In our August/September 2020 issue, Black Belt Hall of Famer Tim Tackett elaborated on jeet kune do’s most important part: its principles. Here, he explains nine more fighting principles you need to know. Principle No. 1:  TAKE WHAT’S OFFERED  “When one person attacks another, the attacker always leaves something open. No human being can extend a limb without leaving an opening. In a fight, think of it as something the other person is offering you — and then take it. This is the whole concept behind intercepting: You detect an opening and take advantage of it.  “Keep in mind that this is a higher-level approach. In contrast, beginners often think, I want to hit that guy with my best technique, which is the side kick, so I’m just going to do it and wherever it lands, I hope it works. In JKD, we prefer to think, I’m going to intercept my opponent by taking advantage of the opening he gives me [before he attacks or] while he’s attacking.  “This is why we side-kick the other guy’s leg as soon as he steps forward and [try to] deliver the kick with enough power to break the leg. We take what’s offered in the ring or on the street.”  Principle No. 2:  KNOW THAT THE RING AND THE STREET ARE DIFFERENT  “The main difference between the ring and the street is prior knowledge. If you’re [about to go] in the ring, you’re looking at a video of the guy you’re fighting before you fight. You know that if you do a fake here, he’s going to move there. Or that maybe he’s a runner or a blocker. You can study him and try to come up with tactics and a strategy.  “On the street, however, you don’t know what is going on. Everything you know about the ring goes out the window. You have to clear your mind of it all. It’s true that in a street fight, there are no rules, but more important is that you have no prior knowledge, no clue at all.  “Make sure that your stance doesn’t give away what you know. This is why in JKD we don’t use a traditional stance. We stand in a natural stance with our strong leg forward. From there, we can do a leg obstruction, move forward, move back, or move to the left or the right. You don’t want the other person to think that you know anything. “Going one step further, you want to train to minimize what you leave open. When I teach, I tell my students, ‘We’re going to work on this technique. When you do it, what do you think you’re offering your opponent in a match? Now, what would you be offering him in a street fight, where he’s free to do anything? Now, how do you avoid leaving all those openings?’” Principle No. 3: INTERCEPT YOUR OPPONENT’S ATTACK  “I remember Bob Bremer telling me about one time he was working with Bruce Lee. Bremer asked, ‘How can you keep stopping me like that? I’m fast!’  “Bruce told him, ‘I can tell before you punch, before you hit, that you’re going to hit. I can feel it and then stop it.’  “That’s what we call intercepting on intention. This is the highest level of interception. You learn to read the other person’s inten- tion. However, that very seldom happens. That’s way up there with respect to how long it takes to develop.  “At the next level is intercepting on preparation. An opponent usually will have some preparation before he attacks. Maybe he makes a face, maybe he steps forward, maybe he pulls his hand back before he punches. As it’s coming toward you, you move. That’s called hitting him on the half beat. Before the striking limb gets to full extension, you intercept it.  “At the next level is intercepting on attack. You move while his weapon is coming at you. After that is intercepting on completion, when it reaches full extension.  “Then there’s intercepting on withdrawal. The attack has to snap back before the second attack comes, so you get between those two motions. You hit on the half beat, the full beat or the one-and-a-half beat.  “The key here is time. If you have the time and skill to do it, intercepting on intention is the best. If not, intercepting on preparation is great. Almost as good is intercepting as it’s coming toward you. If you have even less time, you can intercept before the follow-up.  “Remember that JKD is about controlling distance and time. If you control the distance, you control the time, and that determines how you can intercept.”  Principle No. 4:  FIGHT WITH YOUR STRONG SIDE FORWARD  “This one comes from Western fencing and is essential in JKD. Yes, you can get away without doing it, like they often do in kickboxing, but it’s so much better if you follow this principle because it can enable you to stop a fight instantly.  “You need to stand with your strongest weapon forward. That positions your weaker weapons to the rear, which means they have farther to travel to reach the target — but that’s good because it gives you more time to develop power in your strike [if you decide to use them]. Bruce Lee used to talk about how some of the great boxers who were left-handed would just keep that left lead and then knock out a lot of guys.”  Principle No. 5: AVOID PASSIVE MOVES  “A passive move is when you do something to gain a reaction from your opponent but you’re not actually trying to hit him. Maybe you’re feinting. Maybe you’re moving your head. Whatever you’re doing, it makes it easier for him to intercept. As soon as you move, he hits you.  “If your opponent doesn’t fight according to this principle and uses passive moves, you should exploit that. When you’re at the fighting measure, if he does anything, hit him.”  Principle No. 6: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BROKEN RHYTHM  “Broken rhythm has two parts. You learn to read your opponent’s rhythm, and you learn to break your rhythm. In practice, reading your opponent’s rhythm means paying attention to his timing and trying to catch him between beats. Breaking your rhythm means, for example, that you hit, hit, hit to a steady rhythm and then hit, pause, hit, hit. Box- ers can do this very well.”  Principle No. 7: ENGAGE IN ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING  “When I trained with Dan Inosanto, one thing we worked on a lot was called environmental training. Here’s one example: We would go to a nearby alley. Positioned in that alley would be four guys with gloves on. One person at a time, we would have to fight our way out of the alley. Doing that entailed sometimes fighting one-on-one, some- times two-on-one, sometimes three-on-one and so on.  “We also would practice in a room with furniture and a training knife lying on the floor. There would be two guys about 2 feet away from the knife. They were free to use whatever techniques and strategies they wanted to survive. “I don’t think many people still train this way, but we do in the Wednesday Night Group. We don’t do this as much as we used to because training in my garage means there are issues with insurance, but it’s a valuable way to work out — as is training in the dark.  “If your situation permits, think about incorporating environmen- tal training into your martial art. Get creative.”  Principle No. 8: UNDERSTAND YOUR STRUCTURE AND OPPONENT’S  “Think of structure as a base of operations from which the attacks and defenses of a particular martial art [emanate]. To understand any art is to understand its structure. All arts have a specific structure that makes them work.  “Bruce Lee said that to defend against an art, you also must be able to understand its delivery system. The delivery system is how an attack goes from point A (the attacker) to point B (the defender). To a great extent, this delivery system is based on the structure of the attacker’s art while the defender bases his defense on the structure of his art.  “Here’s an example: One of the most powerful tools that Thai box- ers have is the rear-leg round kick. They make it more efficient and cut down on the time commitment by making their stance narrower than the on-guard stance of JKD. Since the JKD stance is wider, our rear-leg hook kick takes a little longer to reach its target and requires more preparation. This is why we stress using this kick as a follow-up kick intended to finish an opponent rather than as an opening move. It’s all about the delivery system.  “As a side note, when Bob Bremer first saw us practicing the Thai rear-leg round kick in my garage, he said, ‘It’s a really great kick — but not on the first move.’”  Principle 9: LEARN BRUCE LEE’S TIME-COMMITMENT THEORY  “I hesitate to mention this because few people know it. I picked it up from Bruce Lee’s notes. He called it the time-commitment theory. Once you understand it, you can analyze any technique.  “Basically, it means that when you throw a punch or kick, you’re committing a certain amount of time. That time starts the moment you launch the technique and ends the moment you return to your on-guard position.  “This tells us that there are two main types of techniques. The first generates force with a snap like the taekwondo round kick or the boxer’s jab. The mechanism is similar to cracking a whip. The second type is a heavier blow, one that uses the weight of the body to hit through the target — like the hsing-i palm strike.  “Time-commitment theory tells us that a snappy technique requires much less time overall than does a heavy one. In terms of tactics and strategy, this means that you don’t want to use a heavy blow as an attack unless there’s a good opening. It simply requires committing too much time. Unless you’re sure you’re going to make contact, it’s better to use a snappy technique. Then, if that hurts him, you can use a heavy technique to finish.  “When you’re learning any new technique, think about how much time you would have to commit to that move in a fight and how you might be able to shorten that time. As I just said, JKD is about time and distance. Remember this, and it will change the way you look at all the techniques of your art.”  (Part 1 of this article appeared in the August/September 2020 issue of Black Belt. To read it, go to blackbeltmag.com .)  Tim Tackett began training in the martial arts in 1962 when he was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan, while in the U.S. Air Force. When he returned to California several years later, he opened a kung fu school. After seeing Bruce Lee in 1967 at Ed Parker’s Long Beach International Karate Championships, Tackett decided to take up jeet kune do. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to begin JKD training until after Lee’s Chinatown school had closed. To fill the void, in 1971 he joined the class Dan Inosanto was running in his backyard. Tackett continued to refine his skills with first-generation JKD student Bob Bremer. He was named Black Belt’s 2017 Instructor of the Year.

Becoming a fitter fighter requires dedication, discipline, and strategic planning. While focusing on intense training and nutrition, many aspiring fighters often overlook critical pitfalls that can hinder their progress. To help you achieve your peak physical condition and fighting prowess, here are ten shocking mistakes must avoid. Recognizing and steering clear of these errors will accelerate your journey to becoming a fitter and more formidable fighter. 1. Overtraining and Ignoring Recovery One of the most common mistakes fighters make is overtraining. Pushing your body beyond its limits without adequate rest can lead to injuries, burnout, and decreased performance. Recovery Techniques:  Incorporate rest days, active recovery sessions, and ensure proper sleep (7-9 hours per night). Listen to Your Body:  Pay attention to signs of fatigue and overuse injuries. If you feel constant soreness, fatigue, or experience mood changes, it's time to dial back. Professional Guidance:  Work with a coach to create a balanced training schedule that includes sufficient rest and recovery periods. 2. Neglecting Proper Nutrition A fighter's diet is crucial for performance and recovery. Avoid relying on junk food or skipping meals. Balanced Diet:  Focus on a diet rich in lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil), and complex carbohydrates (quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes). Meal Timing:  Eat balanced meals throughout the day to maintain energy levels. Consider smaller, more frequent meals rather than a few large ones. Hydration:  Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily, and consider electrolyte solutions after intense training to replenish lost minerals. 3. Skipping Warm-ups and Cool-downs Diving straight into intense workouts without warming up can increase the risk of injury. Warm-ups:  Spend at least 10-15 minutes warming up with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare your muscles and joints. Cool-downs:  Dedicate 10 minutes post-workout to static stretching and foam rolling to reduce muscle stiffness and promote recovery. Routine Integration:  Make warm-ups and cool-downs a non-negotiable part of every training session. 4. Inconsistent Training Routine Consistency is key in any fitness journey. Avoid sporadic training sessions and establish a structured routine. Structured Schedule:  Develop a weekly training plan that includes specific days for strength, technique, cardio, and recovery. Progress Tracking:  Keep a training journal to track your workouts, progress, and areas needing improvement. Accountability:  Train with a partner or group to stay motivated and committed to your routine. 5. Neglecting Technique for Strength While strength is important, technique often trumps raw power in a fight. Skill Training:  Dedicate specific sessions to drilling techniques, combinations, and footwork. Balanced Regimen:  Balance strength training with skill work and cardiovascular conditioning. Feedback:  Regularly seek feedback from coaches and sparring partners to refine your technique. 6. Underestimating the Importance of Mental Training Physical prowess alone doesn't make a great fighter. Mental resilience, focus, and strategic thinking are crucial. Mental Exercises:  Incorporate visualization techniques to mentally rehearse fights and strategies. Mindfulness Practices:  Engage in meditation or mindfulness exercises to improve focus and reduce stress. Goal Setting:  Set clear, achievable goals and use positive affirmations to build confidence. 7. Ignoring Mobility and Flexibility A lack of flexibility can limit your range of motion and increase the risk of injury. Regular Stretching:  Integrate daily stretching routines, focusing on major muscle groups and areas prone to tightness. Mobility Drills:  Include mobility exercises in your warm-ups and cool-downs to maintain joint health and flexibility. Cross-Training:  Consider yoga or Pilates classes to enhance overall flexibility and body awareness. 8. Not Setting Realistic Goals Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and demotivation if they aren't achieved. SMART Goals:  Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. Incremental Milestones:  Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones to track progress and stay motivated. Adaptability:  Be prepared to adjust your goals based on progress and any unforeseen challenges. 9. Avoiding Sparring Sparring is a critical component of fight training, offering practical experience and helping to apply techniques in real-time scenarios. Controlled Environment:  Start with light, controlled sparring sessions to build confidence and technique. Varied Partners:  Spar with different partners to experience diverse fighting styles and strategies. Feedback and Reflection:  After each sparring session, reflect on your performance and seek feedback to identify areas for improvement. 10. Ignoring Professional Guidance Attempting to train alone without professional guidance can lead to improper techniques and plateaued progress. Qualified Coach:  Invest in a reputable coach who can provide personalized training plans, correct your form, and push you safely beyond your comfort zone. Regular Check-ins:  Schedule regular check-ins with your coach to assess progress, adjust training plans, and address any concerns. Continuous Learning:  Attend workshops, seminars, and training camps to stay updated with the latest techniques and training methods. Remember, the road to becoming a top-tier fighter is not just about hard work but smart work. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and avoid these pitfalls to reach your full potential in the ring or octagon.

Martial arts have woven a rich tapestry through Finland's sporting landscape, evolving from traditional forms like judo and karate to modern disciplines including Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA. This article delves into the historical journey of Finnish martial arts, exploring their profound impact on the nation's culture and social dynamics. Discover how martial arts like Shukokai karate, introduced by Shihan Yrjö Pursiainen in the 1970s, have grown to encompass 15 clubs nationwide. The article highlights Finland's impressive record in judo, organized since 1958, boasting 120 clubs with over 4,500 practitioners. The achievements of Finnish judokas on the European stage are particularly notable, with three gold medals at the 1989 European Championships marking a high point. The narrative also covers the rising popularity of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA, spotlighting Finnish athletes who have made their mark on the international scene. Beyond the mats and rings, the integration of technology in martial arts training and the burgeoning iGaming sector are transforming how Finns engage with these sports. With platforms like ESPN+ and social media, Finnish fans enjoy unprecedented access to global competitions, while online betting and crypto gambling offer new ways to connect with the martial arts world. This exploration reveals not only the historical significance but also the ongoing cultural resonance and technological evolution of martial arts in Finland.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), kept the inaugural season of PFL MENA rolling with its second event at The Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, with athletes in the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions taking to the SmartCage and looking to secure their spots in the PFL MENA Playoffs. In the main event, Saudi Arabia’s Mostafa Nada needed just a little over two minutes to knock out Abdel Rahmane Driai with a flurry of strikes. While in the co-main event, Mohammad Alaqraa punched his way into the Welterweight semifinals with a dominant third-round TKO win over Youcef Ouabbas. Earlier on the card, Jarrah Al-Selawe made quick work of Rayan Atmani in their Welterweight Regular Season bout, winning by rear naked choke submission in the first round to move on to the semifinals. Also in the Welterweight division, Badreddine Diani defeated Amir Fazli by unanimous decision to claim his spot in the semifinals. Mohsen Mohammadseifi put his striking power on full display as he stopped Josh Togo by TKO in the first round to advance to the Lightweight semifinals. Souhil Tahiri earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Ahmed Amir in a Lightweight Regular Season bout to secure his spot in the semifinals. Omar El-Dafrawy put on a dominant performance against Anthony Zeidan, winning by unanimous decision and advancing to the Welterweight semifinals.  In a Women’s Flyweight amateur showcase bout, Saudi Arabia’s own Hattan Alsaif earned her second straight TKO win, defeating Eman Baraka in the second round. Abdullah Saleem secured his spot in the Lightweight semifinals by submitting Omar Reguigui with a triangle choke in the first round.  In the first Regular Season Lightweight bout of the night, Georges Eid outclassed Abbas Khan for three rounds to pick up a unanimous decision win and advance to the semifinals. Kicking off the card’s action in a Flyweight showcase bout, Ziyad Ayman Mokhtar showed off his grappling skills by submitting Hadi Omar Al Hussaini by rear-naked choke in the third round. The inaugural PFL MENA season will continue on Friday, September 20th, with the PFL MENA Playoffs emanating from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and kicking off with the Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions. COMPLETE PFL MENA 2 RESULTS Middleweight Main Event Mostafa Nada defeated Abdel Rahmane Driai by KO (strikes) at 2:34 of round 1 Welterweight Co-Main Event Mohammad Alaqraa defeated Youcef Ouabbas by TKO (strikes) at 0:52 of round 3 Welterweight Bout Jarrah Al-Selawe defeated Rayan Atmani by submission (rear naked choke) at 4:20 of round 1 Welterweight Bout Badreddine Diani defeated Amir Fazli by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Lightweight Bout Mohsen Mohammadseifi defeated Josh Togo by TKO (strikes) at 3:32 of round one Lightweight Bout Souhil Tahiri defeated Ahmed Amir by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) Welterweight Bout Omar El-Dafrawy defeated Anthony Zeidan by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-27) Women’s Atomweight Bout - Amateur Hattan Alsaif defeated Eman Baraka by TKO (Retirement) at 5:00 of round two Lightweight Bout Abdullah Saleem defeated Omar Reguigui by submission (triangle choke) at 1:29 of round 1 Lightweight Bout Georges Eid defeated Abbas Khan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Flyweight Bout Ziad Ayman Mokhtar defeated Hadi Omar Al Hussaini by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:24 of round 3

The Octagon returns to the Mile High City this Saturday, July 13th, for a thrilling night of fights at UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez. The Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, is set to host a stacked card featuring 11 electrifying bouts that promise high-octane action and potential title implications. Main Event The spotlight shines on the women's flyweight division as former strawweight champion Rose "Thug Rose" Namajunas takes on the undefeated Tracy Cortez in a five-round main event. Namajunas looks to continue her momentum in a new weight class, while Cortez aims to cement her status as a rising contender. Co-Main Event In the co-main event, welterweight strikers Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov are primed to deliver a stand-up battle for the ages. Both fighters are known for their knockout power, making this a must-watch for fans of technical striking and explosive finishes. Main Card Action: The main card is stacked with compelling matchups across various weight classes: Lightweight:  Drew Dober's aggressive style clashes with Jean Silva's well-rounded skillset in a bout that promises to be a firefight. Welterweight:  Gabriel Bonfim and Ange Loosa face off in a battle of up-and-coming welterweight prospects eager to make a statement. Featherweight:  Christian Rodriguez and Julian Erosa, both known for their exciting fighting styles, are set to deliver a featherweight scrap filled with action. Middleweight:  Cody Brundage and Abdul Razak Alhassan meet in a middleweight clash where knockout power will be on full display. Preliminary Card – Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans: The preliminary card features a mix of rising prospects and seasoned veterans: Flyweight:  Joshua Van and Charles Johnson collide in a flyweight contest showcasing the division's young talent. Flyweight:  Jasmine Jasudavicius and Fatima Kline clash in a women's flyweight bout that could have significant implications for the division's rankings. Flyweight:  Luana Santos and Mariya Agapova face off in another women's flyweight contest that promises to be a fast-paced and technical affair. Bantamweight:  Montel Jackson and Da'Mon Blackshear square off in a bantamweight bout showcasing the division's depth and diversity. Middleweight:  The night kicks off with a middleweight matchup between Josh Fremd and Andre Petroski, two fighters looking to establish themselves in the division. Don't Miss the Action UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez is set to deliver an unforgettable night of fights, showcasing the skill, heart, and determination of the world's best mixed martial artists. Catch all the action live on ESPN and ESPN+ this Saturday, July 13th, starting at 7:00 PM ET.

Lumpinee Stadium was loud throughout the night on Friday, July 12, as ONE Championship was back with ONE Friday Fights 70. Eleven contests lined the card, with a lot of back-and-forth Muay Thai action giving the fans what they wanted. Here are the results of ONE Friday Fights 70. Stephen Irvine closed the show in epic fashion. The Scotsman had Focus PK Saenchai on his backfoot and then careened a perfect left hook to the chin. Focus fell to the canvas, and Irvine had every reason to celebrate the first-round KO. The co-main event had an abrupt end. ET Wankhongohm MBK came forward with Yodthongthai Sor Sommai in the corner, but an awkward landing on his leg put him down on the canvas. A leg injury forced an early stoppage, but awarded Yodthongthai a TKO victory he can carry forward to his next outing. 18-year-old rising star Apidet FiatPathum showed he was ready for four-ounce Muay Thai with a highlight-reel KO. In the second round, the Thai star put Boonchu Sor Boonmerit down and out with a perfect combination. Apidet hit Boonchu with a left to the body, and as his opponent dropped his guard, he came over the top with a crushing right hand to finish the job. Tun Min Aung did work in his third-round TKO victory over Tran Quoc Tuan. Tun Min Aung connected with a beautiful left elbow that opened up a gash on his opponent. The referee had no choice but to call the bout, giving the win to the Myanmar athlete. In the opening bout, Kendu Irving picked up a huge win for his ONE debut. After a competitive first round, Irving came out like a bull in the second frame. The American scored with a left elbow, finishing Yuhei Tsuda at the 1:37 mark to announce his arrival on the global stage. Want to relive the excitement of ONE Friday Fights 70? Check out the full event on-demand via ONE’s official YouTube channel. ONE Friday Fights 70 Full Recap Stephen Irvine def. Focus PK Saenchai by KO at 1:57 of the first round Yodthongthai Sor Sommai def. ET Wankhongohm MBK by TKO at 2:06 of the first round Yodnumchai Fairtex def. Tubtimthong Sor Jor Lekmuangnon by unanimous decision Apidet FiatPathum def. Boonchu Sor Boonmerit by KO at 0:21 of the second round PayakSurin Or AudUdon def. Tahaneak Nayokatasala by unanimous decision Petphathai Bumrungsit def. Sirvan Amini by unanimous decision Chokpreecha PK Saenchai def. Abdallah Ondash by majority decision Tun Min Aung def. Tran Quoc Tuan by TKO at 1:01 of the third round Petnamngam PK Saenchai def. Amir Abdulmuslimov by split decision Gadzhimurad Amirzhanov def. Matheus Pereira by unanimous decision Kendu Irving def. Yuhei Tsuda by KO at 1:37 of the second round

The UFC returns to Denver, Colorado for the first time since 2018, featuring a high-stakes flyweight fight between No. 6 Rose Namajunas and No. 11 Tracy Cortez. UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez  takes place Saturday, July 13 at Ball Arena and will be broadcast in English and Spanish on ESPN, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes. Prelims:  7 PM ET / 4 PM PT Main Card:  10 PM ET / 7 PM PT Here are the Weigh-in Results [lbs] Main Event (5 rounds):  Women's Flyweight - Rose Namajunas [124.75] vs Tracy Cortez [126] Co-Main Event -  Welterweight Bout: Santiago Ponzinibbio (171) vs Muslim Salikhov (171)  Lightweight Bout: Drew Dober (155) vs Jean Silva (155) Welterweight Bout: Gabriel Bonfim (171) vs Ange Loosa (170)  Featherweight Bout: Julian Erosa (145.5) vs Christian Rodriguez (145.5)  Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (185) vs Cody Brundage (185.5)  Prelims Card Flyweight Bout: Joshua Van (125) vs Charles Johnson (125.5)     Women’s Flyweight Bout: Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs Fatima Kline (125) Bantamweight Bout: Montel Jackson (135) vs Da’Mon Blackshear (135)  Women’s Flyweight Bout: Luana Santos (125) vs Mariya Agapova (125) Middleweight Bout: Josh Fremd () vs Andre Petroski (185.5) Welterweight Bout: Evan Elder (170) vs Darrius Flowers (170)

GLORY, the world’s largest kickboxing organisation, is returning to Belgium.  GLORY 94  will take place  August 31  live from the  Lotto Arena  in the historical city of  Antwerp  and tickets are now officially on sale. Headlining GLORY 94 will be an earth-shattering clash between two of the light heavyweight divisions most explosive and unpredictable fighters in  Bahram Rajabzadeh (69-3, 61 KO)  and  Stefan Latescu (17-3, 8 KO) . Both men are known for their knockout power and have become GLORY fan favourites thanks to their incredible displays over the past twelve months. The co-main event will feature an exciting rematch between Belgium based Albanian  Berjan Peposhi (29-4, 16 KO)  and rising Dutch star  Jan Kaffa (20-4, 7 KO) . The duo first met at GLORY 85 last year with Kaffa walking away with an impressive decision victory. Belgian superstar  Youssef Boughanem (188-43-8, 120 KO)  returns to compete on the biggest stage in kickboxing in his homeland. The 34-year-old, former multiple time world Muay Thai champion, made a successful debut in GLORY earlier this year in Paris with a stoppage victory over Stanislav Kazantsev. He will now look to put on a showcase performance at home in front of his Belgian fans when he takes on exciting Italian  Angelo Volpe (38-5, 12 KO)  on August 31. Former title challenger  Serkan Ozcaglayan (45-10, 36 KO)  was also recently announced for GLORY 94 and will square-off against Antwerp’s very own kickboxing champion  Jente Nnamadim (21-5, 11 KO) , who comes in to make his GLORY debut. As announced today, Morocco’s  Younes Smaili (40-3, 19 KO)  will make his much-anticipated GLORY debut taking on undefeated Frenchman  James Conde (9-0, 4 KO) . Also on the card, former welterweight title contender  Jay Overmeer (29-7, 15 KO)  faces  Ismail Ouzgni (4-2, 1 KO) , heavyweights  Sofian Laïdouni (36-3-1, 18 KO)  and  Nico 'Big Sexy' Horta (22-9, 3 KO)  clash, and  Cem Caceres (16-1, 13 KO)  meets  Mory Kromah (29-2-1, 17 KO)  in an exciting light heavyweight match-up. GLORY 94 will be available to watch live exclusively on Videoland in the Netherlands, DAZN in Belgium & France, and Bally Live & Stadium across the United States & Canada. For full global listings please visit  GLORYKickboxing.com . GLORY 94 Fight Card Main Event Light Heavyweight #2 Bahram Rajabzadeh (69-3, 61 KO) vs. Stefan Latescu (17-3, 8 KO) Co-Main Event Featherweight #3 Berjan Peposhi (29-4, 16 KO) vs. #4 Jan Kaffa (20-4, 7 KO) Catchweight 72kg/159 lbs Youssef Boughanem (188-43-8, 120 KO) vs. Angelo Volpe (38-5, 12 KO) Middleweight #4 Serkan Ozcaglayan (45-10, 36 KO) vs. Jente Nnamadim (21-5, 11 KO) Heavyweight #5 Sofian Laïdouni (36-3-1, 18 KO) vs. Nico 'Big Sexy' Horta (22-9, 3 KO) Welterweight #4 Jay Overmeer (29-7, 15 KO) vs. #7 Ismail Ouzgni (4-2, 1 KO) Light Heavyweight #8 Cem Caceres (16-1, 13 KO) vs. #10 Mory Kromah (29-2-1, 17 KO) Catchweight 73kg/161lb James Conde (9-0, 4 KO) vs. Younes Smaili (40-3, 19 KO) Full GLORY 94 Preliminary Card to be announced soon.

BRAVE International Combat Week, the biggest combat sports festival in the world is back and this year, it will be held in Pakistan in association with the IMMAF Asian Championships.  This will be the first time that the marquee event will be held in Pakistan and follows successful outings in Bahrain, Colombia, and Serbia.  The Combat week kicks off with BRAVE CF 85 on August 18 and will be followed by the IMMAF Asian Championships which is scheduled to happen from August 18 to August 22, both in Lahore. BRAVE CF 85 will mark the return of BRAVE Combat Federation to Pakistan for the first time since BRAVE CF 17 which happened in 2018. BRAVE CF 17 featured some of the top MMA talent from Pakistan and around the world and was headlined by the showdown between Abdoul Abdouraguimov and Rodrigo Cavalheiro Correia.  With the upcoming event, Pakistan joins an elite group of countries that have hosted BRAVE CF more than once, while also becoming only the fourth nation worldwide to host BRAVE International Combat Week. At the same time, it will also be the first time that the IMMAF Asian MMA Championship will be held in Pakistan; making it a historic affair for the MMA ecosystem in the country.  The return to Pakistan will also be part of a busy period for BRAVE Combat Federation which will see the organization travelling around the world in 70 days hosting six events across six countries and two continents including a debut event in China prior to the outing in Pakistan and a debut event in Bulgaria after the event in Pakistan.

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 Mag's Watchlist for the weekend of July 12th, 2024. Watch Cobra Kai : The Early Seasons On YouTube Starring   Ralph Macchio  and William Zabka As we anticipate the July 18th return of Cobra Kai season six on Netflix. Return to the origin story and get reacquainted with the story and stars. Its all available free and ready to stream on the official Youtube Channel for Cobra Kai. Watch Wing Chun On Tubi Starring Michelle Yeoh and Donnie Yen Directed by Woo Ying Ping Legendary actors and directors make this old school style Kung Fu film as fun to watch as it was to make. Bandits are yet again plundering Wing Chun’s village. This time she uses her Kung Fu to defeat them.  UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez Saturday, June 13, Live from Ball Arena, Denver Live on ESPN and ESPN+ this Saturday, July 13th, starting at 7:00 PM ET The Octagon returns to the Mile High City this Saturday, July 13th, for a thrilling night of fights at UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez. The Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, is set to host a stacked card featuring 11 electrifying bouts that promise high-octane action and potential title implications. PFL MENA 2: Al Silawi vs Bashar Thaer Friday, June 12, 2024 Live from Green Hills Hall, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Watch on Dazn, starting 11:30 AM ET | 8:30 AM PT The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the matchups for PFL MENA 2, taking place at The Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on July 12th, 2024. The second fight card of PFL MENA’s debut season features fighters in the Welterweight and Lightweight divisions competing in the patented PFL Playoff win and advance format. In the Welterweight main event, PFL veteran and multiple-time champion Jarrah “The Jordanian Lion” Al-Silawi (19-6-0) of Jordan meets Iraq’s Bashar Thaer (7-2-0). BKFC Fight Night Pechanga: Peralta vs Warr Friday, June 12, 2024 Live from Temecula, California Watch on BKFC App and Triller TV Starts: 9 PM ET | 6 PM PT BKFC Fight Night takes place Friday, July 12 , 2024 with 10 fights at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. Peralta faces Warr in the Main Event

Christian Lee will make his long-awaited return to the ONE Championship Circle on Friday, November 8, at ONE 169: Atlanta. The ONE Lightweight and Welterweight MMA World Champion will defend the lightweight gold against Alibeg Rasulov at the State Farm Arena. Since his welterweight title victory in November 2022, Lee has been out of action. A winner in eight of his last nine matches, Lee has surged to claim two-division gold by honoring his family mantra of finishing matches as quickly as possible. But the Turkey-based athlete will be hoping to spoil the party. Rasulov made his ONE debut at ONE Fight Night 23 with a unanimous decision win over Ok Rae Yoon. By defeating the former divisional king, the Russian earned his spot at the top of the division to challenge Lee. The 31-year-old has enjoyed success since moving to Turkey and joining Hyperion Fighters. However, Lee will mark the stiffest test in his career. The Prodigy Training Center star has been one of the faces of ONE, and as he has matured, he has only gotten more dangerous with his skill set. The explosive lightweight title match is the third World Championship battle on the ONE 169 lineup. It joins ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin vs. “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane and the trilogy bout between ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut. ONE 169: Atlanta airs live from the State Farm Arena on Friday, November 8, on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Starring: Bonko Khoza, Connie Ferguson, Tim Theron While the action film market has been dominated by a select few countries, smaller players are starting to make a big splash. This movie out of South Africa is a solid example that Hollywood (or even Bollywood) doesn’t need to be behind every successful action flick.  “Heart of The Hunter” via Netflix is an on-screen adaptation of the book of the same name, written by Deon Meyer. We are seeing similar premises pop up all over the streaming land: retired agent/assassin/warrior comes back to avenge something…and we aren’t mad about it at all. It’s the “John Wick” formula that brought us recent action thrills like “The Beekeeper.” Here’s the premise: “a retired assassin is pulled back into action when his friend uncovers a dangerous conspiracy at the heart of the South African government.” Sounds like a wild ride. And it is.