The Enterprise Center will host an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action on May 11, 2024, as UFC Fight Night: Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento takes center stage. Headlined by a heavyweight showdown between seasoned knockout artist Derrick Lewis and rising Brazilian talent Rodrigo Nascimento, the event promises fireworks from the get-go. Main Event: Heavyweight (265 lbs): Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Derrick Lewis, known for his remarkable knockout power and record-setting finishes, faces Brazilian grappler Rodrigo Nascimento, who is determined to make a name for himself in the heavyweight division. Co-Main Event: Welterweight (170 lbs): Joaquin Buckley vs. Nursulton Ruziboev Explosive striker Joaquin Buckley takes on the versatile Nursulton Ruziboev, who is aiming to disrupt Buckley's game plan with his own aggressive style and dynamic striking. Main Card Lineup Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) Alonzo Menifield vs. Carlos UlbergAlonzo Menifield, a proven finisher, squares off against New Zealand's Carlos Ulberg, a former kickboxer with precision striking skills. Both fighters are eager to gain ground in the light heavyweight rankings. Lightweight (155 lbs) Diego Ferreira vs. Mateusz RębeckiVeteran Diego Ferreira, a well-rounded grappler, faces Poland's Mateusz Rębecki, an emerging talent known for his relentless pressure and submission game. Featherweight (145 lbs) Alex Caceres vs. Sean WoodsonAlex "Bruce Leeroy" Caceres brings his unconventional striking to the cage against Sean Woodson, whose height and reach present a unique challenge in the featherweight division. Heavyweight (265 lbs) Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis DespaigneThe powerful Waldo Cortes-Acosta takes on Robelis Despaigne, an Olympic medalist in judo transitioning to MMA, with both fighters eager to prove their worth in the heavyweight class. Preliminary Card Highlights Lightweight (155 lbs) Chase Hooper vs. Viacheslav BorshchevGrappling specialist Chase Hooper will face kickboxing expert Viacheslav Borshchev in a classic grappler-vs-striker matchup that will test each man's ability to control the pace. Lightweight (155 lbs)  Terrance McKinney vs. Esteban RibovicsTerrance McKinney, known for his lightning-fast finishes, meets Argentina's Esteban Ribovics, who aims to continue his unbeaten UFC run with another aggressive victory. Strawweight (115 lbs) Tabatha Ricci vs. Tecia TorresRising star Tabatha Ricci confronts seasoned veteran Tecia Torres, a perennial contender looking to climb back to title contention. Welterweight (170 lbs) Trey Waters vs. Billy GoffThe undefeated Trey Waters looks to maintain his perfect record against Billy Goff, an aggressive striker eager to show he can handle high-caliber competition. Flyweight (125 lbs) Jake Hadley vs. Charles JohnsonEnglishman Jake Hadley aims to rebound with a victory over Charles Johnson, who is on the hunt for a statement win after recent setbacks. Welterweight (170 lbs) Jared Gooden vs. Kevin JoussetJared Gooden brings his power punching into the octagon against New Zealand's Kevin Jousset, a grappler seeking to impose his control over the American. Flyweight (125 lbs) JJ Aldrich vs. Veronica HardyJJ Aldrich, known for her technical striking, will attempt to dictate the pace against Veronica Hardy, whose submission skills pose a constant threat. Don't miss this exhilarating night of MMA action. Prelims kick off on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET, followed by the main card.

UFC Fight Night at St. Louis delivered an action-packed night of fights at the Enterprise Center, headlined by Derrick Lewis's emphatic knockout victory over Rodrigo Nascimento. The event showcased a mix of thrilling finishes and hard-fought decisions across multiple weight classes. The main event saw Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis reaffirm his status as a knockout artist, delivering a devastating overhand right followed by ground punches to finish Rodrigo Nascimento in the third round. Lewis's victory marked his 14th knockout in the UFC, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most powerful strikers in the heavyweight division. Joaquin Buckley secured a unanimous decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev in the co-main event, showcasing his well-rounded skillset. Carlos Ulberg made a statement in the light heavyweight division with a lightning-fast knockout of Alonzo Menifield just 12 seconds into the first round. Diego Ferreira displayed his dominance in the lightweight bout, securing a TKO victory over Mateusz Rębecki in the third round. The featherweight clash between Alex Caceres and Sean Woodson went the distance, with Woodson emerging victorious via unanimous decision. In the heavyweight division, Waldo Cortes-Acosta earned a unanimous decision win over Robelis Despaigne, showcasing his technical prowess. The preliminary card featured several exciting finishes, including Chase Hooper's submission victory over Viacheslav Borshchev and Esteban Ribovics's stunning head kick knockout of Terrance McKinney. Tabatha Ricci edged out Tecia Pennington in a closely contested split decision in the women's strawweight division. Trey Waters secured a unanimous decision win over Billy Goff in the welterweight division. Charles Johnson and Veronica Hardy both earned unanimous decision victories in their respective flyweight bouts against Jake Hadley and JJ Aldrich. UFC Fight Night in St. Louis was a night of thrilling fights and impressive finishes. Derrick Lewis's knockout victory stole the spotlight, but the event showcased the depth of talent across various weight classes. Fans were treated to a memorable night of mixed martial arts action, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next UFC event. MAIN EVENT | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento Lewis defeats Nascimento via KO/TKO, Overhand Right to Ground Punches at 0:49 Round 3 of 5 CO-MAIN EVENT | WELTERWEIGHT · 170 LBS | PRO MMA Joaquin Buckley vs. Nursulton Ruziboev Buckley defeats Ruziboev via Unanimous Decision MAIN CARD | LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT · 205 LBS | PRO MMA Alonzo Menifield vs. Carlos Ulberg Ulberg defeats Menifield via KO/TKO, Punches at 0:12 Round 1 of 3 MAIN CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Diego Ferreira vs. Mateusz Rębecki Ferreira defeats Rębecki viaKO/TKO, Ground and Pound at 4:51 Round 3 of 3 MAIN CARD | FEATHERWEIGHT · 145 LBS | PRO MMA Alex Caceres vs. Sean Woodson Woodson defeats Caceres via Unanimous Decision MAIN CARD | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis Despaigne Cortes-Acosta defeats Despaigne via Unanimous Decision PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Chase Hooper vs. Viacheslav Borshchev Hooper defeats Borshchev via Submission, D'arce Choke at 3:00 Round 2 of 3 PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Terrance McKinney vs. Esteban Ribovics Ribovics defeats McKinney via KO/TKO, Head Kick at 0:37 Round 1 of 3 PRELIMINARY CARD | STRAWWEIGHT · 115 LBS | PRO MMA Tabatha Ricci vs. Tecia Pennington Ricci defeats Pennington via Split Decision PRELIMINARY CARD | WELTERWEIGHT · 170 LBS | PRO MMA Trey Waters vs. Billy Goff Waters defeats Goff via Unanimous Decision PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA Jake Hadley vs. Charles Johnson Johnson defeats Hadley via Decision, Unanimous PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA JJ Aldrich vs. Veronica Hardy Hardy defeats Aldrich via Unanimous Decision

BRAVE Combat Federation's 82nd event delivered a night of thrilling mixed martial arts action at the Côte D'Or National Sports Complex, despite the unfortunate cancellation of one of its scheduled bouts. Fans in Mauritius were treated to a spectacle of technique and toughness across four main card bouts, including the crowning of a new bantamweight champion, here are the results. Main Event: Bantamweight Championship Battle In the highlight of the evening, Nkosi Ndebele faced off against Jose Torres III in a fight for the BRAVE CF Bantamweight Championship. After five grueling rounds, Ndebele emerged victorious by unanimous decision, showcasing his superior striking and stamina. His tactical prowess and relentless pressure throughout the bout earned him the championship belt and solidified his status as a top contender in the division. Torres and Nkosi had a close first round and saw the champion stage a strong performance in the second. Nkosi was able to put his reach advantage to good use and landed multiple strikes through the defence of the former champion before landing a huge strike which dropped Torres. Nkosi, however, failed to finish the fight before the round ended.  Co-Main Event: Tactical Warfare at 135 lbs The co-main event saw Nicholas Hwende take on Hurshed Nazarov in a bantamweight clash. Both fighters displayed great skill and determination, but it was Hwende who dominated the fight, leading to a unanimous decision victory after three rounds. His sharp combinations and effective control of the pace and space in the cage were key factors in his win. The Zimbabwean capitalized on a failed submission attempt from Nazarov in the opening minute of the third round and dominated the round to close out the fight; in turn, getting the edge on the judges’ scorecard. Featherweight Submission Showcase The featherweight bout between Ylies Djiroun and Ananias Mulumba ended quickly, with Djiroun securing a submission victory via guillotine choke at just 1:39 into the first round. Djiroun’s aggressive start and technical acumen allowed him to catch Mulumba off guard and execute a flawless choke, demonstrating why he is considered one of the promising talents in the featherweight division. Despite an early setback where Mulumba managed to drop Djiroun, the Frenchman's experience and submission prowess proved decisive. In his post-fight interview, Djiroun called for a spot on the upcoming BRAVE CF card in France and urged the organization to visit France more often.  Unfortunately, the much-anticipated bout between Eliezer Kubanza and Karim Rabei was cancelled due to Rabei falling ill on fight night. Kubanza expressed disappointment but hinted at a potential matchup with the winner of the upcoming BRAVE CF 83 main event between Alex Lohore and Marcin Bandel in the Netherlands. Lightweight Quick Finish In another swift finish, Ramazan Gitinov faced Prince Lolia in the lightweight category. Gitinov wasted no time, managing to lock in an arm triangle choke and forcing a tap from Lolia at 1:35 of the first round. His quick victory not only thrilled the audience but also highlighted his submission skills and strategic mindset. With the win, Ramazan maintained his undefeated record in professional MMA. In his post-fight speech, Ramazan issued a warning to the BRAVE CF Lightweight champion Abdisalam Kubanychbek.  BRAVE CF 82 proved to be an eventful evening with high stakes and spectacular finishes, further establishing BRAVE Combat Federation's reputation for high-quality MMA events. Here are the Resukts of BRAVE CF 82. MAIN EVENT | BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP | 135 LBS Nkosi Ndebele vs. Jose Torres III Ndebele defeats Torres via Unanimous Decision at the end of 5 rounds CO-MAIN EVENT | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Nicholas Hwende vs. Hurshed Nazarov Hwende defeats Nazarov via Unanimous Decision at the end of 3 rounds MAIN CARD | FEATHERWEIGHT · 145 LBS | PRO MMA Ylies Djiroun vs. Ananias Mulumba Djiroun defeats Mulum ba via Submission, Guillotine Choke at 1:39 Round 1 of 3 MAIN CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Ramazan Gitinov vs. Prince Lolia Gitinov defeats Lolia via via Submission, Arm Triangle Choke at 1:35 Round 1 of 3

Abdullah Al-Qahtani heads to Featherweight Semifinals after stopping Yazeed Hasanain  Ali Taleb dominates Nawras Abzakh to advance to Bantamweight Semifinals Hattan Alsaif delivers spectacular knockout in PFL debut PFL MENA Featherweight and Bantamweight Semifinals Set for July 5 The Professional Fighters League (PFL), kicked off the historic inaugural season of PFL MENA at The Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, with athletes in the Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions taking center stage and securing their spots in the PFL MENA Playoffs. Here are the PFL MENA Results. In the main event, Abdullah Al-Qahtani put on a show for his hometown fans as he battered Yazeed Hasanain of Jordan en route to a verbal submission win, earning himself a spot in the PFL MENA Featherweight Semifinals. In the co-main event, Iraq’s Ali Taleb was a force from start to finish as he dominated Jordanian Nawras Abzakh to earn a unanimous decision win and a spot in the Bantamweight Semifinals. Taleb improves to 11-1 in his career. Morocco’s Rachid El Hazoume showed off his submission skills and forced countryman Xavier Alaoui to tap out to a rear-naked choke submission in the second round. As a result, El Hazoume advances to the Bantamweight Semi Finals and moves to 14-3 in his career. Islam Reda of Egypt turned in a strong performance as he defeated Morocco’s Adam Meskini by unanimous decision to advance to the PFL MENA Featherweight Semi Finals. The win marked Reda’s fifth straight, and it improved his career record to 11-1. Jordan’s Jalal Al Daaja punched his ticket to the PFL MENA Playoffs after edging out Sudan’s Tariq Ismail by majority draw in their Bantamweight matchup. The victory pushed Al Daaja’s career record to 12-7. Algeria’s Elias Boudegzdame was the first fighter in the Bantamweight division to advance to the PFL MENA Playoffs after scoring a slick second round guillotine submission win over Egypt’s Hassan Mandour. With the win, Boudegzdame improved to 19-8 in his MMA career. Saudi Arabia’s own Hattan Alsaif turned in a spectacular MMA debut, knocking Egypt’s Nada Faheem out with a head kick in the second round of their Women’s Flyweight amateur showcase bout. Alsaif made history by becoming the first female from Saudi Arabia to sign a contract with a major MMA promotion. Featherweight division action saw Morocco’s Maraoune Bellagouit land a powerful left hook in the third round to knock out Egypt’s Mido Mohamed in the third round and move on to the Semi Finals. Bellagouit remains undefeated and moves to 5-0 in his career. In the first Featherweight bout of the PFL MENA season, Jordan’s Abdelrahman Alhyasat outworked Ahmed Tarek of Egypt to win by unanimous decision and advance to the Semi Finals. Alhyasat improved to 4-0 in his professional career. Kicking the action off, Saudi Arabia’s own Malik Basahel put on a dominant performance, defeating India’s Harsh Pandya by unanimous decision in a Flyweight amateur showcase bout to improve to 19-2-1 in his career. COMPLETE PFL MENA: RIYADH RESULTS Featherweight Bout Abdullah Al-Qahtani def. Yazeed Hasanain by Verbal Submission at 4:59 of Round 2 Bantamweight Bout Ali Taleb def. Nawras Abzakh by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Bantamweight Bout Rachid El Hazoume def. Xavier Alaoui by Submission (RnC) at 2:55 of Round 2 Featherweight Bout Islam Reda def. Adam Meskini by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Bantamweight Bout Jalal Al Daaja  def. Tariq Ismail by Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28) Bantamweight Bout Elias Boudegzdame def. Hassan Mandour by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:53 of Round 2 Women’s Atomweight Bout - Amateur Hattan Alsaif def. Nada Faheem by KO (Head Kick) at 0:41 of Round 2 Featherweight Bout Maraoune Bellagouit def. Mido Mohamed by TKO (Punch) at 4:12 of Round 3 Featherweight Bout Abdelrahman Alhyasat def. Ahmed Tarek by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-27) Flyweight Bout - Amateur Malik Basahel def. Harsh Pandya by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

ONE Championship was back inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium for ONE Friday Fights 62 on Friday, May 10. In a main event rematch, ET Wankhongohm MBK defeated Mongkolkaew Sor Sommai for the second straight time. After a third-round KO in their first meeting, ET dialed up a unanimous decision win to take the lead in their competitive series. ET secured the victory in the final frame with a knockdown from a left elbow. Mongkolkaew could not get a finish to overcome the deficit, and ET continued to roll in Bangkok. Chokpreecha PK Saenchai scored a fantastic first-round KO over Pongsiri Sujeebameekiew in their strawweight Muay Thai encounter. The damaging blow came at 1:44 of the first round to push Chokpreecha to 2-0 on ONE Friday Fights action. Following four battles that went to a decision, Kongkula Jitmuangnon put Mardsing Khaolakmuaythai down for the count to win by first-round KO in their 138-pound catchweight match. ONE Friday Fights 62 got off to a rip-roaring start with three consecutive finishes. Batochir Batsaikhan beat Fabio Harada by TKO with just two seconds remaining in the first round of their bantamweight MMA bout. Matheus Pereira followed it up with a TKO over Evgenii Morozov at the conclusion of two rounds in their lightweight MMA match. After the hot start, Yuki Morioka picked up a win against Peyman Zolfaghari by first-round KO in a 124-pound catchweight Muay Thai affair. Overall, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium was treated to another resounding night of martial arts. You can relive the night on-demand via ONE’s official YouTube channel  if you missed any of the action. ONE Friday Fights 62 Full Results ET Wankhongohm MBK def. Mongkolkaew Sor Sommai by unanimous decision Xavier Gonzalez def. Win Sitjanim by split decision Chokpreecha PK Saenchai def. Pongsiri Sujeebameekiew by KO at 1:44 of the first round Kongkula Jitmuangnon def. Mardsing Khaolakmuaythai by KO at 2:37 of the first round Nongam Fairtex def. Tsz Ching Phoebe Lo by unanimous decision Looknam Kor Khomkleaw def. Chabakaew Sor KanJanchai by unanimous decision Wei Ziqin def. Riamu Matsumoto by unanimous decision Haruto Yasumoto def. Temirlan Bekmurzaev by unanimous decision Yuki Morioka def. Peyman Zolfaghari by KO at 1:57 of the first round Matheus Pereira def. Evgenii Morozov by TKO at 5:00 of the second round Batochir Batsaikhan def. Fabio Harada by TKO at 4:58 of the first round

As the excitement builds for Saturday night's epic showdown at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, all eyes will be on one of UFC's biggest stars, Derrick Lewis, as he makes his grand entrance to the rhythm of Fat Pat’s “Tops Drop.” This isn’t just any walkout song—it’s an anthem within the MMA community, charged with emotion and history, resonating deeply with Lewis. Speaking with heartfelt reverence, Lewis shares the significance of his iconic walkout track, originally by the late Fat Pat, a rapper whose life was tragically cut short. The song, a staple since Lewis moved to Houston in 1998, symbolizes more than just his personal journey—it’s a tribute that he believes would make Fat Pat’s family proud. With an impressive career spanning over a decade, Derrick Lewis, known as "The Black Beast," is ready to make his 29th walk to the UFC Octagon this weekend, facing Rodrigo Nascimento. Surprisingly humble, Lewis reacts with genuine surprise upon realizing just how many fights he's had, standing as one of the most seasoned heavyweights in UFC history, second only to Andrei Arlovski. Despite his tough exterior and a history of overcoming significant personal and legal challenges, Lewis remains a reluctant star. He's carved a path in MMA not for fame, but to provide for his family, turning his life around from its troubled beginnings to achieving unprecedented success in the sport. As he opens up about the pressures of fighting and his preference for less high-profile events, Lewis hints at a possible surprise for fans this weekend—a testament to his relaxed approach when the spotlight isn’t as intense. Beyond the fight, Lewis's transformation is evident in his lifestyle changes, swapping root beer for sparkling water, signaling a fighter who’s not only ready for his next battle but also in the best shape of his life.

Following the successful format of Season 2, the opening round of Season 3 of ROAD TO UFC is set to unfold on May 18 and 19 at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, China. This pioneering "win and advance" tournament offers top MMA prospects from Asia a direct pathway to UFC contracts. The third season of ROAD TO UFC introduces the women's strawweight division, adding to the existing men’s flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight categories. The competition will feature 32 mixed martial arts athletes across these four weight classes, along with additional non-tournament bouts to expand opportunities for emerging fighters. To date, eleven participants from the first two seasons have earned UFC contracts, including seven tournament winners, two finalists, and two victors from non-tournament bouts. This season promises to continue the tradition of showcasing and advancing top talent in the sport. The opening round of the tournament will be broadcast live in prime time across Asia from the UFC PI Shanghai, leveraging cutting-edge remote production technology to connect seamlessly with the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The schedule for the opening episodes is as follows: Episode 1 – May 18 Welterweight non-tournament: Bahatebole Batebolati vs Han Seul Kim Women's Strawweight: Feier Huang vs Miki Motono, and Feng Xiaocan vs Kiran Singh Featherweight: Shin Haraguchi vs JunYoung Hong, and Zhu Kangjie vs Tatsuya Ando Episode 2 – May 18 Women's Flyweight non-tournament: Wang Cong vs Paula Luna Women's Strawweight: Priya Sharma vs Dong Huaxiang, and Shi Ming vs YeDam Seo Featherweight: Masuto Kawana vs Young Jae Song, and Xie Bin vs Yibugele Episode 3 – May 19 Lightweight non-tournament: WonBin Ki vs Tatsuya Saika Flyweight: Jiniushiyue vs Dong Hoon Choi, and John Almanza vs Angad Bisht Bantamweight: Soo Young Yoo vs Shohei Nose, and Daermisi Zhawupasi vs Ren Ozaki Episode 4 – May 19 Women's Flyweight non-tournament: Yan Qihui vs Lisa Kyriacou Flyweight: Ruel Panales vs Toki Matsui, and Kiru Singh Sahota vs Yin Shuai Bantamweight: Kyusung Kim vs Tokitaka Nakanishi, and Baergeng Jieleyisi vs Li Yunfeng The ROAD TO UFC Season 3 will take place before a live audience, with venue details announced prior to each event. The season's culmination will feature finals during a UFC Fight Night, where winners from each division will be awarded UFC contracts. This season continues to highlight the global expansion and talent development within the UFC, spotlighting Asia's rising stars in the sport of mixed martial arts.

This weekend, UFC St. Louis is set to explode as Tecia "The Tiny Tornado" Pennington makes her much-anticipated return against Tabatha "Baby Shark" Ricci in a thrilling strawweight battle. The clash, dubbed by Pennington as the "Sharknado fight," will unfold at the Enterprise Center on Saturday night, offering fans an electrifying spectacle. Pennington, always ready with a quick quip, promises a high-energy fight, filled with striking and non-stop action. "I think it’s going to be an exciting one. Too little mini-pitbulls going at it!" she remarked during an interview with UFC.com . Having been away from the fight scene since 2022 to start a family, Pennington is buzzing with excitement for her comeback. The 34-year-old former mainstay in the strawweight division is not only returning after giving birth to her daughter last June but also after supporting her wife, Raquel Pennington, in her successful quest for the UFC women's bantamweight title. Tecia Pennington's journey back to the UFC octagon has been filled with challenges, including regaining fitness post-childbirth and adapting to new motherhood. "It’s been a tough ride, with lots of mobility work and cardio. But I'm back, and my cardio is on point," she shared confidently. Her opponent, Brazil's Ricci, has been impressive in her UFC tenure since her debut in June 2021, boasting a record of 4-2. Despite Ricci’s formidable skills, Pennington believes her own experience and speed will give her the upper hand in this encounter. "I think overall I'll have the will and the cardio over her," Pennington assessed. As fight night approaches, Pennington is not just fighting for a win but for her spot back in the strawweight top 10. A victory over Ricci, who currently holds the 11th spot, could propel Pennington right back into the rankings, a place she feels she rightly deserves.

Chase Hooper, once the teenage sensation of Dana White’s Contender Series, has evolved significantly at the UFC since his debut nearly six years ago. Now, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Nascimento, Hooper prepares for his ninth appearance in the Octagon against Viacheslav Borshchev, in a battle that promises to captivate fans. Initially competing in the featherweight division, Hooper's early UFC career was a mixed bag of wins and losses. However, after growing into a more suitable lightweight frame, he's found his rhythm, securing consecutive victories and beginning to reshape public perception. “I’m not just the young guy anymore; I’m taken more seriously now,” Hooper explained to UFC.com . His recent performances not only reflect his growth but have also started to earn him recognition as a formidable fighter within the roster. Despite facing challenges and self-doubt, Hooper has persisted, honing his skills and proving his resilience in the elite fighting league. “Mentally, I understand that I’m one of these guys. I stand amongst these people,” he asserted, acknowledging his established presence in the UFC. With a current two-fight win streak, Hooper is enthusiastic about his matchup with Borshchev, highlighting the classic striker versus grappler dynamic that the UFC was built on. “These are the matchups that really show what fighters are made of,” he noted. UFC matchmakers see this fight as a critical test for both athletes, assessing their ability to address weaknesses and compete at higher levels. “They are testing us to see who’s ready to move up,” Hooper commented, aware of the stakes involved. As the fight approaches, Hooper is eager to execute his strategy and extend his winning streak, viewing a victory over Borshchev as a stepping stone to more significant challenges. “I’m starting to hit my stride,” he concluded, signaling his readiness to take on tougher opponents and continue rising in the UFC ranks.

Director: Eli Roth Release Date: August 9, 2024 The immensely popular Gearbox “looter shooter” game has surpassed 75 million copies in sales, amassing net revenues exceeding one billion dollars.  While director Eli Roth is best known for ground-breaking horror, this time he’s tackling video games and action, bringing to life the Borderlands  series.  While the games feature a distinct, cel-shaded look, this is a live-action feature starring Cate Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black. Which tells us it should be a funny ride, too!  Enthusiastic fans eagerly anticipate the transition of this beloved video game franchise to the silver screen, particularly intrigued by how the distinctive visual style will be translated.  With its hand-drawn textures and vibrant coloring, the game offers a unique gaming experience rarely matched elsewhere. Anticipation mounts as details emerge about the film, promising an unparalleled cinematic journey. Similarly, the neon, fast-paced vibrance á la Mad Max  is present in the new film. Led by a stellar cast and crew, both in front of and behind the camera, and boasting a prime summer release slot along with an electrifying trailer. Here is the Borderlands movie trailer.

Games Global has secured an exclusive partnership with the UFC, to create branded digital content inspired by the sport. This collaboration was facilitated by UFC’s licensing representative, IMG. Over the next three years, Games Global will develop and release a series of UFC-themed slot games, starting with a global launch in July after an initial soft launch in May. These digital slot games will incorporate elements from the UFC, including fighter likenesses and themed symbols. Players can win prizes by aligning symbols across paylines, with additional excitement provided by features like free spins and wild symbols. The games will be accessible through local betting platforms in areas with regulated iGaming. In the U.S., iGaming is legal in several states including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Specific betting operators featuring the UFC-branded slots will be announced before the games' release. UFC boasts a global following with over 700 million fans and roughly 260 million social media followers, producing over 40 live events yearly and broadcasting to nearly a billion TV households in more than 170 countries. This partnership aligns Games Global with UFC’s substantial audience and opens up significant marketing and fan engagement opportunities. Both organizations aim to attract new users and fans through this initiative. UFC will support the game launches with its extensive global marketing resources. Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to launch this dynamic partnership with UFC, allowing us to bring UFC action to our slot games. This deal not only enables us to reach UFC’s vast fan base but also allows us to merge their passion for MMA with our gaming innovations. We eagerly anticipate unveiling our inaugural game soon.” Tracey Bleczinski, UFC’s Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products, highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership: “UFC is continuously exploring innovative ways to engage with our fans worldwide. This partnership with Games Global helps us achieve that by transforming the thrilling environment of the Octagon into interactive slot games. We’re confident these games will resonate with UFC enthusiasts and we are delighted to collaborate with Games Global, a top-tier provider in the iGaming sector, to bring this top-notch entertainment experience to our fans.”

I had the privilege of teaching several sessions at Taky Kimura’s Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute of Seattle Instructors Conference in Washington. One topic I discussed was a question that garnered much interest: When did Bruce Lee actually create jeet kune do?  Does the answer have any bearing on our JKD training all these decades later? It’s my opinion that understanding when and why JKD was born is extremely important if we are to master the art and then pass it on to the next generation. That’s why I decided to write this article. So when was JKD born? I’ve spoken with hundreds of authorities about this, and most agree that it happened when Lee fought Wong Jak Man in Oakland, California. Their reasoning is that because the fight was far more difficult than Lee had expected, he was inspired to change his ways. His Jun Fan gung fu, which could be classified as modified wing chun, did not hold up well against the kung fu master. There’s solid evidence that the Oakland fight was where Lee altered his opinions on his previous modifications and, therefore, was where JKD really started. But consider this: Was that truly the birth of jeet kune do, or did it just mark the conceptualization of JKD? I believe that the Wong Jak Man fight was when the seed that grew into JKD was planted. But mere belief is not scientific. Let’s look for evidence. Evidence Lee left behind a lot of writings that are preserved in various sources. We can look to those statements to determine when JKD was born. But when we examine his quotes, we run into a problem: They’re rarely dated. That means it’s unclear where on the timeline of JKD evolution they should be placed. Furthermore, many of the quotes seem to contradict one another. Should we just choose the line that’s most convenient for our particular type of JKD training? Or would it be better to know at what point on Lee’s timeline a particular statement was made? I think the answer is obvious. Let’s look at a few well-known Bruce Lee quotes to get a feel for when and, more important, why JKD was created. First up is an excerpt from Linda Lee Cadwell’s book concerning the 1964 Oakland fight. “Until this battle, he had largely been content to improvise and expand on his original wing chun style, but then he suddenly realized that although he had won comparatively easily, his performance had been neither crisp or efficient. The fight, he realized, ought to have ended within a few seconds of him striking the first blows — instead of which it had dragged on for three minutes. … So he began to dissect the fight, analyzing where he had gone wrong and seeking to find ways where he could have improved his performance. It did not take him long to realize that the basis of his fighting art, the wing chun style, was insufficient.” We might take Cadwell’s statements as confirmation that the Wong Jak Man fight was the birth of JKD. After all, the fight prompted Lee to change his ways and become more efficient. The following is an excerpt from a letter Lee wrote to Taky Kimura: “My mind is made up to start a system of my own — I mean, a system of totality, embracing all but yet guided with simplicity. It will concentrate on the root of things — rhythm, timing, distance — and embrace the five ways of attack. Wing chun is the starting point, chi sa[o] is the nucleus and they are supplemented by the FIVE WAYS. The whole system will concentrate on irregular rhythm and how to disturb and intercept the opponent’s rhythm the fastest and most efficient way.” Clearly, wing chun was extremely important when the letter was written. But Lee also wrote this famous line in a letter to his former wing chun classmate William Cheung: “William, I’ve lost faith in the Chinese classical arts — though I still call mine Chinese — because basically all styles are [a] product of land swimming, even the wing chun school.” Hmm. Those two don’t seem to match up well. Why? Because the letter to Kimura was written in February 1967. The one to Cheung was written two years later. Lee was evolving rapidly. Support And then there’s this from Ted Wong: “When I was training with him privately, there was a gradual diminishing of wing chun until, at the end, it was completely different than wing chun. Pretty much the only wing chun element that he applied was chi sao, or ‘sticking hands,’ and also some simplified trapping.” So wing chun was diminished, but chi sao remained, possibly still as the nucleus. Was that the new JKD? Well, this is how Wong continued to describe Lee’s evolution: “He thought that it was pretty unique, but then later, say, in 1969, he had pretty much discarded that, as well. Taky [Kimura] told me that Bruce had called him in 1969 and told him that ‘chi sao is out.’” That’s a radical departure from the “wing chun is the starting point, chi sa[o] is the nucleus” quote. So when was the actual birth of JKD — the Wong Jak Man fight or later? Instead of speculating, let’s look at another one of Bruce Lee’s letters to get the answer directly from the founder. This one was written to Wong Shun Leung, the man who taught Lee at Ip Man’s school in Hong Kong. It dates from 1970: “Since I started to practice realistically in 1966 (protectors, gloves, etc.), I feel that I had many prejudices before, and they are wrong. So I changed the name of the gist of my study to jeet kune do.” So there you go. I believe that the Oakland fight marked the conceptualization of JKD but that the birth occurred in Los Angeles after Lee started using the body protectors to spar hard. The baby grew up over the next several years, becoming a robust method of practical self-defense. But is this timeline evaluation just a waste of time? Is it important to us now, more than 50 years later? I would argue that it’s vital to the future of JKD. Sparring This information is essential for those who want to keep JKD students from becoming dry-land swimmers. A skilled jeet kune do practitioner should be able to easily navigate the open ocean of vigorous sparring with a variety of martial artists. According to Lee, sparring in a realistic manner was what revealed his incorrect prejudices. Likewise, logging our time sparring against an uncooperative partner is essential if we are to understand how Lee developed his effective approach to the questions of combat. This is what takes a technician into the realm of being a fighter. And isn’t that what makes JKD great — that practitioners can actually fight? Then we need to do what Lee did and spar often to discover our mistaken assumptions. I’ve spent a lot of time in boxing gyms, sparring with skilled boxers. I’ve spent a lot of time training with high-level MMA fighters. I’m one of the original Dog Brothers, the group that shook up the Filipino martial arts by engaging in limited-protection, full-contact stick fighting. And I was blessed to be trained by Dan Inosanto, Richard Bustillo, Larry Hartsell, Chris Kent and Tim Tackett in JKD. But as Inosanto often says, each individual has to gain his or her own experience. I knew the techniques and did the sparring, but it took years of light (and occasionally intense) fighting to gain a deep understanding of jeet kune do. Now, with decades of such training under my belt, I have a greater appreciation than ever for the wisdom of Bruce Lee. But even though he emphasized the importance of sparring, many JKD instructors have let this vital training method fall by the wayside. At the Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute conference, I spoke a lot about sparring. Chris Kent, who taught fantastic sessions, also spoke about the importance of sparring. The big concern all teachers have is that hard sparring will chase away students. I know for a fact that this can be true because of the group I started with at the Kali/Jun Fan Gung Fu Academy in Torrance, California. There, our “beginner class” (many people had black belts in other arts) progressed from zero sparring for two months to heavy sparring one memorable night. There were bloody noses, black eyes and bruised egos. The class went from more than 30 students to eight after that first session of sparring. So allow me to mention here what I emphasized at the instructor conference: Sparring should be safe and, for most people most of the time, fun. Sparring is not fighting. In fighting, you do your best to inflict pain and injury on the opponent. In sparring, there should be no injury and minimal pain, if any. The key is to spar in a way that has no cooperation from your partner, just like in a real fight, but in which everything is kept safe. Of course, those of us who want to reach higher levels of understanding need to spar hard sometimes, and that isn’t always fun. But being in a fight environment is where we learn the most. And that allows a person to appreciate the genius of Lee’s advice and approach. Gear Around 1966, Dan Inosanto bought six Navy boxing helmets from a military-surplus store in Los Angeles. He gave two of them to Lee. Those helmets, along with the old kempo gloves, chest protectors, groin protectors and baseball shinguards, enabled Lee to spar hard while retaining some level of safety. This training was so radical and so important to the nascent JKD that Lee geared up and sparred live at the 1967 Long Beach International Karate Championships. The seasoned martial artists in the audience were shocked at what they saw: full-contact fighting, head-to-toe targets, nimble movement and impeccable application of efficient technique. Why would Lee choose to spar at such an important demonstration? He did it to highlight his unique and realistic approach to martial arts training. Now everyone could clearly see that JKD was made for real fighting. Those Navy head protectors were designed to keep pilots from sustaining eye damage while boxing — after all, a pilot with impaired eyesight is useless. But according to Inosanto, the helmets really torqued the neck because of the bar that protruded to protect the fighter’s face. Today, we’re fortunate to have modern headgear with face cages, as well as gloves and other pads that allow anyone to engage in light sparring in a manner that can be kept fun and safe. Meanwhile, those few who have progressed far enough can go hard with minimal damage. We can engage in heavy sparring and survive the training. But hard sparring is for the few who are ready for it and who want to do it. In my classes, nobody ever has to spar hard. But everyone enjoys the sparring. It’s so much fun to play the game. I often remind students to heed Bruce Lee’s advice: “Turn your sparring into play — but play seriously.” Realization To me, the aforementioned Oakland match was clearly the spark that led Lee to explore better ways of fighting. And according to his letter to Wong Shun Leung, donning the protective gear and then sparring hard was how JKD was born. The Bruce Lee Foundation website states, “The term ‘jeet kune do’ was coined and put into use in 1967 by Bruce Lee in an attempt to put a name to his martial expression.” That was after he’d gained a lot of hard-sparring experience. Concerning when JKD was actually born, I understand that you may have a different opinion, and maybe you’re right. But the one thing we must not omit from our JKD training, if we are to call it JKD, is live sparring with an uncooperative partner. Take it from Bruce Lee himself: “The best way to learn how to swim is to get in the water and swim. The best way to learn jeet kune do is to spar.” If you really want to experience, understand and pass on the essence of JKD, you can’t be a dry-land swimmer. Do yourself — and your students, if you have any — a favor and follow the path of the original followers of Bruce Lee. Get in the water and relive the experiences that prompted Lee to create his magnificently effective system of jeet kune do. Burton Richardson is respected as a master of jeet kune do, but he’s also certified as an instructor of silat and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. That’s why Black Belt teamed up with him to produce a comprehensive online course called Silat for the Street. The Black Belt Hall of Famer also wrote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the Street. This article originally appeared in a 2021 edition of Black Belt Magazine