This grey-haired-yet-never-grouchy man offered wise words to those who came seeking him, regardless of who they were. One day, a scholar came to him for counsel, however it became painfully obvious that the visiting scholar wasn't truly ready to receive advice. He would interrupt the master with his own stories and failed to properly listen when he did give a chance to speak. Not cool. Rather than losing his temper, the master suggested they sit down and have tea. The master gave his guest a teacup and began to pour. And pour. And pour even still. He kept pouring the hot tea until it completely filled the scholar's cup and, even then, continued to pour into the overflowing cup. Aghast at the spilling hot tea, the scholar leapt up and cried "Stop! The cup is full!" "Yes," The master said calmly with a knowing smile. "You are like this cup--so full of ideas that nothing more will fit in. Come back when your cup is empty." Mic drop. There is a powerful lesson to be found in that story and it is about much more than customer service. In Zen Buddhism, there is the belief--one that is often adopted by Japanese martial arts--that the beginner has one of the most powerful mentalities. The White Belt Mentality The poetic view of a martial artist whose black belt has been worn down white once more represents an important idea; we start as white belt novices and then begin to stain our minds with opinions and ideas before finally resolving to accept new knowledge again. Essentially, the true master works himself to become a white belt once more, ready to again learn from any source. It is unfortunately easy to close your mind off to new ideas after reaching any level of expertise. When we learn one way of doing something, we can easily become married to the method we were first taught. It is better to be an accepting beginner than a closed-minded expert however. Whoever holds an open minded perspective is going to be able to grow much, much further. After we have started to become proficient in our art, we must actively work to dissolve our ego and expand our mind again. Even martial art legends like Guro Dan Inosanto continue to study and have conversations with martial artists of varying backgrounds. The first step to learning something new is admitting that you didn't know it before. When we release the tight reins of ego and accept new information from seemingly "lesser" sources, we can better appreciate interactions with our students and even begin to learn from them. The sensei who believes lessons are a one-way street is a fool indeed. As martial artists, we ought to view ourselves as scientists; experimenting and exploring the boundaries of what we currently understand. True failure doesn't exist in science, only consequences with unexpected lessons. With every loss, you gain insight. If we begin to fear the act of making a mistake, we will be frozen in trepidation impeding our progress. The Beauty of Curiosity Close your eyes and viscerally imagine this. The warm colors from the setting sun melt into the horizon as darkness comfortably settles in. Stars begin to peek into the darkening sky and the moon glows knowingly on the earth. As the nocturnal life awakens, you feel your body heat get cooled by the dropping temperature in the air. With every inhalation, you feel the night air flow deeply down to your lungs. Sounds like a beautifully idyllic moment, right? This isn't a unique moment pulled exclusively from someone's memory though. This is the type of beauty that can be found in every sunset and, more importantly, every second of life. I'm going to blow your mind; by the time we are twenty years old, we have already lived over seven thousand days! Heck, I would start to zone out if I were to watch even my favorite episode of Friends that many times! By the time we become young adults, we are often on auto-pilot each day. We wake up, we eat, we go to work, we train, then we go to bed. Rinse and repeat. Though many people--especially those working a 9-5 job--long for adventure, there is something extremely important to keep in mind before booking a voyage to the Galápagos Islands. Every day is an adventure. Yes, it sounds uber cheesy, however it's true. When you stay present and remove the daily fog of habit and routine, you'll see the beautiful nuances of each moment. This is a great reminder to better enjoy each day, however it is also essential for martial artists seeking a high level of skill. To advance our art, we have to be able to critically analyze it in an unbiased manner. We have to be ready to look at new skills with new eyes. To hastily jump to assumptions--be they positive or negative--is to quickly curb our understanding. Here's a challenge: strive to listen more than you speak. At least for one day. There are certainly very powerful reasons for teaching and speaking, however beware. It is easy to devolve into only regurgitating knowledge exactly as it was passed to you, leading to stagnate progress for your art. When you listen, you learn. The key is being willing to listen and willing to learn from anybody. From a rich man, you can glean how to build wealth. From a poor man, you can study how to avoid losing it. An open mind will provide many opportunities to grow. Martial arts training is often designed to temper out the weaknesses of its practitioners--we strive to become stronger and skilled as well as more confident and disciplined. As we grow in these attributes, let us not forget the positive traits we may have begun with--for example, our acceptance of new knowledge and lack of ego. At the end of the day, we can glean lessons from the expert and the novice. To become a black belt master, we mustn't lose our white belt mentality.

Diving into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions is an exciting endeavour that offers more than just the opportunity to enhance your skills; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. If the thought of competing triggers a mix of excitement and anxiety, fret not. We've put together five essential tips from Black Belt Magazine Jiu-Jitsu to guide you through your first competition experience. 1. Consult with Your Coach Your coach is your best resource when considering competition. They understand your strengths, areas for improvement, and whether you're competition-ready. Expect a candid conversation about your readiness. If your coach suggests waiting, it's with your best interest in mind. However, if you're given the green light, work closely with them to focus on specific areas and prepare effectively. 2. Choose an Appropriate Competition While jumping into a high-level competition like the IBJJF Worlds may seem appealing, starting with a less intense event can be more beneficial. Local interclub competitions or smaller, independent tournaments provide a supportive environment, familiar faces, and valuable experience without overwhelming pressure. 3. Understand the Rules A common pitfall for competitors, especially at the white belt level, is a lack of understanding of the rules. Knowing the basics—scoring, allowable submissions, and competition protocols—can prevent unnecessary losses. Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the competition you're entering to give yourself the best chance of success. 4. Manage Nervousness Feeling nervous before and during a competition is natural. Arriving early to acclimate, understanding the day's format, and using techniques to manage anxiety, like focusing on your breathing or listening to music, can help. Recognize that everyone experiences nerves and finding what helps you cope is crucial. 5. Embrace the Experience Above all, remember to enjoy the journey. Competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an opportunity to test yourself, grow, and celebrate your love for the sport. Stay present and cherish the unique experience of competing alongside your teammates. Competitions are not just about winning; they're about enjoying the process and learning from each experience. Embarking on your first BJJ competition is a step towards personal and athletic growth. Keep these tips in mind to navigate the experience positively and effectively.

Former BKFC World Title challenger  Howard “HD” Davis returned to the win column in style with an impressive second-round TKO victory over Sean “P-Town” Wilson in in the main event of BKFC Fight Night Miami on Friday night at the sold-out VIVO! Dolphin Mall in Miami, FL.    Davis dropped Wilson twice in the second round enroute to the stoppage at 1:34 in the second stanza. With the victory, the Broward County, FL standout improved to 6-2-1 under the BKFC banner after falling short against Kai Stewart in their battle for the BKFC World Featherweight Championship in December. Wilson, who represents Papillion, NE, sees his BKFC record moved to 3-2 with the loss.   "First of all, I'd like to give all these blessings that I have today to my lord and savior, God. Without Him, I wouldn't be standing here, I put that on everything. I want to thank God, (BKFC Founder/President) David Feldman, my manager, my coach, and all my supporters. Thank you, God,” Davis told the jam-packed Vivo! Dolphin Mall in Miami, and all the viewers watching worldwide on the BKFC App, FuboTV and YouTube.   Howard called out James “Get Down” Brown, who recently climbed to 3-0 in the squared circle. In the BKFC Fight Night Miami Co-Main Event, Fort Lauderdale, FL’s  Rosa “Venum” Rodriguez defeated Honolulu, HI’s “Fearless” Monica Franco in women’s flyweight action. The highly competitive, back-and-forth bout was halted by the ringside doctor due to a nasty cut above Franco’s eye at the conclusion of the third round. Rodriguez, who boasts a 13-0 record as a professional gloved boxer, is now 2-0 in BKFC, while Franco evens at 1-1.     Brandon "Beastmode" Meyer of Council Bluffs, IA improved to 2-1 under the BKFC banner with his unanimous decision victory over Miami’s  Famez in the welterweight division. The judges scored it 49-45, 48-46, 48-45. Famez, who was looking for his third straight win, is now 4-4 in bare knuckle action.   Miami’s  Markus “Murk” Suarez climbed to 1-1 with a 28-second KO victory over debuting Pittsburgh, PA fighter Marcus “Lights Out” Williamson in their light-heavyweight matchup. Hialeah, FL lightweight  Rohan "Headline Ro" Prado turned heads in his BKFC debut with a 31-second TKO victory over Ray "Honkey Kong" Pell of Samsula, FL. Pell’s record moved to 1-1 with the defeat.   Miami’s  Eduardo Concepcion floored Alvin Davis of Montgomery, AL three times enroute to the first-round knockout victory in their light-heavyweight matchup. Time of the stoppage was 1:34. Concepcion is now 2-1 while the debuting Davis headed to 0-1.   "The Rated R Superstar Lord" Wayna Reid upped his BKFC record to 1-1 with a unanimous decision over debuting Miami fighter  Jim "Alexander" Pulgar in lightweight action. All three judges scored it 49-46 in favor of the Broward County, FL fighter.   Miami’s  Dameko “Lotto” Labon picked himself up off the canvas early and returned fire with three knockdowns against the debuting Jorge Bargallo of Fort Myers, FL, ending their bantamweight fight at 1:44 in the first round. Labon is now 2-0 after his 21-second KO at the inaugural BKFC Prospect Series event last year in Miami.   In the opening bout of the night, Miami’s  Julio “The Cuban Horse” Perez BKFC debut, needing just 30 seconds to knock out Korey “The Monster” Moegenburg of Tampa in their cruiserweight matchup. Moegenburg headed to 0-1 with the loss.   BKFC Fight Night Miami Results   Howard Davis def. Sean Wilson via TKO in Round 2 (1:34)  Rosa Rodriguez def. Monica Franco via TKO in Round 3 (2:00) Brandon Meyer def. Famez via Unanimous Decision (49-45, 48-46, 48-45) Markus Suarez def. Marcus Williamson via KO in Round 1 (0:28) Rohan Prado def. Ray Pell via TKO in Round 1 (0:31) Eduardo Concepcion def. Alvin Davis via KO in Round 1 (1:34) Wayna Reid def. Jim Pulgar via Unanimous Decision (49-46x3) Dameko Labon def. Jorge Bargallo via TKO in Round 1 (1:44) Julio Perez def. Korey Moegenburg via KO in Round 1 (0:30)

ONE Championship brought 12 exciting martial arts bouts to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium for ONE Friday Fights 55 .   The action was hot and heavy, with Muay Thai shining brightly in Bangkok.   Kiamran Nabati stayed perfect in Bangkok. The 29-year-old defeated Avatar PK Saenchai in the evening's main event by unanimous decision. The aggression he displayed paid off in the third round with a knockdown, securing the win and moving him to 20-0 in his career.   Rittidet Sor Sommai needed less than two rounds to take out Tomyamkoong Bhumjaithai. Tomyamkoong caught a left high kick from his fellow countryman, but a left hook counter from Rittidet connected for the KO blow.   Thanks to his tremendous bodywork, Bhumjaithai Mor Tor 1 earned a third-round TKO over Panthep Sor Jor Thongprajin. Panthep controlled much of the early action, but Bhumjaithai came on strong at the end of the second. As the third started, Bhumjaithai went right back to the body until his foe folded.   In one of the featured bouts of the evening, Stephen Irvine outlasted Longern Paesaisi in a three-round war. The match's defining moment came in the second round when Irvine dropped Longern to the canvas with a body shot. Although Longern was able to meet the count, the knockdown helped clinch the bout for Irvine.   Muay Thai was not the only sport on display. Three other martial arts got to enjoy the spotlight as well inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.   Matheus Pereira submitted Khasan Khaliev in the lone MMA bout on the card. After two grueling rounds, the Brazilian took advantage of his tiring opponent. After some strikes to open the window of opportunity, Pereira tapped out his opponent with a guillotine choke.   In a catchweight kickboxing contest, Taiki Naito grabbed a unanimous decision win over Sherzod Kabutov. Kicks were the game plan for the Japanese striker, who got a knockdown in the second round after a high kick connected.   Submission grappling made its ONE Friday Fights debut in the opening contest. Japanese grapplers Shoya Ishiguro and Toshiyasu Sagae went at it for 10 minutes, but neither man could secure a submission. Due to his pressure and more dominant positioning, Ishiguro grabbed the unanimous decision win.   ONE Friday Fights 55 Full Results Kiamran Nabati def. Avatar PK Saenchai by unanimous decision Rittidet Sor Sommai def. Tomyamkoong Bhumjaithai by KO at 1:25 of the second round Bhumjaithai Mor Tor 1 def. Panthep Sor Jor Thongprajin by TKO at 1:00 of the third round Denphuthai SitJackmuaythai def. Rhuam Felipe by unanimous decision Chalamdam Sor Boonmeerit def. Singtanawat Nokjeanladkrabang by TKO at 1:57 of the third round Kaichon Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang def. Jompadej Nupranburi by unanimous decision Stephen Irvine def. Longern Paesaisi by unanimous decision Natalia Diachkova def. Chellina Chirino by KO at 1:44 of the first round Matheus Pereira def. Khasan Khaliev via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:57 of the third round Taiki Naito def. Sherzod Kabutov via unanimous decision Ryota Koshimizu def. Joker Paesaisi by TKO at 0:54 of the third round Shoya Ishiguro def. Toshiyasu Sagae by unanimous decision

ONE Championship celebrated International Women’s Day with a nine-bout lineup featuring the world’s best female talent at ONE Fight Night 20 . The talented martial artists showcased their skills in U.S. primetime, and the night concluded with two World Championship affairs. Here are the results of ONE Fight Night 20. Phetjeeja is known as “The Queen,” and after ONE Fight Night 20, that moniker was affirmed after unifying the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Championship against Janet Todd. The American was game in her final match, but the speed of Phetjeeja was too much. The Thai star was routinely first in the exchanges and then scored a knockdown in the final round to leave no doubt in the judge’s minds. In a battle of mothers, Allycia Hellen Rodrigues took a systematic approach in her defense of the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title. The Brazilian took her time and focused on the body of Cristina Morales. Although the Spaniard would try to get aggressive at times, Rodrigues would stymie her at every corner. The technical game plan worked, and Rodrigues remains at the top of the division. Martine Michieletto got off some good shots against Jackie Buntan, but her multi-year unbeaten streak came to an end at the hands of the American. Buntan got inside the distance of the Italian on multiple occasions and was able to score repeatedly with counter shots as well. The victory puts her in line for a title rematch against Smilla Sundell. Yu Yau Pui put on a show against Lara Fernandez. The Chinese star showed her never relenting game against “Pizza Power” and walked away with a unanimous decision win. Yu continued her unbeaten streak in ONE and moved a step closer to a title bid. In the night's opening contest, Israel’s Shir Cohen scored the only finish. Cohen hurt Kirilove over and over during the 5:27 of their atomweight Muay Thai contest. Eventually, it was too much for the Bulgarian to answer. The Israeli’s power sent a big message to the rest of the atomweight division. ONE Fight Night 20 aired on Prime Video and is available on-demand. ONE Fight Night 20 Full Results Phetjeeja def. Janet Todd by unanimous decision Allycia Hellen Rodrigues def. Cristina Morales by unanimous decision Jackie Buntan def. Martine Michieletto by unanimous decision Chihiro Sawada def. Jihin Radzuan by unanimous decision Ekaterina Vandaryeva def. Martyna Kierczynska by unanimous decision Yu Yau Pui def. Lara Fernandez by unanimous decision Noelle Grandjean def. Victoria Souza by unanimous decision Mayssa Bastos def. Kanae Yamada by unanimous decision Shir Cohen def. Teodora Kirilova by TKO at 2:27 of the second round

In an electrifying showcase of mixed martial arts talent, UFC 299 delivered a series of breathtaking fights, culminating in a high-stakes Bantamweight Championship battle. The event saw Sean O'Malley securing a unanimous decision victory over Marlon Vera, marking a defining moment in his career. Below, we break down the key moments from each bout, offering insights into how the night unfolded. Main Event: O'Malley vs. Vera II In a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Bantamweight Championship, Sean O'Malley faced Marlon Vera. Displaying superior striking and agility, O'Malley managed to outperform Vera throughout the fight, earning a unanimous decision win and solidifying his position at the top of the bantamweight division. Co-Main Event: Poirier vs. Saint-Denis The co-main event saw lightweight contenders Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint-Denis go head-to-head in a thrilling match. Poirier's experience and striking prowess were on full display as he secured a knockout victory with precise strikes at 2:32 of the second round. Main Card Highlights Welterweight Showdowns Michael Page faced Kevin Holland in a closely contested battle, with Page securing a unanimous decision win through strategic striking and defense. Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena showcased his knockout power against Gilbert Burns, finishing the fight with a devastating combination of knee and elbows in the third round. Bantamweight and Other Key Fights Petr Yan triumphed over Yadong Song in a bantamweight clash, earning a unanimous decision through superior technique and strategy. The main card also featured victories by unanimous decision for Michael Page over Kevin Holland and Jack Della Maddalena's knockout win against Gilbert Burns. Preliminary Card Standouts Curtis Blaydes delivered an impressive TKO victory over Jailton Almeida in the heavyweight division, while Maycee Barber and Mateusz Gamrot secured unanimous decisions in their respective fights. Michel Pereira's submission victory and Robelis Despaigne's quick TKO win were among the other highlights. UFC 299 will be remembered for its high-octane battles, stunning knockouts, and tactical masterclasses. From O'Malley's championship win to Poirier's co-main event knockout, each fight contributed to an unforgettable night in the world of mixed martial arts. MAIN EVENT | UFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP | 135 LBS Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera II O'Malley defeats Vera via unanimous decision CO-MAIN EVENT | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis Dustin Poirier defeats Benoit Saint Denis by KO (strikes) at 2:32 of Round 2 MAIN CARD | WELTERWEIGHT · 170 LBS | PRO MMA Kevin Holland vs. Michael Page Michael Page defeats Kevin Holland by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28. 29-28) MAIN CARD | WELTERWEIGHT · 170 LBS | PRO MMA Gilbert Burns vs. Jack Della Maddalena Jack Della Maddalena defeats Gilbert Burns by KO (knee and elbows) at 3:43 of Round 3 MAIN CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Petr Yan vs. Yadong Song Petr Yan defeats Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) PRELIMINARY CARD | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA Curtis Blaydes vs. Jailton Almeida Curtis Blaydes defeats Jailton Almeida by TKO (strikes) at 0:36 of Round 2 PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA Katlyn Cerminara vs. Maycee Barber Maycee Barber defeats Katlyn Cerminara by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Mateusz Gamrot vs. Rafael dos Anjos Mateusz Gamrot defeats Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) PRELIMINARY CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Pedro Munhoz vs. Kyler Phillips Kyler Phillips defeats Pedro Munoz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT · 205 LBS | PRO MMA Philipe Lins vs. Ion Cutelaba Philipe Lins defeats Ion Cutelaba by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) PRELIMINARY CARD | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS | PRO MMA Michel Pereira vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk Michel Pereira defeats Michal Oleksiejczuk by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:01 of Round 1 PRELIMINARY CARD | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA Robelis Despaigne vs. Josh Parisian Robelis Despaigne defeats Josh Parisian by TKO (strikes) at 0:18 of Round 1 PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA CJ Vergara vs. Asu Almabaev Asu Almabayev defeats CJ Vergara by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA Joanne Wood vs. Maryna Moroz Joanne Wood defeats Maryna Moroz by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Aljamain Sterling, the celebrated former UFC Bantamweight Champion, is all geared up for an exhilarating new chapter in his career. Come April 13 at UFC 300: Pereira vs Hill, Sterling will make his much-anticipated debut in the featherweight division. This transition marks a fresh start for Sterling, who has a flawless record of never missing weight across his impressive decade-plus stint in the UFC. Known affectionately as the “Funk Master,” Sterling has demonstrated time and again his dedication and professional discipline. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable, boasting a tenure as the UFC bantamweight champion in 2021 and successfully defending that title three times. Sterling's track record at bantamweight is legendary, with victories over 15 opponents. However, following a title loss to Sean O’Malley in the summer of 2023, Sterling, at 34, felt it was time to explore new horizons, setting his sights on the featherweight class. His debut in this division will see him squaring off against the formidable Calvin Kattar at the historic UFC 300 event. Sterling is thrilled about this opportunity, viewing it as a dream come true. "Being part of such a historic event and getting to introduce myself in a new weight class to fans old and new is something I'm really looking forward to," Sterling expressed with enthusiasm. UFC 300 promises to be a spectacular showcase, featuring an array of stars including 12 former or current champions. This new venture offers Sterling a chance to cement his place among the top contenders in the featherweight division. He's ready to make a bold statement with what he hopes will be an unforgettable performance. The face-off with Kattar is generating considerable buzz, especially given Kattar's boxing prowess, resilience, and finishing power. Sterling, known for his exceptional wrestling skills, is eager to challenge Kattar's grappling abilities, presenting him with a unique challenge that Kattar may not be fully prepared for. Free from the stringent weight management of his past, Sterling is enjoying a more relaxed and focused training regimen, concentrating on enhancing his technique. He's excited about what this 10-pound shift to featherweight will bring, optimistic about making an impactful debut. "Stepping into this new class, I'm just buzzing with excitement," Sterling shared. "It's all about trying new things, challenging myself, and maybe even making a bit of history along the way." As April 13 draws near, the anticipation builds for Sterling's featherweight debut, promising an electrifying addition to the already stellar lineup of UFC 300.

Premise: “ When his family is killed, a deaf-mute named Boy escapes to the jungle, where he is trained by a mysterious mentor to enact vengeance on the murderers.” Boy Kills World  is a 2024 action thriller film  directed by Moritz Mohr, Produced by Sam Raimi  (of the Evil Dead franchise) and Roy Lee . Starring Bill Skarsgård  who has been breaking his way into action lately with feature roles in Eternals and John Wick: Chapter 4 .  Also starring: Jessica Rothe , Michelle Dockery , Brett Gelman , Isaiah Mustafa , Yayan Ruhian , Andrew Koji , Sharlto Copley , H. Jon Benjamin , and Famke Janssen . Watch the kick-ass trailer:  Though it has already appeared at film festivals, its theatrical release in the US is April 26, 2024 and we can't wait!

Meet Pannie Kianzad, a name synonymous with resilience and growth in the UFC women's bantamweight division. Known affectionately as “Banzai,” she’s gearing up for an exciting rematch that promises to showcase her evolution both as a person and a fighter. It's a common myth that elite athletes are strangers to self-doubt. Yet, Kianzad shares her relatable journey of overcoming internal battles alongside her opponents in the ring. As she prepares for her 24th professional fight, she opens up about finally unlocking her true potential. Kianzad's career began with a tough lesson in perseverance after a setback against Macy Chiasson in The Ultimate Fighter's featherweight final. Rather than seeing it as a defeat, she views it as a pivotal moment that set the stage for her remarkable comeback. Dropping to bantamweight, she fought her way back into the UFC, amassing impressive victories and learning invaluable lessons along the way. Now, as she readies for a rematch with Chiasson at UFC Vegas 88, Kianzad is all about timing and growth. Having faced and bested several opponents in rematches, she emphasizes the importance of self-focus and continual improvement. The fight is more than a competition; it's a testament to her development over the past five years. Despite her initial loss to Chiasson, Kianzad harbors no animosity. She acknowledges their mutual growth and focuses on showcasing her best self in the bantamweight class. Reflecting on her journey, she admits to being her own toughest critic, especially after a loss to Ketlen Vieira. However, her recent training stint in Vegas, stepping out of her comfort zone, has only boosted her confidence. Kianzad’s philosophy of "trusting the process" speaks volumes about her approach to fighting and life. She's learned to balance her natural tendency to worry with the strength and determination of a warrior. Believing in herself and staying present in the moment are her strategies for success. As Kianzad faces Chiasson once more, she's not just fighting an opponent; she's battling to prove that she's overcome her doubts, grown as a fighter, and is ready to seize victory with both hands. Her story isn't just about fighting; it's about facing life's challenges head-on and emerging stronger.

Organizations continue to empower grassroots MMA worldwide after one year of their formal partnership A year ago to the day, BRAVE Combat Federation and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation announced a partnership that would formalize their joint work towards the growth of grassroots of MMA, something both organizations have been diligently working on together for the past seven years. It was the culmination of a valuable relationship between two giants of the sport focused on the development of mixed martial arts worldwide from the grassroots all the way to the global level. In 2017, BRAVE CF and IMMAF took the Amateur World Championships outside of the United States for the first time and transformed the tournament into the premier proving ground for amateur athletes worldwide. The event became an integral part of the BRAVE International Combat Week, the largest combat sports festival on the planet.  BRAVE CF and IMMAF have also worked together in other two editions of the BICW, and in 2022, they created the MMA Super Cup, a nation vs nation, knockout tournament that awarded US$ 225,000 to the top three national federations so they could reinvest that money into the development of the sport on their own countries on a grassroots level.  While the partnership was only made official last year, it is no secret that BRAVE Combat Federation has provided a direct path to superstardom for athletes from around the world coming from the IMMAF system. Over the years, more than 50 fighters from over 20 nations have fought in both IMMAF and BRAVE CF.  From BRAVE CF 1, when 2015 amateur world champion Frans Mlambo represented the IMMAF, to BRAVE CF 80 when African IMMAF champion Nkosi Ndebele and two-time amateur world champion Jose Torres faced off in the main event, there’s no other promotion that has provided more opportunities to IMMAF alum.  World champions Sabrina de Sousa, Muhammad Mokaev, Ramazan Gitinov, Irman Smajic, Abdul Hussein, Murtaza Talha, Benjamin Bennett, Rasul Magomedov, Bianca Antman, and Gamzat Magomedov are just some of the names that have benefitted from the pathway provided by IMMAF and BRAVE CF. Other standout figures in the amateur world that have called BRAVE CF home include Cian Cowley, Axel Sola, Shamil Gaziev, Anton Turkalj, Micol Di Segni, and Eliezer Kubanza.  In 2023, BRAVE CF and IMMAF took the BICW on the road, with the first editions of the combat sports festival taking place outside of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in Serbia and Colombia, with the World Championships and Pan-American Championships. Last December, the BICW went back home to Bahrain for a series of three BRAVE CF shows as well as the IMMAF Asian Championships.

Aung La N Sang once reigned over the ONE Championship middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He even took out then ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Brandon Vera. It should be no shock that he has been keeping close tabs on Anatoly Malykhin, who recently became MMA’s first-ever three-division king after defeating Reinier De Ridder for the ONE Middleweight MMA World Championship. “The Burmese Python” was not surprised by the result at ONE 166: Qatar. “It was a great fight. It went as I expected. We all know how some people can be stylistically a bad matchup for a certain fighter, and it doesn’t really matter what you do in a year’s time. Some people are just stylistically a bad matchup,” Aung La N Sang told ONE. “Anatoly defended all the takedowns and was able to land his game plan which is to box him up. It pretty much broke Reinier in the third round.” There is certainly no ill will or jealousy from the Kill Cliff MMA representative. Aung La N Sang offered nothing but well wishes to the Russian athlete for his historic feat. “Anatoly is now a three-division champ. Congrats to him. It’s something that hasn’t been done in ONE Championship history, so congrats to him and his team,” the former two-division champion stated. If the former World Champion had any advice for Malykhin, it was to expect a more difficult road to begin. “The Burmese Python” was adamant that defending the titles will be more difficult as every athlete, in three separate divisions, would be gunning to dethrone him. He would know, as he once wore that burden around his shoulder. “It’s very impressive, but defending is gonna be a lot harder, for sure. Defending on all three divisions is gonna be a lot harder,” Aung La N Sang admitted. One of those athletes will be himself. Aung La N Sang made it known he is seeking a shot at the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title. And why not? The former king is on a three-bout winning streak with three finishes. He is unquestionably one of the top contenders in the division. “That’s the only reason why I keep fighting – to be champion again. That’s the only reason why I’m fighting still. I could retire now, but it wouldn’t be fun. It wouldn’t be fun for the ONE Championship middleweight division,” Aung La N Sang expressed. The Myanmar superstar also sees the match as one of the biggest in ONE history. Aung La N Sang feels their styles mesh perfectly to bring fans one of the most exciting title matches in the sport today. “If we were to fight, there’s no way that any of us would back down, and we’ll put on a great show,” “The Burmese Python” predicted. “Think about it – every fight that I fight, I fight for the finish. Every fight that he fights, he fights for the finish. There would be no yellow card in that fight. It would for sure be a barnburner for the fans.” However, there is no timetable for when the prospective match could happen. Malykhin has a lot on his plate and may defend either of the two titles first. But Aung La N Sang is willing to wait for his shot. Getting the title back is the only reason he still competes in the sport. “I don’t care how long it takes, I’m still gunning for the title. And it’s one of those things that I don’t need to be in this sport anymore, but I want to be because I still have that hunger,” Aung La N Sang said. “I still want to be champion again, and I still want to put on great shows for the fans. My job as a professional fighter is not done.”

Last weekend's UFC 299 in Miami delivered a spectacular showcase of mixed martial arts, highlighted by “Suga” Sean O’Malley's standout defense of the bantamweight title. The momentum now moves to Las Vegas, where the UFC APEX will host a card brimming with promising talents, featuring the month's second heavyweight headline fight. Below, we delve into the matchups set to ignite the Octagon this Saturday. UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs. Tybura Main Event: Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura Location:  UFC APEX, Las Vegas, NV Where to Watch:  ESPN+ Key Main Card Fights: Bryan Battle vs. Ange Loosa Ovince Saint Preux vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu Christian Rodriguez vs. Isaac Dulgarian Pannie Kianzad vs. Macy Chiasson Gerald Meerschaert vs. Bryan Barberena Preliminary Fights Include: Natan Levy vs. Mike Davis Josiane Nunes vs. Chelsea Chandler Thiago Moises vs. Mitch Ramirez Jafel Filho vs. Ode’ Osbourne Josh Culibao vs. Danny Silva Jaqueline Amorim vs. Cory McKenna Charalampos Grigoriou vs. Chad Anheliger In the main event this weekend, heavyweight contenders Tai Tuivasa and Marcin Tybura aim to start their year with a victory. Tuivasa enters the fight hoping to halt a three-fight losing streak, while Tybura looks to rebound from a recent defeat and continue his solid performance record. This pivotal match could significantly influence their standings in the heavyweight division. The main card also features a variety of compelling matchups, from Bryan Battle and Ange Loosa's welterweight clash to the veteran showdown between Gerald Meerschaert and Bryan Barberena. Each fight carries potential career implications for the athletes involved. The preliminary card is not short on excitement either, showcasing a mix of seasoned fighters and promising newcomers ready to make their mark. Among them, Natan Levy and Mike Davis square off in a lightweight bout, while Josiane Nunes and Chelsea Chandler look to advance in the bantamweight ranks. As we approach Saturday's event in Las Vegas, each fight promises its blend of drama, skill, and the relentless pursuit of victory inside the famed Octagon.