The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a leader in global mixed martial arts and a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Riyadh Season, naming it the title sponsor for UFC 306. This event is set to take place at the innovative Sphere venue in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 14. This collaboration marks the first instance where UFC has granted a sponsor the prestigious title partner status, resulting in the event being rebranded as Riyadh Season Noche UFC. This initiative aligns with the tradition of celebrating Mexican Independence Day with major combat sports events, acknowledging the significant impact of Mexican fighters in the sport. The Riyadh Season Noche UFC event is set to be a landmark occurrence, being the inaugural sports event hosted at the Sphere. The Sphere, known for its revolutionary entertainment technology, will feature the highest resolution LED display in the world, enveloping the audience in a visually immersive experience. Additionally, the Sphere Immersive Sound system, powered by HOLOPLOT, promises audio clarity and precision unmatched in the industry. UFC President Dana White expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This will be one of the biggest sporting events of all time. We are set to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will also pay homage to the extraordinary contributions of Mexican athletes to combat sports." HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), also commented on the partnership, highlighting the strategic alignment of UFC's global appeal with Riyadh Season’s vision to stage world-class events. The event will also include extensive branded integrations for Riyadh Season, ranging from a fixed watermark on the broadcast from early prelims to the main card, to prominent placements inside the Octagon and featured segments throughout the main broadcast. This ensures significant visibility for Riyadh Season across an extensive global audience spanning 170 countries and approximately 975 million households. Furthermore, UFC and Riyadh Season will collaborate on original content distributed across UFC’s digital and social platforms, which boast around 266 million users globally. Riyadh Season will also be prominently featured in all event marketing materials, enhancing its visibility and engagement with a worldwide audience.

Egyptian fighter Omar El Dafrawy is gearing up for a homecoming fight at the upcoming PFL MENA 2 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. El Dafrawy, currently training in Bali, Indonesia, considers Saudi Arabia a second home after living in Jeddah for a decade. "I'm excited to compete in Saudi Arabia again," El Dafrawy shared. "It's like coming back home, and I can't wait to fight in front of a passionate Middle Eastern crowd." The PFL MENA platform has been a game-changer for fighters in the region, offering them a global stage to showcase their skills. El Dafrawy, set to make his PFL SmartCage debut against Lebanese Muay Thai specialist Anthony Zeidan, is thrilled to be a part of this movement. "Being part of the PFL welterweight tournament and a prestigious organization like this motivates me to achieve great things," El Dafrawy said. He believes Saudi Arabia is poised to become a hub for combat sports in the coming years, and PFL MENA is fueling that growth. El Dafrawy acknowledges Zeidan's striking prowess but is confident in his own well-rounded skill set honed by a team of experts. He plans to utilize his diverse skill set and keep his opponent guessing throughout the fight. El Dafrawy recognizes the importance of media support for Egyptian fighters. "I urge the Egyptian media to get behind me and other Egyptian fighters competing in major organizations like PFL," he stated. "We have the talent and dedication, but we need the support and opportunities to shine on the global stage." PFL MENA 2 takes place on July 12th at The Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All eyes will be on El Dafrawy as he aims to impress in his PFL debut and potentially put Egyptian MMA on the map.

As Tulika Maan prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, she not only carries her dreams but the aspirations of an entire nation. At 25, this heavyweight judoka from New Delhi has become a beacon of hope for Indian judo, ready to propel it to unprecedented heights. Her journey from a young enthusiast to an Olympic contender is a stirring story of perseverance, dedication, and ambition. Early Years and Entry into Judo Tulika was born in 1998 in New Delhi, starting her judo journey at the age of eight. Encouraged by her family, particularly her mother, Amrita Singh, she rapidly fell in love with the sport. Her formative years were filled with intense training and competitions at both national and international levels, where she began to collect accolades, including two bronze medals at the Asian Junior Championships in 2017 and 2018. Rise to Prominence Her major breakthrough occurred at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where Tulika clinched a silver medal in the +78kg category, marking her as a standout Indian athlete. Although she finished second to Scotland's Sarah Adlington, her performance catapulted her into the limelight, proving her potential on the global stage. Tulika's international experience is extensive, with participations in five World Championships and notable finishes, alongside World Cup medals in Taipei and Kuwait. These accomplishments highlight her consistency and prowess in international judo. Training and Support Tulika's rigorous training takes place at the Delhi Academy of Fitness and Combat Sports, under coach Yashpal Solanki. Her comprehensive training focuses on refining her technique and endurance, preparing her for elite competitions. She credits her partner, Divyanshu Puri, for his unwavering support and motivation throughout her journey. Life Beyond Judo When not on the mat, Tulika is a student at DDU Gorakhpur University and has diverse interests including anime and cooking, which she pursues with equal passion. She aims to blend her love for animation with her career, aspiring to become a professional anime creator. Beliefs and Driving Forces Tulika maintains certain rituals and beliefs, such as listening to the Hanuman Chalisa before competitions, which she finds empowering. Her mantra, "Never lose hope," mirrors her resilient spirit and her determination to excel and overcome obstacles. Future Aspirations Tulika's ultimate goal is to leave an indelible mark on Indian judo, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Her upcoming appearance at the Paris Olympics is pivotal to achieving this dream, aiming to secure a medal that would elevate the status of judo in India. As she steps onto the Olympic stage, Tulika Maan embodies the spirit and hopes of Indian judo, aspiring to change the course of its history forever.

Aung La N Sang will be back in Denver this fall at ONE 168 on Friday, September 6. But Myanmar’s idol will not have an easy go of it when the bell rings. “The Burmese Python” was last in action in May 2023 at ONE Fight Night 10. After an extended break, he will return to try and extend his three-match winning streak against an unbeaten rising star. Aung La N Sang’s last three wins have come against Yushin Okami, Gilberto Galvao, and Fan Rong. The streak has given the former World Champion confidence he can regain his crown at the next opportunity. Standing in his way will be Shamil Erdogan. Erdogan made his ONE Championship debut at ONE Friday Fights 22 with a TKO win over Fan. The 9-0 Turkish Olympic Freestyle Wrestling team member hopes to make an even bigger splash by knocking off the former two-division World Champion. The common opponent gives Aung La N Sang and Erdogan insight into each other’s games heading into ONE’s return to the U.S. this fall. The explosive athletes will both be looking to make a mark with a highlight-reel finish in the Mile High City. The middleweight mixed martial arts battle adds even more flavor to the growing card that will take place at the Ball Arena in downtown Denver. ONE 168 is shaping up to be a stellar event that brings ONE’s incredible martial arts feast back to the United States. ONE 168: Denver airs live on Friday, September 6, on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Diego Lopes epitomizes dedication and readiness in the UFC and world of mixed martial arts. When the opportunity to fight Brian Ortega in a co-main event arose, Lopes was already on the mats, training hard despite his recent victory at UFC 300. His immediate "yes" to the challenge highlights his readiness and ambition, a testament to his philosophy of staying prepared. Currently on a three-fight winning streak, Lopes had just secured a win over Sodiq Yusuff but was back in the gym in Mexico instead of resting on his laurels. His work ethic and readiness are why he didn't hesitate to accept a fight against a higher-ranked opponent like Ortega, who stands 11 spots ahead of him in the 145-pound category. A victory here could significantly boost his standing and potentially place him within the title shot conversation. However, Lopes remains focused on the present, aware that any distraction could jeopardize his current opportunity. His journey from regional competitions to the UFC was not an overnight success but the result of a lifetime of dedication and personal sacrifices, including relocating from Brazil to Mexico to enhance his training. Lopes prefers to let his performance in the Octagon speak for itself, shrugging off doubters and focusing instead on proving his worth through his actions. With each fight, his fanbase expands, and his resolve strengthens, regardless of the level of competition or the size of the audience. As UFC 303 approaches, Lopes looks forward to showcasing his skills and passion in the T-Mobile Arena, ready to captivate both his fans and the broader UFC audience. His story is a vivid illustration of how consistent preparation and a fearless approach to challenges can pave the way to success in the highly competitive realm of UFC.

Standing in the Octagon after his decision victory over Hakeem Dawodu last August, Cub Swanson was visibly emotional. Uncertain if he had done enough to defeat his Canadian opponent, Swanson was also contending with the profound emotions linked to the high standards he sets for himself and his dedication to consistently meeting them. Backstage, an anxious Swanson admitted, "I knew I was ready, I was just afraid of not performing well. I literally was in tears backstage—a first for me." This weekend, Swanson returns to action against Andre "Touchy" Fili in the UFC 303 preliminaries at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite his fears, Swanson expressed satisfaction with his performance, "My opponent was trickier than I expected, but I made the necessary adjustments and fought smart." Reviewing his last match, Swanson felt reassured by his win, especially after his discussions with his team, though he believed he had fallen short by not securing a knockout in the final round. This sense of self-imposed pressure was a recurring theme in his training camp, where he faced numerous doubts and physical challenges. "It was a tough situation, but I managed to gut through it, and I'm happy with how it all worked out," he reflected. Beyond his career, Swanson's thoughts have increasingly turned to his future outside the ring, particularly after the unexpected death of his longtime manager, Kami Safdari, in late 2020. This loss prompted him to focus more on coaching and mentoring at the Bloodline Combat Sports Agency, which he founded with Safdari and Mani Ahmadi. "I’ve been coaching almost my whole career, trying to pay it forward," Swanson shared, emphasizing his role as a father, husband, and mentor to emerging fighters. As Swanson prepared for his bout with Fili, he saw his active competition as a teaching opportunity, demonstrating the practices he preaches to his fighters. Bringing his team to Las Vegas for Fight Week, he highlighted the educational value of the experience, especially for those new to the UFC's high stakes environment. Swanson's career in MMA, marked by his engaging style and memorable fights like his UFC 206 bout with Dooho Choi (later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame), has been about creating "beautiful destruction." As he evolves from competitor to mentor, Swanson is focused on his legacy, stressing the innovations he has brought to the sport. "I feel like I'm one of the ones that pushed to be exciting, to do crazy stuff, to have fun in there," he noted, underscoring his influence on the sport's dynamic nature. Despite not always feeling recognized for his contributions, Swanson remains committed to delivering spectacular performances. As he approaches his fight, he contemplates the unique challenges of competing in a large arena after several years, recognizing both the pressures and the potential for greatness. "The pressure is good; you just can't let it break you," Swanson concluded, ready to showcase his enduring skill and heart in the Octagon. Join the excitement of UFC 303: Pereira vs Procházka 2, and witness Cub Swanson's pursuit of excellence live from Las Vegas.

As the judo world anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympics, Will Tai Tin, a 39-year-old judoka from Samoa, is poised to make history as the oldest competitor in the tournament. Tai Tin's remarkable journey, starting his judo training at 31, highlights a story of late blooming, unwavering dedication, and an inspiring passion for the sport. Raised in Samoa and currently residing in Melbourne, Australia, Tai Tin's judo journey began in 2016 at Taketani Judo Academy. What started as a way to stay active soon transformed into a serious commitment, catalyzed by a transformative trip to Japan. Under the guidance of coach Ivo Dos Santos at Senshi Academy in Melbourne, Tai Tin quickly made his mark on the international stage, competing in World Championships and World Judo Tour events. Tai Tin's family plays a significant role in his life and his judo career. Sharing the podium with his children at the Australian National Championships is one of his most cherished memories. Beyond personal achievements, Tai Tin is passionate about using judo as a vehicle for positive change within Pacific nations. Outside of judo, Tai Tin enjoys nature, reading, traveling, and rugby. His sporting philosophy, “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take,” and his motto, “Leave it all on the mat,” epitomize his determination and commitment to making the most of every opportunity. As he prepares for Paris 2024, Tai Tin's story serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide. His journey from a late start in judo to becoming the oldest judoka at the Olympics underscores the power of dedication, resilience, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.

Alaverdi Ramazanov is thrilled for his next chance to wow the audience inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. The Russian returns to action at ONE Friday Fights 68 on Friday, June 28, against Petchtanong Petchfergus in a pivotal bantamweight Muay Thai contest. Even the Russian doesn’t know what will happen once the bell rings. “Petchtanong is a very serious opponent. I believe this is a really interesting fight, very unpredictable, because we are both fighters who show class and technique in the ring and who fight smart,” Ramazanov remarked to ONE. Ramazanov and Petchtanong have both held the title in the bantamweight division. Ramazanov knows this meeting of former champions will be the highest of difficulty, especially given Petchtanong’s extensive history in the sport. “Petchtanong’s strengths are probably his colossal experience. He is a very experienced opponent, very talented, and with a strong fighting IQ,” the Russian said. “I don’t have a plan for the fight with him. To be honest, I just want to outplay him. I’ll see what his style will be like. With guys like him, you won’t be able to just impose your own game, but it’s interesting to try.” “I am doing everything possible in the gym to surprise and please the fans with my victory.” As Jonathan Haggerty sits on the bantamweight throne with a date against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver, Ramazanov feels this bout has everything needed to elevate the winner to a shot at the gold down the line. With both men wanting to reclaim their lost prize, the stakes put even more pressure on the athletes to impress. “Definitely, this is a [top] contender fight. In general, we don’t have many fighters in ONE who have been performing at such a high level for so long, and so definitely, the winner will fight for the World Championship,” Ramazanov mentioned. The Russian has his eyes set on Haggerty. The allure of the gold captures his attention, but he knows he cannot look too far down the road with Petchtanong right in front of him on June 28. No matter if it’s Haggerty or someone else, Ramazanov still wants to get back to the top of the bantamweight mountain and secure his spot as the division’s best. “Of course, Haggerty is a very famous and very technical fighter. Many people know him. He is very famous in England and Thailand. And when you are sure that you can easily beat this guy, then you rightfully start demanding this fight,” Ramazanov said. “But it doesn’t matter who has the belt when I come for it. I’ll fight whoever has it, whether it’s Haggerty or another opponent.” ONE Friday Fights 68 airs live on Friday, June 28, via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com  at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT.

Judo, a martial art originating in Japan, made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Tokyo Games and has since become a captivating spectacle, showcasing remarkable athletes and unforgettable moments. This article explores the history of judo at the Olympics, highlighting key milestones, notable achievements, and the sport's global influence. Birth and Evolution in the Olympic Arena Created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, judo emphasizes throws, grappling, joint locks, and chokes, while promoting physical and mental well-being. Its Olympic journey began in 1964, largely due to the efforts of the Japanese Olympic Committee and the International Judo Federation (IJF), which governs judo competitions worldwide. Significant Moments in Olympic Judo History 1964 Tokyo Olympics:  Judo debuted with four men's weight categories, with Japanese judoka securing three gold medals. Notably, Anton Geesink's victory in the open category marked a shift in judo's landscape, challenging Japan's dominance and highlighting the sport's global appeal. 1972 Munich Olympics:  Judo returned to the Olympic program after being excluded from the 1968 Games. 1988 Seoul Olympics:  Women's judo was introduced as a demonstration sport, marking a step towards gender equality. 1992 Barcelona Olympics:  Women's judo was officially included, with seven weight categories mirroring the men's. 2008 Beijing Olympics:  A new format was introduced, requiring all matches to have a winner, eliminating draws. 2020 Tokyo Olympics:  Judo returned to its roots with a mixed-team event, emphasising teamwork and national pride. Notable Achievements and Athletes Tadahiro Nomura (Japan):  Won three gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004) in the men's extra lightweight division. Ryoko Tani (Japan):  Earned two gold medals (2000, 2004) and three bronze medals (1992, 1996, 2008) in the women's extra lightweight division. Anton Geesink (Netherlands):  Made history with his open category victory in 1964. Kayla Harrison (USA):  Became the first American judoka to win Olympic gold, achieving this feat in both 2012 and 2016. Teddy Riner (France):  A dominant force in heavyweight contests, with two Olympic gold medals and numerous World Championship titles. Countries of Note Japan:  The birthplace of judo, Japan remains a powerhouse, boasting 48 Olympic gold medals. France:  A strong contender, with athletes like Teddy Riner achieving notable success. Olympic Influence and Legacy Judo's inclusion in the Olympics has significantly boosted its global reach and popularity. Its core values of discipline, respect, and teamwork align with the Olympic spirit, making it a natural fit for the Games. The addition of women's judo and the mixed-team event demonstrate the sport's commitment to diversity and progress.

Why Martial Arts is Good for You? Martial arts offer numerous benefits by developing both internal and external skills. Internally, they enhance focus, discipline, and self-confidence. Externally, they build strength, speed, power, and self-defense abilities. READ MORE: Breathe Like a Master Combating Stress with Martial Arts Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

Will martial arts help in a fight? Martial arts can help in a street fight as the trained and skilled martial artist can rely on their focus and discipline to stay calm and walk away or temper their emotions to think clearly in a situation that requires potential self-defense . READ MORE: Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense Which Martial Art is Best for a Street Fight? The Resurrection of the Ancient Greek Martial Art: Pankration Quick Guide to Kung Fu Styles The Way of Mastery

In the realm of empty-hand combat, true ambidexterity is a rare bird. Marvelous Marvin Hagler took great pains to develop the facility as both an orthodox fighter and a southpaw, but we could easily see where he stacked his chips when the heat was high. SEEKING AMBIDEXTERITY is a worthy goal — but one that has “opportunity costs.” That is, the time we must put into developing the off- hand (or off-foot for kicking or off- side for grappling) means less time can be invested in moving the competency needle closer to mastery on our good side. We should always make that cost- to-benefit analysis in our training because there are only so many hours in the day and precious few hours per week we can dedicate to training itself. With actual training time at a premium, do we want so-so returns or better-than-average returns?  By no means is this an argument against empty-hand ambidexterity. Rather, it’s a matter of time, utility and, well, a jaded eye toward reality. IF WE ARE TO MAKE the empty- hand attempt, it might be wise to attack ambidexterity in the non-training realm, as well. Consider the wise words of Marcus Aurelius as recorded in The Meditations Book XII: “Practice even at the things which you despair of accomplish- ing. For even the left hand, which is ineffectual for all other things for want of practice, holds the bridle more vigorously than the right hand; for it has been practiced in this.” The emperor is referring to building up qualities we despair of attaining, but his example does indeed show the way. Brushing our teeth with our off-hand, feed- ing ourselves with our off-hand, tying our shoes with the roles of our hands reversed and so on can make progress toward bringing the neglected hand online. However, specificity of task being specificity of task, this is no guarantee that a facile off-hand tooth-scrubbing will turn into a lightning-fast off-hand jab. Not to worry, though. Ambidexterity in the empty-hand game may be of little value in the long run. Most street encounters are of such short duration that equal facility between left and right does not pay dividends. How- ever, a bit of ambidexterity may play a part in the realm of weaponry.  Whenever weapons are involved, the stakes are higher. Obviously, that stems from the fact that injury rates are higher and those injuries are generally more dire. All it takes is one of those injuries, even one that’s not so serious, to take our good hand out of the game. Even here, opportunity costs must be considered. Our ambidexterity may not hit 100 percent, but rather than despair, we might shift our goal from being ambidextrous to being “shifty.” In this context, shifty does not refer to being unscrupulous in character. It refers to having just enough facility with our off-hand to ensure that it, although it may not be an ace in the hole, is at least a face card.  LET’S TALK VIKINGS for a moment. In the sagas — which admittedly are legend, but in many cases, that legend is steeped in actuality — we occasionally come across references to warriors being “cunning.” In those old tales, cunning does not hold the same meaning as does our current incarnation of the word, which is akin to wickedly ingenious. In the minds of the Vikings, cunning referred to the ability to switch hands with a weapon. For example, a man would be described as cunning if he could wield a sword or battle ax well with either hand. In the sagas, we occasionally find this trait referred to as being shifty‚ or having the ability to shift hands in battle. The word gradually mutated to mean “resourceful, or full of maneuvers”; how it wound up with the disreputable mean- ing we know today is another story. Suffice it to say that some folks considered it not quite fair play to swap hands with a weapon. (That sounds like sour grapes to me.) There are numerous references in the sagas to cunning and shifty fighters. Feats of sword and ax juggling demonstrated in leisure hours seemed to be a part of gaining the ability to fight with either hand. There are also numerous mentions of warriors losing limbs in battle. Then and now, being able to shift would be a necessity after seeing one’s good hand lying in the mud in the midst of combat. NUMEROUS OTHER WARRIOR cultures placed a premium on two-handed facility, but let’s shine a spotlight on just one more of them. The Bush- whackers of Missouri during the Civil War era were viewed as guerillas by some, as heroes by others and as violent villains by many on both sides. But what everyone likely would agree on was their fierce fighting ability. One aspect of this ability was going into battle with more than a few pistols strapped to their bodies. A minimum of two were carried, and in some cases as many as five. The Bushwhackers were known for the ability to fire quickly and well from horseback, a none-too-easy feat even when a battle isn’t rag- ing. Many possessed the ability to fire with both hands alternately. To keep us in the corral of being shifty‚ let’s break down their method for becoming skilled at the Border Shift. They would: 1. Draw both pistols, holding the reins with their teeth or off-hand. 2. Fire and empty the pistol that’s in their good hand. 3. Throw it in the air, letting it exe- cute a backward somersault. 4. Immediately toss the pistol that’s in the off-hand to the good hand. 5. Catch the somersaulting firearm with the off-hand. 6. Fire the shifted weapon using the good hand. It may be hard to believe, but accounts claim this was accomplished so quickly that an observer couldn’t hear any interruption in the frequency of fire coming from the two pistols. (For the record‚ I’ve practiced the Border Shift for three months, and while I’m no Bushwhacker, I can say it’s mighty satisfying when it comes off right.) TO BRING THIS MUSING back to the present, I would counsel you to consider why the Vikings and the Bushwhackers thought this endeavor of such importance to warrant an investment in training time. Then and now, we must always remember that whenever weapons are in play, there’s a high probability of suffer- ing a debilitating injury. As such, it might be wise to devote a bit of your training time to becoming shifty. Even if you never make yourself wholly ambidextrous, you at least can weight the game in your favor using the weapons that you carry or that you think might be nearby should a fight break out. Mark Hatmaker’s website is extremeselfprotection.com .