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 DragonFest, the official event sponsored by the Martial Arts Museum. 18th Annual Dragonfest  August 3rd Glendale Civic Auditorium  Glendale, California 18th annual Dragonfest convention, a fundraising event that supports the museum and celebrates Asian culture. Dragonfest will be held on August 3, 2024, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. Dragonfest will feature over 100 vendor booths selling anime gifts, martial arts weapons, and souvenirs. Attendees can enjoy a full day of Asian cultural performances, and martial arts fans can meet and greet their favorite stars, including Cynthia Rothrock, Eric Lee, Michael Jai White, Ron Thomas, Leilani Shiu, Joe Mantegna, and dozens more.  For the more avid practitioners, adults have the opportunity to train with martial arts legends such as Benny Urquidez, Michelle Manu, Robert Redfeather, Don Wilson, Vince Cecere, and Robin Price. 100% of the proceeds from Dragonfest will benefit the Martial Arts History Museum. For inquires email : info@mamuseum.com or visit site below.

ONE Friday Fights 71 was pure adrenaline on Friday, July 19, from Bangkok, Thailand. Finish after finish after finish lit up Lumpinee Stadium as ONE Championship’s athletes came intent on putting on a show. Here are the Full Results of ONE Friday Fights 71. Songchainoi Kiatsongrit and Rak Erawan had the audience inside Lumpinee Stadium roaring for their three-round duel. The back-and-forth battle went to the scorecards after nine minutes of pure action. In the end, Songchainoi earned a unanimous nod from the judges. Petlampun Muadablampang does not get paid by the minute. In 87 seconds, he scored three knockdowns on Silangern Lanna Waterside to secure the TKO victory. Petlampun fired away with controlled aggression and never let his opponent get into rhythm, ending the bout early and getting a huge win in the evening’s co-main event. Chartpayak Saksatoon leveled Pornsanae Sor Phumipat with a clean left hook early in the first round. Pornsanae was able to get up, but Chartpayak was ultra-aggressive upon the restart. With a bevy of punches flying, a left hand connected to put away Pornsanae for good in only 68 seconds of work. Yoddoi Kaewsamrit added to the knockout total with a second-round finish over Chokdee Maxjandee. Yoddoi pressured Chokdee into the corner and unleashed nonstop strikes until his fellow Thai athlete could no longer weather the storm. The finish came at the 1:10 mark of the second frame. Rifdean Masdor utilized thunderous knees to the body to sap energy from Petaek Sitbigjasskonrakpathum during their 113-pound catchweight affair. With Petaek feeling the pain, Masdor took advantage with a flurry of strikes, culminating with an elbow that opened up Petaek and sent him to the canvas for a first-round win. Ilyas Musaev made it look easy against Superball Wankhongohm WBK. As the first round was winding down, the Russian scored the first knockdown of the match. However, it wouldn’t be the last. A blistering combination, finishing with a left hook, put the Thai athlete out for good early in the second round to net Musaev a monster win in Bangkok. Ongbak Fairtex had his back against the ropes and was doing a skillful job of avoiding many of the incoming blows. However, that was until Abdulla Dayakaev went to the body and came back to the head with a crushing left hook. The Thai athlete rose to meet the referee’s count, but Dayakaev quickly put him back down with an overhand right for the first-round KO victory. Asadula Imangazaliev mowed down Petmuangsri Wankhongohm MBK in their 133-pound catchweight contest. An early first-round knockdown put the Russian in command of the action, but the spinning-backfist KO netted him a huge highlight-reel finish in his promotional debut. The spectacular KO instantly put Imangazaliev on the map and may have been the finish of the night. Australia’s Faine Mesquita wasted little time in getting the ball rolling in Bangkok by defeating Yuka Okutomi via first-round submission. During a scramble on the mat, Mesquita slipped to her opponent’s back and immediately had an arm under the chin. Once the other arm was free, she secured the rear-naked choke for the finish. You can relive the sights and sounds from ONE Friday Fights 71 on demand via ONE’s official YouTube channel. ONE Friday Fights 71 Full Results Songchainoi Kiatsongrit def. Rak Erawan by unanimous decision Petlampun Muadablampang def. Silangern Lanna Waterside by TKO at 1:27 of the first round Chartpayak Saksatoon def. Pornsanae Sor Phumipat by KO at 1:08 of the first round Yoddoi Kaewsamrit def. Chokdee Maxjandee by KO at 1:10 of the second round Padejsuk Looksuan def. Pettaweesak Sangmorakot by unanimous decision Rifdean Masdor def. Petaek Sitbigjasskonrakpathum by KO at 2:49 of the first round Ilyas Musaev def. Superball Wankhongohm WBK by KO at 0:55 of the second round Abdulla Dayakaev def. Ongbak Fairtex by KO at 2:34 of the first round Asadula Imangazaliev def. Petmuangsri Wankhongohm WBK by KO at 1:45 of the first round Issei Yonaha def. Timur Chuikov by unanimous decision Ivan Bondarchuk def. Nachyn Sat by unanimous decision Faine Mesquita def. Yuka Okutomi via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:15 of the first round

Trey Ogden’s approach to MMA is unique and has garnered him acclaim as the head coach of Marathon MMA, along with 17 professional wins and two victories in the UFC. His mindset towards making weight exemplifies his distinctive perspective on the fight game. “There’s something beautiful about overcoming the suffering,” says Ogden, who successfully made weight at 156 pounds for his upcoming bout against Loik Radzhabov. He likens the process to a soldier’s march to battle, drawing parallels with Roman and medieval soldiers who endured hardships before even reaching the battlefield. Ogden’s view of the Octagon as a battlefield is a testament to his commitment and intellectual approach to the sport. He recalls the endurance required during his marathon in Des Moines, where he had to push through immense physical and mental barriers. Ogden’s admiration for the ancient Greek runner Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver a victory message and died after completing his mission, reflects his respect for extreme endurance and dedication. “What a savage,” Ogden comments, appreciating the Athenian’s effort. For Ogden, weight cutting and training are forms of voluntary, spiritual suffering that build mental resilience and composure. He embraces these challenges and instills this mindset in his students and fighters. Ogden recently coached two fighters, Miles Johns and Garrett Armfield, to impressive performances at the UFC APEX. He meticulously breaks down their fights, showcasing his analytical mind. However, Ogden balances his intellectual approach with instinctive fighting, ensuring his reactions are well-trained and his Fight IQ sharp. In the gym and during fight week, Ogden endures physical and mental suffering to achieve his goals. Quoting David Goggins, he says, “Being run down is the price to pay for being hard.” Catch UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT, while the main card kicks off on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.

Leon "Rocky" Edwards has not only delivered one of the most stunning moments in UFC history but also consistently displayed mixed martial arts excellence. From his sharp striking to his evolving grappling, Edwards embodies the spirit of MMA. Dive into Edwards' career highlights, UFC record, and standout fights that have defined his journey. Career Beginnings and Notable Achievements Edwards made his UFC debut on November 8, 2014, in Uberlandia, Brazil, against Claudio Silva at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Saint Preux. Since then, he has earned two Performance of the Night bonuses, secured 10 decision victories (tied for 4th-most in welterweight history), and achieved notable knockouts, including the latest KO in UFC history against Peter Sobotta and the 3rd-fastest finish in welterweight history against Seth Baczynski. In August 2022, Edwards became the UFC welterweight champion by knocking out Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. He has since defended the title twice, once against Usman and once against Covington. Memorable Fights UFC 263 – Leon Edwards vs. Nate Diaz (June 12, 2021) After a series of setbacks, including a canceled fight due to COVID-19 and a no-contest against Belal Muhammad, Edwards faced fan-favorite Nate Diaz. Dominating the fight until a late rally from Diaz, Edwards emerged victorious, earning respect and solidifying his reputation. UFC 278 – Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman (August 20, 2022) In a rematch with Kamaru Usman, Edwards overcame the champion's pressure and grappling. In the final minute of the fight, Edwards delivered a head kick that knocked out Usman, marking one of the greatest comebacks and title-winning finishes in UFC history. His post-fight speech, including the iconic "Look at me now!" phrase, remains memorable. UFC 296 – Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington (December 16, 2023) Edwards faced Colby Covington, a fight fueled by bad blood. Following his second victory over Usman, Edwards dominated Covington for 25 minutes, further cementing his legacy as the welterweight champion. Leon Edwards' UFC Record UFC 296 (12/16/23) : WIN against Colby Covington (unanimous decision) UFC 286 (3/18/23) : WIN against Kamaru Usman (majority decision) UFC 278 (8/20/22) : WIN against Kamaru Usman (KO) UFC 263 (6/12/21) : WIN against Nate Diaz (unanimous decision) UFC Fight Night (3/13/21) : NO CONTEST against Belal Muhammad (accidental eye poke) UFC on ESPN (7/20/19) : WIN against Rafael Dos Anjos (unanimous decision) UFC Fight Night (3/16/19) : WIN against Gunnar Nelson (split decision) UFC Fight Night (6/23/18) : WIN against Donald Cerrone (unanimous decision) UFC Fight Night (3/17/18) : WIN against Peter Sobotta (TKO) UFC Fight Night (9/2/17) : WIN against Bryan Barberena (unanimous decision) UFC Fight Night (3/18/17) : WIN against Vicente Luque (unanimous decision) UFC 204 (10/8/16) : WIN against Albert Tumenov (submission) UFC Fight Night (5/8/16) : WIN against Dominic Waters (unanimous decision) UFC on FOX (12/19/15) : LOSS against Kamaru Usman (unanimous decision) UFC Fight Night (7/18/15) : WIN against Pawel Pawlak (unanimous decision) UFC Fight Night (4/11/15) : WIN against Seth Baczynski (KO) UFC Fight Night (11/8/14) : LOSS against Claudio Silva (split decision) Don't miss UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2, live from Co-Op Live in Manchester, England. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.

Dana White's UFC Contender Series and college graduate Hyder Amil is on a mission to prove he deserves big fights quickly. While Hyder Amil is a formidable prizefighter, the Californian’s real talent might be in keeping a secret. On May 24, he revealed via Instagram that he had graduated from college, a significant achievement he had kept under wraps. Using his fight purses to pay for classes, Amil balanced his rigorous MMA training with his studies. Approximately six years later, he earned a degree in construction management. “Not too shabby for someone who gets punched in the face,” laughs Amil. Achieving this while fighting on the regional scene was challenging, but as he advanced to bigger shows and the UFC, the pressure intensified, making his accomplishment even more remarkable. “I train a lot, and my coaches often begged me to chill and recover. Despite various personal challenges, I also managed to open a gym, doing the architecture and 3-D modeling for it, hiring and managing people, and still training and fighting. I don’t know how I did it all, but I did.” Now, with his degree in hand, Amil can fully focus on his fighting career. The 34-year-old boasts a 9-0 pro record, including a second-round stoppage of Fernie Garcia in his UFC debut in February. On Saturday, he will face JeongYeong Lee in his third fight at the UFC APEX, hoping to deliver a performance that propels him to arena fights. Amil is open to a matchup with featherweight action hero Nate Landwehr. While he remains focused on his upcoming bout against Lee, he doesn’t hide his ambition. His coach and mentor, Gilbert Melendez, understands this drive well. “Gilbert told me he’s proud of me and that I give hope to everyone on the team that they can make it to the UFC too,” Amil shared. “People in the Bay Area have told me I inspire them to pursue their dreams, and that makes me feel really happy. It’s the icing on the cake.” However, the most significant acknowledgment comes from his mother. “My mom’s been waiting my whole life for me to get this degree,” Amil said. “She’s told me she’s proud of me twice—once when I went to the Contender Series and again when I got this degree.” Don't miss UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5pm ET/2pm PT, while the main card kicks off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

The fourth day of the Judo tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics is set to be electrifying, showcasing the highly competitive middleweight categories for women (-63kg) and men (-81kg). Expect intense clashes and potentially anticipated finals that will test the athletes' mental resilience and skill. In the women's -63kg category, all eyes will be on Clarisse Agbegnenou, the defending Olympic champion, and the pride of the French home crowd. Agbegnenou made a triumphant return to the sport after the birth of her daughter, securing another World title. She acknowledges being a different athlete now, possibly even stronger, but she faces a new generation eager to make their mark. Among her challengers is Joanne Van Lieshout of the Netherlands, the current world number one and reigning World Champion. Van Lieshout has had a stellar run-up to the Olympics, positioning herself as a strong contender for the gold medal. Canada's Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard, known for her exceptional transition and ne-waza skills, is also a formidable opponent. She is part of a robust Canadian judo team aiming for Olympic success. Laura Fazliu from Kosovo is another top contender. With Kosovo's impressive Olympic judo record, Fazliu hopes to add her name to the list of Olympic champions. Poland's Angelika Szymanska, despite settling for a World silver medal in Abu Dhabi, brings exceptional ne-waza skills to the competition, making her a tough competitor. Andreja Leski of Slovenia also aims to follow in the footsteps of her country's two previous Olympic champions, Urska Zolnir Jugovar and Tina Trstenjak. Other notable contenders in this category include Austria's Lubjana Piovesana, who exceeded expectations after joining Team Austria and jumped to #10 in the World Ranking List. Great Britain's Lucy Renshall, who once led the weight category before injury pushed her out of seeding positions, remains a serious threat. Katarina Kristo of Croatia, World medallists Ozbas Szofi of Hungary and Barbara Timo of Portugal, and the current European Champion Renata Zachova from the Czech Republic are all waiting in the wings to make their mark. In the men's -81kg category, the main clash could be between Belgium's Matthias Casse and Georgia's Tato Grigalashvili, two of the best athletes in this Olympic cycle. However, this is not a certainty. Japan's Nagase Takanori, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist, is seeded eighth and will compete in the same pool as Casse, setting up a potentially thrilling early-round match. Azerbaijan's Zelim Tckaev, another top contender, is expected to perform strongly. Representing Austria, Wachid Borchashvili will carry his family's legacy in Paris, although he is not seeded. Tricky figures outside the seeded positions, such as Vedat Albayrak of Turkey, Antonio Esposito of Italy, and Frank De Wit of the Netherlands, could easily upset the run of things for the top eight, leading to huge disappointments in the Champ de Mars Arena early on. These categories are stacked with talent, ensuring an exciting day of judo that could see unexpected outcomes and remarkable performances. The pressure will be immense, and the athletes' ability to handle it could determine who stands on the podium.

“Cash is trying to live a quiet, honest life in a small Appalachian town. When a vicious crime boss forces him back into her services, he soon learns he's capable of anything -- even killing -- to protect his family and his home.” Orlando Bloom steps back into the limelight with this action thriller co-starring Andie MacDowell  as a rough, mob-wife-like villain.

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 19th, 2024. On the weekend that we celebrate the life of the world's most famous Martial Arts hero Bruce Lee we can celebrate by enjoying his greatest works! + Don't miss the exciting martial arts events happening across the USA, Europe, and Southeast Asia! Black Belt Magazine has all the latest updates. Watch The Big Boss a.k.a Fists of Fury Streaming FREE on PLUTO The Big Boss, originally known in the United States as Fists of Fury, is a landmark 1971 Hong Kong action martial arts film. Produced by Raymond Chow, this cinematic gem features stellar performances from Maria Yi, James Tien, Tony Liu, and Nora Miao and catapulted Bruce Lee to stardom in his first major lead role.  The story follows a young man named Cheng (Bruce Lee) who, along with his uncle, leaves China for Thailand to live with his cousins. Before embarking on this journey, Cheng makes a solemn promise to his mother to abstain from fighting. In Thailand, Cheng secures a job at an ice factory thanks to a recommendation from his roommate, Hsu Chien (James Tien), who is both the leader of the workers and a skilled martial artist frequently embroiled in conflicts with local gangs. Despite his vow to avoid trouble, Cheng finds himself drawn into a confrontation with the factory boss following the mysterious disappearance of his friends and cousins. As tensions escalate, Cheng must decide whether to keep his promise or take a stand against the corruption and violence surrounding him. The film was Bruce Lee’s first starring role in a worldwide release and started his journey to stardom. Watch Fist of Fury a.k.a Chinese Connection Streaming FREE on PLUTO Fist of Fury also known as The Chinese Connection, is a 1972 Hong Kong action martial arts film directed by Lo Wei and produced by Raymond Chow under the Golden Harvest banner.  Following his explosive debut in The Big Boss (1971), Bruce Lee stars in this film and also serves as the action choreographer, showcasing his unparalleled skills and visionary approach to martial arts cinema. In Fist of Fury, Bruce Lee portrays Chen Zhen, a dedicated student of the revered martial arts master Huo Yuanjia. The film opens with Chen returning to Shanghai to marry his fiancée, only to be devastated by the news of his sifu's untimely death. During the funeral, members of a local Japanese dojo arrive and insult the Chinese students, sparking a series of confrontations. Chen initially fights back against the bullying, but the true gravity of the situation is revealed when he learns that his teacher was poisoned under the orders of the dojo's master. This revelation propels Chen on a relentless and ultimately doomed quest for revenge, as he seeks to defend the honor of his fellow Chinese and avenge his mentor's murder. The film also establishes Bruce’s proficiency in the nunchaku which was featured in a large group fight scene, Bruce against the dojo. Fist of Fury stands out not only for its intense action sequences and realistic fight choreography but also for its poignant exploration of historical and social issues. Watch Return of the Dragon a.k.a Way of the Dragon Streaming FREE on PLUTO and on Black Belt Magazine The Way of the Dragon, originally released in the United States as Return of the Dragon, is a 1972 Hong Kong martial arts action comedy film that showcases Bruce Lee's multifaceted talent as its co-producer, director, and star. This film is unique as it is Lee's only complete directorial work and the last film released during his lifetime. The cast includes Nora Miao, Robert Wall, Wei Ping-ou, and Chuck Norris in his debut screen role. Set primarily in a restaurant in Rome, the story revolves around Tang Lung (Bruce Lee), a young martial artist who travels from Hong Kong to Italy to assist his cousins. The family-owned restaurant is under siege from a local crime boss who is determined to force them into selling their property. The relentless harassment prompts them to seek help from their skilled relatives. One of the film's most poignant scenes occurs in the back alley of the restaurant, where Bruce Lee takes on a group of thugs. In this scene, he demonstrates an impressive display of weapons and empty-hand fighting techniques, including the bo staff, escrima sticks, and the nunchaku. This moment not only showcased Lee's martial arts expertise but also established him as a hero who stood up to bullies, solidifying his status as a new kind of action film star. In a climactic showdown, the syndicate hires Colt (Chuck Norris), an American martial artist. The final battle between Tang and Colt takes place in the iconic Colosseum of Rome, marking one of the most memorable fight scenes in martial arts cinema. Watch Enter the Dragon Streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube & Apple TV Enter the Dragon is a 1973 martial arts film directed by Robert Clouse and written by Michael Allin. Starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon, and Jim Kelly, this film marks Lee's final completed appearance before his untimely death on July 20, 1973, at the age of 32. An American-Hong Kong co-production, Enter the Dragon premiered in Los Angeles on August 19, 1973, just one month after Lee's passing. Widely regarded as one of the greatest martial arts films of all time, Enter the Dragon was among the first to blend martial arts action with spy film elements and the emerging blaxploitation genre. Its immense success spurred a series of similar productions, merging martial arts and blaxploitation themes. Additionally, the film is celebrated as one of the most influential action movies ever made, significantly boosting mainstream global interest in martial arts and inspiring a multitude of fictional works, including action films, television shows, video games, comic books, manga, and anime. The story follows a Shaolin martial artist (Bruce Lee) who is recruited to infiltrate an island fortress. Disguised as a participant in a prestigious fighting tournament, he aims to gather intelligence on the island's ruler, an opium lord who is also a disgraced former monk from the Shaolin temple. Enter the Dragon not only showcases Bruce Lee's extraordinary martial arts prowess but also his ability to elevate the action genre. The film's fusion of intense combat sequences, espionage intrigue, and cultural diversity broke new ground and left an indelible mark on cinema.  Lee's iconic performance and the film's innovative approach continue to resonate, cementing its status as a cornerstone of martial arts and action film history. Watch Game of Death Streaming FREE on Pluto The Game of Death is an incomplete Hong Kong martial arts film, with portions filmed between September and October 1972. Directed, written, produced by, and starring Bruce Lee, this project was paused to accommodate the filming of Enter the Dragon. Over 120 minutes of footage were shot, much of which was misplaced in the Golden Harvest archives. The remaining footage has been released with Lee's original dialogue in the documentary Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey, primarily featuring the film's climax. During the initial filming, Lee was offered a role in Enter the Dragon. Lee tragically died of cerebral edema before its release. At the time of his death, he planned to resume The Game of Death. Following his passing, Enter the Dragon director Robert Clouse completed the film using stand-ins, releasing it in 1978 as Game of Death. The original plot involved Lee's character, Hai Tien, joining martial artists to save his siblings by retrieving a stolen Chinese national treasure from the top floor of a five-story pagoda in South Korea. Each floor was guarded by martial artists, including a notable fight with Danny Inosanto using the Nunchaku and Hapkido master, played by real-life Hapkido exponent Ji Han Jae. And his legendary fight scene with Abdul-Jabbar. The film features Lee's iconic yellow-and-black jumpsuit, which became a cultural symbol. Despite mixed reviews, the revised film was commercially successful, grossing an estimated $50 million worldwide (equivalent to $230 million in 2024). The Game of Death has had a significant cultural impact, inspiring numerous action films and video games. Its concept of ascending a tower while defeating enemies on each level and Lee's iconic jumpsuit and fight scenes have been frequently referenced in various media. Despite being unfinished, the film remains a testament to Bruce Lee's enduring influence and visionary approach to martial arts cinema. Watch UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba Live From UFC APEX In Las Vegas, Nevada On July 20, 2024 The UFC is back in Las Vegas for a quick stop at the APEX before heading to Manchester, featuring an exciting 12-fight card headlined by a crucial strawweight matchup. Catch all the action of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5pm ET/2pm PT, with the main card kicking off on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Watch Glory 93: Semeleer vs Beztati Live From Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam, Netherlands On July 20, 2024 The card is headlined with two superfights as former GLORY world champion  Endy Semeleer (36-2, 18 KO)  welcomes current GLORY lightweight world champion  Tyjani Beztati (26-4, 9 KO)  up to welterweight for the first time in the main event and reigning GLORY featherweight world champion Petch (169-40-3, 27 KO)  goes head-to-head with RISE national champion  Kento Haraguchi (25-3-1, 14 KO)  in the co-main event. Watch Cage Warriors, London + PrizeFighter Tournament LIVE on UFC Fight Pass It's fight week in London! Cage Warriors 174 returns to the capital with a stacked card and the first of our $50,000 PrizeFighter tournaments!

It was the best of times and it was the worst of times for SeungWoo Choi at the UFC.. And it all happened over the course of three short years. The best: three consecutive wins starting in 2019 had created a buzz around “Sting.” Those wins, including a first-round TKO of Julian Erosa, rightly heralded him as a featherweight to watch. The worst: the win streak was followed by three consecutive losses. He was choked out by veteran Alex Caceres, knocked out by Mike Trizano, and came up short on the scorecards in a close split decision to Josh Culibao. A skid like that could dishearten the best of us, but the Gangneung, South Korea native just isn’t built like that. He was disappointed, but he knew he had the goods. And he went back to work. “I am always grateful to be able to compete on this world-caliber stage with the UFC,” he says via interpreter. “I’ve grown more internally. I’m becoming stronger by overcoming the burdens and the pressure every time. I’m growing now.” That growth in the gym got him back into the win column; a hard-fought unanimous nod over Jarno Errens last August at UFC Singapore. That event was the curtain call for “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung, who Choi had been training with to right the ship. The wisdom and experience of TKZ rubbed off—and continues to rub off—on Choi. Most importantly, he didn’t rush. More than nine months elapsed between bouts. It sure beats getting punched in the face. But when it comes to fighting, Choi still has plenty he wants to prove to himself. At age 31, he feels like his prime is approaching. Like his last win, Choi took his time. It will have been nearly 11 months outside the Octagon when he steps in to face Steve Garcia Saturday at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba. “This camp was perfect,” he says. “I feel so good because I am well-prepared this time…in terms of physical conditioning, mental conditioning, and strategy. I prepared well.” Don't miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5pm ET/2pm PT, while the main card kicks off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

A clear-minded and humble approach to his career has Mohammed Usman primed for success as he looks to bounce back at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba. For a fighter to win The Ultimate Fighter and embark on a career in the UFC, it would be easy to think that they've already made it. But that's not Mohammed Usman's mindset. Usman, the younger, but bigger, brother of former UFC welterweight champion and pound-for-pound great Kamaru Usman, has a fascinating combination of steely-eyed determination and well-grounded humility that has already taken him to an 11-3 record and a spot on the sport's biggest stage, despite turning pro with no amateur experience whatsoever. It's meant that the fighter known as "Motor" has effectively been learning on the job ever since he made his pro debut at Tachi Palace back in 2017. Since then, he's steadily improved his skillset and, after earning a spot in the 30th season of The Ultimate Fighter, took home the heavyweight honors courtesy of a second-round knockout of Zac Pauga in August 2022. Fast forward two years to the present day, and Usman is ready to make the walk for his fifth fight in the UFC as he looks to rebound from his first loss under the UFC lights. That loss came against England's Mick Parkin in a closely contested battle. It's a result that still stings Usman, who credited his opponent but bemoaned his own shortcomings on a night that ultimately left him frustrated. "Man, that was a tough fight," he admitted. "Kudos to my opponent, he had a great game plan and stuck to it. I definitely came to fight, like I do every fight. And, you know, there's a lot of ways to win and a lot of ways to lose, and you take the wins for what they are, and you take the losses for what they are, as well." The ability to remove emotion from proceedings and unpack losses after the fact is a key learning opportunity for fighters, who use the knowledge gained from defeats to close holes in their game or implement new strategies to prevent similar outcomes in future fights. After Usman sat down and assessed what went wrong against Parkin, his lesson was clear. Usman also started to make other changes to help him level up, and headed to Boca Raton, Florida's Kill Cliff FC, where a room full of killers has helped push him, test him, and help him to grow in preparation for the challenges ahead. The gym switch has also led to a change in his mental approach, as he now finds himself in a packed room of fighters whose experience far exceeds his own. It's that realization that he has to fight up to meet the level of his training partners that has helped him grow as a fighter, both physically and mentally. "It's like going back to school, it's like just being one of the guys again," he explained. "I'm not the top guy in the gym, I'm not even close. I'm just one of the guys that's just trying to get better, that's just in the gym, getting beat up with all these good guys, good heavyweights, they have left and right. Guys like Linton Vassell, all these guys, are beating me up, but I keep going and I feel like that's where you see improvements in our game, when you can go and test it against the best guys." That humility has helped Usman to continue his development as a fighter, and he said that he's been happy with how things have progressed to date. He said he'd grade his UFC career so far as a "B," and explained that the fights he's had, and the styles he's been presented with, have been "tremendously" beneficial for him as he continues to expand his skillset. On Saturday night at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba at the UFC APEX, Usman will take on Contender Series graduate Thomas Petersen, who is chasing his first UFC victory after losing a decision to Jamal Pogues on his Octagon debut in February. It's a matchup in which Usman expects to face a very specific test. "A lot of those other guys could wrestle, but he's primarily a wrestler," he stated. "I fought Jake Collier, he was a good wrestler. Even my last opponent could wrestle because I've seen him grapple in a couple of fights. But this guy is primarily a wrestler, 100 percent a wrestler, Minnesota wrestler. Usman knows he's not the finished article, and he's clearly enjoying the journey of improvement and development as he tests himself in the gym every day, then puts those skills to use on fight night inside the Octagon. And, as he gets ready to step back into competition to show the latest version of himself this weekend, he said those watching will see the difference from the Usman that lost to Parkin back in March. And that improvement, Usman says, will help power him to victory on Saturday night. "Motor" is aware of the challenge ahead of him, but he's well prepared, well drilled, and ready to not just win, but win impressively. "I envision winning this fight by knockout – drastic fashion. And that's what I see. I'm willing to go anywhere this fight's willing to go. But I envisioned this fight. He comes in for a shot and I touch him and he goes to sleep." Don't miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5pm ET/2pm PT, while the main card kicks off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

In the bustling streets of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, you might encounter Bill Algeo, a devoted father and business owner, without realizing he’s also a seasoned UFC fighter with nine bouts under his belt. Algeo, who runs the Algeo MMA Muay Thai Boxing Academy, juggles his time between managing his business and caring for his two sons, Landon Joseph and Liam. This busy lifestyle often causes him to lose track of his fight schedule. “Sometimes my teammates have to remind me a little bit,” Algeo admitted. “For instance, the last fight, I know people aren’t going to believe this, but I kind of forgot who I was fighting up until the week before. My one coach, Malik, said, ‘Oh, I was watching Kyle Nelson videos the other day,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s cool. Is he in the UFC?’ He looked at me funny and I was like, ‘Is he a 55er? I think I heard of that guy’s name before.’ I just totally blanked out because I have so much going on with the business, with the kids. Training is training to me but it’s good to just say, ‘Hey, let’s focus on this guy. Business isn’t going anywhere; family isn’t going anywhere. Let’s get this win.’” Despite the many demands on his time, Algeo, known as “Senor Perfecto,” remains committed to advancing in the UFC featherweight division, driven by the goal of securing a bright future for his children. “Your priorities change, your sleep schedule changes, obviously, but I’m not just making money for myself now, so I can buy fancy things and that kind of stuff,” Algeo said. “I’m setting up a future for the boys… It’s cool memories at the end of the day. They get to see me on TV and it feels good. “I’m slowly climbing up the ranks and collecting more and more bonus checks, so I’d like to continue climbing up the ranks and continue getting bonus checks. Overall, I’m happy. I can’t complain at all.” Algeo's next challenge at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba pits him against Dooho Choi, whose fight with Cub Swanson was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2022. Both Algeo and Choi have a history with Kyle Nelson. Algeo faced a controversial stoppage against Nelson, potentially costing him a three-fight win streak, while Choi walked away with a majority draw, despite both fighters believing Choi was the rightful victor. Looking ahead to their bout, Algeo expects an intense fight with Choi, anticipating fireworks from the start. With 23 finishes between them, both fighters are determined to add another to their records. “He’s very dangerous in the first six to seven minutes,” Algeo noted. “After that, it’s all me. So, if I’m him, I’m trying to take me out in the first six minutes. I might be trying to do the same thing to him so that’s just going to bring an awesome fight for the spectators, in my opinion.” Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5pm ET/2pm PT, with the main card live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8pm ET/5pm 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 only 6A Rated NASKA event in America with a u nique focus on Chinese martial arts. US Capitol Classics China Open  August 2nd and 3rd National Harbor, Maryland United States Since its inception in 1982 The US Capitol Classics, is the most prestigious martial arts event staged in the Nation's Capital. Held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.  The event is hosted by  Wushu Master Dennis Brown and his wife Andrena Brown. This prestigious tournament holds a NASKA 6A rating and is renowned for its unique focus on Chinese martial arts. In 2007, the event expanded to include the China Open, reflecting its significant role in providing Chinese martial artists with greater opportunities to compete in diverse divisions. This expansion introduced categories not typically recognized by NASKA, such as Kung Fu, Taijiquan, Wu Shu, Sanda, Chinese Continuous Sparring, Pencak Silat, Self-Defense, and Kyokushin. Champions include:  Billy Blanks, Steve "Nasty" Anderson, Hakim Alston, Linda Denley, Helen Chung, George Chung, Charlie Lee, Cynthia Rothrock, and Caitlin Dechelle. Today  US Capitol Classics serves as a cultural bridge, fostering goodwill and mutual respect across martial arts.  We salute this legendary tournament now entering 42 years of excellence.