The UFC Apex in Las Vegas was alight with action as UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis 2 showcased a series of compelling bouts filled with strategic mastery and raw power. The main event saw Brendan Allen clinch a victory over Chris Curtis in a closely contested rematch, setting the tone for an evening where split decisions and emphatic knockouts captivated the MMA audience. In a tense rematch, Brendan Allen narrowly edged out Chris Curtis by split decision. The fight was a tactical display, with both fighters showcasing their improved skills and determination to best one another. The co-main event did not disappoint as Damon Jackson secured a split decision win against Alexander Hernandez. This battle was marked by strategic exchanges and resilience from both combatants, echoing the intensity of the night. In the main card, Chepe Mariscal emerged victorious in another split decision win over Morgan Charriere, demonstrating strategic finesse and agility. Ignacio Bahamondes delivered a spectacular knockout via a head kick against Christos Giagos early in the first round, highlighting his striking prowess. Łukasz Brzeski dominated Valter Walker, winning by unanimous decision in a display of superior power and technique. Charlie Campbell outperformed Trevor Peek, achieving a unanimous decision victory with his comprehensive skill set and tactical execution. In the Prelims, Alex Morono defeated Court McGee by unanimous decision, controlling the pace and direction of the fight with his calculated striking and defense. Norma Dumont vs. Germaine de Randamie: Norma Dumont outmaneuvered Germaine de Randamie, winning by unanimous decision through consistent pressure and effective grappling. Pedro Falcão vs. Victor Hugo: Victor Hugo claimed a unanimous decision over Pedro Falcão in a competitive match-up. Jean Matsumoto vs. Dan Argueta: Jean Matsumoto secured a last-second submission victory over Dan Argueta with a guillotine choke in the dying moments of the second round. César Almeida delivered a decisive KO/TKO victory over Dylan Budka with a series of powerful elbows to ground strikes in the second round. Nora Cornolle earned a knockout win against Melissa Tonya Mullins, utilizing a devastating knee to the body followed by head kicks in the second round. UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis 2 lived up to its billing with a mix of technical battles and explosive finishes. The event underscored the depth of talent in the UFC roster and left fans eagerly anticipating future matchups spawned from the night's outcomes. Full Fight Card Results UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis 2 MAIN EVENT | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS | PRO MMA Brendan Allen vs. Chris Curtis II Allen defeats Curtis via split decision CO-MAIN EVENT | FEATHERWEIGHT · 145 LBS | PRO MMA Alexander Hernandez vs. Damon Jackson Jackson defeats Hernandez via Split Decision MAIN CARD | FEATHERWEIGHT · 145 LBS | PRO MMA Morgan Charriere vs. Chepe Mariscal Mariscal defeats Charriere via Split Decision MAIN CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Christos Giagos Bahamondes defeats Giagos via KO/TKO, Head Kick at 3:34 Round 1 of 3 MAIN CARD | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA Łukasz Brzeski vs. Valter Walker Brzeski defeats Walker via Unanimous Decision MAIN CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Trevor Peek vs. Charlie Campbell Campbell defeats Peek via Unanimous Decision PRELIMINARY CARD | WELTERWEIGHT · 170 LBS | PRO MMA Court McGee vs. Alex Morono Morono defeats McGee via Unanimous Decision PRELIMINARY CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Norma Dumont vs. Germaine de Randamie Dumont defeats de Randamie via Unanimous Decision PRELIMINARY CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Pedro Falcão vs. Victor Hugo Hugo defeats Falcão via Unanimous Decision PRELIMINARY CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Jean Matsumoto vs. Dan Argueta Matsumoto defeats Argueta via Submission, Guillotine Choke at 4:59 Round 2 of 3 PRELIMINARY CARD | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS | PRO MMA Dylan Budka vs. César Almeida Almeida defeats Budka via KO/TKO, Elbows to Ground Strikes at 2:13 Round 2 of 3 PRELIMINARY CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Melissa Tonya Mullins vs. Nora Cornolle Cornolle defeats Mullins via KO/TKO, Knee to the Body and Head Kicks at 3:06 Round 2 of 3

Caitlin Clark and the Bruce Lee/Kobe Bryant Connection! Even if you don’t watch women’s basketball (or even a fan of men’s basketball, for that matter) you’ve likely been unable to miss the name Caitlin Clark and those signature yellow shoes.  “They got magic in them,” Clark said when crediting the stylish yellow-black pair of sneakers for her impeccable form at the highly anticipated game against a team that remained undefeated throughout the championship.  But these aren’t just any sneakers: these are the Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Bruce Lee'. Fans of the Game of Death Movie remember Bruce Lee famously sporting a pair of yellow shoes when he took on another basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar. These historical images and moments also inspired Kobe to create an entire shoe line.  Game of Death Bruce Lee faces a giant of a man Kareem Abdul Jabbar wearing signature yellow shoes that inspired a generation of designers. Hailing from Iowa, Caitlin has become a household name, captivating fans of all ages and backgrounds with her exceptional talent on the court.  Her list of accolades reads like a who's who of basketball greatness, including prestigious titles such as Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and Associated Press' National Player of the Year. She has set numerous single-game and single-season scoring records for both Iowa and the Big Ten Conference. But Caitlin's impact stretches far beyond the court. She's a unifying force, bringing together people from all walks of life under the banner of their shared admiration for her. In a world often divided, Caitlin has become a symbol of unity and inspiration. Are you watching the games?  The Iowa Hawkeyes are going back to the Final Four. Caitlin Clark and Co. took down LSU with a 94-87 win in the Elite Eight after the Tigers beat the Hawkeyes in last season's national championship game.  Clark finished with 41 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists in yet another incredible performance on the big stage. Her nine 3-pointers tied a record for an NCAA Tournament game, and in the process she passed Diana Taurasi for the most 3s ever in the NCAA Tournament. It was another step in her revenge tour. As usual, Clark took that step in a pair of Kobe Bryant's signature sneakers. Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes have secured their spot in the Final Four for the second year in a row. Bruce and Kobe would be proud as she demonstrates her warrior-like qualities that we all so admire!

Get this iconic throw back tee exclusively at the Black Belt shop https://shop.blackbeltmag.com/collections/new-products by Maxwell Pollard Villains don't stand a chance with Kato who clobbers them with gungfu and with this three-sectional staff, used as a club. BRUCE LEE, the Kato of "The Green Hornet" TV show who can obliterate an ordinary-sized mob of hoodlums in a matter of seconds by using gung-fu, says there's too much hocus-pocus about the martial arts these days. ( Bruce is Cantonese and prefers to pronounce his art as "gung-fu" instead of "kung-fu.") He contends that some martial arts instructors couldn't stand the gaff if they became involved in a street fight. All of their knowledge about forms and stances wouldn't do them any good. He charges that some teachers favor forms, the fancier and more complex the better, and seem to be obsessed with super-mental power like Captain Marvel or Superman.  Mr. Lee admits that he himself contributes partly to the theatrical aspects of this ancient Chinese art that dates back several thousand years. But he does it for the sake of dramatic effect. For instance, in a close-quarter encounter with a villain or a group of villains, the script may call for Mr. Kato to uncork some devastating kicks to the head. Any hood with even a smidgeon of knowledge of self-defense would immediately knock you off balance if you tried to use your legs in that fashion when you're trading blows up close, Mr. Lee explains. The real gung-fu calls for a much wiser line of attack. As far as the TV show is concerned, it's flashy and full of showmanship. But as Bruce explains it in his clipped British accent: "Some of the techniques used are not what I practice in gung-fu. For instance, I never believe in jumping and kicking. My kicks in actual gung-fu are not high but low, to the shin and the groin." Even if the director insists on it, Bruce Lee will not permit gung-fu to be put in a bad light on TV, just for the sake of heightening the action. He refuses to go along with any suggestions for long, drawn-out western styles of brawling, despite calls for this type of fighting in the script. "The Green Hornet" went to a limit of thirty weeks and could have gone longer but for the sad fact that it lacked realism and played it straight instead of satirical. Folks just refused to believe the masked characters were real. In the story Bruce Lee co-starred with Britt Reid who is really Van Williams. As Kato, Bruce played the faithful friend and companion to Reid as the crusading, crime-busting newspaperman from the Daily Sentinel. The latter adopted the guise of "The Green Hon1et" in his light against crime and corruption, with Kato serving as bodyguard. Behind their black masks they set out with grim determination as a two-man vigilante committee to uphold law and decency in the community and they did a thoroughly efficient job of exterminating the trouble-makers. And they always did it in short order. We spent four hours recently with Bruce Lee at lunch, and then at the  Black Belt magazine office. We came away with a deep impression that this energetic young man was more than just a Hollywood actor, but actually a man who takes his gung-fu seriously. A vibrant personality with piercing black eyes and a rather handsome face full of animation, unlike the inscrutable poker face westerners usually associate with the Oriental, the 26- year-old Mr. Lee looks like the actor that he is. Yet he actually lives the role of the clean-living villain-exterminator that he plays on TV. Lee neither smokes nor drinks and he strives to keep physically fit at all times. Even before breakfast he starts the day with a mile and a half run with his great Dane dog Bobo, two finger pushups and additional workouts in the afternoon. On week-ends he heads for Chinatown for more sparring. The five-foot, eight-inch, 145-pound advocate of gung-fu is as springy as a cat and his hands are quicker than the eye. Twice during the four-hour session, he spurned invitations to a cup of coffee. He chose milk the first time, and a bottled soft drink the second. Nattily attired in a grey suit and looking quite dapper, except for the hair that seemed to crowd the back of his neck, he agreed that he needed a haircut, scolded himself for it and said a visit to the barber was overdue. Although in "The Green Hornet" he disposes of the bad guys in short order, there have been suspenseful moments during the 30-week run of the TV series when Kato had to employ every trick in the bag to rescue the Green Hornet from the mob's clutches. Even though Kato's techniques are not always genuine because even he has to unbend a little to meet the dictates of the script, this is no reason to suspect that he doesn't really know gung-fu. Actually he has been a student of this mixture of western fencing and boxing since he was thirteen years old - and that's half of his lifetime. This talented young Chinese was born in San Francisco in 1940 oddly enough, although his family came from Hong Kong. His father, Lee Hoi Chuen, was a Chinese opera star and had come to San Francisco for an engagement. It was while the family was in San Francisco that Bruce arrived in the world. His father passed away three years ago in Hong Kong. His interest in the martial arts as an aid to the Chinese theater helped inspire Bruce later in gung-fu. Actually, Bruce Lee's real name is Lee Jung Fan. "Bruce is a name I later acquired because it was westernized and easy to remember," he explains. The family returned to Hong Kong when he was three months old but he always had a hankering to return to the United States and that dream was later realized. As a kid in Hong Kong, Bruce recalls nostalgically, "I was a punk and went looking for fights. We used chains and pens with knives hidden inside. Then, one day. I wondered what would happen if I didn't have my gang behind me if I got into a fight. I decided to learn how to protect myself and I began to study gung-fu." His school of gung-fu emphasized a Jot of hand techniques, almost like boxing, and it probably helped him later when he captured the Inter-School Boxing Championship of Hong Kong. He also managed to snatch another prize during those teen-days–the cha-cha championship. Bruce has two brothers and two sisters. His mother still lives in Hong Kong and he occasionally talks to her over the telephone just to say hello. He is the fourth youngest child in the family. An older brother, Peter Lee, won the fencing championship of the British Crown Colony.  In Hong Kong Bruce always kept in mind the fact that he was born in the United States and was therefore destined for American citizenship when he reached the voting age. At eighteen, he fulfilled that long-time ambition and set out for the United States. He went to San Francisco, spent six months there and met some karate men who were impressed by his athletic ability. "They wanted me to start a dojo in San Francisco but I wasn't interested," Bruce recalls. "I wanted to further my education, so I went to Seattle to study philosophy at the University of Washington." To make ends meet he took odd jobs, but he recalls, "I was too lazy for that and began teaching gung-fu on the side." However, he never lost interest in philosophy and is deeply interested to this day in such subjects as Taoism, Zen, Christianity and other religions. During his three-year sojourn at the university, he met blue-eyed, blond-haired Linda Emery on the campus. A" love affair blossomed and the college courtship turned to marriage. Today he and Linda live in Southern California with their two-year-old son, Brandon. "My son is probably the only blond-haired, grey-eyed Chinaman in these parts," says Lee with a chuckle. He is teaching his wife the techniques of gung-fu so that she will be able to defend herself if anyone should ever dare to attack her, and he also intends to give the child a martial arts education as he grows up, so that he will be able to defend himself. However, Bruce Lee stresses that when it comes to women, he has no illusions about their ability to defend themselves against a brute, particularly if it's a big one. "I advise any female learning gung-fu that if they are ever attacked to hit them in the groin, poke them in the eyeballs, kick 'em on the shins or the knee ... and run like hell," he says. Bruce Lee is probably "the highest paid martial arts instructor in the business." Teaching is what he does when he's not performing before the cameras. He charges $50 an hour when he goes to the home of a student and $27.50 an hour when the student comes to his club. This includes actors, businessmen and high-ranking karate instructors. If I find a black belt who likes to spar, I charge nothing because I really enjoy the company," he says. Bruce Lee operates three clubs or "kwoons" as he prefers to call them. They are located in Seattle, Oakland and Los Angeles. In Seattle, the "kwoon" is directed by Taky Kimura; in Oakland it is simply called "The James Lee" and in Los Angeles, the club is located in Chinatown and directed by Danny Inosanto.  They are all non-commercial and there are no signs anywhere on the outside to identify the establishments. Bruce Lee is not given to exploiting his name at these kwoons. But there was a time when he thought seriously of establishing a chain of schools under his name across the country, but he didn't think it was the right thing to do because "I don't think money is everything." Interest in gung-fu has mounted and increased steadily since "The Green Hornet" went on the air. Because the masked characters played it straight instead of gagging it up in satire, the series didn't turn out to be another eternal “Bonanza." Nevertheless, it helped stir interest in the ancient Chinese art. Bruce Lee appearances are in demand in many parts of the country. He puts on demonstrations at fairs, public parks and at club meetings and is paid anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 for a single appearance. While "The Green Hornet" didn't capture any Emmys, there has been a widespread demand for re-runs, and is already being syndicated not only in this country but on TV  stations in Japan, Thailand, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Canada. It may also soon be shown in England as well. "I never know where it's showing until the fan letters start coming in," he relates. Recently, Bruce made a guest appearance in "Ironsides," starring Raymond Burr of Perry Mason fame, and more movie contracts appear on the horizon as producers become aware of this talented young Chinese athlete-actor. His popularity is shown by the reception he receives wherever he goes. The fans are happy Just to touch him, even if they don't get his autograph. They want to meet "the Kato" and they want to know how he is able to knock off those bad guys so quickly. "This sometimes becomes a terrifying experience," says Bruce Lee. "After my personal appearance in Madison Square Garden this summer at the karate tournament, I started to make an exit through a side door, escorted by three karate-men. I was practically mobbed outside and I had to leave through another side door:'Earlier in a personal appearance in Fresno, he was scratched, kicked and gouged by riotous fans who just wanted a word with him. The kids were out there in full force. With all his knowledge of gung-fu, he said afterward, "I couldn't protect myself." About sixty percent of the fans are boys, and it's surprising the number of girls who adore this TV idol. "People ask me as an actor, 'how good are you really in gung-fu?' I always kid them about that. If I tell them I'm good, probably they'll say I'm boasting, but if I tell them I'm no good, you know I'm lying." I also tell them, ''believe half of what you see and nothing that you hear - and remember seven-hundred-million Chinese can't be Wong."

As April approaches, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gears up for a series of events that promise to captivate mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts worldwide. Anchored by the milestone UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena, the month is packed with thrilling fights that mirror the unpredictability and excitement of seismic activities. UFC's April schedule is a trilogy of fight nights that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on fans. Here is an account of April 2024 at the UFC. April 2024 at the UFC UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Curtis The April 6 Fight Night sets the stage with intriguing matchups, such as the bantamweight clash between Norma Dumont and Germaine de Randamie. Dumont, with her remarkable comeback since her promotional debut loss, aims to secure a spot in the championship realm. On the other side, de Randamie returns after a hiatus, eyeing a swift ascendancy in the title chase. This fight is a pivotal moment for both athletes, with significant implications for the bantamweight division. Brendan Allen faces Chris Curtis in a compelling middleweight rematch, offering Allen a chance to avenge his previous loss and extend his winning streak. Curtis, stepping in for Marvin Vettori, seeks to demonstrate his resilience and reassert his presence in the division. UFC 300: A Tricentennial Celebration Jessica Andrade vs Marina Rodriguez This bout is a critical juncture for both fighters in the strawweight division. Andrade's experience and comeback trail meet Rodriguez's renewed ferocity, setting up a showdown that could propel the winner toward title contention amidst a fluid divisional landscape. Holly Holm vs Kayla Harrison A classic striker versus grappler matchup, this fight marks Harrison's UFC debut against the seasoned Holm. It's a battle that pits the new against the established, with significant implications for the bantamweight hierarchy. Calvin Kattar vs Aljamain Sterling Sterling's featherweight debut against the battle-tested Kattar is a fascinating stylistic matchup. This fight serves as a litmus test for Sterling's aspirations in a new division and Kattar's pursuit of redemption following recent setbacks. Charles Oliveira vs Arman Tsarukyan In a clash to determine the top lightweight contender, Oliveira and Tsarukyan's matchup is a showcase of elite grappling and striking. This contest could set the stage for a future lightweight championship bout. Justin Gaethje vs Max Holloway An electrifying encounter for the symbolic BMF title, Gaethje and Holloway's styles promise an all-action affair. This fight is not only a test of Holloway's lightweight aspirations but also a battle for fan favorite status. Zhang Weili vs Yan Xiaonan A historic all-Chinese strawweight title fight, Zhang's power meets Yan's precision in a matchup that will either reaffirm Zhang's dominance or crown a new champion in Yan. Alex Pereira vs Jamahal Hill The light heavyweight title bout between Pereira and Hill is a compelling narrative of resurgence and redemption. Pereira's daunting presence in the division faces Hill's proven championship caliber in a fight that could define the light heavyweight landscape for the year. UFC Fight Night: A Final April Showdown The month concludes with a flyweight bout between Ariane Lipski and Karine Silva, a contest that epitomizes the division's competitive spirit. Both fighters, on ascent in the rankings, face off in a critical juncture of their careers. April's UFC lineup is a testament to the sport's evolving dynamics and the endless pursuit of greatness by its athletes. With each fight carrying its own set of narratives and implications, UFC 300 and its accompanying events are poised to be a seismic shift in MMA's landscape, mirroring the unpredictability and excitement of the very earthquakes that fascinate us.

Ben Tynan has quickly become a name to watch in ONE Championship’s heavyweight division. And he has already grabbed the attention of the man who holds the gold in the division. At ONE Fight Night 21 , “Vanilla Thunder” picked up his second win on the global stage when he earned a TKO over Duke Didier. In the aftermath, Tynan made his intentions clear for where he wants to go next. ONE Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, and Middleweight MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin is happy to see a new contender emerge. “I’m glad to see some new faces in ONE. Strong opposition is exactly what I need,” Malykhin told ONE . “I’m happy there are guys who are not only good in the ring, but also developing their own style outside of it. They definitely bring something unique.” Aside from the win itself, Malykhin was impressed with the skills the Canadian brought into the ring with him. He understands that impressive finishes will always grab more attention. While other athletes may try to dim the shine of their rivals, Malykhin supports Tynan’s early rise up the ranks. “We all know Mr. Chatri always rewards fighters who deliver beautiful fights and who finish the fight in spectacular fashion,” the three-division king stated. “If he decided to give him a bonus, then it’s well deserved. After all, the guy finishes 100 percent of his fights early – and as a heavyweight.” Tynan trains in the United States, and with ONE returning to Denver in the fall, he wants on that event. Malykhin does as well. The Russian is joining his efforts to get “Vanilla Thunder” on the next U.S. event so that he can showcase his skills and continue building his star power. Malykhin sees it as a mutually beneficial scenario because if he continues to gain notoriety, the two will meet in a high-stakes title tilt that will be his biggest title defense yet. “I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with him. I think America sounds like the perfect place to really put him to the test,” Malykhin said.

ONE 167  picked up two new bouts over the weekend as ONE Championship continues to build the June 7 event. Kade Ruotolo picked up a big win in a catchweight submission grappling contest at ONE Fight Night 21 over Francisco Lo, but in June, he will officially make his MMA debut in a lightweight affair. Ruotolo will take on fellow American Blake Cooper. Given his extraordinary grappling background, the world will be looking to see what he can do on his feet. If Ruotolo displays solid stand-up, he will instantly become one of the major players in the lightweight division, with the sky being the limit for his potential. Cooper will be seeking a little redemption for himself. The 27-year-old made his ONE debut last September in a losing effort against Maurice Abevi. If he can stop the hype train of Ruotolo from leaving the station, he can erase the bitter taste and get his 2024 rolling in a major way. Also added to the event was ONE's announcement of Liam Harrison's return. The "Hitman" will return to Bangkok for a bantamweight Muay Thai bout against Katsuki Kitano. It will mark a monster opportunity for the Japanese talent. Kitano won his ONE debut last October against Halil Kutukcu, but defeating Harrison would thrust him into the title picture. Harrison has been clear his career is winding down, but his skills are still elite. The Brit will be a test for anyone and is always exciting for the fans. The Muay Thai battle could easily still the show inside the Impact Arena. ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga takes place on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video.

Justin Gaethje's essence as a fighter shines brightly across the UFC landscape. Known for his straightforward approach and electrifying performances, he is often hailed as the fighter's favorite. Although well-positioned to challenge Islam Makhachev for the undisputed lightweight championship, Justin Gaethje chooses to defend his BMF title against Max Holloway at UFC 300 instead. Timing influenced Gaethje's decision to pursue what appears a high-risk, low-reward bout in the context of championship goals. He was poised to face the winner of a planned rematch between Makhachev and Oliveira. However, Oliveira's withdrawal due to injury disrupted those plans. Gaethje, who consistently fought at least twice annually throughout his career, except in 2021 and 2022, embraced the unexpected turn of events. "For me, life is about rolling with the punches, taking things a quarter-mile at a time," Gaethje shared with UFC.com . "I thrive on the unpredictability of this sport and the life I'm fortunate to lead." Since his UFC debut in July 2017, Gaethje has consistently faced top contenders in the lightweight division, earning a record 12 Performance Bonuses in as many bouts. In Holloway, he meets a formidable opponent who holds records for the most strikes in a round, a fight, and overall in his career. Holloway's resilience—he's never been knocked down by a strike in his 28 UFC fights—only adds to the allure of this matchup as a significant test and a potential legacy-definer for Gaethje. "Holloway was a figure I looked up to when I aspired to join the UFC," Gaethje remarked. "Fighting him not only honors my journey but is genuinely exhilarating." The bout promises intense action, reflecting both fighters' renowned stamina, resilience, and aggressive styles. While others like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier have managed to outperform Holloway, Gaethje's signature leg kicks and potent striking pose a distinct challenge. Strategically, Gaethje leaves much to his coach, Trevor Wittman, focusing instead on maintaining a focused, emotion-free mindset that enhances his performance. "Nothing beats the thrill of competing under these lights," he stated confidently. "I'm here to show up and show out." While a victory against Holloway won't guarantee a title shot immediately, it ensures Gaethje remains a pivotal figure in a critical period for the lightweight division, set into motion at UFC 299. As contenders vie for prominence, Gaethje is determined to distinguish himself among his peers. As UFC 300 approaches, Gaethje is energised by the prospect of battling amidst the uncertainties that define both the event and his career. On April 13, as he steps into the octagon, Gaethje is prepared to gamble everything for glory, embodying the true spirit of a fighter. After all, risking it all is what being a BMF is all about.

Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC Bantamweight Champion, is set to make his highly anticipated featherweight debut at the milestone event UFC 300: Pereira vs Hill on April 13. With a flawless record of never missing weight in over a decade at bantamweight, Sterling has consistently demonstrated both physical and mental discipline, mastering the scale 19 times without fail. In 2021, Sterling reached the pinnacle of his bantamweight career by clinching the UFC championship, which he defended three times, setting division records along the way. However, following a title loss to Sean O’Malley in 2023, Sterling, now 34, decided to pivot to the featherweight class, facing veteran fighter Calvin Kattar in his first featherweight match. This move comes as part of UFC 300, a historic event filled with top-tier talent including 12 former or current champions, where Sterling aims to prove his capabilities at 145 pounds. "This is what dreams are made of," Sterling remarked, emphasizing the significance of the event and his enthusiasm for his new weight class. The upcoming bout with Kattar is particularly intriguing. Kattar, known for his robust boxing skills and resilience, last fought in October 2022, recovering from a knee injury. Sterling plans to challenge Kattar’s grappling defenses, believing his own wrestling background will provide a distinct advantage. With less focus on stringent weight management, Sterling is enjoying a more fulfilling training regime—boosting his energy, recovery, and technique focus. As he transitions to a heavier weight class, Sterling is eager to showcase his evolved skill set and potentially carve out a new legacy in the featherweight division.

In a highly anticipated match-up that's set to electrify the mixed martial arts community, UFC 300 will feature a thrilling contest for the "Baddest Motherf*****" (BMF) title between lightweight standout Justin Gaethje and featherweight legend Max Holloway. This event marks a significant milestone for the UFC, celebrating its 300th numbered event with a fight that promises fireworks. The BMF title, first introduced at UFC 244, has become a symbol of grit, determination, and undeniable skill within the UFC. Originally awarded to Jorge Masvidal after his victory over Nate Diaz, the title is not just a belt but a statement. It’s reserved for fighters who embody the spirit of a warrior, those who are admired for their toughness and willingness to engage in the most challenging fights. Masvidal, known for his striking prowess and street fighter persona, set the tone for what it means to hold the BMF title. Justin Gaethje, known as "The Highlight" for his explosive and relentless fighting style, is coming off a series of spectacular performances. With his striking accuracy, formidable power, and a never-say-die attitude, Gaethje has proven time and again that he’s among the elite in the lightweight division. His recent knockout victories have only added to his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters to watch. Max Holloway, on the other hand, has established himself as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. Known for his incredible cardio, volume striking, and tactical acumen, Holloway has faced and overcome some of the toughest opponents in the division. Moving up to challenge for the BMF title, he brings a skill set that promises to test Gaethje's defenses and perhaps push the fight to its limits. The build-up to this fight has been intense, with both fighters expressing mutual respect for each other’s abilities while confidently asserting their own. The stylistic matchup is intriguing—Gaethje's power and aggression versus Holloway's precision and endurance. Fans can expect a strategic battle, with each fighter looking to impose their game plan and dominate the octagon. The BMF title adds an extra layer of prestige to the event, ensuring that the fighters are not just competing for a win but for a legacy. This fight isn't just about holding a belt; it's about proving who is the baddest in the game. UFC President Dana White has promised that UFC 300 will be an event to remember, filled with high stakes and high drama, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will emerge as the ultimate BMF when Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway go head to head in the octagon? The world will be watching.

Slovenia's Domen Drnovšek  is scheduled to make his professional MMA debut at BRAVE CF 81. While on paper, this might seem like just another debut, but there is much more to him than what meets the eye. Hailed as the top-ranked jiu-jitsu fighter in his country, Drnovšek is set to transition to the MMA world with his debut at the event in Slovenia on April 20.   Drnovšek boasts an impressive record of 54 wins in the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Circuit and currently holds the esteemed No. 6 rank in Europe while also holding the No. 43 position in the global rankings.  Preparing for his MMA debut, Drnovšek has been honing his skills at the renowned Double B Gym in Slovenia alongside notable fighters such as David Forster, Monika Kucinic, and Haris Aksalic; all of whom are slated to compete at BRAVE CF 81.  When most fighters would ask for tune up fights for their debut, Drnovšek proves to be an exception. Drnovšek's opponent, Andrian Murug, presents a formidable challenge, with a professional MMA record of 4-1-1.  Murug's extensive amateur experience, including a notable run at the IMMAF European Championships, underlines his seasoned background with a total of 30 MMA fights. Despite Murug's seasoned track record, Drnovšek's proficiency in jiu-jitsu has caught the attention of BRAVE CF matchmakers, who made this matchup with confidence.  Additionally, Drnovšek's decision to head straight into the deep waters and fight an experienced name like Murug shows the confidence that he has in himself.  David Forster, who is a BRAVE CF fighter and a training partner of Drnovšek, lauded his teammate’s ground game prowess, affirming that Drnovšek's skill set presents a significant advantage in the upcoming bout.  “I’ve been training a lot with Domen. His level on the ground is absolutely amazing and he’s helping me so much. I haven’t seen Andrian fight, but I am very confident that he’s not on the same level as Drnovšek. I think he has a shot everywhere, but obviously if he takes the fight to the ground, it will be quick,” Forster said.  As Drnovšek prepares to make his mark in the MMA world, all eyes will be on BRAVE CF 81 to witness the debut of Slovenia's jiu-jitsu prodigy.

It is not every day that you get to see an MMA fighter that idolizes a tennis star but David Forster proudly stands out as a representative of this rare anomaly.  The 26-year-old Slovenian will return to action at BRAVE CF 81 when he takes on Chad Griffiths in a Super Lightweight battle. While Forster is now considered as one of the most promising fighters in Europe, growing up, he had dreamt of becoming a tennis player.  Forster’s first real encounter with tennis came before he turned 10-years-old. He stumbled upon the 2005 French Open Semi-Final matchup between Tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and this put a seed in an already driven Forster to choose tennis as his career.  “I became an instant fan of Rafael Nadal, because of his work ethics, always fighting till the very end, never breaking a racket and always very respectful to everyone. I liked his character on the court and off the court,” Forster recalls.   Forster developed dreams of becoming a tennis star just like his idol Rafael Nadal and even trained himself through conditioning sessions. Interestingly, Forster was already involved in another sport during this time: football. He was an accomplished goalkeeper in football as a youngster and won multiple trophies for best goalkeeper as well. Despite this success in football, his need to become more independent, pushed him towards tennis.  Unfortunately, fate hit a smash at him when his parents divorced and financial difficulties forced him to stop the expensive sport of tennis. The divorce of his parents derailed his sporting career completely and he started gaining weight.   “It was difficult for me; I don’t really remember 2-3 years of my life, I was fat. Those years are just kind of a blur. I think I got over it in high-school, I just kind of accepted it and moved on with my life,” Forster said.  It was at high school that Forster first tried out MMA. While he was not fully committed to the sport initially, he eventually came back after enjoying success in weightlifting. And after this, there was no looking back for Forster.  He is now preparing for his return to the most global MMA promotion in the world and one thing that he has learned from his rollercoaster sporting career is that hard work beats everything.  “I feel like anyone can achieve anything with hard work, you just need to put everything you have into it and you can be successful in anything. I chose Mixed Martial Arts, but I am sure if I tried something else and worked hard as I am working at this, I could be successful in other things as well,” he concluded.

ONE Championship got their April 5 doubleheader rolling with ONE Friday Fights 58 . The evening was capped off by a showdown between Superbon and Marat Grigorian for the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title. Still, there was so much more striking action throughout the event leading up to the epic showdown. Superbon and Marat Grigorian went to war for five full rounds in their trilogy bout with the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title on the line. Superbon bookended the matchup very well with step-in knees, which were the centerpiece of his attack. Although Grigorian had his spots, the Thai’s output at the end helped him secure the gold with a unanimous decision win. Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai tried to usher Nong-O Hama out of bantamweight relevancy, but the legend of Muay Thai cemented his status as a contender in 2024 with a unanimous decision victory. Nong-O was aggressive from bell to bell but never could land the KO blow. Still, the former divisional king controlled the action and picked up the crucial W. After an unbeaten start to his ONE career in 2023, Seksan Or Kwanmuang tasted defeat for the first time. Japan’s Yutaro Asahi used his mental acuity to avoid dangerous exchanges and touched up Seksan in each round of the 142-pound catchweight affair. After nine minutes, Asahi nabbed his debut victory over one of the brightest stars of Muay Thai. Kongthoranee Sor Sommai got a decision win over Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonbur. However, how he got the seventh consecutive win was not the story. Following his victory, Kongthoranee was finally awarded his six-figure contract to join the main roster. It was a well-deserved honor after a sensational string of wins. Limb-different athlete Jake Peacock made his inspirational ONE debut against Kohei Shinjo with a dominant decision win. The English-Canadian talent kept his Japanese foe off-balance throughout the night and scored with unique offense to make a splash in his promotional debut. If you missed any of the action or want to relive the night, ONE Friday Fights 58 is available on-demand at watch.onefc.com  for $24.99. ONE Friday Fights 58 Full Results Superbon def. Marat Grigorian by unanimous decision Nong-O Hama def. Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai by unanimous decision Yutaro Asahi def. Seksan Or Kwanmuang by unanimous decision Nakrob Fairtex def. Muangthai PK Saenchai by split decision Kongthoranee Sor Sommai def. Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonbur by unanimous decision Shadow Singha Mawynn def. Erik Hehir by TKO at 0:53 of the third round Kompet Fairtex def. Kongchai Chanaidonmueang by unanimous decision Jake Peacock def. Kohei Shinjo by unanimous decision Zhang Peimian def. Aliff Sor Dechapan by unanimous decision Jurai Ishii def. Satoshi Katashima by unanimous decision