As he marks his tenth year with the UFC, welterweight contender Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos prepares for a pivotal bout against Randy Brown in the UFC 302 main card opener this Saturday in Newark, New Jersey. Throughout his UFC tenure, dos Santos has compiled an impressive 10-3-1 record, but has primarily fought in preliminary bouts. This main card appearance represents a significant step forward, aiming to capture wider attention and propel his career further. Dos Santos, often known for his dynamic finishes and tenacious performances, has participated in three previous pay-per-view events, albeit on the prelims. He sees the upcoming fight as a critical opportunity to shine under a larger spotlight. “Being on a pay-per-view event, a numbered event, fighting on the main card, those are all things that are gonna bring in eyeballs," dos Santos noted, speaking through an interpreter. He has previously excelled in preliminary main events but recognizes the enhanced exposure this main card slot offers. Both dos Santos and Brown share a similar trajectory and ranking within the welterweight division, making this bout a potential turning point for each fighter. Despite boasting a strong track record, including seven consecutive victories and a knockout over Sean Strickland, dos Santos has often been on the fringe of the division's top rankings. The upcoming fight against Brown, who has an 11-5 UFC record and two recent losses, is viewed as crucial for climbing the divisional ladder. Addressing Brown’s half-joking remark that this fight is a "rankings eliminator," dos Santos disagreed, highlighting the competitive nature of the welterweight division. "Honestly, I think the rankings are kind of irrelevant, especially in our division. We’re in the most difficult division, deepest division, so it’s always going to be a stacked division, always going to be difficult to get to the top," he explained. For dos Santos, the fight against Brown is just another step in his career. Despite not feeling added pressure, he recognizes the importance of every bout in his journey toward the top of the division. “Any fight is gonna put you closer, any fight is gonna put you further, so I’m not thinking about pressure for this one,” he stated. Confident in his abilities, dos Santos is focused on delivering a memorable performance that could finally earn him the recognition and advancement he seeks in the welterweight ranks.

Sean Strickland is one of the few fighters who relish the grueling preparation for five-round fights. When UFC matchmakers offered Sean Strickland a co-main event fight against Paulo Costa at UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier, Strickland enthusiastically opted for the longer bout. “I always like five just because it gives me an excuse to spar more,” Strickland shared during an interview at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. A seasoned fighter, Strickland has a track record of thriving in extended matches, having won five out of seven recent five-round fights, including a notable middleweight title win over Israel Adesanya in 2023. His only three-round bout during this period ended in a knockout loss. Despite a couple of setbacks in title defenses, Strickland remains undeterred, expressing a strong desire to reclaim his title, particularly through a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis. Facing Paulo Costa, Strickland acknowledges his opponent's formidable kicking ability but remains confident, drawing inspiration from those who have previously defeated Costa. Strickland anticipates a tough match but is ready to prove his endurance and fighting skill. “I think it's going to be a five-round war,” he predicted, hinting at Costa's potential vulnerabilities in stamina. As the fight approaches, Strickland's focus is clear: to win convincingly on June 1 and to seize any opportunity for a title rematch. With his eyes set firmly on reclaiming the championship belt, Strickland's upcoming fight in Newark represents not just another bout, but a pivotal moment in his career trajectory.

UFC CEO Dana White has revealed an action-packed main card for the upcoming UFC Fight Night on August 3 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, announcing the matchups on his social media channels. The event features a series of compelling bouts, including a high-stakes clash between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov, positioned as a No. 1 contender fight for the bantamweight division. Sandhagen, entering the ring after a year-long hiatus due to a tricep injury, will face Nurmagomedov, an unbeaten fighter heralded by White as the division’s top prospect. This matchup is a rescheduling of their planned fight from last year, which was postponed due to Nurmagomedov’s injury. The co-main event will see MMA veteran Nick Diaz make his long-awaited return to the welterless class against Vicente Luque, who is eager to rebound from a recent defeat. Diaz, fighting at 170 pounds for the first time since 2013, aims to recapture his past success against the formidable Luque. Additionally, the main card features a pivotal bantamweight bout between Marlon “Chito” Vera and former flyweight champion Deiveison Figueiredo, with both fighters aiming to advance in the title race. Vera seeks redemption following a loss to Sean O’Malley, while Figueiredo aims to continue his success in the bantamweight division. In the women’s strawweight division, Mackenzie Dern faces Loopy Godinez. Dern looks to bounce back from two consecutive losses, and Godinez aims to climb the rankings after a recent setback. This bout could set the tone for their futures in the division. Opening the main card, Tony Ferguson will compete against Michael Chiesa in a welterweight bout. Ferguson is determined to end a losing streak and secure a victory, his first since 2019, while Chiesa is equally motivated to return to his winning ways.

Strawweight Main Event: Mellisa Amaya vs. Samantha Jen-Francois Atomweight Co-Main: Ana Palacios vs. Melissa Gomez COMBATE GLOBAL and Fuse Media today announced an all-women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event - 'Combate Female' - headlined by a strawweight (115 pounds) showdown between undefeated star  Melissa “Mamba” Amaya  (6-0) and battle-tested submission expert,  Samantha “Spicy” Jean-Francois  (8-7), live from Miami on Saturday, June 8, and airing exclusively in English on  Fuse  at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The live show will mark the fourth all-women’s event in COMBATE GLOBAL history. “Our women’s division is the most exciting in the world, so we are once again going to showcase some of our best female talent, all on the same card,” said COMBATE GLOBAL CEO Campbell McLaren. Fighting out of Spokane, Wash. and training camp Sik Jitsu, the home of MMA superstar and former world champion Julianna Peña, the 29-year-old Amaya, who originally hails from El Paso, Texas, has been tearing through the competition in COMBATE GLOBAL since making her professional debut with the promotion in 2021, despite not having any amateur competition experience. Amaya last saw action in La Jaula on April 1, 2023, defeating Gillian Noll by way of majority decision in a bout contested at flyweight (125 pounds). The fight with Jean-Francois represents the second time in her professional career that Amaya will compete at strawweight after a run at flyweight. Jean-Francois is a 37-year-old resident of Marseille, France, and the reigning strawweight champion of French MMA promotion, Hexagone, where she submitted Andressa Rocha with a rear-naked choke with just 26 seconds remaining in the fifth and final scheduled round of their title fight on March 11, 2023, to earn the title. Jean-Francois successfully defended her crown last July 28, by submitting Laura Balin with a rear-naked choke in the second round (4:00) of their championship matchup.  The victory over Balin was Jean-Francois’s fourth straight and fourth consecutive win via rear-naked choke submission. To date, Jean-Francois, who has competed all over the world over the course of her 10-year professional career, has notched 6 of her 8 professional victories by way of submission. In the atomweight (105 pounds) co-main event on June 8, world-ranked star  Ana “La Guerrera” Palacios  will collide with undefeated  Melissa Gomez  (4-0). The 25-year-old Palacios of Mexico City, Mexico fights out of her country’s top MMA camp, Bonebreakers, and is looking to rebound from two straight losses she suffered in 2023, a recent downturn that has come after winning her five consecutive previous bouts. Fighting out of Santiago, Chile, Gomez, 32, will return to COMBATE GLOBAL, where she has competed since her professional debut in 2022, for the fifth straight time. In her last effort, Gomez defeated American Katie Perez via unanimous decision on August 19, 2023. A featured flyweight contest on the June 8 card will pit undefeated, 19-year-old prospect  Regina “Kill Bill” Tarin  (2-0) of Mexico City against  Fernanda “La Pit” Marrufo  (1-1) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Another standout bout has been added to ONE Championship’s fall return to the United States. Alyse Anderson will compete in an atomweight clash against Brazilian Victoria Souza on Friday, September 6, at ONE 168: Denver . Anderson last competed at ONE Fight Night 10, where she suffered a defeat at the hands of Stamp Fairtex. She returns to the Mile High City in an effort to erase the taste of defeat and restate her position within the atomweight division. “Vick” will try to do the same after a March defeat at the hands of Noelle Grandjean. Both competitors have had up-and-down success on the global stage but have flashed brilliance under the bright lights to show their skills. ONE 168 offers a huge platform to grab momentum and advance further up the ranks. However, Souza has a date before ONE 168. The talented Brazilian will meet Itsuki Hirata, who owns a win over Anderson, at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II  on Friday, June 7. If she can get the win, 2024 could turn into a big year for “Vick”. ONE 167 will set the stage for this atomweight clash that could be a sleeper to steal the show in Denver later this year. ONE’s return to Colorado is already making waves as they move to the Ball Arena. The event is beginning to take shape as one of the year’s can’t-miss events with multiple title tilts scheduled. The atomweight battle on the undercard is just more spice for the exciting event this fall. ONE 168 airs live on Prime Video from Denver, Colorado on Friday, September 6.

As UFC 302 approaches, Andre Lima, better known by his nickname "Mascote", is gearing up for his second Octagon appearance in a highly anticipated bout against Mitch Raposo. The event marks a significant milestone for Lima, who remains unbeaten with an 8-0 record, demonstrating formidable skills that overshadow the bizarre circumstances of his last match. Back in March, Lima secured a victory over Igor da Silva in what was undeniably one of the strangest fights of 2024. The bout concluded abruptly midway through the second round when da Silva was disqualified for biting Lima, an incident that prompted Lima to commemorate the moment with a bite mark tattoo. However, this unusual ending should not detract from Lima's abilities and performance. In his encounter with da Silva, Lima displayed an array of techniques that emphasized his dynamic offensive capabilities. He executed a guillotine attempt and an omoplata in the first round and delivered a powerful tomahawk elbow that notably impacted his opponent. Despite the early finish, Lima's resilience and tactical prowess, particularly in ground scenarios, were evident and left fans eager to see more. Looking ahead to UFC 302, Lima faces Mitch Raposo, a promising competitor from the regional circuit. Although Raposo steps in on short notice, his track record speaks volumes. After a challenging stint on Season 29 of The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series, Raposo has rebounded with four consecutive wins, all by finish, proving his potential in the 125-pound division. This upcoming match is more than just another fight for Lima; it's an opportunity to solidify his reputation in the UFC. A win against Raposo won't immediately propel him into the rankings, but it will provide valuable Octagon experience and a chance to showcase more of his evolving skill set. Under the guidance of coach Lucas Martins, Lima continues to refine his techniques and strategies, aiming to rise through the ranks of the talent-stacked flyweight division. As UFC 302 looms, both fighters are set to prove their mettle, with Lima looking to move beyond the shadow of the "Bite Fight" and establish himself as a serious contender in the world of mixed martial arts

As the excitement builds for UFC 302, all eyes are on Brazilian fighter Cesar Almeida, who is gearing up for only his second appearance in the octagon. Almeida, who celebrated his 36th birthday at the end of March, made a striking entry into the UFC with a decisive victory over Dylan Budka just 10 days post his birthday celebrations. This win at the UFC APEX marked his fifth consecutive triumph, showcasing his skills that span beyond the cage into kickboxing, where he has secured 47 wins in 57 bouts. Almeida’s transition from kickboxing to MMA includes a notable victory over current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, underlining his prowess and adaptability. His successful stint on the Contender Series last season caught the attention of the UFC top brass, propelling him into the UFC roster. Now, Almeida faces a significant challenge against Roman Kopylov, a formidable opponent known for his finishing abilities and recent contender status in the middleweight rankings. Kopylov, coming off a tough loss in February 2024 to Anthony Hernandez, is determined to reclaim his momentum, making this matchup a critical test for both fighters. For Almeida, this fight is more than just a battle; it's a chance to rapidly advance his standing in the competitive middleweight division. With limited footage available on him, Almeida’s fresh tactics and seasoned striking skills could be the key to surprising his opponents and making a substantial impact. As the middleweight division remains highly unpredictable, particularly between the 11th to 25th spots where rankings can shift dramatically, Almeida’s bout against Kopylov is not only a test of his capabilities but also an opportunity to accelerate his rise in the UFC. This matchup promises high risks and high rewards, epitomizing Almeida’s courageous approach to his nascent UFC career. Fans and critics alike are eager to see if this seasoned striker can translate his kickboxing success into the MMA arena and establish himself as a contender to watch.

As UFC 302 approaches, all eyes are on Randy "Rude Boy" Brown, a determined welterweight from Queens, New York, who has consistently demonstrated his prowess in the Octagon. Discovered on the "Lookin’ For A Fight" series, the 33-year-old fighter has proven to be one of the series' most successful finds, forging a notable path in the UFC with a record of 12-5. Brown enters this weekend's fight against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on a strong note, boasting victories in his last two matches and an impressive 8-2 record over his last 10 bouts. Despite his achievements, Brown has yet to break into the Top 15 rankings, but his performance has made him a standout in the fiercely competitive "Second 15" category. His recent victory against Muslim Salikhov in February was a testament to his growth and technical skill, which was not only a career highlight but also a showcase of the emotional dedication Brown has invested in his UFC journey. The knockout—a stunning display involving a well-executed one-one-two combination that sent Salikhov to the canvas—was noted for its beauty and technical precision, making it a contender for one of the best finishes of the year. Looking ahead to UFC 302, Brown faces a critical bout against dos Santos, another seasoned fighter striving to make his mm. This match-up is pivotal for Brown; another win could solidify his argument for inclusion in the Top 15 rankings. A victory in the main card opener this weekend could very well shift the narrative around his career, prompting more fans and analysts alike to acknowledge his skill and consistency in the cage. As Saturday approaches, Randy Brown is more than ready to prove that he is not just a workhorse but a genuine contender in the welterweight division. With his track record of facing and overcoming strong competition, Brown's upcoming fight is not just another bout—it's an opportunity to step into the spotlight and push for the recognition he deserves in the upper echelons of the UFC.

Despite stepping away from the Octagon since November 2022, Michael Chandler has remained a prominent figure in the UFC landscape. From appearing as a guest at UFC events to coaching the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Chandler has utilized his time away from fighting to explore various endeavors and spend invaluable moments with his family. His journey during this period wasn't just about staying busy; it was a profound exploration of personal happiness and clarity about his passion for the sport. While coaching TUF against Conor McGregor, Chandler not only demonstrated his prowess in nurturing talent, as his team dominated the quarterfinals and semifinals, but also his psychological strength. Despite McGregor's variable behavior—from showing respect to indulging in trash talk—Chandler maintained his composure, an approach he believes provided him a mental edge. Chandler's patience was further tested as he awaited a confirmed fight date with McGregor, who was tied up with commitments ranging from his acting debut to floating potential fights with other opponents. Chandler faced criticism about his prime years slipping away as the delay stretched. However, he stood firm, confident in his path and the magnitude of the potential bout. Finally, the much-anticipated showdown between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor was set for UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas. This fight is not just another match for Chandler—it is a pivotal moment in his career, a chance to redefine his legacy and solidify his standing in MMA history. The fight will take place in the welterweight division, where Chandler feels comfortably at home, negating the severe weight cuts associated with lighter classes. This weight class, according to Chandler, aligns perfectly with his training regimen and dietary needs. Looking ahead, the fight holds significant implications for Chandler's career. With high-profile lightweight bouts occurring just before UFC 303, including Max Holloway's BMF title win and the upcoming title fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, Chandler has his sights set on potential future matchups. Should he triumph over McGregor, Chandler has expressed interest in challenging the winner of Makhachev vs. Poirier or taking on Holloway for the BMF belt. Michael Chandler's narrative is one of resilience and strategic patience. As he prepares to re-enter the fighting arena, his focus is singular: to deliver a performance that reaffirms his status as a formidable contender in the UFC. This bout against McGregor isn't just a fight; it's an emblem of Chandler's fighting spirit and his quest to be undeniably the best.

History has a flow; some characters are caught in the currents and carried along, while others fall into an eddy and are soon forgotten. Most Karateka will recognize names like Gichin Funakoshi and Choki Motobu. Far fewer know anything about Yasuhiro Konishi — even though he was a pivotal figure in the development of karate in Japan and its evolution as a budo. Konishi (1893-1983) began train- ing in the Muso Ryu of jujitsu at age 6. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Takeuchi Ryu, another school of jujitsu. Seven years later, he began training in kendo. He attended Keio University and became the university club’s kendo coach. Konishi was a person who was utterly occupied by budo. One of the kendoka attending Keio University at the same time was Tsuneshige Arakaki, an Okinawan. At a party, he demonstrated a karate kata. Konishi was instantly intrigued. He began learning the art from Arakaki. After graduating, Konishi worked for a company for a short time, but in 1923, he opened his own dojo, called the Ryobu-Kan. There, he taught kendo and judo — and continued to learn karate. This was a fertile period for karate in Japan. In 1922 Funakoshi dem- onstrated the art at judo’s Kodokan, which attracted considerable atten- tion. In 1924 Funakoshi approached Konishi and asked about renting space in the Ryobu-Kan for train- ing. At the same time, two other Okinawan karate experts, Motobu and Kenwa Mabuni, also came to the Ryobu-Kan, using it for their own training. Meanwhile, Konishi pursued his kendo practice, learning under Nakayama Hakudo, one of the luminaries in the sword art. Simultaneously, he worked with aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, who encouraged him to create a karate kata that emphasized a formal system of footwork. Think about it: The most famous and accomplished martial artists in early 20th-century Japan were either training or teaching at Konishi’s dojo — or they were tutoring him. It’s fascinating to think about the energy and talent that existed in that small space. Additionally, in the early 1930s, boxer Tsuneo “Piston” Hori- guchi came to Konishi to improve his skills. That same year, he won the featherweight boxing championship of Japan. THIS WAS A PERIOD when karate schools were being encouraged by the Japanese government to formalize their organizations. Karate in Okinawa had always been taught in a very informal manner. The Japanese wanted names and specific curricula to keep things in order. Given the rising militarism and government control in Japan, the urge was to codify everything. In response, Konishi chose the name Shindo Jinen Ryu for his system. Characters for the second word are more commonly pronounced shizen, or “natural.” Shindo refers to the “divine path” and was a clever choice by Konishi. Many schools of swordsmanship used this term in their names; it suggests a divine inspiration for the founding of the school and connects it with Shinto. By using it, Konishi implicitly linked his karate with ancient Japanese traditions, making it seem more familiar and worthy of respect. Konishi was also instrumental in gaining official recognition of karate within the influential Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. Using his position as a senior kendo instructor, he convinced the leaders of the ButokuKai, who controlled all the modern budo in Japan, to include karate in their sponsorship. He was the first karateka to receive, in 1935, a title as a Butoku Kai ranked teacher. Despite the fact that Funakoshi, Mabuni and Motobu were his teachers, they would not receive this title until six years later. One of Konishi’s more interesting contributions to karate’s early development had to do with the estab- lishment of the art as a real form of combat. Remember: There were hundreds of jujitsu schools all over Japan during the ’20s and ’30s. They fought among themselves, mostly to establish which school was the “best.” Challenges were common and the competition fierce. So you can imagine how these schools reacted to a completely new fighting art coming onto the scene and trying to make a name for itself. When Funakoshi began publicly teaching karate, those challenges were numerous and serious. Here’s how it worked: You came to the dojo and requested a challenge. You would then face a senior student. Beat him and you had the right to face the teacher. Beat the teacher and you took the dojo sign as a trophy. Fortunately for Funakoshi, he had Yasuhiro Konishi and another senior student named Hidenori Otsuka, both of whom were eager to face these challengers. That they were successful did as much to solidify karate’s reputation as its official recognition by the Butoku Kai. FINALLY, Konishi made a less dramatic but equally important contribution. He was an adherent of sekkotsu, a practice similar to chiropractic. He also had a thriving real-estate business. These afforded him the funding to keep up his dojo as a gathering spot for martial art- ists, and they allowed him to sponsor karate teachers. Motobu, for instance, had little money and did not speak Japanese well. It was Konishi who provided the funds for Motobu to stay in Japan and teach. After he died in 1983, Konishi’s son took over the Ryobu-Kan. It remains a small but energetic karate system in Japan and has practitioners and teachers throughout the world. It’s useful to look back at what Konishi did and how he did it. He was an accomplished fighter, a successful entrepreneur and a respected senior in the budo community. He’s not as famous as other Japanese karateka, but he is a good model for those who want to pursue karate today. 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.

The WAKO USA Kickboxing Team Trials were held February 8-11th 2024 in Orlando, Florida at the Wyndham Resort Convention Center. Competitors from across the nation fought for contention to represent America at the WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) Junior World Championships in Budapest, Hungary this fall. In all, 61 athletes and a coaching staff of 10 will represent America at the World Championships  August 23-September 1st at BOK Sports Hall.   USA Kickboxing sanctions competition in two disciplines, Tatami and Ring Sports. According to Bill Viola Jr.  (WAKO USA Tatami Chairman), the organization is spearheading Kickboxing towards the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia. Viola explains, “This was our most competitive and largest nationals to date.  We are confident in our junior athletes headed to Budapest in August and our senior athletes competing in Chile [Vina del Mar] in October. Tatami champions from Chile will earn a slot in the prestigious World Games  in Chengdu,  China [August 2025].”  Viola continues, “I always get asked, what does this all mean? The answer is simple, we inch one step closer to an Olympic birth.”  USA Kickboxing is the only U.S. organization in the sport of kickboxing to have IOC (International Olympic Committee) & AOC (American Olympic Committee) recognition. The athletes compete at the highest of levels, qualifying in our National Championship Tournaments to earn their spots on the team to compete internationally at the Pan-American Championships, World Games and the World Combat Games. WAKO USA serves as the gateway to the Olympics. The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) the National Governing Body for the sport under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee.  The league alternates with Junior and Senior World Championships every other year.  In 2023 The 2023 Senior Worlds was represented with 70 countries and 1,670 athletes.  The United States sent 49 entries and 23 coaches 13 medals, 5 being gold.  America was able to claim one of the most sought after titles.  Announcing The 2024 USA Kickboxing Junior Team Ring Sports (K1, Low Kick, Full Contact Rules) Samir Abidov: -51kg, 17-18, K1, Florida Lionel Aguilar: -86kg, 17-18, FCR, Florida Victor Aguilar: -54kg, 17-18, K1, California Drighten Collins: -71kg, 15-16, LK, Missouri Preston Csoka: -63.5kg, 17-18, LK, Virginia Ryden Dela Cruz: -51kg, 15-16, K1, Hawaii James Hancock: -60kg, 17-18, LK, Arkansas Darrin Horton: - 63.5kg, 15-16, LK, Missouri Alexander Kimball: -75kg, 17-18, LK, Arkansas Annikka Kimball: +60kg, 15-16, LK, Arkansas Aidan Lambert: -67kg, 17-18, K1, Massachusetts Caleb Lewis: -91kg, 17-18, FCR, Texas Parker Nassar: -65kg, 15-16, FCR, Florida Ethan Schlauch: -60kg, 17-18, K1, Ohio Mekenna Vanyo: +70kg, 17-18, K1, Ohio Zarek Yiu Lin: -51kg, 15-16, LK, Hawaii Tatami Sports (Point Fighting, Light Contact, Kick Light, Weapons): Ibrahim Abdul-Qadir: -57kg, 16-18, PF, New York Cesar Aguilar: +69kg, 13-15, PF, LC, Florida Jacky Aguilar: +47kg, 10-12, PF, CF, Texas Sammy Aguilar: -30kg, 7-9, PF, MF, Texas Olivia Almanza: -24kg, 7-9, PF, Texas Lino Almanza: -24kg, 7-9, PF, Texas Matias Camarena Rodriguez: -21kg, 7-9, PF, CF, Texas Raymundo Camarena Rodriguez: -37kg, 10-12, PF, MF, CF, Texas Armando Cardenas: -42kg, 10-12, PF, Florida Lukas Drevinskas: 10-12, MF, CF, MW, CW, Florida Xander Eddy: -63kg, 13-15, PF, KL, LC, Pennsylvania Randy Enrique: -57kg, 13-15, PF, Florida Riley Evans: -55kg, 16-18, PF, LC, Pennsylvania James Fernandez: -52kg, 13-15, PF, LC, Florida Vanessa Gomez: -37kg, 10-12, PF, CF, Texas Vivian Gomez: +47kg, 10-12, PF, MF, Texas Ariana Gonzalez: +65kg, 13-15, PF, Florida Carter Griffith: -37kg, 10-12, PF, Pennsylvania Madelyn Heacock: 13-15, CW, Florida Erik Hermosillo: -24kg, 7-9, PF, Texas Everth Hermosillo: -47kg, 10-12, PF, Texas Brayan Hernandez: -69kg, 13-15, PF, California Jaydon Holland: -74kg, 16-18, PF, LC, California Tony Homsani: -42kg, 13-15, PF, Florida Victoria Homsani: -55kg, 13-15, PF, Florida Tyler Johnson: -69kg, 16-18, PF, Florida Joshua Lawrence: -63kg, 13-15, KL, Texas Camden Lehmann: -55kg, 16-18, PF, Florida Ricardo Madrinan: -52kg, 10-12, PF, Florida Emily Molinar: -46kg, 13-15, PF, KL, LC, MF, CF, Texas Danny Oliva: -74kg, 16-18, PF, Florida Benjamin Olivares: -47kg, 13-15, LC, California William Olivares: -69kg, 13-15, PF, California Jayson Perez: -69kg, 16-18, PF, LC, Florida Edwin Rivera: -/+69kg, 13-15, PF, LC, Texas Luis Rivera: -63kg, 13-15, PF, LC, Texas Axel Rodriguez: -57kg, 13-15, KL, LC, Texas Sofia Florez-Rodriguez: -70kg, 16-18, PF, Florida Luis Spencer: -52kg, 13-15, PF, LC, MF, Texas Reuben Spencer: -32kg, 7-9, PF, MW, CW, Texas Alyssa Thomas: -32kg, 10-12, PF, MF, Texas Gabby Viola: -55kg, 13-15, PF, KL, MW, Pennsylvania Heraclio K Villanueva: -33kg, 7-9, PF, MF, CF, MW, CW, Texas Santos R Villanueva: -27kg, 7-9, PF, CW, Texas Alexandra White: 16-18, MW, Florida Coaches: El Java Abdul-Qadir Tatami, New York David Bybee Ring, Florida Bill Viola Tatami, Pennsylvania Dawn Roffey, Florida Davon Emil Clark Tatami, California Aaron Kimball Ring, Arkansas Annette Poteet Ring/Tatami, Texas Damian Rodriguez Tatami, Florida Mark Vanyo Ring, Ohio Laco Villanueva Tatami, Texas.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon will be back in action on Friday, June 7, when he squares off with Denis Puric at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II . The flyweight Muay Thai king will don the large gloves as he meets Puric in a kickboxing affair sure to excite the crowd inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok. It is a match Puric has been calling for and has finally gotten, and Rodtang has been impressed with his run to earn the match. “I have known Denis Puric for a long time. Since he first joined ONE, he has been calling for me from the beginning. Thank you for always thinking of me,” Rodtang told ONE. “I respect him for his determination because it’s really difficult to run through many opponents to reach me. You have to fight to put yourself into the rankings to challenge me. He tried his best and managed to face me. I have to respect his fighting spirit.” “The Iron Man” has plenty of challengers in the Muay Thai and kickboxing ranks chomping at the bit to face him. Although Puric has caught his eye with past performances, Rodtang left everything up to the ONE Championship matchmakers. With the bout finally inked, the Thai superstar has been able to delve deeper into what has made Puric one of the toughest flyweights in the game. “Puric built himself up to call me out. It’s his right to do that. He wants to fight with the best. I just waited for ONE’s matchmakers to approve it because I’m ready to fight anyone,” the Thai star remarked. “He is very good. He beat Tagir Khalilov and Jacob Smith, so I think he deserves to face me. In his fight with Yodlekpet, I could see this guy is a veteran fighter, and he is more than ready to fight me.” At the top of his game, it would be easy for Rodtang to have an ego. However, “The Iron Man” is adamant that he never takes an opponent’s skills for granted. As such, he is preparing for Puric to bring his A-game into the match on June 7 and has been looking at his greatest strengths inside the Circle. “I never think that I had an advantage over anyone. I just want to do my best in every fight. Everyone has talent and strength. I never underestimate my opponent. They’re all good. I need to do my homework as best I can,” Rodtang expressed. “Denis’ strengths are that he can get in and out quickly. And he is a heavy hitter, good at countering with punches, kicks, and knees.” “His weakness is that he seems to run out of gas at the end of the round. And his weak body will be a good target for me.” Rodtang is becoming eager for the bell to ring at ONE 167. “The Iron Man” is excited to get back to what he does best and is ready to show out in front of the Bangkok crowd again. With the hard work done in the gym, Rodtang has a straightforward message left for Puric. “Let’s see how it goes in the ring. I’m glad you think that I’m no match for you. Thank you for calling me out. See you on June 7, when you will know what hell on earth is,” Rodtang said. ONE 167 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.