BRAVE Combat Federation has revealed an ambitious lineup of six events across three months, spanning August to October. This global tour will cover 17,000 kilometers, encompassing six countries on two continents, including inaugural events in China and Bulgaria. Here is the upcoming BRAVE Combat Federation Event Schedule. The schedule kicks off with BRAVE CF 84 in Zhengzhou, China, on August 9. This event marks the organization's first foray into China, expanding its reach to 34 host nations. Following this, BRAVE CF 85 is set for August 18 in Lahore, Pakistan. This marks the organization's much-anticipated return to Pakistan since BRAVE CF 17 in 2018, featuring fighters like Abdoul Abdouraguimov, JP Buys, Gamzat Magomedov, and Frans Mlambo. The debut event in Bulgaria, BRAVE CF 86, will take place in Burgas on August 24, adding Bulgaria as the 34th host nation globally. In September, the action moves to the Netherlands with BRAVE CF 87 in Alkmaar on September 22, following the successful BRAVE CF 83 held earlier in May. The tour continues in Slovenia with BRAVE CF 88 on September 28, followed by BRAVE CF 89 in Tenerife, Spain, on October 19. Upcoming BRAVE CF Events: BRAVE CF 84 – August 9 – Zhengzhou, China BRAVE CF 85 – August 18 – Lahore, Pakistan BRAVE CF 86 – August 24 – Burgas, Bulgaria BRAVE CF 87 – September 22 – Alkmaar, Netherlands BRAVE CF 88 – September 28 – Ljubljana

Prajanchai PK Saenchai will finally get his chance to chase two-sport gold at ONE Friday Fights 68 on Friday, June 28, at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. He expected the chance to come earlier in the year, but illness befell Jonathan Di Bella during the week of the event. With the Italian-Canadian healthy, Prajanchai is thankful the opportunity remains in his path. “I didn’t know a lot about this incident. I just knew that Jonathan didn’t pass his hydration test. I felt sorry for him. But we must follow the rules. I didn’t feel upset. I was just disappointed that I missed the chance for gold,” Prajanchai told ONE. “After that day, I didn’t think I’d have the chance to fight him again. When I found out he was my next opponent, I was happy to finally get a fight with him.” “I’ve been ready for a long time. I’m just waiting for fight day to come.”  When it comes to the pressure of this main event collision, Prajanchai believes that Di Bella’s shoulders will hold a heavier burden than his own. Regardless, he expects neither man to hold a significant advantage. The determining factor will simply come down to who is the better man on June 28. “I think Jonathan will feel more pressure than me because he used to say that he stands at the top. I replied that it will hurt more if you fall. I think he realized what I meant from last time. He didn’t lose to me, he lost to himself, and he just fell from the top,” the Thai athlete remarked.  “But there is no underdog here. It doesn’t matter which country you come to fight in. In fact, I should be an underdog because he is a veteran in kickboxing. He fought kickboxing all his life while I am still wet behind the ears in this rule set.”  The Thai star is keeping his cards close to his vest. Although he refused to reveal his game plan, Prajanchai detailed what makes Di Bella a difficult opponent inside the ring. “Jonathan’s style is fast and agile. His strength is his combination punching. I know his weaknesses, but I won’t reveal them to you,” the Muay Thai king said. “I think I’m going to throw a variety of punches. And I have some other weapons for him, but please wait and see in the ring.” Prajanchai does not know how the victory will come, but he is confident he will walk out of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium with the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. If true, he will etch his name in history and stand as the best strawweight striker on the planet. “For me, winning ONE World Title in two sports, kickboxing and Muay Thai, means a lot to my life. It can keep me going for a long time,” Prajanchai said. “I can’t predict anything, but you guys can expect to see two belts on my shoulders.”  ONE Friday Fights 68 airs live on global pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com  at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT.

Rei Tsuruya is embracing the colossal challenge of making his UFC debut during the prestigious International Fight Week at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas—a world away from his hometown in Chiba, Japan. The 22-year-old Road to UFC winner is poised and ready, facing Carlos Hernandez this Saturday with excitement and readiness for the battle ahead. A former Junior Olympian in wrestling and a competitor at the World Championships, Tsuruya isn’t a typical newcomer. His prior experiences in Pancrase and DEEP promotions in Japan have smoothed his transition to the UFC's grand stage. Winning the Pancrase title belt has bolstered his confidence, affirming his ability to vie with the world's top fighters. Tsuruya's journey to the UFC, clinched by a three-fight sweep in the Road to UFC Asia tournament, mirrors that of MMA legend Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto. While it's premature to compare him to his hero, Tsuruya aspires to achieve similar respect and renown in the sport. He continually draws inspiration from Yamamoto's fights as he prepares for his own. Content with his life choices, Tsuruya sees no sacrifice too great in his dedication to MMA, supported robustly by his family, including his father, Shooto veteran Hiroshi Tsuruya. Though calm about his debut, he admits to feeling some nerves during his tournament-winning fight—a healthy sign of respect for the high stakes involved. As Rei Tsuruya steps into the UFC spotlight, the potential for a new MMA icon is evident. Don't miss UFC 303: Pereira vs Procházka 2, live from Las Vegas, where Tsuruya seeks to make a memorable first impression on the global stage.

Just two fights into his UFC career, Payton Talbott is already feeling the effects of his success in the world's premier mixed martial arts organization. “Every time I go out now, I get recognized, which is kind of new,” says the 25-year-old bantamweight prospect, who will compete against Yanis Ghemmouri at UFC 303 prelims this Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena. Previously unnoticed in his hometown of Reno, Nevada, Talbott is now frequently approached by fans excited to share space with him. Even skateboarding legend Tony Hawk has taken notice of Talbott. Recently, Talbott had the opportunity to skate with Hawk, a moment he describes as a dream come true, especially since they connected through mutual friends. On the professional front, Talbott’s recent victories include a notable second-round stoppage win over Cameron Saaiman in March, elevating his record to an impressive 8-0. His dedication to the sport and mental toughness, likened to the persistence needed in skateboarding, are qualities that continue to shape his fighting career. Despite the rising fame, Talbott remains focused on the sport's pure essence, avoiding distractions from the recognition he now commands. His next fight at UFC 303, originally meant to be on a card headlined by Conor McGregor, still holds significant importance for him, even though McGregor is no longer part of the event. As Talbott prepares to compete in front of a live audience for the first time, he views it as a pivotal moment in his career, one that could define his future trajectory in the UFC. With his sights set on breaking into the Top 15 rankings soon, Talbott is eager to face more challenging opponents and prove his mettle among the best in the division. Catch all the action at UFC 303: Pereira vs. Procházka 2, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, followed by the main event on PPV at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.

Jiří Procházka's entry into the UFC light heavyweight division was nothing short of meteoric, quickly capturing the championship title in just his third fight in the organization. Discover the pivotal moments and bouts that highlighted his journey to the top. Career Milestones Jiří Procházka burst onto the UFC scene on July 12, 2020, with a knockout victory over Volkan Oezdemir in the second round, a performance that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. His rapid rise culminated when he clinched the UFC light heavyweight title, becoming the first Czech champion in UFC history, by defeating Glover Teixeira with a rear naked choke at UFC 275 on June 12, 2022. This epic showdown was honored as the 2022 Fight of the Year. Throughout his UFC tenure, Procházka has consistently wowed fans, securing Performance of the Night or Fight of the Night bonuses in four of his five bouts. Notable Battles UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs Procházka (May 1, 2021) Before this fight, Jiří Procházka was a promising contender, but his knockout of Dominick Reyes with a spinning back elbow solidified his reputation as a fearsome striker. The fight was a thrilling exchange from the start, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows. Procházka's resilience and striking prowess were on full display, culminating in the knockout that earned him both Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night honors. UFC 275: Teixeira vs Procházka (June 12, 2022) Procházka's championship victory over Glover Teixeira was a dramatic and intense battle, with the title changing hands in the final moments of the fifth round. Despite Teixeira leading on the scorecards entering the final round, Procházka secured a rear naked choke that ended the fight with just 28 seconds left, claiming not just the victory but also the Fight of the Year accolade. This memorable fight is also regarded as a potential future Hall of Fame inductee. Make sure to catch Jiří Procházka in action at UFC 303: Pereira vs Procházka 2, broadcasting live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Preliminary fights start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, followed by the main event on pay-per-view at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.

The UFC rankings have seen several shifts across four divisions—men’s pound-for-pound, featherweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight—following recent matchups in Saudi Arabia. Here’s a breakdown of the changes and a preview of what to expect at UFC 303: Pereira vs. Procházka 2. In the men's pound-for-pound category, Tom Aspinall ascended to No. 12 as he prepares for his interim title fight against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester. Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira dropped to No. 13. The featherweight division saw Giga Chikadze move down to No. 10. The light heavyweight division witnessed significant movement: Volkan Oezdemir climbed two places to No. 7 after defeating Johnny Walker, who dropped to No. 9. Dominick Reyes and Azamat Murzakanov each moved up one spot, while Alonzo Menifield fell to No. 15. In the heavyweight category, Alexander Volkov’s victory over Sergei Pavlovich propelled him to No. 3, pushing Pavlovich down to No. 5. UFC 303 promises to be electrifying with a light heavyweight title rematch between champion Alex Pereira and Jiří Procházka, which caps off International Fight Week. This rematch follows their initial encounter at UFC 295 in New York City, where Pereira secured the title. The co-main event features a featherweight bout between No. 3 ranked Brian Ortega and No. 14 Diego Lopes. Ortega aims to build on his recent victory over Yair Rodriguez, while Lopes hopes to extend his winning streak following his knockout win at UFC 300. Other notable fights include a light heavyweight clash between Anthony Smith and Roman Dolidze, and a potential women’s bantamweight title eliminator between Mayra Bueno Silva and Macy Chiasson. The early prelims will spotlight a strawweight contest between Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Gillian Robertson, with rankings and future opportunities at stake. These matchups not only influence the rankings but also set the stage for future title shots and career-defining moments as fighters jostle for position in their respective divisions.

Alex Pereira, also known as "Poatan," has had a meteoric rise in the UFC, clinching the middleweight championship just three fights into his UFC stint. His journey began with notable victories in kickboxing, including two wins over Israel Adesanya, setting the stage for their epic showdowns in the UFC. At UFC 281, Pereira and Adesanya faced off for the UFC middleweight title, where Pereira triumphed, solidifying his status as a top contender. He later defeated Jiří Procházka to claim the light heavyweight title, showcasing his versatility and power across weight classes. This Saturday, Alex Pereira defends his title against Jiří Procházka at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas in UFC 303. Career Milestones: 2017:  Pereira won the Glory Kickboxing middleweight title and defended it five times. 2019-2021:  He ascended from interim to undisputed Glory Kickboxing light heavyweight champion. UFC 268:  Made a stunning UFC debut against Andreas Michailidis, securing a victory with a second-round TKO. UFC 281:  Claimed the UFC middleweight title by stopping Adesanya in the fifth round. UFC 295:  After a brief title loss, Pereira moved up in weight and captured the light heavyweight title by defeating Procházka. Notable UFC Fights: UFC 268 vs. Andreas Michailidis:  Pereira's debut showcased his striking prowess with a dramatic second-round flying knee knockout. UFC Fight Night vs. Bruno Silva:  Demonstrated resilience and technical striking, winning by unanimous decision after a tough three rounds. UFC 276 vs. Sean Strickland:  A quick knockout victory against a top-ranked opponent set up Pereira for his title shot. UFC 281 vs. Israel Adesanya:  Overcame a scorecard deficit to secure the middleweight championship with a powerful display in the fifth round. UFC 295 vs. Jiří Procházka:  Captured the light heavyweight title with a strategic counterattack, stopping Procházka in the second round. Alex Pereira's journey from the kickboxing rings to dual-class UFC champion is a testament to his skill, determination, and adaptability, making him one of the most formidable fighters in the sport's history.

How Were Martial Arts Created? Martial arts are practiced in every country in the world. READ MORE: The Resurrection of the Ancient Greek Martial Art: Pankration Quick Guide to Kung Fu Styles Breathe Like a Master The Way of Mastery Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

Where Martial Arts Originated? Martial arts, literally translated as "military arts," encompass a range of trained unarmed combat techniques. The origins of martial arts vary depending on the historical perspective. In Ancient Greece, a form of empty-hand combat called Pankration dates back to 648 BCE. The Chinese martial arts tradition cites Shuai Chiao as one of its oldest forms, with origins over 2,000 years ago, possibly mentioned even earlier in Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. In India, references to martial arts are found in the Dhanurveda, a section of the Vedas from 1500 BCE to 1100 BCE. African martial arts traditions can be traced back to Egypt's Beni Hasan system, depicted in ancient Egyptian artwork from as early as 3000 BCE. READ MORE: The Resurrection of the Ancient Greek Martial Art: Pankration Quick Guide to Kung Fu Styles Breathe Like a Master The Way of Mastery Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

Why Martial Arts is Good for Kids? Martial arts are excellent for kids because they foster self-confidence, self-discipline, and respect. Find schools in our directory section . READ MORE: Chuck Norris: How to Choose a Martial Arts School The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing the Best Martial Arts School Breathe Like a Master Combating Stress with Martial Arts Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

I occasionally greet people with, “Ehh, howzit?” Those people are my age or younger, people I know well and who have some conversance in Hawaiian pidgin. NOW, SUPPOSE someone, particularly someone for whom English is not a native language, hears me say, “Ehh, howzit?” to a friend and decides it is the way a reasonably well-educated, upper-middle-class person greets others. After all, they heard me say it, and I make my living using words. There- fore, it must be correct. So they see their minister at the grocery store, meet their girlfriend’s grandmother for the first time or are introduced to the boss of a company where they’ve applied for a job. “Ehh, howzit?” may not be the best way to say hello to any of them. Osu is a term familiar to most karateka. The way it is often bellowed in some dojo makes me want to spell it “OSSSSU!” The term gets plenty of usage. It can mean “yes,” “I understand” or “Hoorah.” It also can be a way to greet a dojo-mate. There are several explanations of the term’s history. Most agree that “osu” is a contraction of Ohayo gozaimasu (Good morning) and became a common greeting in the Japanese navy in the early 20th century.  Supposedly inspiring tales of “what osu means” are popular in Western dojo. I once heard a Japanese karate instructor deliver to someone who asked an explanation of osu that was patently absurd. Later, I mentioned it to the instructor.  “Made the guy happy, didn’t it?” was the instructor’s response. As you know, budo is full of these stories — what the belt colors or pleats in a hakama symbolize, for example. These are myths, stories to supposedly explain or add some kind of meaning to conventions that usually evolved for totally different reasons than those given. Prometheus did not steal a spark from Zeus to give man fire, although it’s a cool story. The black belt did not come about as the result of a white belt becoming discolored by the sweat and dirt of hard training. Both are myths meant to explain things that now exist.  The problem here is that as with ambitious stories about the “real” meaning of osu, the Japanese martial arts are still somewhat mysterious with respect to their origins and lore, which means these tales are taken seriously. Worse, because people don’t know the actual basis for much of what they do in the dojo, they create these explanations. HOW THE GREETING of osu became a catch-all expression in some dojo remains a mystery. The word is used by others in unrelated segments of Japanese society: Sushi chefs sometimes use it while conversing with their peers. Young men who are tough or wish to be thought so employ it. In this sense, osu is a rough equivalent to “Yo!” or “Dude!” Women do not say osu in conversational Japanese — although that language is changing rapidly, and it may soon become common for females to use it. A clue to the appearance of osu in karate dojo has to do with the fact that many of the shotokan teachers of the 20th century graduated from Takushoku University. While it’s a fine institution, Takushoku has a reputation for being a jock school. Athletics have always been a big part of the scene there. So you can see why young men at the school, engaged in sports, would use slang like osu. You also can see why graduates who went on to form the core of the Japan Karate Association would continue to use it in their dojo. (The same can be said for other karate and budo dojo where a majority of the graduates have come from schools with similar athletic emphasis.) Note that in using the pidgin greeting “Howzit?” I’m also signaling to the person that we share some common experiences. It’s a way of establishing our relationship, a reminder of the camaraderie we have. It is not all that different from the conversation between those who, upon meeting, find they graduated from the same school and use phrases that were common at that school. If you were introduced to a fellow graduate of Temple University, it wouldn’t make much sense to shout, “Roll Tide!” Such expressions are limited to context. Note, too, that in many dojo, saying osu will result in either ridicule or a sharp rebuke. Since the word also can refer to the male of an animal, shouting a spirited “Osu!” may result in someone shouting back at you, “Mesu!” which means a female. That’s a not-so-subtle clue that you shouldn’t continue using the expression in that dojo. In other places, you’ll be harshly corrected. In those dojo, osu is considered crude or silly. Again, it’s about context. While it’s exactly the response a Marine recruit might make to his drill sergeant, if the conductor of the Boston Symphony told the third-chair violin to play a bit more fortissimo, the violinist prob- ably would not scream, “Sir, yes, sir!” NONE OF THIS is meant to suggest that you’re wrong if you use osu every evening in your dojo. If you’re using it among those who share a background in your art or organization, it’s a way to generate an energetic spirit within the group. Rather, I’m merely suggesting that you keep two points in mind about osu. First, don’t think that you’re say- ing anything with a deep or hidden meaning. You could just as easily be yelling, “Right back at ya!” Second, and more important, know that the circumstances in which you might use osu are limited. You won’t impress native Japanese speakers by dropping a hearty “Osu!” into ordinary conversations. And you shouldn’t misinterpret an osu spoken by a Japanese karate teacher within a specific context as proof that the word is legitimate and appropriate to use in a wider range of interactions with others. Understand? OSSSSU! Dave Lowry has written Karate Way since 1986. For more information about his articles and books, visit blackbeltmag.com and type his name into the search box. This article originally appeared in a 2020 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

Jonathan Di Bella lost his title on the scale prior to ONE Friday Fights 58. Now, the Italian-Canadian striker is motivated to reclaim his gold in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 68 on Friday, June 28, against Prajanchai PK Saenchai. Recounting the trials of his last time in Bangkok to ONE Championship, Di Bella noted when he finally realized the title of World Champion was stripped from his name. “I went to do the faceoff because I was hoping that the fight was still going on. I was going to the hospital, and I thought maybe they could give me something to make me feel better. I remember facing off, and I was holding in my puke. I was about to throw up on him. I’m like, ‘Don’t throw up on him. This thing’s going viral if I puke,’” Di Bella said to ONE. “So we went to the hospital, I threw up, they put me back on the bed, they put IVs in me, and I woke up in my hotel room the next day. I don’t remember what happened. I was still not feeling well. But then I started realizing I had lost my belt, and I couldn’t believe this had happened. As soon as I found out, it was heartbreaking.” Disappointed in losing his title, Di Bella is refocusing on the task at hand so that he can once again sit on the strawweight kickboxing throne. In preparation for the title tilt, the former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion is even taking some motivation from Rocky IV . “I have a champion’s mindset, but now I’m the underdog, so I feel even more focused. I want to win every fight, but especially now that I don’t have the belt anymore, I want to bring it back for my family. That’s my motivation,” Di Bella expressed. “Fighting in his hometown in front of his family, his people, I feel like it’s a Rocky vs. Drago type of story. I’m going in there with a Rocky  mentality and getting my belt back.” Prajanchai has his own motivations. As the Muay Thai king, he is seeking two-sport gold in front of the Bangkok audience. Knowing what the Thai star brings to the table, Di Bella believes the tactics and ability to adapt will play the biggest role in Friday’s main event battle. “I believe whoever uses their IQ and whoever is smarter will win the fight. Fans should expect a technical battle,” the Italian-Canadian stated. “But then it could be technical or it could be a crazy war. It depends on how he comes out and how I come out. Who knows? But they should expect something cool and a very good fight.” Although the bout had to be postponed due to Di Bella’s illness last time, the Italian-Canadian has not changed much for the rebooked date. Di Bella had to reset and ensure he was peaking at the right time. He believes that the time is now, and ONE Friday Fights 68 will mark the day when he is once again called ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion. “The circumstances changed, but I was ready for him and very excited to compete against him in April. We just had to take some more time. We kept sharp when we came back to the gym, and that’s it. It was repetition of the things we were doing before for him,” Di Bella said. “I’ve just got to go in there and be ready for everything that he has. I can’t predict anything that will happen in the fight – I just predict a win for myself.” ONE Friday Fights 68 is available on global pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com  on Friday, June 28, at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT.