The over-under is the big dog of clinches in mma and submission grappling —and for good reason. We’ll get to that reason in a minute, but first let’s look at why we see so little of the three other major clinches: the traditional boxing clinch, the collar-and-elbow clinch and the plum blossom, aka the Muay thai clinch. First is the boxing clinch. The absence of this one in MMA is almost a no-brainer. It ’s too upright and loose to inhibit knees and elbows, as well as too narrow and “light” to avoid the takedown. As much as I love boxing, this position simply has no place in the cage. Next is the collar-and-elbow. It’s exceptionally common and quite useful in collegiate and folkstyle wrestling because it sets up countless shots to the legs, in addition to numerous duck-unders, go-behinds and offensive gambits. It’s also a deceptive defensive tool that allows you to “read” your opponent’s intentions and use steering motions to defend against shots. Why is such a formidable tool so rarely seen in MMA? Because if you use it in the cage the way it’s used in other sports, you’ll get clocked. The collar-and-elbow is a fantastic tool, but it commits the hands to grappling in such a way as to lead you to not even think of mounting a striking offensive — and if you do mount that offensive, this is such a loose base to launch from that you could have skipped the tie-up altogether. The collar-and-elbow performs even worse on the flip side of the striking coin. Its openness/looseness creates holes that any good inside fighter can use to punish you for trying this clinch when it shouldn’t be used. Lest my wrestling brethren despair, I’m not saying you should throw away this clinch. I suggest that rather than thinking of it as the starting point and/or feeler in a match, relegate it to use during quick windows of opportunity. By this, I mean you should apply it in short iterations in which your transition to the next phase of your offense or defense is tripped to fire immediately. You’ll be less likely to get hurt. The plum blossom is a devastating weapon in muay Thai, and we see it from time to time in MMA — but not nearly as much as we did in the early days of mixed martial arts. I surmise that the plum blossom used in its pure form is diminishing for the opposite reasons the collar-and-elbow clinch is waning. Where the collar-and-elbow is strike vulnerable, the plum blossom is grappling vulnerable. Here’s what I mean: The posture used in the plum blossom is a bit too high and the base a bit too narrow, which allows a good wrestler to shrug and blow through this tie-up fairly easily. The key to avoiding this is to not get lulled into thinking of the plum blossom as a snaking-pummeling game. Instead, treat the tie-up itself as a strike. With that in mind, charge through your clinch defense quickly — the shrug is high percentage here — and you should be good to go. Just as with the collar-and-elbow, the plum blossom, when used in quick instances or in a modified form, definitely has its place in MMA. It’s the original upright form that needs a caveat or two. That brings us to the clinch that’s established its dominance for offense and defense: the over-under. Pre-MMA, it was most commonly seen in Greco-Roman wrestling where leg dives, picks and lacing are off-limits and upper-body control is key. Taking this clinch almost intact from its original sport and adding a few modified concepts yields an MMA-ready weapon that’s functional and versatile. The over-under allows for good upper body control. You can stave off most punching because of the way it limits the opponent’s room to maneuver. Elbows can still be formidable, but good underhook control and/or underhook “reading” can go a long way toward reducing the threat. This clinch does leave open the possibility of a knee strike, but good weighting via overhooking forward and down, as well as tight and aggressive underhook pulling accompanied by aggressive underhook shoulder-pinning, reduces the threat and intensity. The over-under also presents numerous takedown possibilities, both of the upper body Greco-Roman variety and the judo leg-lacing/tripping variety. The underhook portion of this clinch also serves as the root of a good defense against these same takedown attempts. The over-under is a great position to work from as you spin and pin an opponent into the cage — or a wall. On the flip side of that equation, when your back is to a barrier, the over-under is your defensive friend and the key to escaping. The only downside to this clinch is that it’s essentially a neutral position, meaning that both parties have the same offensive and defensive opportunities. The key to making yourself king of this position, therefore, is twofold. One, have superior conditioning. Clinch work is grueling. You can go from fresh to exhausted in 15 seconds. The better-conditioned person will have an edge. Two, have a superior vocabulary. If you’re able to draw from a deeper well of offensive and defensive tools and preserve a conditioning edge, you’ll increase your odds of owning this clinch. Being able to pummel only and having just one or two offensive moves at your disposal is clearly not optimal. Mark Hatmaker’s website is extremeselfprotection.com . This article originally appeared in a 2021 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

“ Jeet Kune Do is simply the direct expression of one's feelings with the minimum of movements and energy.” BRUCE LEE, that five-foot-eight-inch-145-pound cache of Chinese TNT who plays Kato, the crime- buster in TVs "Green Hornet," is a stickler for realism. If a TV producer asks him to play a role, Bruce now wants to know before he signs up whether the part is reason ably realistic. The dynamic, effervescent plague of the TV hoodlums, let the bars down a wee bit when he accepted   the role of body guard and faithful companion to "The Green Hornet'' by hoaxing up his gung-fu tactics to provide more exciting action. But the San Francisco-born, Hong Kong-raised actor has learned some valuable lessons from his initial experience in the world of make-believe. Millions of kids were thrilled by Kato and "The Green Hornet" as they went about stamping out crime and corrup tion in their forceful manner. But the older viewers looked at the show with a fishy eye because the idea of two crime crusaders wearing black masks didn't appeal to their believability. However, the show has lost none of its appeal to the small fry and is enjoying re-runs here and abroad, but Bruce hopes to reach all ages with more plausible plots. And it'll figure prominently in his thinking when he considers his next TV role. "Some time ago I was offered a No. 1   spot in a proposed one-hour series titled, 'Number One Son' (Son of Charlie Chan) and it was going to be like a Chinese James Bond type of thing," Bruce related in an interview with Black Belt Maga zine . "I wanted to make sure before I signed that there wouldn't be any 'ah-so's' and 'chop-chops' in the dialogue and that I would not be required to go bouncing around with a pigtail." The deal never did materialize but Bruce had the inner satisfaction of knowing that he wasn't about to submit to movie stereotypes and that he would never do anything that might degrade the Oriental race from which he springs. And when it comes to Chinese gung-fu, Bruce also insists on realism and plausibility. There are many different schools of gung-fu in China, according to Bruce, and like in the United States, it is difficult to find worthwhile instruction. "Too much horsing around with unrealistic stances and classic forms and rituals," says Bruce. "It's just too artificial and mechanical and doesn't really prepare a student for actual combat. A guy could get clobbered while getting into his classical mess. Classical methods like these, which I consider a form of paralysis, only solidify and condition what was once fluid. Their practitioners are merely blindly rehearsing systematic routines and stunts that will lead to nowhere." Bruce characterizes this type of teaching as nothing more than "organized despair." Basically, his technique is to proceed instantly and unceremoniously to knock his adversary flat on his wallet before he can even remember why he picked on him in the first place. Lightning movements play an important part in Bruce's techniques. To perfec his speed, Bruce has developed an extraordinarily quick eye and uncanny fast hands.  Standing back a few feet, he can grab a dime right out of your palm before you can close your hand. He demonstrated that maneu ver to this reporter and left a penny clutched in our hand in exchange for the dime, a switch he executed so swiftly it almost seemed magical. As is obvious by now, this buoyant, 26-year-old expert in the Chinese art of gung-fu (bis Chinese name is Lee Jun Fan) takes a dim view of the classical versions of this ancient martial art. "To me, a lot of this fancy stuff is not fμnctional," he says and he tries to prove it through the three gung-fu kwoons (schools) he operates in Seattle, Oakland and in Los Angeles, Chinatown. All feature Jeet Kune Do, Chinese boxing. He calls his establishments the "Jun Fan Cung Fu Institute." Because they are "exclusive" establishments, none bear any commercial signs on the outside to identify it. However, as Bruce points out, "The 'in groups' know where they are. Bruce doesn't teach publicly. His students are carefully chosen. These are mostly instructors of different styles and they take instruction at these kwoons once a week. Occasion ally, when he feels up to it, Bruce teaches private lessons, ranging from $27.50 to $50 an hour, and some of his private students fly in all the way from the East Coast. "These private lessons are usually not interesting," Bruce relates. "It is more enjoyable to teach those who have gone through conventional training. They understand and appreci ate what I have to offer. When I find an interesting and potential prospect, I don't charge him a cent." A Memorial To get a closer look at Bruce Lee's techniques, the Black Belt Magazine  reporter visited his kwoon in Los Angeles' Chinatown and immediately got the message as he stepped through the front door. Near the entrance his eyes fell on a miniature tombstone embellished with a bouquet of flowers. Inscribed on the tombstone were these cryptic words: "In memory of a once fluid man, crammed and distorted by the classical mess." “That expresses my feelings perfectly," Bruce explained as he stripped down to his undershirt and trousers and went into a two-hour practice session with Daniel Lee, a friend and stalwart adherent of Bruce's Chinese techniques in Jeet Kune Do. As Black Belt photographer Oliver Pang focused his camera on the action, we watched Kato of TV fame move about the kwoon like a panther, counter-attacking, moving in, punching with great power from the hips. Occasionally, shin kicks, finger-jabs, powerful body punches to the solar-plexus, use of elbows and knees. We noted that Bruce's body was constantly relaxed. The movements are like those of a polished, highly-refined prizefighter delivering his blows with subtle economy. There   seems to be a mixture of western fencing and the Wing Chun style wrapped up in Bruce Lee's techniques of Chinese gungfu. Yet, his Jeet Kune Do is unlike any existing style. During the workout with Daniel Lee, Bruce, showing hardly a sign of hard breathing, would pause to explain to this reporter what Jeet Kune Do is all about. It is quite different from the classical gung-fu. As Bruce himself describes it: "The extraordinary part of it lies in its simplicity. Every movement in Jeet Kune Do is being so of itself. There is nothing artificial about it. I always believe that the easy way is the right way Jeet Kune Do is simply the direct expression of one's feelings with the minimum of movements and energy. The closer to the true way of gung-fu, the less wastage of expression there is. "There is no mystery about my style. My movements are simple, direct and non-classical. Before I discuss Jeet Kune Do, I would like to stress the fact that though my present style is more totally alive and efficient, I owe my achievement to my previous training in the Wing Chun style, a great style. It was taught to me by Mr. Yip Man, present leader of the Wing Chun Clan in Hong Kong where I was reared. "Jeet Kune Do is the only non-classical style of Chinese gung-fu in existence today. It is simple in its execution, although not so simple to explain. Jeet means 'to stop, to stalk, to intercept' while Kune means 'fist or style' and Do means 'the way or the ultimate reality.' ''In other words, 'The Way Of The Stopping Fist.' The main characteristic of this style is the absence of the usual classical passive blocking. Blocking is the least efficient. Jeet Kune Do is offensive, it's alive and it's free. Bruce also points out, and with great emphasis, that there are no classical forms or sets in the system because they tend to be rhythmic. He likes broken rhythm and says "classical forms are futile attempts to 'arrest' and 'fix' the ever-changing movem en ts in combat and to dissect and analyze them like a corpse. What he is dealing with, explains Bruce, is "the actual reality of combat," with none of the abstractions that set up a simulated exchange, resembling anything from acrobatics to modern dancing ... "When in actual combat," Bruce stresses, "you're not fighting a corpse. Your opponent is a living, moving object who is not in a fixed position, but fluid and alive. Deal with him re alistically, not as though you're fighting a robot." Unlike other styles that practice in rhythm, which Bruce calls "two-men cooperation," Jeet Kune Do uses broken rhythm in both training and sparring. As we watched Bruce through his workouts, we became intrigued by his continual emphasis on "non-classicism," directness and his insistence on simplicity. "Can you explain just what you mean when you say, 'being non-classical?' " we asked. "Traditionally, classical form and efficiency are both equally important," Bruce declared. "I'm not saying form is not im portant, economy of form that is, but to me, efficiency is any thing that scores. "To illustrate my point, let me tell you a story: Two Orientals were watching the Olympic Games in Rome. One of the chief attractions was Bob Hayes, the sprinter, in the 100-yard run. As the gun went off to set the race in motion, the spec tators leaned forward in their seats tense with excitement. With the runners nearing their goal, Hayes forged ahead and flashed across the line, the winner with a new world's record of 9.1 seconds. "As the crowd cheered, one of the Orientals elbowed the other in the ribs and whispered, 'Did you see that? His heel was up.” "You don't have to hit us over the head - we get the point," we said. "What then do you mean when you say,''directness?' .. We had hardly gotten the words out of our mouth when Bruce's wallet came flying at us. Automatically, we reached up and grabbed it in mid-air. • Comes Naturally When we regained our composure at Bruce's sudden move, Bruce said: "That's directness. You did what comes naturally. You didn't waste   time. You just reached up and caught the wallet   and you didn't squat, grunt or go into a horse stance or embark on some such classical move before reaching out for the wallet. You wouldn't have caught it if you had." Bruce paused a moment and continued: "In other words, when someone grabs you, punch him! Don't indulge in any unnecessary, sophisticated moves! You'll get clobbered if you do and in a street fight, you'll have your shirt ripped off of you." "All right, Bruce," said, warming   to the subject. "Now  we understand what you mean ,when you speak of 'directness.' Now, let's elaborate a little on the last of the three essentials of Jeet Kune Do - 'simplicity.' " "The best illustration is something I borrowed from Ch' an (Zen)," Bruce began. "Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just like a punch, a kick just like a kick. After I learned the art, a punch is no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick. Now that I've understood the art, a punch is just like a punch, a kick just like a kick.’ "The height of cultivation is really nothing special. It is merely simplicity, the ability to express the utmost with the minimum. It is the halfway cultivation that leads to ornamentation. " Bruce laid emphasis on the fact that adherents of Jeet Kune Do do not indulge themselves with fancy embellishment. "It is basically a sophisticated fighting style stripped to its essentials," Bruce explained. "The disciples are very proud to be accepted in this exclusive style." The actor-gung-fu expert stressed over and over again that he doesn't believe in loading up his techniques with all sorts of "superficialities," as he calls them. He likes to compare his art to the work of a sculptor. "In building a statue," Bruce said, "a sculptor doesn't keep adding clay to his subject. Actually, he keeps chiseling away at the unessentials until the truth of his creation is revealed without obstructions. "Thus, contrary to other styles, being wise in Jeet Kune Do doesn't mean adding more. It means to minimize. In other words, to hack away the unessentials. It is not a 'daily in crease' but a 'daily decrease.' The way of Jeet Kune Do is a shedding process. "In short, Jeet Kune Do is satisfied with one's bare hands, without the fancy decoration of colorful gloves wh ich hinder the natural function of the hand." Bruce Lee studied philosophy at Washington University and he is an avid student of Zen, Taoism and Christianity. And when the time is appropriate he will philosophize. "Art," he observed, "is really the expression of the self. The more complicated and restricted the method, the less the opportunity for the expression of one's original sense of freedom. "Though they play an important role in the early stage, the techniques should not be too mechanical, complex or restrictive. If we blindly cling to them, we will eventually become bound by their limitations.” To be continued...

UFC 300 managed to keep us speechless this past Saturday. The night was filled with jaw-dropping performances, particularly from Alex Pereira and Max Holloway, each marking their territory in the annals of UFC history. Alex Pereira, often called "Poatan," continued his rise as one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC. Defending his light heavyweight title against Jamahal Hill, Pereira not only showcased his power but also a newfound flair, dismissing the referee's intervention after a low blow to finish the fight in spectacular fashion. His record now stands impressively at 7-1 in the UFC, with victories over numerous former champions. Meanwhile, Max Holloway's encounter with Justin Gaethje was a masterclass in striking and tactical fighting. Known for his reluctance to merely coast to victory, Holloway called Gaethje to the center of the Octagon for a final exchange, ending the bout with a decisive blow that underscored his dominance in the lightweight division. The event also featured a gripping strawweight title fight between Zhang Weili and Yan Xiaonan, which unfolded like a dramatic miniseries. Zhang's control on the ground and Yan's resilience created a narrative filled with twists, ultimately seeing Zhang secure a unanimous decision victory. Emerging talents also made their mark, with Arman Tsarukyan extending his winning streak and Kayla Harrison demonstrating why she's considered among the elite, decisively defeating Holly Holm. With each bout, UFC 300 not only lived up to the hype but surpassed it, offering a reminder of why this sport continues to captivate and inspire. As UFC 300 concluded, the performances of fighters like Pereira and Holloway, coupled with the professional production of the event, solidified the evening as a landmark moment for the UFC, celebrating its historic 300th numbered event in grand style.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has unveiled its latest addition to the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame's 'Fight Wing': the iconic showdown between middleweight titans Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen. Set to join the esteemed class of 2024, this historic clash will be celebrated during the 12th Annual UFC International Fight Week at the T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, June 27. Fans worldwide can witness this momentous occasion live, exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS. Dana White, UFC President & CEO, expressed his admiration for the unforgettable encounter, stating, "The first fight between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen was incredible. This is the fight that made Anderson a star and showed the world that Chael could compete with anyone in the division." The monumental bout, which headlined UFC 117: SILVA vs SONNEN on August 7, 2010, at Oakland's Oracle Arena, captivated audiences with its sheer intensity and drama. Silva, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, squared off against the formidable Sonnen, who entered the event riding a three-fight win streak. From the opening bell, the clash lived up to its billing as both warriors engaged in a fierce exchange of strikes and takedowns. Sonnen's relentless assault saw him dominate the early rounds, showcasing his grappling prowess with relentless ground-and-pound. However, Silva's resilience shone through as he weathered the storm and mounted a remarkable comeback. In a stunning turn of events, Silva secured a dramatic submission victory in the fifth round, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with a triangle armbar. This historic triumph not only solidified Silva's legacy as one of the sport's greatest champions but also earned him the distinction of breaking Royce Gracie's UFC record for the longest winning streak. The significance of this epic encounter reverberates throughout MMA history, earning it the prestigious title of Fight of the Year at the Fighters Only World MMA Awards. With Silva and Sonnen etching their names in the annals of UFC lore, their rivalry would culminate in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 148, where Silva emerged victorious once again. As the UFC commemorates this timeless battle, fans and fighters alike will reflect on the indelible impact of Silva vs. Sonnen, a contest that encapsulates the essence of mixed martial arts at its finest.

In the electrifying realm of Mixed Martial Arts where every punch thrown and submission attempted is a testament to years of dedication and discipline, three extraordinary fighters stand out. Their journey from Kick Boxing, Judo and Shaolin Kung Fu to the grandeur of the Octagon is a saga of determination, skill, and unyielding passion. Black Belt Magazine proudly applauds 3 Martial Artists turned MMA greats showcasing how their traditional training laid the foundation for their battle in MMA at UFC 300. Martial Artists at UFC 300 Alex Pereira “Regarded as one of the greatest combat athletes of all time” Kick Boxing / BJJ  Hometown: Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil Fighting out of Glover Teixeira Gym Bethel, Connecticut 9-2 MMA Record  33-7 Kick Boxing Record  Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Alex Pereira 's early life was shaped by the challenging environment of one of Brazil's infamous favelas. He made the tough decision to drop out of middle school to support himself, working as a bricklayer's assistant. Pereira's journey into kickboxing began as a means to overcome a drinking problem he had developed while working alongside his colleagues. In 2009, Pereira commenced honing his striking skills at a local gym near his home, unaware of the remarkable path that lay ahead. Four years later, he entered the realm of amateur kickboxing, achieving a 2-1 record before transitioning to the professional circuit. His debut professional fight against Clei Silva saw him clinch the Brazilian 187 lbs Championship, marking the commencement of his decorated career. Pereira continued his ascent, securing additional titles before making a transition to Glory. In just his second outing, he captured the promotion's middleweight title, a feat he went on to defend successfully five times. Notably, his victories over kickboxing sensation Israel Adesanya stand out as highlights of his Glory tenure, unknowingly foreshadowing their future rivalry in a different sport. Currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Pereira boasts an illustrious career highlighted by his status as the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and former UFC Middleweight Champion. His remarkable achievements have earned him widespread acclaim, with Pereira being the sole individual known to achieve two-division world champion status in both MMA and kickboxing. Esteemed figures within the industry, such as Joe Rogan in his podcast, acknowledge Pereira's stature as one of the greatest combat athletes of all time. Pereira stands as the ninth fighter in UFC history to secure championship titles in two distinct weight divisions. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first athlete to claim championship belts in both the middleweight and light heavyweight categories within the organization. As a former Glory middleweight and light heavyweight champion, Pereira's unparalleled prowess is further underscored by his unique feat of simultaneously holding Glory titles in two weight classes, a feat unmatched by any other fighter. With UFC 300 drawing near, anticipation is building for the headline event featuring the current UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, defending his title against Jamahal Hill. Hill, a former champion who has yet to be defeated inside the Octagon, holds the esteemed position of being the No. 1 fighter in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. Kayla Harrison: Judo Dojo to the Octagon Judo  Hometown: Middletown Ohio - Fighting out of Coconut Creek Florida 2019 and 2021 PFL Women’s Lightweight World Champion 2012 and 2016  Olympic Gold Medalist 16-1 MMA record Kayla Harrison stands as a formidable force, with a journey marked by perseverance, dedication, and unparalleled skill. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison has long been recognized for her dominance on the mats. Now, as she prepares to make her mark on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) stage at the upcoming UFC 300 event, the spotlight shines even brighter on this extraordinary athlete. From Middletown, Ohio,Harrison quickly rose through the ranks, earning accolades and championships at every level of competition. Her relentless work ethic and unwavering focus propelled her to the pinnacle of the sport, culminating in back-to-back gold medal victories at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. The former training partner of fellow judoka Ronda Rousey then set her eyes on MMA and signed with World Series of Fighting which later became the Professional Fighters League. While at the PFL she would fight 16 times and win world titles in 2019 and 2021 suffering only losing one loss in 4 years. against the undefeated  Larissa Pacheco. She remained at the PFL until her final bout in 2023 with a win over Aspen Ladd.  At this week's UFC 300, Harrison finds herself on the brink of another historic moment in her career facing the legendary Holly Holm,18-time boxing World Champion in three separate divisions, Holly is considered one of the greatest female boxers of all-time and former UFC Champion.  Zhang Weili Shaolin Kung Fu Hometown: Beijing Fighting out of Las Vegas Nevada  23-3 11 KO’s MMA record Zhang Weili , a 31-year-old mixed martial artist hailing from Handan, China, has a remarkable journey in combat sports. Her passion ignited at the age of 12 when she immersed herself in Kung Fu and Chinese kickboxing, inspired by action films. Transitioning to Beijing in her 20s, Zhang navigated through various jobs before embarking on her enduring and notably triumphant MMA career. In 2013, she marked her professional debut in the China MMA League, experiencing her sole loss in an otherwise impeccable 21-1 record. However, Zhang swiftly rebounded, ascending through the ranks of the Kunlun Fight Chinese Kickboxing League. In 2017, she clinched the KLF Strawweight Championship and maintained her dominance with successful title defenses. Now, Zhang prepares for her next challenge against Yan Xiaonan (17-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in the co-main event at UFC 300, set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This bout holds immense significance as it marks the first all-China title fight in UFC history, underscoring the prowess and global impact of Chinese martial artists like Zhang Weili.

Kasanganay, Wilkinson, Yagshimuradov, Carlos Jr., Silveira, Dufort, Collard, Primus, Espinoza and Rabadanov earn 2024 PFL Global Season victories. 2024 PFL Regular Season continues on Friday, April 19 live from Chicago across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally. The Professional Fighters League (PFL), returned with Global Season action featuring athletes from the Light Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions at The Theater at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas. The eleven-fight card delivered can’t miss action inside the PFL SmartCage with five electrifying 1st round finishes coming in the Light Heavyweight division. Tonight's main event saw 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, Impa Kasanganay, face off against Alex Polizzi. Kasanganay overwhelmed Polizzi in the 1st round with a barrage of vicious strikes for a TKO victory and six points in the ultra competitive division.  In the co-main event of the evening, Rob Wilkinson, the 2022 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, confronted Tom Breese. Wilkinson turned in an impressive performance in his return to the PFL SmartCage, defeating Breese via 1st round TKO and earning six points in the division. In a battle of strikers, Clay Collard faced Patricky Pitbull in an all out action matchup. The two Lightweights traded haymakers before Collard put together a series of punches in the 2nd round leading to a TKO. Collard’s victory was the 25th of his career and it earned him five points in the Lightweight standings. In Lightweight division action, Mads Burnell and Michael Dufort battled valiantly, but it was Dufort who left the cage as the decisive winner after he choked out Burell in the 2nd round. Dufort was awarded five points for his dominating performance.  “The second event of the 2024 PFL Global Season delivered unmatched MMA excitement to fans around the globe with five first round finishes in the Light Heavyweight division,” said PFL CEO Petery Murray. “The PFL’s unique season format is a catalyst for action with elite athletes aware of the stakes and impact of each contest in the Global Season standings.” “Tonight the Light Heavyweights and Lightweights showed the depth of the PFL Global Season roster with incredible action from start to finish,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations at PFL. “We are proud of our athletes and cannot wait to step back into the PFL SmartCage April 19 in Chicago.” Josh Silveira squared off with Sadibou Sy, who made his Light Heavyweight debut. The fight ended with a 1st round TKO for Silveira when Sy could not continue due to injury. The TKO gives Silveira six points in the PFL Light Heavyweight standings. Action continued in the Light Heavyweight division with the return of 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Antônio Carlos Jr. Carlos Jr. wasted limited time in submitting Simon Biyong via rear naked choke in the 1st round. The submission earned Carlos Jr. six division points. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov overwhelmed 2023 PFL Europe Light Heavyweight Champion Jakob Nedoh with a series of strikes leading to a first round knockout. The KO victory gave Yagshimuradov six points in the Light Heavyweight division. Continued Lightweight action saw Bruno Miranda and Brent Primus step into the PFL SmartCage. Primus emerged victorious, submitting Miranda with a rear naked choke in the 2nd round, earning five points in the PFL Lightweight Division. Lightweights clashed when Gadzhi Rabadanov, a combat sambo specialist, faced off against Solomon Renfro, a 2023 PFL Welterweight Semifinalist. After a back-and-forth contest, it was Rabadanov who defeated Renfro by unanimous decision, earning four points in the PFL Lightweight Division. Elvin Espinoza stepped into the PFL SmartCage on a three day notice to take on Adam Piccolotti. Espinoza kept his undefeated record intact, knocking out Piccolotti in the 3rd round and earning four points in the Lightweight division.  In a PFL Heavyweight Showcase bout Marcelo Nunes defeated Jordan Heiderman by 1st round submission via armbar. Nunes notched his eleventh professional victory. 2024 PFL Global Season action returns Friday, April 19 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL with Welterweight and Featherweight action. All 2024 PFL Global Season events are live across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and DAZN in Canada and Europe with additional international premium sports platform distribution reaching 150 countries globally. COMPLETE RESULTS 2024 PFL Global Season Main Card Results Impa Kasanganay (16-4) def. Alex Polizzi (10-4) 1st round TKO (3:29) Rob Wilkinson (18-2, 1 NC) def. Tom Breese (18-5) 1st round TKO (1:10) Clay Collard (25-12, 1 NC) def. Patricky Pitbull (25-13) 2nd round TKO (1:32) Michael Dufort (13-4) def. Mads Burnell (18-6) 2nd round submission (1:03) Josh Silveira (13-3) def. Sadibou Sy (17-8-2, 1 NC) 1st round TKO (injury 1:14) Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (22-7-1) def. Jakob Nedoh (8-2) 1st round TKO (2:54) Antônio Carlos Júnior (16-5, 2 NC) def. Simon Biyong (9-4) 1st round submission (4:34) Early Card Results Brent Primus (12-3, 1 NC) def. Bruno Miranda (16-4) 2nd round submission (1:49) Gadzhi Rabadanov (21-4-2) def. Solomon Renfro (11-5) unanimous decision (29-28x3) Elvin Espinoza (10-0) vs. Adam Piccolotti (14-6) 3rd round KO (2:23) Marcelo Nunes (11-2) def. Jordan Heiderman (7-2) 1st round submission (2:40)

Chong Lee's March 1976 Dynamic Kicks cover inspired thousands of kickers in his lifetime. From the 1970s up to today his book Dynamic Kicks served as the bible for kicking. This cover was taken on the beaches in Malibu CA, by Ron Russo.  Get this iconic throw back tee exclusively at the Black Belt shop https://shop.blackbeltmag.com/collections/new-products Get this iconic throw back tee exclusively at the Black Belt shop https://shop.blackbeltmag.com/collections/new-products

Photos by Rick Hustead To launch this column, I’ll briefly introduce myself and my objectives. My name is Lito Angeles, and my life’s passion is martial arts. I fell in love with the arts at age 7 after watching Bruce Lee in “The Chinese Connection.” I began my studies three years later with shorin-ryu karate while living in Okinawa. Since that time, I’ve studied numerous arts, including boxing, folk-style wrestling, jeet kune do, muay Thai, savate, escrima, pencak silat, krav maga, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the Real Combat System. I worked as an officer in a major metropolitan police department in California for 29 years, four of which were as a master instructor in my department’s Arrest and Control Unit. I’ve also been an amateur boxing coach, youth wrestling coach, kickboxing instructor, BJJ instructor and self-defense teacher. Since retiring from law enforcement, I’ve focused on giving private self-defense lessons and occasional seminars. In terms of real-world experience, I’ve gotten into more than my fair share of fights in the cities and counties in which I’ve lived. When I was a police officer, I spent more than 19 years on patrol, which included handling a myriad of calls that degenerated into physical altercations with criminals. I mention all this to assure you that I’m not an armchair warrior who just speculates on what real combat is. I’ve been there and lived it — countless times. In addition, I have a competitive background in karate, amateur boxing and amateur wrestling. My objectives for this column are as follows. The general goal will be to share all the pertinent knowledge I’ve acquired over the years through diligent study, constant analysis and pressure testing on the street. More specifically, I hope to educate readers on all facets of self-defense in the four interconnected realms: threat recognition, situational control, physical engagement and aftermath management. I’ll lay out a clear and cohesive “self-defense battle plan” any martial artist can use. Further, I’ll delineate the foundational principles, strategies, tactics, techniques and associated skills. After that, I’ll delve into various topics of interest that pertain to self-defense. Along the way, I promise to be as straightforward and unambiguous as possible so you can fully understand what I’m trying to convey. Let’s get to the topic of the day: What are the differences between self-defense and combat sports? I decided to start with this question because so many people equate proficiency in MMA, BJJ, muay Thai, boxing and wrestling with proficiency in self-defense. Almost nothing could be further from the truth. I say “almost” because there are physical skills you can learn from the aforementioned combat sports that you can use in the physical aspects of self-defense. However, that’s a small part of what constitutes full-spectrum self-defense, and it can paint an incomplete picture that will get people hurt in real life. I aim to clear that up — starting now. • Self-defense encompasses threat recognition (awareness, and then assessment, and then sometimes proactive actions), situational control (dealing with the interpersonal interaction and rituals of violence when confronted by a person with bad intentions), physical engagement (when all other nonphysical situational-control options are not viable or have been exhausted) and aftermath management (post-physical engagement issues and consequences). Combat sports deal only with the physical-engagement aspect. • A self-defensive engagement is not prearranged and mutually consensual. It often involves the elements of deception and surprise. It’s pre-emptive and frequently concludes in the asymmetrical annihilation of the victim. A sport fight is the complete opposite. It’s a prearranged match, mutually agreed on and consensual. It doesn’t involve deception or surprise. (On a related note: An ego-based street fight, which has no bearing on self-defense street fights, can be exactly like a combat-sport match.) • A typical self-defense engagement lasts less than 10 seconds — and often less than four seconds if the victor is knowledgeable about pre-emptive tactics. A sport fight can last from six minutes to 25 minutes depending on the combat sport. • If a self-defense engagement somehow segues into a give-and-take street match, it will be like a “rock ’em sock ’em robots” fight. It often will be chaotic with nonstop, urgent, desperate combative action from both parties with various attributes and luck playing a role until one combatant lands a good shot or a body slam — or secures a choke or limb break during a wild-and-woolly ground fight that follows the match fight. Conversely, a sport fight is a more deliberate, strategic affair in which distance control, timing, rhythm and tactical unpredictability all play a role in who wins. The combatants also can suss out their opponent’s tendencies, responses and reactions through footwork, single strikes, combinations, fakes and feints. There’s no such assessment period in a self-defense fight. • A self-defense engagement is a “sprint.” As such, it’s primarily anaerobic in nature. In contrast, a sport fight is a “marathon” with spurts of sprinting intermixed. Thus, it entails both aerobic and anaerobic exertion. • A self-defense engagement has no rules, regulations or referees. There’s often a disparity in age, size, weight, physical prowess and skill. It often involves weapons and third parties. There’s also a greater likelihood of serious physical injury or death. A sport match is the polar opposite. All it requires a participant to be concerned about is the (much lower) chance of sustaining a serious injury. Death is almost never a possibility. • A threatening situation can arise at any time, so a self-defender must be prepared to engage at any given moment. On the other hand, a sport fight is a match that’s scheduled in advance so the fighters have ample time to train — usually six to 12 weeks. Because the fighters know of one another beforehand, they also have the luxury of being able to specifically prepare for each other. They can study the other person’s tendencies, strengths and weaknesses by watching videos and talking to other coaches and fighters who have fought them. The self-defender has none of these luxuries. By this point, I think I’ve made it clear that self-defense is vastly different from combat sports — and from much of what one learns in traditional martial arts. However, I must say that combat sports are much more technically, strategically and tactically difficult than self-defense fighting. Professional MMA fighters are the deadliest unarmed combatants in the world, and when armed with the self-defense knowledge I will convey in this column, they would fare better than anyone else in a real street fight. That’s why I recommend everyone learn combat sports (especially boxing, wrestling, BJJ and muay Thai) to supplement their core art and to serve as a support system.

ONE Championship is back inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium after a week off. On Friday, April 19, 12 bouts line the ONE Friday Fights 59  bout card. Mixed martial arts will open the card with back-to-back bouts before Muay Thai takes over. Oh Su Hwan takes on Kazumichi Murai before Avazbek Kholmirzaev and Zaiundin Suleimanov battle. From there on, it’s all about the “art of eight limbs.” In the main event, Yamin PK Seanchai meets Joachim Ouraghi in a flyweight collision. Both men had successful ONE debuts in their last outing, each finishing their opponent by knockout. A follow-up performance could send them into the thick of the explosive division. Three-division Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Yodthongthai Sor Sommai will seek his second win in ONE as he returns for a 130-pound catchweight affair against Petnamngam PK Saenchai. In one of the featured bouts, Siwakorn PK Saenchai will try to follow his impressive debut with a win over Shakhriyor Jurayev. However, the 23-year-old Uzbekistan athlete finally got a taste of victory in his last outing in March, so he will be back as motivated as ever to keep the momentum building. Those highlighted Muay Thai bouts are just the tip of the iceberg. Fans can expect the same exciting martial arts action that they have grown accustomed to from the incredible fight series when the bell rings on all of the other matchups. ONE Friday Fights 59 airs live and free on ONE’s official YouTube channel . The action begins at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT. ONE Friday Fights 59 Full Card Yamin PK Seanchai vs. Joachim Ouraghi Yodthongthai Sor Sommai vs. Petnamngam PK Saenchai Rambong Sor Therapat vs. Petphupa Aekpujean Kaimookkhao Tor Rangmart vs. Petparuehat Sitnayoktaweeptaphong Pettasuea Seeopal vs. Prom Yor Andaman Luapong Kaewsamrit vs. Yodkitti FiatPathum Siwakorn PK Saenchai vs. Shakhriyor Jurayev Copter Sor Sommai vs. Takuma Ota Petsimok PK Saenchai vs. Yuki Kasahara Petnamkhong Mongkolpet vs. Ikko Ota Avazbek Kholmirzaev vs. Zaiundin Suleimanov Oh Su Hwan vs. Kazumichi Murai

It’s fight week in Glasgow! Cage Warriors heads to Scotland for the first time since 2013 with a stacked card pitting the nation’s finest against elite opposition from the UK, Europe and beyond! With the home nation represented in all six of the main card bouts, the atmosphere is set to be electric in the Braehead Arena as CW presents one of its biggest fight nights of all time. In the main event, blistering KO artist Dumitru Girlean returns to face home favourite Chris ‘The Bad Guy’ Bungard in what is sure to be an electrifying lightweight contest. Also featuring in high-stakes bouts are title hopefuls Reece McEwan and Aidan Stephen, who face UFC veteran Cameron Else and Italy’s Gianluca Scottoli respectively. Elsewhere on the card, former title challenger Scott Malone is back in the famous yellow gloves, as he takes on surging contender Nicolas Leblond, while hot prospect Sean Clancy Jr looks to keep his unbeaten run alive against Lucas Rodriguez. The final CW 171 card is as follows… Cage Warriors 171: Glasgow | LIVE on  UFC Fight Pass Main Card – 12:30 (PT) | 15:30 (ET) | 20:30 (BST) | 21:30 (CEST) Lightweight: Dumitru Girlean vs Chris Bungard Bantamweight: Cameron Else vs Reece McEwan Welterweight: Lucas Rodrigues vs Sean Clancy Jr Bantamweight: Gianluca Scottoli vs Aidan Stephen Flyweight: Nicolas Leblond vs Scott Malone Bantamweight: Kaique Modesto vs Keir Harvie Prelims – 08:30 (PT) | 11:30 (ET) | 16:30 (BST) | 17:30 (CEST) Lightweight: Konstantinos Ntelis vs Jan Quaeyhaegens Featherweight: Alberth Dias vs Paul McBain Bantamweight: Jack Eglin vs Daan Duijs Lightweight: Jordan Little vs Jordan Stronge Welterweight: Wallison Henrique vs Carlo Pedersoli Jr Light Heavyweight: Nell Ariano vs Jamie Macdonald Catchweight (167lbs): Diego Dikson vs Ieuan Davies Lightweight: Dec Dean vs Michael Blair Flyweight: Ronal Siahaan vs Igor Wojtas Featherweight: TBC vs Damon Donald Bantamweight: Pav Sahota vs Iain Postlethwaite Welterweight: Mush Aslani vs Khadim Dia Featherweight: Cornellius Aritonang vs Thomas Hepburn Cage Warriors 171: Glasgow will air live on  UFC Fight Pass  and international broadcast partners.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is gearing up for some thrilling battles in the octagon, with Dana White announcing a spectacular lineup post UFC 300 that's sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. First up, UFC 302 is set to be a blockbuster with two powerhouse fights. The main event features a clash of titans as lightweight champion Islam Makhachev goes toe-to-toe with Dustin Poirier. Makhachev, known for his grappling prowess and strategic mind, will face a tough challenger in Poirier, whose knockout power and resilience have made him a fan favorite. This match is anticipated not only as a test of skill but also as a battle for legacy in the lightweight division. The co-main event of UFC 302 isn't short on excitement either. Middleweights Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa, both known for their aggressive fighting styles and no-back-down attitude, will square off in a bout that promises fireworks. Strickland's sharp striking will meet Costa's raw power in a fight that's sure to be talked about long after the night is over. But that's not all! UFC 303 will see the return of McGregor as he faces Chandler in a fight that could easily headline any card. McGregor, the charismatic former dual-division champion, looks to reclaim his place at the top after a series of setbacks. Chandler, known for his explosive power and dynamic performances, is the perfect opponent to test McGregor's comeback trail. This fight not only offers high stakes but also high drama, given both fighters' ability to engage and entertain inside and outside the octagon. These fights not only promise action and suspense but are also crucial for the fighters' careers. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more updates as UFC 302 and 303 approach. It's going to be epic!

ONE Championship will bring 11 exciting martial arts contests to U.S. primetime on Friday, May 3. ONE Fight Night 22  will showcase four separate martial arts during its run and be capped off with a Muay Thai title up for grabs. ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Smilla Sundell will try to continue her dominant reign against Natalia Diachkova in the evening’s main event. Sundell has looked like a seasoned vet in the ring, but she is still only 19 years old. The talented teen will be up against it as the 29-year-old Russian has been on her own streak in ONE. Diachkova is a perfect 4-0 on the global stage, and she has a wealth of experience that she will lean on against the Swedish striker. The Team Mehdi Zatout representative will try to shake things up and claim gold for the first time in her career. Maurice Abevi and Zhang Lipeng will attempt to make themselves known as top contenders in the lightweight division as they square off and try to continue their impressive showings. However, only one man can exit with his hand raised high. Striking fans will get to see plenty of talented stars sling heavy leather. Sinsamut Klinmee and Dmitry Menshikov battle in a lightweight Muay Thai war, Hiroki Akimoro returns against Wei Rui in a bantamweight kickboxing affair, and Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong takes on Bogdan Shumarov in a lightweight kickboxing battle. Submission grappling will even see the spotlight as Nanami Ichikawa takes on Bianca Basilio in a 132-pound catchweight contest. And plenty of more amazing action is coming your way on Friday, May 3. Check out the full card and tune in at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video, free for all U.S. and Canadian Amazon Prime subscribers. ONE Fight Night 22 Full Card Smilla Sundell vs. Natalia Diachkova Akbar Abdullaev vs. Halil Amir Sinsamut Klinmee vs. Dmitry Menshikov Hiroki Akimoto vs. Wei Rui Maurice Abevi vs. Zhang Lipeng Reece McLaren vs. Hu Yong Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong vs. Bogdan Shumarov Chihiro Sawada vs. Noelle Grandjean Thongpoon PK Saenchai vs. Zakaria El Jamari Nanami Ichikawa vs. Bianca Basilio Sean Climaco vs. Josue Cruz