Light Heavyweights will collide in Slovenia, with a shot at the vacant world title within sights for the winner BRAVE Combat Federation is hitting 2024 with a headline-grabber: BRAVE CF 81 Main Event features European sensation Erko Jun, who is gearing up for the fight of his life against Mohammed Said Maalem in a Light Heavyweight clash at the top of the BRAVE CF 81 card, happening April 20, in partnership with WFC. Erko Jun left an indelible mark last year by securing a standout win in his BRAVE CF debut, taking down the local hero Marko Drmonjic in Slovenia. As the action returns to this Balkan nation, Jun is back in the spotlight, ready to dazzle once more. But it's no walk in the park for him this time. He's up against one of the MENA region's finest, Algeria's Mohammed Said Maalem. A former light heavyweight world champ in BRAVE CF, Maalem's looking to bounce back after a rollercoaster ride – his win over Mohammad Fakhreddine got nullified due to illegal moves, and he's coming off a loss in their rematch. Now, Maalem, known as ‘’L’Ambiance,’’ and a celebrated athlete in Algeria, is hungry for victory as he steps back into the most international MMA arena. With fights in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Italy under his belt, he's no stranger to the big stage. For Erko Jun, beating a former world champ like Maalem isn't just another win; it's a giant leap towards a world title opportunity in BRAVE CF. Dubbed ‘’The Bounty Hunter,’’ Jun is all set for this monumental challenge, with eyes on the prize. Set in the Hala Tivoli Arena, Ljubljana, Slovenia, in collaboration with the premier regional body WFC, BRAVE CF 81 is the launchpad for the promotion's 2024 European Tour. With stops planned in the Netherlands, Croatia, Germany, and France, it's set to showcase Europe's elite fighters.

In an emotional revelation at UFC Vegas 87, Tyson Pedro announced his retirement from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), highlighting the profound impact of being away from his family as the driving force behind his decision. The heartfelt announcement came moments after his defeat to Vitor Petrino in Las Vegas, marking the end of his current contract and his tenure in the octagon. Pedro, a formidable figure in the light heavyweight division, fought through tears as he explained the challenge of spending extended periods away from his wife, Rosie, and daughter, Giselle. The Australian fighter has been known for his dedication to the sport, often completing rigorous training camps in New Zealand, far from his family. This sacrifice, he noted, has taken a toll, leading him to prfioritize his role as a husband and father over his career as a professional fighter. The decision to retire was not made lightly. Pedro's journey in the UFC has been marked by memorable battles, showcasing his striking prowess and submission skills. Despite the fierce competition against Petrino at UFC Vegas 87, Pedro's thoughts were with his family, underscoring the personal struggles fighters often face behind the scenes. Fans and fellow athletes have rallied around Pedro, offering messages of support and understanding for his decision. The outpouring of respect highlights the community's recognition of the sacrifices made by fighters, both physically in the ring and personally in their lives. In his emotional statement, Pedro expressed deep gratitude towards his team, the UFC, and his supporters, emphasizing the honor he has felt representing them in the octagon. His departure is not just the end of a career but a poignant reminder of the human aspect of professional sports, where personal and family priorities can lead to difficult but necessary decisions. Pedro's retirement opens a new chapter in his life, one focused on the time he cherishes most with his wife and daughter. The MMA community watches with respect as one of its stars makes a graceful exit, not just as a fighter, but as a family man choosing to put his loved ones first.

As the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gears up for its next colossal event, UFC 306, the anticipation amongst mixed martial arts (MMA) fans is palpable. Slated for September 14, 2024, this event marks a significant milestone in the UFC's storied history, promising an unforgettable night of fights at the Sphere in Paradise, Nevada, part of the iconic Las Vegas Metropolitan Area. The Sphere, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and immersive experience, is set to host an electrifying atmosphere that will elevate the fighters' performances and the spectators' experience to unprecedented heights. UFC 306 is not just another entry in the organization's expansive catalogue of events; it represents the pinnacle of MMA competition, featuring a lineup of fights that span across various weight classes and showcase the sport's elite talent. The main card, although yet to be officially announced, is rumoured to include title fights, grudge matches, and bouts that have the potential to redefine the rankings within the UFC's divisions. Each fight has been meticulously selected to ensure that the event lives up to the high standards expected by fans and fighters alike. The choice of the Sphere as the venue for UFC 306 underscores the UFC's commitment to providing unparalleled experiences for its fans. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design, the Sphere is equipped to deliver an immersive viewing experience that complements the intensity and excitement of the fights. Fans attending the event can expect not just to witness MMA at its highest level but to be part of an event that engages all senses, making UFC 306 a must-see event in the sports calendar.

We have more inside scoop on FX’s limited series  SHŌGUN  (premiering Feb. 27 on FX and Hulu) Here we went over all you need to know to watch the new series. Now we have character teasers for the three leads. Enjoy! Lord Toranaga Lady Mariko  John Blackthorne For more about the new Shogun series, visit:   https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/shogun

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, made their triumphant debut in Canada with the BKFC Prospect Series, a sensational ten-fight event in front of a sold-out crowd at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.    Fighting in the women’s flyweight main event, No. 1 ranked Jade Masson-Wong, (3-1), continued her impressive run in BKFC with a first-round knockout of Gabrielle Roman, (1-0-2). Connecting with huge right hands from the opening bell, Masson-Wong dropped Roman twice in the first stanza leading to a popular victory for the Canadian native. Time of the stoppage was 1:00.    Co-featured in the welterweight division, Jeremiah ‘Big Rig’ Riggs, (2-2), knocked out previously undefeated Sonny Smith, (2-1), in the first round (:49). With both fighters throwing fierce bombs from the opening bell, Riggs overcame a quickly opened facial cut to drop Smith with a battering right hand which resulted in the referee reaching the ten-count ending the fight.    Fighting in the heavyweight division, Stan Surmacz, (1-0), was victorious in an action-packed brawl with fellow BKFC debuter Reuben Roundstone, (0-1). Dropping the valiant Roundstone in the first round, Surmacz was also deducted two points for hitting while his opponent was down. Surmacz would drop Roundstone twice more in the third round with the fight being called to a halt at the 1:12 mark.    In the welterweight division Drew Stuve, (1-0), scored a first-round technical knockout over Jason Kelly, (0-1). Falling awkwardly to the canvas from a knockdown, Kelly was unable to continue after suffering an ankle injury.    Popular Canadian lightweight Chad Lucanas, (1-0), quickly impressed in his BKFC debut with a blistering first round stoppage of Trai Santos, (0-2-1) from a culmination of body shots. Time was 1:50 of the stanza.     BKFC debuting cruiserweight Samuel Polk, (1-0), scored a first-round knockout of Jake Craig, (0-1). Time of the stoppage was 1:12.   In a fight between BKFC debuting lightweights, Hasan Alghanim, (1-0), stopped Dalton Shtybel, (0-1), at 1:05 of the second round.    Fighting in the heavyweight division,  Tyler Tremblett, (1-0), defeated Donnie Trice, (1-1), by technical knockout in round two (1:24).  Featherweight  Robert DeSharnais, (1-0), knocked out Desmond Johnson, (0-1) at 0:34 of the first round.  Rounding out the card in the middleweight division,  Matt Socholotiuk, (1-0), was victorious in BKFC debut with a third-round knockout (1:13) of Adam De Freitas, (0-1).

UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev, a.k.a UFC Vegas 87, delivered an action-packed event from the UFC Apex facility, featuring a mix of knockouts, technical victories, and unanimous decisions that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The event was headlined by a heavyweight clash between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev, with Rozenstruik securing a victory through retirement at the end of the fourth round. Results from UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev Main Event: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev The heavyweight bout between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev was a display of power and resilience. Rozenstruik, known for his striking ability, managed to overcome Gaziev's challenge, leading to Gaziev's retirement at the end of the fourth round. This victory came at exactly 5:00 of Round 4, marking a significant win for Rozenstruik in his professional MMA career. Co-Main Event: Petrino vs. Pedro The light heavyweight co-main event saw Vitor Petrino face Tyson Pedro in a battle that went the distance. Petrino's performance was commendable, showcasing his skills and determination throughout the fight. Ultimately, Petrino's efforts were recognized with a unanimous decision victory, signaling his rising status within the light heavyweight division. Main Card Highlights Flyweight Bout : Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez was a showcase of Mokaev's dominance in the flyweight division, earning him a unanimous decision win over Perez. Mokaev's control and strategy throughout the fight were key to his victory. Bantamweight Bout : Umar Nurmagomedov continued his ascent in the bantamweight division with a unanimous decision win over Bekzat Almakhan. Nurmagomedov's grappling and control were on full display, earning him the win. Flyweight Bout : Steve Erceg delivered a stunning knockout victory over Matt Schnell, with a straight right to left hook combo just 26 seconds into the second round. This knockout was one of the highlights of the night, showcasing Erceg's striking power. Preliminary Card Standouts Middleweight Bout : Eryk Anders vs. Jamie Pickett was a competitive match, with Anders coming out on top via unanimous decision. Anders' performance was a testament to his preparation and skill set. Bantamweight Bout : Vinicius Oliveira delivered one of the most spectacular finishes of the night with a flying knee knockout against Benardo Sopaj in the third round. Oliveira's athleticism and timing were impeccable. Lightweight Bout : Ľudovít Klein showcased his striking prowess with a front kick to the body knockout against AJ Cunningham, demonstrating his power and precision. Results from UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev Main Card MAIN EVENT | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev Rozenstruik defeats Gaziev via KO/TKO, Retirement at 5:00 Round 4 of 5, 20:00 Total CO-MAIN EVENT | LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT · 205 LBS | PRO MMA Vitor Petrino vs. Tyson Pedro Petrino defeats Pedro via unanimous decision MAIN CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA Alex Perez vs. Muhammad Mokaev Mokaev defeats Perez via unanimous decision MAIN CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Bekzat Almakhan Nurmagomedov defeats Almakhan via unanimous decision MAIN CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA Matt Schnell vs. Steve Erceg Erceg defeats Schnell via KO/TKO, Straight Right to Left Hook Combo at 0:26 Round 2 of 3, 5:26 Total Prelims PRELIMINARY CARD | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS | PRO MMA Eryk Anders vs. Jamie Pickett Anders defeats Pickett via unanimous decision PRELIMINARY CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Vinicius Oliveira vs. Benardo Sopaj Oliveira defeats Sopaj via KO/TKO, Flying Knee at 4:41 Round 3 of 3, 14:41 Total PRELIMINARY CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA Javid Basharat vs. Aiemann Zahabi Zahabi defeats Basharat via unanimous decision PRELIMINARY CARD | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS | PRO MMA Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Claudio Ribeiro Duncan defeats Ribeiro via KO/TKO, Ground and Pound at 1:57 Round 2 of 3, 6:57 Total PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Ľudovít Klein vs. AJ Cunningham Klein defeats Cunningham via KO/TKO, Front Kick to Body at 4:36 Round 1 of 3 PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA Loik Radzhabov vs. Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady Radzhabov defeats Al-Selwady via KO/TKO, Right Hook to Ground Strikes at 0:49 Round 3 of 3, 10:49 Total

In a significant move marking the progression of mixed martial arts (MMA) in the Middle East, BRAVE Combat Federation has been at the forefront of ushering in a new chapter for the sport in the region over the past seven and a half years. The organization, renowned as the most global MMA entity, is set to further this development with its anticipated return to the United Arab Emirates. Scheduled for the last quarter of 2024, BRAVE CF's inaugural event in Dubai is already generating excitement within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) fighter community, with athletes eagerly adjusting their schedules to compete in November. Among the excited is former double world champion Mohammad Fakhreddine, who is eyeing an aggressive campaign for a third world title. Fakhreddine, known as "The Latest," aims to challenge Super Welterweight champion Kamal Magomedov, with hopes of securing the title earlier in the year to then defend it at the 175-pound weight class during the Dubai event. Fakhreddine, whose professional journey with BRAVE CF began in Abu Dhabi, expressed his special connection to the UAE and his ambition to defend a third title in Dubai as a significant honor, adding an extra layer of motivation to his preparation for the fight against Kamal. Other fighters share Fakhreddine's enthusiasm for the Dubai event. Ahmed Labban, recovering from a recent loss, is planning a comeback fight in Croatia before setting his sights on the Dubai card. Labban's training in Zagreb aligns with BRAVE CF's debut in Croatia this September, setting him up for a November fight in Dubai. Izzedine Al-Derbani from Jordan, also known as "The Palestinian Samurai," is on the lookout for his next bout, aiming to align his fight schedule with the Dubai event, despite the challenges of waiting until November. Bahraini fighters, too, are adjusting their schedules around a significant fight night in December on their home turf, hoping to participate in the Dubai event as well. Mahmoud Sebie of Egypt, currently aiming to join the USA Wrestling team for the Paris Olympics, is considering the Dubai event as a potential comeback to MMA post-Olympics. With the Paris Wrestling tournament concluding in mid-August, the timing aligns perfectly for Sebie to transition back to MMA in November, integrating his Olympic journey with his MMA career aspirations. This wave of anticipation among fighters highlights BRAVE CF's significant role in expanding MMA's footprint in the MENA region, with its Dubai event poised to become a landmark occasion for the sport.

What: The Bruce Lee biopic will be big! Although no release date has been confirmed, the scale and ambition of the project suggest it is likely to receive a theatrical release. This theatrical release would be crucial for the film to be considered for Academy Award contention, a feat that director Ang Lee has achieved in the past. Notably, all of Ang Lee's films have premiered in theaters rather than opting for a direct-to-streaming release. As the production is under the banner of Sony-owned 3000 Pictures, there is potential for Ang Lee's Bruce Lee biopic to eventually arrive on platforms like Netflix following its theatrical run, as Sony has a history of collaborating with Netflix for streaming releases of their films. Who: Ang Lee's doesn’t look far for his lead. He cast his own son, Mason Lee, in the role of Bruce Lee. This isn't Mason's first appearance in one of his father's films, as he previously had a role in "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk." Mason Lee's previous credits include "The Hangover Part II" and "Made in Taiwan." Allegedly Mason has been training in the martial arts for the last 5 years to prepare for the role.  Ang Lee, known for his unique creative vision, will helm the directorial duties for the Bruce Lee biopic. Lee gained recognition with his debut feature, "Pushing Hands," and further solidified his reputation with the critically acclaimed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." While martial arts was a prominent theme in his early work, Lee's exploration of the genre has been limited since then. However, he has continued to achieve success with films like "Brokeback Mountain" and "Life of Pi," the latter of which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. Producer Lawrence Grey has shared some insights into what fans can expect from the film. While it will chronicle Bruce Lee's entire life, the narrative will particularly focus on his era during the making of "Enter the Dragon," one of his final and most iconic films. "What we realized was that the time period of Bruce's life around the making of ‘Enter the Dragon’ was a moment where so many different thematic threads were connecting, and there was a confluence of an incredible amount of drama and conflict in his life. So, we use that as sort of an axis around which to revolve his world. From there, I think the director would say it's a kaleidoscopic journey through his life. It has a traditional non-narrative structure and is really thematically and experientially connected," Lawrence Grey said. While the union strikes further delayed the project last year, let’s hope production is well underway for this long-awaited film.

BRAVE Combat Federation, the most global MMA organization in the world, is pleased to announce further details to its first-ever show in the Netherlands. The company will partner with world-class Enfusion through its ECE MMA brand to host a co-promoted event on May 25, in Alkmaar, one of the main cities in the country. This is expected to be a historic show as BRAVE CF will become the most hosted organization in Europe, with 14 countries welcoming a BRAVE CF show on the continent.   The Netherlands will follow Northern Ireland, England, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Russia, Belarus, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Germany, France, and Spain as BRAVE CF homes in Europe. No other organization in global MMA has hosted events in 14 European countries.  While the Netherlands has a long and rich history in combat sports, mainly through kickboxing, mixed martial arts is still on the way up. BRAVE CF has partnered with one of the leading multimedia companies involved in martial arts on a European level to take Dutch MMA to the next level.  The aim for the partnership is to provide a platform for the top local athletes to compete while bringing some of the finest fighters in the world to showcase their skills in front of a passionate martial arts audience and an ever-growing fanbase for mixed martial arts.  As a breeding ground for some of the top martial artists in Europe, the Netherlands is primed to become an MMA hotbed of talents, and BRAVE CF, in association with ECE MMA, is eager to provide them with the global opportunities they deserve, not just through hosting events, but also helping create a true ecosystem for the sport.  Enfusion, one of the premier brands in kickboxing, has created ECE to further its status as a trailblazer now in mixed martial arts, giving top kickboxers the opportunity to make a seamless transition into MMA, while maintaining the highest level of production and technical quality that Enfusion is known for.

Cage Warriors has today bolstered its 125lb division with the news that one of European MMA's hottest prospects has put pen to paper on a new, multi-fight contract with the promotion. Rising star Lone'er Kavanagh will compete exclusively in the famous yellow gloves moving forward, looking to extend his already impressive three-fight winning streak under the Cage Warriors banner. The 25 year old remains unbeaten in five contests as a professional, but brings a wealth of experience to the cage having first experienced competitive martial arts at just eight years of age. Kavanagh first tested himself under an MMA ruleset in 2013, dropping his first two amateur bouts before going unbeaten in his next five, culminating in a flyweight title win on the domestic circuit. After showing of an improved ground game in his first two professional bouts, Kavanagh first signed with Cage Warriors in 2022, scoring an iconic knockout victory in his promotional debut at CW 134. Drawing praise from UK MMA legend Dan Hardy for the pitch-perfect finish, the GB Top Team project returned later in the year to outpoint the always dangerous Ander Sanchez. His most recent outing occurred in March 2023, when he added another clip to an already mesmerising highlight reel, with a spinning heel kick-to-punches KO of fellow undefeated prospect Davide Scarano. Following a period of inactivity in which he explored free agency, Kavanagh recently put pen to paper on a new CW deal, and will return to action at  CW 169 on Saturday, March 30th at London's indigo at The O2. "As one of the top, undefeated prospects in European MMA, it's no surprise that Lone'er Kavanagh had a lot of offers on the table…"  said CW President Graham Boylan. "That he's chosen Cage Warriors as the place to develop his career in the coming years speaks volumes." "He's got a great team and a huge fan base behind him, and that's only going to increase as he competes on one of the biggest platforms in the sport." As previously confirmed, Kavanagh will face Shawn Da Silva another fan favourite, undefeated prospect, when he returns to action on Saturday, March 30th at London's indigo at The O2.

ONE Championship’s debut in Qatar featured 10 martial arts bouts from MMA to Muay Thai to submission grappling and even a boxing match thrown in for good measure. ONE 166  saw three title tilts headline the evening inside Lusail Sports Arena, and two new champions were crowned. Here are the results of ONE 166. Anatoly Malykhin set out to make history and did exactly that. Reinier De Ridder did much better in the rematch, but the Russian was simply too much. “Sladkiy” stuffed the takedown attempts and pressured until “The Dutch Knight” could handle no more. Unable to rise to his feet in the third round, Malykhin became a three-division titleholder by claiming the ONE Middleweight MMA World Championship. Tang Kai left no doubt in the featherweight title unification bout against Thanh Le. The Chinese star took his time to figure out his American foe and then struck when the time was right. After baiting Thanh and getting him to react, Tang dropped him with a crisp right hand. After some ground and pound, the match was called, and Tang earned another incredible finish to restart his reign. Joshua Pacio reclaimed the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship, but not in the manner he wanted. With Jarred Brooks on his back, Pacio threatened with a kimura. In defense of the submission, Brooks spiked Pacio on the mat, leading to a disqualification just 56 seconds into the match. Mehdi Zatout made coming out of retirement look easy. Zatout breezed through a three-round boxing bout against Zuhayr Al-Qahtani to pick up a unanimous decision victory. Zatout was crisp and quick, not allowing his opponent any rhythm during their bout. Cleber Sousa got back in the win column over Osamah Almarwai in a high-stakes flyweight submission grappling bout. The Brazilian gained momentum while seeking early finishes from heel hooks to armbars and eventually found himself with an inverted triangle-armbar. Once he got the arm, Almarwai had nowhere to go and tapped out. Ali Saldoev rallied in his Muay Thai match to score a second-round knockout. After a shot to the body lowered the hands of Zakaria El Jamari, Saldoev went to the head and connected flush to score the bout-ending blow. The event started strong with Keito Yamakita taking care of business over Jeremy Miado. As the two hit the canvas, the Japanese talent grabbed Miado’s neck with a bulldog choke and squeezed. Although “The Jaguar” tried to escape, eventually he tapped out, realizing there was nothing more he could do. If you missed ONE 166, you can relive the action on-demand on Prime Video , watch.onefc.com and ONE’s official YouTube channel . ONE 166 Full Results Anatoly Malykhin def. Reinier de Ridder by TKO at 1:16 of the third round Tang Kai def. Thanh Le by TKO at 4:48 of the third round Joshua Pacio def. Jarred Brooks by disqualification at 0:56 of the first round Amir Aliakbari def. Arjan Bhullar by disqualification at 4:15 of the third round Mehdi Zatout def. Zuhayr Al-Qahtani by unanimous decision Vladimir Kuzmin def. Zafer Sayik by unanimous decision Cleber Sousa def. Osamah Almarwai via submission (armbar) at 5:31 of the first round Ali Saldoev def. Zakaria El Jamari by KO at 0:51 of the second round Shinji Suzuki def. Han Zi Hao by unanimous decision Keito Yamakita def. Jeremy Miado via submission (bulldog choke) at 4:04 of the first round

In this list, we feature the most influential women in martial arts. The criteria were simple: everyone on the list is a master in their own right and made major contributions to what today is a thriving environment for women in the martial arts for teaching, professional competition, and the entertainment industry. These trailblazing women all did it with class, style, and skill. Most Influential Women Martial Artists Cynthia Rothrock Without a doubt, she is the queen of karate! Cynthia Rothrock has stood the test of time as a relevant figure in the martial arts world of entertainment and teaching. The former Scranton, Pennsylvania native made her way to the silver screen in the 1980s and never looked back. At one point, she was the most successful martial arts actress in the world with hundreds of credits to her name. She paved the way for women today and her work includes movies, television, books, and of course an acclaimed career as a five-time undefeated world champion and Black Belt Hall of Famer, a true most influential women martial artists. Ronda Rousey Professional wrestler, actress, and former judoka and mixed martial artist. Ronda Rousey is a household name, known for her championship run in the UFC and then crossing over into the WWE. She was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo by winning bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She can also be seen in A-list movies like The Expendables 3, Furious 7 , and Mile 22.  Gina Carano A pioneer in women's kickboxing who later entered the MMA world, Gina Carano along with Cris Cyborg were the first women to headline a major MMA event. Her career would later blossom into entertainment and she proved she could also compete at the highest level in Hollywood appearing in such big action productions like the Fast and the Furious and The Mandalorian .  Graciela Casillas When you think of the term "street cred," world champion, and master Graciela Casillas checks off all the boxes. She was the first woman to hold titles in both boxing and kickboxing, a feat that has, to this day, only been accomplished by a rare few. She did this at a time when only men fought in the ring. Graciela was respected among the men and inspired the women to enter the sweet science and the martial arts. Today, a grandmaster in Filipino martial arts and tactical combative self-defense, she indeed embodies the term walk-the-walk. Graciela Casillas is legend status. Cris Cyborg Undefeated for 13 years, Cris Cyborg is one of the greatest ambassadors for MMA male or female. The former Brazilian handball athlete turned professional fighter, continues to compete at the highest level and has now even ventured into boxing. What makes Cyborg one of the most influential women in martial arts is her inspiring perseverance which is seen time and again, both in and out of the cage.  Amanda Nunes The recently retired MMA Superstar, Amanda Nunes is considered the greatest female MMA fighter of all time. Nunes dominated the UFC women’s rankings across two divisions for the majority of her career in the sport. The two-division champion beat every champion in either of those divisions including Rousey, Holly Holm, Tate, Julianna Peña, Germaine de Randamie, and Cyborg. Compare that to any fighter male or female, it’s clear she's the indisputable GOAT.  Kathy Long Kathy Long dominated women's kickboxing in the 1980s. She retired with an 18-1 kickboxing record. Long has appeared in multiple films and TV shows and still carries the passion of competition into her 50s. She is truly a champion's champion.  On August 22, 2015, after a six-year hiatus from MMA, Long returned to MMA competition at age 51. She fought under the Ascension Muay Thai and Kickboxing promotion in Tijuana, Mexico against Mexican fighter Mixia Medina and won the fight by decision. She is now (2-0). Linda Denley Considered the GOAT of sport karate, Linda Denley is an American karate champion from Houston, Texas. She was rated number one in Sport Karate from 1973 to 1996. Her influence inspired a generation of women to compete in martial arts.  She was still in high school when she qualified for the Olympics in five track and field events, but because of her professional winnings on the karate circuit, she was ineligible to compete in the Olympics. She graced the covers of numerous martial arts magazines and was featured in local newspaper articles and TV programs. She worked with Jackie Chan in Armour of God and with Chuck Norris in Sidekicks . Norris even grabbed her for a role in the 1995 Christmas episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.  Michelle Yeoh Beauty pageant queen, movie star, Bond girl and Academy Award winner, Michelle Yeoh embodies the word "superstar." But her entrance into the silver screen started in martial arts action films. In 1985, she and fellow newcomer Cynthia Rothrock rocked the world with the Hong Kong blockbuster Yes, Madam . The film that launched both of their careers! Michelle grew up practicing ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Although she never formally trained in martial arts she relied on her dance skills to perfect the movements that have become so iconic on the screen today.  Cheng Pei-pei She is the original. Cheng Pei-pei is a legendary Chinese actress, acclaimed for being one of the earliest female action heroes ever to grace the screen. Her work dates back to the celebrated Shaw Brothers Studio during the 1960s. Cheng was catapulted to stardom after taking on the lead role in the 1966 King Hu-directed masterpiece Come Drink with Me . One of the greatest and most influential Hong Kong martial arts films ever made. She’d go on to star in numerous other action flicks throughout her career, and in 2000 she played the role of Jade Fox in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Angela Mao  Angela Mao was born Mao Ching Ying in 1950. She was the third of eight children, born into a family of performers for the Peking Opera House. She had a successful career as a Chinese Opera actress, where her flexibility and martial arts first developed. She made her mark and martial arts history by playing the younger sister of Bruce Lee in the film Enter the Dragon , and was truly one of the first female martial arts superstars to grace the screen inspiring women around the world to do martial arts. Meiko Kaji  Meiko Kaji is a prolific Japanese actress and singer, who was best known for playing tough outlaw-types. She first rose to prominence in a string of 1970s girl gang flicks. Kaji went on to star in the 1973’s Lady Snowblood . A highly influential exploitation cult classic, Lady Snowblood redefined the samurai genre open for women in starring roles. Lady Snowblood films and characters would serve as a direct inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill saga. Etsuko Shihomi  Etsuko Shihomi now known by her married name Etsuko Nagabuchi. Etsuko was a member of "Japan Action Club" (JAC), and appeared in several film and TV productions with legendary Sonny Chiba. She is most famous for her roles in Street Fighter and Sister Street Fighter . Appearing in over 100 film and television shows, her work still inspires a new generation today. Pam Grier Pam Grier is a pioneer for women in action cinema, known for her starring roles in popular films from the 1970s. After making her screen debut in a small role in the 1970s Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, Grier quickly made a name for herself, taking on starring roles in cult favorites such as Coffy, The Big Doll House, Women in Cages , and Foxy Brown .  Making her even cooler, her high-kicking and deadly beatdown-dealing weren’t all for show, Grier has trained in a variety of martial arts since she was young, including aikido, karate, and jiu jitsu. In addition to her success as a ‘70s superstar, the highly-skilled fighter and captivating actress saw a career resurgence in the late ‘90s and into the 2000s with her starring role in Quentin Tarantino’s critically acclaimed Jackie Brown . Malia Dacascos Senior Grandmaster Malia Dacascos Bernal was a world champion in forms and fighting in the 60s, the first woman to compete in the men’s division, and the first female competitor to grace the cover of Black Belt Magazine . Over the years, she earned a 9th-degree black belt in Wun Hop Kuen Do, and she was the very first woman to own a martial arts school in Hamburg, Germany. As a martial arts instructor and coach, she has tutored many of the top world champions in forms and fighting and her legacy can still be seen today.