweight clash. Vera's aggression and Figueiredo's explosive power guarantee an exciting fight. Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa (Welterweight - 170 lbs) : Veteran Tony Ferguson squares off against submission specialist Michael Chiesa. Ferguson's unorthodox style and Chiesa's grappling acumen make this a must-watch encounter. Mackenzie Dern vs. Lupita Godinez (Strawweight - 115 lbs) : BJJ ace Mackenzie Dern meets the tough and versatile Lupita Godinez. Dern's submission skills versus Godinez's striking and wrestling create an intriguing matchup. Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener (Lightweight - 155 lbs) : Joel Alvarez looks to continue his ascent in the lightweight division against the dangerous Elves Brener. Expect fireworks from these two dynamic fighters. Preliminary Card Highlights Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov (Light Heavyweight - 205 lbs) : Hard-hitting Alonzo Menifield takes on the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov in a clash of heavy-handed light heavyweights. Mohammad Yahya vs. Kauê Fernandes (Lightweight - 155 lbs) : Local hero Mohammad Yahya battles rising star Kauê Fernandes in a fight that promises to keep the crowd on their feet. Shamil Gaziev vs. Don'Tale Mayes (Heavyweight - 265 lbs) : Heavyweights Shamil Gaziev and Don'Tale Mayes look to make a statement with their knockout power in this high-stakes bout. Guram Kutateladze vs. Jordan Vucenic (Lightweight - 155 lbs) : Guram Kutateladze faces Jordan Vucenic in a lightweight bout that could steal the show with its high level of skill and intensity. Victoria Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes (Strawweight - 115 lbs) : Strawweights Victoria Dudakova and Sam Hughes aim to climb the ranks with a victory in this competitive matchup. Jai Herbert vs. Rolando Bedoya (Lightweight - 155 lbs) : Jai Herbert takes on Rolando Bedoya in a bout that promises technical striking and fast-paced action. Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin (Middleweight - 185 lbs) : Opening the card, Sedriques Dumas and Denis Tiuliulin will set the tone with their middleweight clash. UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov is shaping up to be an explosive event filled with thrilling matchups and potential fight-of-the-night contenders. Don’t miss the action live from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Tune in this Saturday for a night of unforgettable fights that you won't want to miss! The main card is set to start at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. UK , with the walkouts for the Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov fight planned for 6 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. UK. Please note that these times are subject to change depending on the duration of the preliminary fights.

Every week Black Belt keeps you updated with the best martial arts movies, events and fights from around the world. This is the Black Belt Watch List for the weekend of July 26th, 2024. Watch The Last Dragon Streaming Free on Tubi "The Last Dragon" is a 1985 film blending action, comedy, and martial arts. It follows Leroy Green, a young martial artist in New York City, as he aspires to reach the mastery level of Bruce Lee. Along his journey, Leroy battles a corrupt martial arts expert and saves a TV star from a villainous businessman. The film also introduces to the silver screen a young Ernie Reyes Jr. Watch The Process Streaming Free on Pluto Staying on an Ernie Reyes Jr. binge we suggest The Process. When martial arts champion Pinoy (Shishir Inocalla) arrives in America, he finds his skills tested amid a violent gang war. He’s thrust into street combat with the Crazy Dragons gang, where he saves Jesse (Ernie Reyes Jr.). Grateful for his life and impressed by Pinoy’s abilities, Jesse befriends him and introduces him to his father. Watch Ninja Apocalypse Streaming Free on Amazon The final ERJ binge weekend may suggest Ninja Apocalypse, starring Christian Oliver, Cary Tagawa and Ernie Reyes Jr. Framed for assassinating the Grandmaster, the Lost Ninja Clan must fight their way up an underground nuclear bunker filled with hordes of supernatural enemies, mutants, and flesh-eating zombies. UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 Watch on PPV and ESPN UFC 304 pay-per-view card goes down on Saturday, July 27, when UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards faces Belal Muhammad in a rematch. The event takes place at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. In the evening’s co-main event, interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall puts his title on the line against Curtis Blaydes, also in a rematch, with the winner looking to earn a title unification bout with the victor of the as yet unbooked Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic matchup.

BECAUSE OF ITS VERSATILITY AND POWER,  the round kick — known to some martial artists as the turning kick, the saber kick or the roundhouse kick — is one of the most common leg techniques in our world. No matter your particular interpretation, the basics are the same: You swing your leg along an arc until your foot or shin strikes the target.  Unfortunately, that very simplicity can have negative consequences. When teaching students to spar, I often find myself thinking, I get it — you can throw a round kick! How about some variety? Try something else! And when I watch taekwondo in the Olympics, it often seems like I’m observing a round-kick marathon.  Despite its popularity, many martial artists don’t have a deep understanding of the round kick. That can prevent them from training properly, using the technique appropriately and maximizing its potential fully. Oblivious to its intricacies, they throw it merely because it’s quick and easy to execute.  This article will attempt to remedy that. In the paragraphs that follow, I will break down the round kick and offer insights into the technical details that are necessary to make progress and help in mastering your round kick. Mechanics The round kick can be executed in many ways, and as long as it’s powerful and fast, there’s a good chance it will be effective. The version I prefer derives its power and speed from a precise sequence that starts with the kicking leg being propelled by the hip, then has the knee of said leg extending with a snap as the hip turns over and contact is made.  The most common error I see in the dojang involves students not practicing the kick with a full range of circular motion. Instead, they consistently execute what amounts to a 45-degree round kick. That flies in the face of the philosophy that we all should train to develop maximum power and speed in the full range of motion for a given technique. When that’s your default, it’s easy to adjust in real time and perhaps throw a shorter-range round kick or one that entails reduced angular travel. Doing less than you’ve trained to do is easy. However, if you always train for less and occasionally need to do more, you’ll likely fall short.  The type of round kick I’m describing can be broken down into four parts, each of which should follow the previous one as quickly as the situation warrants:  1. Lift your leg with your knee bent.2. Pivot on the foot of your support leg so your hips can turn over.3. Strike the target by extending your kicking leg while turning over your hips.4. Re-chamber your foot, then return to a fighting stance.  The reason you should re-chamber your foot before putting it back on the floor is twofold. One, it affords you the opportunity to throw a second kick or even a third if the first one fails to get the job done. Two, it removes your kicking leg from your opponent’s reach, thus preventing a leg grab.  Power In the martial arts, we often use the word “power” to refer to what scientists call kinetic energy. The relevant formula is: kinetic energy = 1⁄2 mass x velocity2  This formula from classical mechanics tells us that if we want to make our round kick more powerful, we can increase the mass of the object that makes contact or increase its velocity. How do you up the mass factor? One way is to move forward while kicking. That puts more of your body- weight behind the technique. Another way is to rotate your body toward the target as you kick — in essence, that does the same thing. For the rotation to happen, the foot of your support leg must pivot fully. I tell students to envision a spike holding the ball of their foot in place on the floor. Thus, they must rotate on the ball of the foot with the goal of getting the back of the heel pointing toward the target.  The two most common mistakes I’ve seen with respect to generating power in the round kick are as follows:  • Students don’t rotate the support foot sufficiently. This leaves the back of the heel several degrees off the line that leads directly from their hips to the target.  • Students rotate on the support heel instead of the ball of the foot. This results in the body moving away from the target, which reduces the power of the kick.  For the velocity portion of the equation, it’s essential to examine hip rotation. The pivot of the support foot should cause the hips to turn over so the buttock of the kicking leg points toward the ceiling. This serves to swing the kicking leg more quickly than it otherwise would move. In effect, the hips act as the fulcrum for the lever of the leg while powering its angular motion.  Velocity, of course, is defined as distance divided by time. (It also includes a direction component, but that’s irrelevant here.) Time depends on the rotation of the body and the extension of the leg. Distance is how far the kicking foot travels during that time to reach the target. It follows that if you make a larger arc with your kicking leg in the same time it takes you to execute a normal round kick, you’ll create a more powerful blow because your foot will be moving more quickly — although you’ll sacrifice the element of surprise to some extent. You can mitigate this by setting up the kick so your opponent doesn’t notice it until it’s too late or simply by making a slightly smaller arc and thus saving time.  Details Now that your round kick is powerful and fast, you should consider several other elements in your pursuit of mastery. The first involves your upper body. Many people thrust their lead hand behind them when they throw a round kick — I’m not sure why. That hand cannot be used to defend or to strike when it’s dangling there. Some believe that throwing the hand back helps with the maintenance of balance and the creation of momentum. This, too, seems like a poor reason because both can be achieved with proper core training. For these reasons, I believe that the lead hand should remain near your head — between you and your opponent — so it can be used for attack and/or defense.  The next element is the position in which your round kick ends. When executing it, your pivot pulls your hip around, your hip pulls your leg around and your knee pulls the striking tool around. If the striking tool trav- els more than 2 feet past the imaginary line between your hip and your target, you’ll expose your back. That means your opponent can counterattack — or push the leg to spin you around, making you even more vulner- able. Consequently, I encourage students to stop the round kick when their foot is directly between the hip and the target. This forces them to focus the energy of the kick outward toward the opponent, as opposed to around and past the opponent.  A second danger in letting the kick travel too far past the line between your hip and your opponent is that you’ll be tempted to stick your buttock out and sit away from the kick. Doing so not only pulls your mass away from the kick but also disturbs your balance and inhibits your ability to deal with the rebound force. This is why I frequently tell students to avoid performing a “big booty kick.” Instead, thrust your pelvis forward at the moment of impact to lock your body into the kick.  Foot Poison Crucial in the effective execution of the round kick is foot position. If you’re breaking a board with the kick, I recommend flexing your ankle and toes so the ball of your foot strikes the board. In self-defense, this foot position is useful if you want to break your opponent’s bones or hook your foot around a blocking tool.  A different foot position is used in the pointed-foot round kick. This is recommended when striking pads, bags or people you don’t want to injure — although it can still cause damage. The pointed-foot round kick strikes with the instep or the shin, depending on your art, your target and the amount of hip rotation you use. Examples: For a 45-degree round kick, you likely will make contact with the instep. For a baseball-bat break, you most likely will elect to use your shin. Clearly, the round kick is a versatile tool that’s relatively easy to throw. However, it requires plenty of practice, especially if your repertoire includes several of the variations described above. To that end, you should develop a training regimen that hones the attributes needed to execute the round kick through the full range of motion.  Drills The following are some drills that I’ve found useful in my students’ pursuit of round-kick mastery. You are, of course, free to modify them to suit your specific needs.  Hold a wall or a chair for stability. Assume a fighting stance and repeatedly perform a fast pivot toward the target and then back to the starting position. Your kicking leg should be lifted and your knee flexed. In addition to polishing your ability to pivot, this will enable you to see for yourself how a quick, snappy pivot can move the kicking leg dynamically. Caution: You may be surprised at how sore the muscles of your core and the calf of your support leg will be the day after.  Bolster your balance as described above if you so desire. Pre-pivot the foot of your support leg and lift your kicking leg to the round-kick chamber position. Set a metronome to 120 beats per minute. Set a timer for 30 seconds. Try to execute a round kick every time you hear the signal.  Set up a small target; I suggest a ping pong ball hanging from a string. Execute a predetermined number of full-power, full-speed round kicks at the target. Attempt to make contact only with your chosen striking tool — for example, the ball of your foot or the instep. If you hit with the wrong part of the foot or miss the target, start over.  Position yourself in front of a heavy bag. Throw a round kick at the bag, but don’t put your kicking foot back on the floor immediately. Instead, focus on mitigating the rebound of the kick using only your core. This not only will strengthen your core but also will build your balance.  Secure a spacious area where spilled water will not be a problem. Stand at one end of the area with a cup of water in your hand. Execute a series of round kicks while traversing the area. Your goal, of course, is to not spill the water. The result will be improved balance, superior control and enhanced body awareness.  Simon Scher holds a seventh-degree black belt in taekwondo and has trained extensively in aikido, tai chi, capoeira, jiu-jitsu, karate, kali, kyudo and sado. His book The Martial Arts Manual is based on his longtime project of creating a line-by-line commentary on Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

BRAVE Combat Federation is set to make history in Slovenia by crowning its inaugural Heavyweight champion as Lithuanian MMA Machine Pavel "The Experiment" Dailidko takes on Uzbek knockout artist Azamat Nuftillaev in the co-main event of BRAVE CF 88.  Pavel Dailidko enters the title fight on a four-fight winning streak in BRAVE Combat Federation, with all wins coming through finishes.  His impressive performance at BRAVE CF 81 in Slovenia, where he stopped Valdrin Istrefi in the second round, earned him a shot at the inaugural Heavyweight title, as promised by BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid. Pavel holds a professional MMA record of eight wins and two losses and has fought five times in BRAVE Combat Federation, gaining global recognition. Azamat Nuftillaev, known as 'The Dragon,' enters BRAVE Combat Federation on a three-fight winning streak. He has proven his knockout power in the European MMA circuit and now looks to showcase his skills to a global audience by fighting for the BRAVE CF Heavyweight title. With 10 of his 12 wins coming via stoppage, Azamat is capable of quickly turning the tide of any fight; making this an interesting fight for fans across the globe.  BRAVE CF 88, held in association with WFC, promises to be the biggest MMA event in Europe and features a title doubleheader. The event is headlined by the Light Heavyweight title fight between Erko Jun and Alexander Wesner and marks the second BRAVE Combat Federation event in Slovenia this year, following BRAVE CF 81.

Shiro Saigo (1866-1922) is a legend in Japanese budo, no doubt well-known to many Black Belt readers. The second student to enroll at the Kodokan, he was one of the stellar pupils there, famed for his ability to defeat much larger opponents. SAIGO lived and thrived in the tumultuous era of Japan’s early modernization. Jigoro Kano’s Kodokan was emerging as an influential force in budo. This was a period when many martial arts schools were trying to adjust to the post-feudal changes that were shaking all of Japan.  The aristocratic samurai were gone. Budo dojo — particularly those that dealt with swordsmanship and jujitsu — struggled to attract students. Com- petition was fierce and lively. Kano’s judo, the “new kid,” was a target for many established jujitsu dojo. The challenges and competitions that came his way provided fodder for numerous fictional treatments, including Sanshiro Sugata, a famous movie based loosely on the life of Saigo.  SAIGO WAS NOT a physically dominating person. He was small, wiry and exceptionally strong by all accounts. His real talent, however, seems to have been an intense spirit devoted to a technical study of judo. In fact, he’s credited with creating several throws in judo’s curriculum.  More important, he applied himself to a specific strategy that minimalized his limitations — the lack of size and sheer muscular power — while accentuating his strengths. He accomplished this primarily in one way: Shiro Saigo never adopted a position or an attitude of defense.  Kano wrote the following about Saigo’s approach: “As a judo practitioner, he was in regular training among those who were thrown most often. In being thrown, he developed a skillful method of breakfalls that allowed him to use movement to avoid a technique and to be thrown in any way without experiencing any discomfort.  “Many judo exponents do not attack fully for fear of exposing them- selves to a counter. Saigo did not concern himself with this. He exclusively took the strategy of attack, circumventing his opponent’s attacks by forcing them to take a defensive posture. Consequently, his opponents constantly gave him openings for his own attacks.” SERIOUS MARTIAL ARTISTS should examine Kano’s description of Saigo’s approach. First, it’s important to note that Saigo took more falls in training than other students did. Rather than focusing on winning, Saigo chose to take so many falls that he eventually could see ways to escape mid technique. He was willing to lose, repeatedly, to learn.  Second, by learning to fall so that no matter how he was thrown, he was able to recover, maintain his posture and land on his feet, Saigo could begin to concentrate on attack. Think about this. How would it affect your mentality if you were confident that you could not be beaten? How would your approach to a gun-wielding opponent differ if you knew the gun had no ammunition? That’s an exaggeration, but if you don’t need to worry about being defeated, your commitment to attack can be undiluted. This was critical to Saigo’s mindset. IN 1886 the Tokyo police sponsored a series of matches between several jujitsu dojo, including the Kodokan. Saigo faced Hikosuke Totsuka of tot- suka-ha yoshin ryu, who was certainly among the premier martial artists in Japan at the time. For 10 minutes, Totsuka unleashed a barrage of attacks. Saigo deftly avoided them — or took the falls in a way that enabled him to land on his feet and be ready to continue. Finally, Saigo uncorked a throw that put Totsuka on the mat so hard he received a concussion.  Probably more than any other single event, this match pushed Kodokan judo to the forefront of martial arts in Japan.  Saigo was successful at least in part because he didn’t concern him- self with the possibility of defeat. In today’s budo, competition is often characterized by exactly the opposite. In kendo, judo and karate, practitioners frequently display behavior that reflects a fear of being scored on. Note that Saigo’s approach is not the same as being suicidal. “I’ll allow my opponent to break my jaw in order to get in a punch that I think will drop him” is not a wise way to enter a fight, not even one in the competition arena. Instead, Saigo’s strategy was to become so adept that he could handle whatever an opponent sent his way — then adapt, deflect or avoid — and be free to deliver his own attacks.  NOTE, TOO, that the defensive positions many budoka take today in sparring or competition create a different character. Consolidating one’s points, protecting them by taking a defensive crouch in hopes of “run- ning out the clock” or frustrating an opponent — all are inconsistent with the qualities that define budo. The martial ways do not promote fool- ish bravado. They do, though, when they’re pursued correctly, generate an unflinching sense of confidence and determination. To enter a contest unprepared, thinking all will be OK because you’ve got confidence, is not a great idea by any means. It’s a mischaracterization of Saigo’s approach. His determination was firmly grounded in reality — the reality that his technique was solid and well-polished.  Karateka and other martial artists need to follow his example. Strengthen your technique until you can depend on it. Develop your flexibility, both physical and mental, as that was key to Saigo’s success. Once those things are mastered, there’s no need to think defensively.  Dave Lowry has written Karate Way since 1986. For more information about his articles and books, visit blackbeltmag.com and type his name in the search box.  This article was published in a 2019 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

For the first time in over a decade, GLORY, the world’s largest kickboxing organisation, returns to Croatia.  GLORY 95  will take place at the  Arena Zagreb  in the heart of the nation’s capital on September 21 . A blockbuster heavyweight showdown between the number one ranked  Levi Rigters (18-2, 8 KO)  and Croatian  superstar Antonio Plazibat (22-5, 16 KO)  will headline this event. In the co-main event, KO artist  Hamicha (41-2, 30 KO)  returns to action for the first time since November last year. Undefeated in GLORY at 5-0, the top ranked Moroccan goes up against French heavy hitter  Cedric Do (16-5, 9 KO) . GLORY 95 will also see the retirement fight for Croatian legend  Mladen Brestovac (55-14-1, 37 KO) . The former GLORY heavyweight title challenger will say goodbye to the sport of kickboxing in his hometown of Zagreb. ‘The Scorpian Sting’ will meet fellow veteran  Vladimir Tok (41-20, 28 KO)  in what will be his first fight in Zagreb since 2016. Additionally, heavyweight giants  Tariq ‘Cookie’ Osaro (25-4-1, 13 KO)  and  Uku Jurjendal (20-9, 16 KO)  collide, top-ten heavyweights  Nordine Mehieddine (28-15, 13 KO)  and  Nikola Filipovic (11-2, 6 KO)  clash, and Croatia’s  Andrej Kedves (19-4, 7 KO)  meets France’s  Guerric Billet (41-7-1, 17 KO)  on the preliminary card. Fans can expect more fights to be added to GLORY 95 over the coming days. GLORY 95 will be available to watch live exclusively on Videoland in the Netherlands, DAZN in France & Belgium, and Bally Live & Stadium across the United States & Canada. For full global broadcast listings, please visit  GLORYKickboxing.com . GLORY 95 Fight Card Main Event  Heavyweight #1 Levi Rigters (18-2, 8 KO) vs. #3 Antonio Plazibat (22-5, 16 KO) Co-Main Event Welterweight #3 Hamicha (41-2, 30 KO) vs. Cedric Do (16-5, 9 KO) Heavyweight Mladen Brestovac (55-14-1, 37 KO) vs. Vladimir Tok (51-20, 28 KO) Heavyweight #4 Tariq 'Cookie' Osaro (25-4-1, 13 KO) vs. #8 Uku Jurjendal (20-9, 16 KO) Heavyweight #6 Nordine Mehieddine (28-15, 13 KO) vs. #9 Nikola Filipovic (11-2, 6 KO) Lightweight Guerric Billet (41-7-1, 17 KO) vs. Andrej Kedves (19-4, 7 KO) More fights to be announced.

We asked some of the world's top martial artists who are known for their own kicking performance on and off the screen to list their choice for the greatest martial artist kickers ever to appear on the silver screen…because KICKERS KNOW KICKERS In Alphabetical Order Scott Adkins Loren Avedon  Jackie Chan Keith Cooke Tony Jaa Bruce Lee Hwang Jang Lee Jet Li John Liu  Ken Lo Ernie Reyes Jr. Hwang in Shik Jean Claude Van Dame Michael Jai White  Donnie Yen Contributors George Chung, Chris Casamassa, Mike Chat, John Chung, Simon Rhee Cynthia Rothrock,  Carmichael Simon, Keith Vitali George Chung, Publisher, Black Belt Magazine: "I posed a question to several esteemed individuals with a range in age and generational taste. They were all renowned for their kicking prowess, guided by the belief that 'Game knows Game' – kickers know kickers. The responses I received were not just intriguing but brimming with passion and wisdom, spanning from the 1970s to the present day.  The selection criteria revolved around two key elements: flawless execution of technique and the ability to inspire. Watching these masters in action not only showcases impeccable technique but ignites a desire within ourselves to emulate their moves. In my list one such individual is Hwang Jang Lee, whose legacy may have faded from memory for some. Yet, his contributions to martial arts cinema, particularly in films like "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" and "No Retreat, No Surrender 2," exemplify pure old-school Tae Kwon Do kicking mastery.  Michael Jai White's repertoire astounds me with his range, seamlessly blending traditional karate with stunning kicking techniques that exude both cleanliness and power, earning him a well-deserved place on my list.  And let's not forget John Liu, whose films, often labeled as B Kung Fu flicks, boast a remarkable body of work and undeniable skill.  The list could extend endlessly, but for now, I'll spend my time reveling in the brilliance of these exceptional performers and those from my peers." George Chung's List Hwang Jang Lee Michael Jai White  John Liu Cynthia Rothrock 5-Time World Forms Champion, Film Star, and Black Belt Hall of Famer Cynthia Rothrock: "Whenever I see these three men on screen, I find myself amazed by the precision and power of their kicks. There are several scenes where I've watched each of them and I've thought to myself wow that was great technique they consistently leave a lasting impression on me with their kicking!" Cynthia Rothrock's List Scott  Adkins Donnie Yen Keith Cooke Keith Vitali World Champion, Film Star, and Black Belt Hall of Famer Keith Vitali: "I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some of the best kickers in martial arts films including Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Gary Daniels, Darren Shahlavi, Loren Avedon, Keith Cooke and so many others. I’ve also been extremely impressed watching on screen the great kicking skills of Bruce Lee, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Atkins, Michael Jai White, Marko Zaror, Mark Dacascos and Andy Long, not to mention so many others."  Keith Vitali’s List: Scott Adkins   Keith Cooke  Loren Avedon   Mike Chat World Champion Forms and Weapons Champion and Hollywood Stuntman and Fight Coordinator  Mike Chat: "My list includes the greats but one standout is Scott Adkins, who incorporates XMA tricking into his moves, no stuntman needed."  Mike Chat’s List: Jet Li  Jean Claude Van Damme  Scott Adkins   Chris Casamassas World Champion, Stuntman, Grand Master Chris Casamassas: "Van Damme showcased his kicking prowess in iconic films like "Bloodsport" and "Kickboxer." His ability to execute complex kicks with speed and agility sets him apart as one of the world's greatest kickers in film. Tony Jaa’s explosive kicking style, in movies like "Ong-Bak" and "The Protector," are a testament to his mastery of Muay Thai. His kicks are not only powerful but also seamlessly integrated into his fight choreography, earning him a spot in my book among the top kickers in film. Bruce Lee, regarded as one of the most influential martial artists of all time, Bruce Lee's lightning-fast kicks in films like "Enter the Dragon" and "Fist of Fury." Are second to none. He was my inspiration for acting to get into making action movies….His innovative approach to martial arts and his ability to blend different styles make him a timeless icon." Chris Casamassa’s List Bruce Lee Jean Claude Van Damme  Tony Jaa John Chung  World Forms Champion and Black Belt Hall of Fame John Chung’s List: Bruce Lee Jackie Chan Tony Jaa Simon Rhee Tae Kwon Do Master, Stuntman, and Taurus Award Winner Simon Rhee: "Scott Adkins for sure. I really enjoy some of the old school kickers from back in the day, that include films like Way of the Dragon and Drunken Master 2. One person in particular was Hwang In Shik who was very impressive and still holds up to modern standards. The other that must be on the list is Ken Lo." Simon Rhee’s List: Hwang In Shik Ken Lo Scott Adkins Carmichael Simon World Champion and Stuntman  Carmichael Simon former world form champion and pioneer tricking master.  Carmichael Simon’s List: Bruce Lee Jet Li Ernie Reyes Jr.

Mokaev's final fight in the UFC came with a decision victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304. Post-fight, the 23-year-old revealed his UFC contract had concluded and expressed hope for a new deal, hinging on his performance against Kape. However, UFC executives indicated that they were not keen on his grappling-heavy fighting style, suggesting they wanted to see more dynamic performances. Dana White addressed Mokaev's departure in a post-event press conference. "Yeah, that’s what we tell guys. We tell guys how to fight," White stated. "We’ve been doing this for a long f*cking time. I’m sure one of the matchmakers probably said something to him or whatever. The matchmakers aren’t big fans of his for many different reasons. There’s a lot of people who shoot takedowns in this business, a lot of guys that fight with that type of style. But it’s a lot more than just that." Despite acknowledging Mokaev's unblemished record, White confirmed that the UFC would not be renewing his contract. "He’s not under contract anymore. I think the PFL’s going to get a great undefeated guy. Good luck to him," White added. Mokaev's departure also stems from several off-cage incidents, including a notable altercation with Manel Kape. The fighters clashed at the UFC Performance Institute and had another heated exchange at the host hotel during fight week in Manchester. Mokaev admitted to sucker-punching Kape under the pretense of taking a photo together, escalating tensions between their camps. While Dana White refrained from delving into the specifics, he hinted that Mokaev's exit was due to multiple factors beyond his fighting style. "It’s not solely about any one thing, but instead a multitude of issues led to his dismissal," White said. Stay tuned for more updates on Muhammad Mokaev's career and other UFC news.

The excitement in the MMA world is palpable as UFC President Dana White has unveiled the full fight card for UFC 306, set to take place on September 14 at the innovative Sphere in Las Vegas. The event, branded as Riyadh Season Noche UFC due to a significant sponsorship deal, is being touted as the most expensive production in UFC history, making it a one-off spectacle that fans won't want to miss. Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Headlining UFC 306 is a highly anticipated bantamweight title fight between reigning champion Sean "Sugar" O’Malley and the division's top contender, Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley, known for his flashy style and knockout power, aims to secure his second title defense after previous victories over Aljamain Sterling and Marlon “Chito” Vera. Riding a six-fight win streak, O'Malley's only recent blemish is a no-contest against Pedro Munhoz. Dvalishvili, on the other hand, is on a remarkable ten-fight win streak, establishing himself as a formidable contender. With his close friend and training partner Sterling having moved to the featherweight division, Dvalishvili finally gets his shot at the title, promising an explosive showdown with O'Malley. Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko The co-main event will feature a thrilling trilogy bout between UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko. Grasso claimed the title with a stunning fourth-round submission victory over Shevchenko in 2023 and subsequently defended it with a controversial split draw in their rematch at the first Noche UFC event. This third encounter promises to settle the score once and for all. Main Card Highlights Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes : A re-booked featherweight clash where the seasoned Brian Ortega faces the rising star Diego Lopes. Esteban Ribovics vs. Daniel Zellhuber : A lightweight bout featuring two of the division's promising talents. Ode Osbourne vs. Ronaldo Rodríguez : A flyweight fight expected to deliver high-paced action. Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Manuel Torres : Another exciting lightweight contest to keep an eye on. Irene Aldana vs. Norma Dumont : A bantamweight bout with significant implications for the title picture. Kevin Borjas vs. Edgar Chairez : A thrilling matchup in the flyweight division. Yazmin Jáuregui vs. Ketlen Souza : A women’s strawweight bout featuring two fierce competitors. Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Aori Qileng : A bantamweight fight promising to showcase the division’s future stars. The historic UFC 306 will take place on September 14 at Sphere in Las Vegas. This state-of-the-art venue promises an unparalleled viewing experience, further elevating the significance of this already monumental event. With a lineup stacked with intriguing matchups and title implications, UFC 306 at Sphere is set to be a night of unforgettable action. Fans should mark their calendars for September 14 and prepare for a spectacular showcase of MMA talent.