The foundation of self-defense traces back to ancient and primal combat forms that emerged independently across the globe. This theory has gained support from archaeological studies conducted worldwide, revealing that nearly every nation boasts its own traditional combat style or competitive activity designed to satisfy the inherent human urge to fight, preparing individuals for survival struggles. Self-defense skills are as ancient as humanity itself, developed out of necessity to fend off attackers and the primal fear of death. This fear propelled individuals to master martial arts, fortifying both body and spirit to protect their lives. Over centuries, these skills were honed and passed down, enabling their use in conflicts and warfare. Historically, demonstrating strength or skill earned respect from others. However, modern society has evolved, and disputes are less often settled through physical combat, thanks to established institutions safeguarding citizens and their rights. Yet, the relevance of martial arts knowledge persists. Those capable of defending themselves can maintain calm and negotiate peaceably under threat, using their confidence as a shield against potential aggression. Self-defense not only safeguards physical well-being but also mental integrity, despite ongoing debates on conflict resolution by experts. In contemporary settings, aggression, rather than physical fights, often resolves conflicts, spurred by modern lifestyle stresses. Unprovoked violence necessitates self-defense, empowering individuals with martial arts knowledge to protect themselves effectively. Modern self-defense strategies are tailored to contemporary needs, emphasizing defense over aggression to avoid legal repercussions. Conflicts frequently stem from misunderstandings, leading to physical altercations among individuals or groups. Violence, defined as forceful abuse, often arises from perceived threats from unknown or hostile entities. However, disputes can also occur among acquaintances, affecting relationships and families. Victims of violence are commonly thought to be physically vulnerable, such as the elderly, disabled, smaller individuals, children, and predominantly women. Yet, recent statistics challenge these stereotypes, showing a more balanced distribution of violence across genders, with women often targeted with different intentions than men. It's crucial to empower women with self-defense skills, given their physical vulnerability compared to men. Similarly, children, frequently bullied or exposed to violence, benefit from martial arts training. Professionals in high-risk jobs should also learn self-defense or martial arts for their safety. The evolution of self-defense techniques draws heavily from various martial arts, with each historical period introducing and refining strategies. While some methods have been discarded for inefficiency, others have been modernized or resurrected for their effectiveness. The essence of self-defense lies in simplicity; the less complicated a technique, the more useful it is for the general population. Modern self-defense must be accessible and applicable to diverse groups, avoiding complexity for those unfamiliar with martial arts. Despite some opinions favoring Eastern martial arts as the foundation of self-defense, every culture has developed its own techniques. Effective self-defense methods exist worldwide, needing only minor adjustments for contemporary relevance. Notably, Eastern martial arts like judo, karate, and aikido form the core of many self-defense strategies, but other forms, including wrestling, boxing, and regional martial arts like Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Russian sambo, also contribute significantly. Modern self-defense encompasses a variety of techniques, including the use of everyday objects as defensive tools. The principle of self-defense remains adaptive, incorporating both ancient and newly developed strategies to meet current needs. The proactive stance in self-defense is crucial, emphasizing readiness and appropriate response over initiating an attack. It’s vital to adapt defense strategies to the situation, using whatever tools are immediately available to fend off attackers effectively. Self-defense skills, while broadly applicable, should be personalized to suit individual capabilities and situations, ensuring everyone can protect themselves efficiently regardless of the circumstances.

Most karateka will recognize names like Funakoshi and Motobu. Far fewer know anything about Yasuhiro Konishi even though he was a pivotal figure in the early development of karate in Japan and its evolution as a budo. Konishi, who lived from 1893 to 1983, began training in the muso ryu of jujitsu at age 6. Shortly thereafter, he joined the takeuchi ryu, another school of jujitsu. Seven years later, he began training in kendo. He attended Keio University and became the university club's kendo coach. Konishi was utterly occupied by budo. One of the kendoka attending Keio, a man named Tsuneshige Arakaki, was from Okinawa, and at a party, he demonstrated a karate kata. Konishi was instantly intrigued. He began learning the art from Arakaki. After graduating, Konishi worked for a company for a short time, but in 1923, he opened his own dojo, called the Ryobu-Kan. There, he taught kendo and judo and continued to learn karate. This was a fertile period for karate in Japan. In 1922 Gichin Funakoshi demonstrated karate at judo's Kodokan, which attracted considerable attention. In 1924 Funakoshi approached Konishi and asked about renting space in the Ryobu-Kan for training. At the same time, two other Okinawan karate experts, Choki Motobu and Kenwa Mabuni, also came to the Ryobu-Kan, using it for their own training. Meanwhile, Konishi was pursuing his kendo practice, learning under Nakayama Hakudo, one of the great luminaries in the sword art. Simultaneously, he worked with Morihei Ueshiba, aikido's founder, who encouraged him to create a karate kata that emphasized a formal system of footwork. Think about it: The most famous and accomplished martial artists in early 20th-century Japan were either training or teaching at Konishi's dojo or were tutoring him. It's fascinating to think about the energy and talent that must have been gathered in that small space. As if that wasn't enough, in the early 1930s, the boxer Tsuneo "Piston" Horiguchi came to Konishi to improve himself. That same year, he won the featherweight boxing championship of Japan. This was a period when the Japanese government was encouraging karate schools to formalize their organizations. Karate on Okinawa had always been taught in a very informal manner. The Japanese wanted names and specific curricula to keep things in order. Given the rising militarism and government control in Japan, the urge was to codify everything. Konishi, for his system, chose the name shindo jinen ryu. The characters for the second word are more commonly pronounced shizen, or "natural." Shindo refers to the "divine path" and was a clever choice by Konishi. Many schools of swordsmanship used this term in their names because it suggested a divine inspiration for the founding of the schools and connected them with Shinto. By using it, Konishi implicitly linked his karate with ancient Japanese traditions, making it seem more familiar and worthy of respect. Konishi was also instrumental in gaining official recognition of karate within the influential Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. Using his position as a senior kendo instructor, he convinced its leaders, who controlled all modern budo in Japan, to include karate in their sponsorship. He was the first karateka to receive, in 1935, a title as a Butoku Kai ranked teacher. Despite the fact that Funakoshi, Mabuni and Motobu were his teachers, they would not receive this title until six years later. One of Konishi's more interesting contributions to karate's early development had to do with establishing the art as a real form of combat. Remember that there were hundreds of jujitsu schools all over Japan during the 1920s and '30s. They fought among themselves, mostly to show which school was the "best." Challenges were common and the competition fierce. So you can imagine how these schools reacted to a completely new fighting art coming onto the scene and trying to make a name for itself. When Funakoshi began publicly teaching karate, those challenges were numerous — and serious. Here's how they worked: You came to the dojo and requested a challenge. You would face a senior student. Beat him and you had the right to face the teacher. Beat him and you took the dojo sign as a trophy. Fortunately for Funakoshi, he had Yasuhiro Konishi and another senior student named Hidenori Otsuka, both of whom were eager to face these challengers. That they were successful did as much to solidify karate's reputation as its official recognition by the Butoku Kai. Finally, Konishi made a less-dramatic but equally important contribution. He was a practitioner of sekkotsu, which was similar to chiropractic. He also had a thriving real-estate business. This afforded him the money to keep up his dojo as a gathering spot for martial artists, and it allowed him to sponsor karate teachers. Motobu, for instance, had little money and did not speak Japanese well. It was Konishi who provided the funds for Motobu to stay in Japan and teach. After he died in 1983, Konishi's son took over the art. It remains a small but energetic karate system in Japan today and has practitioners and teachers around the world. It's useful to look at what Konishi did and how he did it. He was a fighter, a successful entrepreneur and a respected senior in the budo community. He's not as famous as other Japanese karateka. He is, however, a good model for those who want to pursue karate today.

As the first athlete from Suriname to grace the UFC Octagon, heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik carries the pride and hope of his nation on his broad shoulders. With a determination to inspire future MMA talents back home, Rozenstruik is not just fighting for personal glory but also to pave the way for the next generation. The 35-year-old fighter sees his role as more than an athlete; he's a mentor and a beacon of possibility for those looking up to him from his homeland. Rozenstruik's rise in the UFC has been marked by electrifying stoppages and a resilience that keeps him anchored in the Top 15 of the heavyweight division. Despite facing setbacks, his ambition remains undiminished, driven by a commitment to overcome and evolve within the sport's most unforgiving weight class. His upcoming bout against Shamil Gaziev at UFC Vegas 87 is more than just a fight; it's an opportunity for Rozenstruik to demonstrate his growth and reignite his journey towards UFC gold. The Surinamese fighter's path has not been without its challenges. After a submission loss to Jailton Almeida last year, Rozenstruik took a deliberate pause from competition, seeking space to recalibrate and focus on improvement. This period of reflection was not just about physical preparation but also mental fortitude, recognizing the importance of patience and strategic planning in his career. Facing Gaziev, a formidable opponent with an unblemished record, Rozenstruik understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead. Yet, his confidence is buoyed by an unwavering belief in his skills and the work he's put in with his team. The heavyweight is keen on showcasing his development, particularly in grappling, an area he's tirelessly worked to bolster alongside his devastating knockout power. The narrative of Rozenstruik's career is one of perseverance, learning from each fight and using it as a stepping stone for the next. Despite a mixed record in recent outings, his ambition and dedication to the sport have never wavered. Each opponent, each battle in the Octagon, has been a lesson, shaping him into a more complete fighter. A victory over Gaziev would not only mark a return to the win column but also signal a resurgence of the 'Bigi Boy' that fans and critics have eagerly awaited. It's an opportunity for Rozenstruik to remind the heavyweight division of his prowess and for Suriname to celebrate the achievements of their pioneering athlete.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to captivate mixed martial arts (MMA) fans worldwide with its upcoming event, UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev. Scheduled for March 2, 2024, at the renowned UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, this event promises an exhilarating blend of skill, strategy, and strength. From the heavyweight clash in the main event to the dynamic battles across various weight classes, each fight on the card offers a unique storyline and potential for unforgettable moments. Here’s everything you need to know about the event, including the full fight card, venue details, timings, and broadcast schedule. Event Venue and Timing Location:  UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada Date:  March 2, 2024 Main Card Start Time:  8 PM ET Preliminary Card Start Time:  6 PM ET Broadcast Schedule: The event will be available live on ESPN+ in the United States. International viewers can catch the action on their local UFC broadcast partners. Full Fight Card Breakdown Main Event - Heavyweight Bout: Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev Rozenstruik, known for his knockout power, faces Gaziev, a rising star with a formidable grappling game. This heavyweight clash is poised to test the striking prowess of Rozenstruik against Gaziev’s ground control and submission skills. Co-Main Event - Light Heavyweight Bout: Vitor Petrino vs. Tyson Pedro Petrino and Pedro are both well-rounded fighters with impressive records. Petrino's striking accuracy and Pedro's submission techniques make this a much-anticipated matchup in the light heavyweight division. Main Card - Flyweight Bout: Alex Perez vs. Muhammad Mokaev A classic striker vs. grappler matchup, Perez's experience and striking skills clash with Mokaev's wrestling and ground control. This fight could have significant implications for the flyweight rankings. Main Card - Flyweight Bout: Matt Schnell vs. Steve Erceg Both fighters are known for their agility and speed. Schnell's versatility in both striking and grappling matches well against Erceg’s technical prowess, setting up a potentially fast-paced contest. Main Card - Bantamweight Bout: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Bekzat Almakhan Nurmagomedov, from the famed fighting family, brings exceptional grappling and a relentless pace against Almakhan's striking and resilience. This bantamweight bout showcases the clash of different fighting philosophies. Main Card - Bantamweight Bout: Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios The young phenom Rosas Jr. takes on the experienced Turcios in a fight that promises action. Both fighters have shown great promise and versatility, making this a must-watch for fans. Preliminary Card Highlights: The prelims feature a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers across various weight classes. Middleweight contenders Eryk Anders and Jamie Pickett will showcase their striking skills, while bantamweights Vinicius Oliveira and Yanis Ghemmouri aim to climb the rankings. Additionally, lightweights Loik Radzhabov and Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, along with middleweights Christian Leroy Duncan and Claudio Ribeiro, are set to display their talents and ambition in the octagon. The anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable night of competition. Don’t miss a moment of the action on March 2, 2024.

A young UCLA basketball star was eager to learn martial arts. Through the suggestion of Mito Ueyahara, the then publisher of Black Belt Magazine, he was introduced to Bruce Lee. The rest is history. Kareem Abdul Jabbar graced the 1992 cover with his Jeet Kune Do stylized front kick and shares his memories of training with the Little Dragon. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format. https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Netflix has once again captured the imagination and anticipation of sports fans worldwide with its latest release, "Battle of the Baddest." This gripping one-hour documentary takes viewers deep into the heart of the superfight between WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and MMA heavyweight titan Francis Ngannou, both of whom were reigning champions in their respective sports' heavyweight categories. "Battle of the Baddest" is an all-access pass into the lives, struggles, and preparations of two of the fiercest competitors in their respective fields. Through its lens, Netflix brings to the forefront the human stories, the intense training camps, and the psychological warfare that precedes such a monumental event in the sporting world. The documentary shines a light on Tyson Fury, known as "The Gypsy King," with his unorthodox style and indomitable spirit, and Francis Ngannou, "The Predator," whose journey from the sand mines of Cameroon to the pinnacle of MMA is nothing short of cinematic. The contrast between Fury's bombastic, larger-than-life personality and Ngannou's quiet intensity and resilience makes for a compelling narrative that fans and newcomers to combat sports will find riveting. Watch "Battle of the Baddest" here on Netflix. Battle of the Baddest provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the build-up to the fight, including training regimens, strategic planning, and the mental and physical tolls on the fighters. This epic showdown took place in a 10-round boxing match at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 28, 2023, aiming to determine the "baddest man on the planet."

Black Belt Publisher George Chung sat down with Jesse Enkamp who calls himself “The Karate Nerd.” Jesse is a  #1 Amazon.com  best-selling author, entrepreneur, traveler, athlete, educator, and founder of Seishin International . His passion for Karate started in his parents’ dojo and expanded into a lifelong adventure traveling the world, competing, meeting masters, and learning more about martial arts. With more than 800,000 subscribers on YouTube, over half a million on Facebook, and hundreds of thousands across other platforms, he’s created an army of fellow “ Karate Nerds ,” and we are thrilled to see it! In this clip, Jesse talks about his all-time favorite interviews from celebrities to masters around the world. Check out the full interview where George challenges   Jesse’s knowledge of martial arts masters, they discuss his upbringing, and his fear of Master Ken! You can connect with Jesse online here: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KARATEbyJesse/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karatebyjesse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karatebyjesse/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/karatebyjesse/

Travis Wong is a martial artist, tricker, parkour expert and stunt coordinator. The former co-host of MTV's Ultimate Parkour Challenge, has been featured in 30+ international ad campaigns, choreographed for artists Jennifer Lopez, Jason Derulo, Chris Brown, Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello, and Miley Cyrus. Stunt Coordinating and fight coordinator credits include Back In Action for Netflix starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz, Witchboard, Minions: The Rise of Gru, STUMPTOWN, and Marvel's LEGION on FX just to name a few. Today, Travis is also the co-owner of the world renown Joining All Movement Center - JAM Gym in Van Nuys, CA where the gym welcomes all enthusiasts of the martial arts, tricking and parkour to discover their next level.  George Chung sat with Travis and talked with him about growing up in a martial arts family, becoming a stunt coordinator, and his favorite work in Hollywood. Summary: Travis Wong, a martial artist, tricker, parkour expert, and stunt coordinator, discusses his martial arts pedigree, the pressure he felt growing up in a family of martial arts royalty, and his journey in the entertainment business. He shares the challenges of working as a stunt person and the importance of being in shape for the job. Travis emphasizes the team mentality required in the movie industry and the roles of fight coordinators, stunt coordinators, and second unit directors. He also talks about his favorite era of martial arts movies and his experience founding Jam Gym. Travis Wong discusses his experience working with family and shares his favorite projects. He then unexpectedly enters the House of Nine Dragons challenge, where he competes against George Chung in a series of martial arts-related questions. Travis impresses with his answers, showcasing his knowledge and passion for the genre. The challenge concludes with Travis successfully casting the ultimate martial arts magnificent seven. Takeaways: Working with family can create special memories and experiences. Opportunities for Asian stunt performers to be lead stunt doubles for Asian actors have been limited, but the industry is changing. Jackie Chan is highly regarded as a martial arts action star and a pioneer in parkour on film. Police Story and The Protector are recognized as standout old school and modern martial arts movies, respectively. Martial arts fight scenes can be incredibly complex and require meticulous coordination. Travis Wong chooses Tony Jaa's character in Ong Bak as the most complicated martial arts fight scene. Travis Wong's ultimate martial arts magnificent seven includes Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa, Scott Adkins, and another martial artist. Connect with Travis here: www.TravisWong.com www.imdb.me/TravisWong @TheTravisWong  | @JAMovement

UAE Warriors make their international debut this Sunday, March 3, with ‘ UAE Warriors 48 ’ taking place from Santa Catarina in Brazil. The fight card is filled with a whole host of top rising Brazilian and South America talent all vying to make a name for themselves on the international stage. This event adds to the continued expansion of the organisation and follows on from the addition of the UAE Warriors Africa and UAE Warriors Arabia series of events in recent years.  Two South American veterans clash in the main event as Brazil’s   Rafael Silva (31-7)  meets  Vicente Vargas (20-6)  of Peru. The well-travelled Silva is a Bellator & ONE veteran and is also a champion of Pancrase promotion in Japan while Vargas is one of Peru’s most prominent fighters over the past decade.  The co-main event will see an all-Brazilian clash as local hero   Marcio Breno (21-7)  faces  Carlos Leal (19-5) . Breno is a veteran fighter hailing from Santa Catarina and has an opportunity to score the biggest win of his career by taking on Leal, who is a seven-fight PFL veteran & an LFA grand prix champion. Elsewhere on the card, former GLORY champion   Jady Menezes (3-1)  re-starts her MMA career by taking on the undefeated  Gisela Luna (5-0) , Road to UFC vet   Gian Siqueira (19-5)  meets Argentina's  Cristian Dominguez (11-6) , DWCS vet   Vinicius Cenci (7-2)  faces top rising prospect  Yabna N’Tchalá (10-1-1) , and hometown hero  Wilian Poles (5-1-1)  goes against former UFC fighter  Eduardo Garagorri (14-3) . UAE Warriors 48 will be live worldwide on the UAE Warriors App. UAE Warriors 48 Fight Card Main Event: Featherweight Bout Rafael Silva (31-7, Brazil) vs. Vicente Vargas (20-6, Peru) Co-Main Event: Welterweight Marcio Breno (21-7, Brazil) vs. Carlos Leal (19-5) Bantamweight Lucas Pereira (8-2, Brazil) vs. Leandro Martin Aranguren (4-1, Uruguay) Middleweight Gian Siqueira (19-5, Brazil) vs. Cristian Dominguez (11-6, Argentina) Catchweight 160 lb Vinicius Cenci (7-2, Brazil) vs. Yabna N’Tchalá (10-1-1, Guinea-Bissau) Catchweight 160 lb Wilian Poles (5-1-1, Brazil) vs. Eduardo Garagorri (14-3, Uruguay) Flyweight Jady Menezes (3-1, Brazil) vs. Gisela Luna (5-0, Argentina) Featherweight Marcos Novais (8-1, Brazil) vs. Lucas Miletich (7-1, Argentina) More fights TBA

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), few fighters have captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike as Mohammed Mokaev has. With an unblemished record that reads like the script of a combat sports fairy tale, Mokaev's journey from a dominant amateur career to an undefeated professional standing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Buynaksk, Russia, and raised in the United Kingdom, Mokaev's combat journey began at a young age, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the amateur circuit. His amateur career, boasting an impressive 23-0 record, was a harbinger of the success that was to follow. Transitioning to the professional ranks seemed like a natural progression for Mokaev, who carried over his winning ways, amassing an 11-0 record that includes a mix of technical knockouts, submissions, and decisive decisions. Mokaev's style, a blend of wrestling, sambo, and striking, has made him a formidable opponent for anyone standing across the Octagon. His adaptability and tactical intelligence in fights underscore a maturity beyond his years, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the flyweight division. Currently ranked No. 8 in the UFC Flyweight rankings, Mokaev is on the precipice of contender status, with his eyes firmly set on the championship. His next challenge comes this Saturday at UFC Vegas 87, where he is set to face Alex Perez, a veteran of the sport and a tough competitor in his own right. Perez, known for his aggressive fighting style and finishing ability, presents a significant step up in competition for Mokaev. This matchup is a litmus test for Mokaev's championship credentials. A win over Perez would not only extend his undefeated streak but also propel him into the upper echelons of the flyweight division, potentially setting up a title shot in the near future. It's a pivotal moment in Mokaev's career, one that could define his path to UFC gold. Mokaev's rise through the ranks has been meteoric, marked by a relentless work ethic and a skill set that seems to evolve with each outing. With his skill, determination, and the backing of a dedicated fan base, the Dagestani-born fighter is poised for greatness.

Venue: The Peacock Theater, LA & LIVE on Pay Per View 'Platinum' Mike Perry faces Thiago Alves, Lorenzo Hunt goes head to head with Mike Terrill, Ben Rothwell takes on Todd Duffee Mexican Boxing Legend Alfredo Angulo also featured on the card Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), has announced details of their highly anticipated debut in California with KnuckleMania 4 set for Saturday, April 27   at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles at L.A. Live and broadcast live on Pay-Per-View.   Ticket information for KnuckleMania 4 can be found at BKFC.com with further details on the Pay-Per-View to be announced shortly. The Peacock Theater is located at 777 Chick Hearn Ct., Los Angeles, CA 90015. Fighting in the middleweight headliner at KnuckleMania 4, The Face of Bare-Knuckle Fighting , ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry, (4-0), battles former BKFC Middleweight World Champion Thiago Alves, (2-0).   Co-featured, BKFC’s No. 1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World  and current Cruiserweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion , Lorenzo ‘The Juggernaut’ Hunt, (11-1), moves up to heavyweight, his third division and faces UK Heavyweight Star, Mick Terrill, (7-1).   Additionally, at KnuckleMania 4, undefeated heavyweight ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell, (2-0), clashes with former UFC Star, Todd Duffee. The fight was previously scheduled at BKFC-56 on December 2, 2023 in Salt Lake City, UT. “Every year our KnuckleMania events are the biggest and best on the schedule and this year’s card with our California debut is no exception,” said David Feldman, President and Founder of BKFC. “Everywhere I go, fans always ask about Mike Perry and his main event fight against our former world champion Thiago Alves promises more violence right from the opening bell.”   “Lorenzo Hunt is BKFC’s most accomplished fighter, a two-division world champion and our number one pound-for-pound fighter who elevates our events to a whole different level from his ring entrances to his dynamic finishes. He’s moving up to an unprecedented third weight division to face hard-hitting Mick Terrill from the United Kingdom.”   “We had the tremendous matchup between Ben Rothwell and Todd Duffee scheduled in December and are excited to announce that it will now take place at KnuckleMania 4.”   “The Peacock Theater at L.A. Live is a fantastic venue for KnuckleMania 4 and I strongly encourage fans to purchase their tickets well in advance to ensure entry for this outstanding event.”   “With big time boxing vanquishing the LA market - BKFC Is filling the void for Los Angeles fight fans with KnuckleMania 4.  We have built an amazing night of hard-core fights and ENTERTAINMENT at the world, famous Peacock Theater at L.A. Live and we absolutely look forward to reigniting the fight game in the city of the STARS,” said David Tetreault, President of Triller Sports and Chief Business Officer of BKFC.   Also making his BKFC debut at KnuckleMania 4 is Mexican fighting legend Alfredo ‘Perro’ Angulo.   Since making his BKFC debut at KnuckleMania 2 with his memorable victory over veteran Julian Lane, Mike Perry has become one of combat sport’s most popular international fighters. With his globally watched fight for the ages  sixth-round win over Bellator star Michael ‘Venom’ Page at BKFC-27 in London, England, Perry was minted as a must-see attraction. He cemented that status with popular knockout victories over Luke Rockhold and arch-rival Eddie Alvarez in 2023, the former including a post-victory viral face-off with sports icon Conor McGregor. Upon defeating Alvarez, Perry was also awarded the BKFC King of Violence Title belt.   Thiago Alves also made his victorious debut over veteran Julian Lane at BKFC-12 on September 11, 2022. Spring boarding the win into a world title fight against Uly Diaz at BKFC-18, Alves earned the inaugural BKFC Middleweight World Title when the fight was stopped after the third round.   Lorenzo Hunt kicked off his remarkable 2023 campaign at KnuckleMania 3 with a stunning first-round knockout of long-time rival Mike Richman on February 17 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Valiantly rising from a hard knockdown to the canvas, Hunt would finish the fight by immediately dropping Richman with his next punch thrown, a blistering left hook to the head. The sequence became an immediate international viral sensation. Decisioning home-town favorite Chris Camozzi in Denver on September 22, 2023, Hunt defended his BKFC Cruiserweight World Title displaying his world class fighting skills in front of a sold-out crowd at the 1ST Bank Center.   Since his bare-knuckle fighting debut in 2016, Mick Terrill has thrilled crowds in the United Kingdom with all of victories coming by knockout. Most recently he stopped former BKFC Heavyweight World Champion Arnold Adams at BKFC-56 on December 2,2023. The fight was a 2021 rematch which is the only loss on Terrill’s ledger. Following a reign of destruction in the UFC’s heavyweight division, ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell scored a first-round knockout of BKFC veteran Bobo O’Bannon at BKFC-30 on October 1, 2022. He followed that up at BKFC-41 with a third-round knockout of Josh Watson in one of the most thrilling heavyweight bare-knuckle fights of the last five years.   After a successful ten-year run in the UFC compiling a record of 9-4 that included six first round knockouts, Todd Duffee makes his long-awaited bare-knuckle debut against the Baddest Man in the Heavyweight Division , ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell.   Additional fights for KnuckleMania 4 will be announced shortly.

Mehdi Zatout called it a career in 2022, but he could not have envisioned the opportunity that would soon come his way. On Friday, March 1, Zatout will meet Zuhayr Al-Qahtani in a boxing match at ONE 166: Qatar . ONE Championship’s debut in Qatar immediately sparked enthusiasm and interest from “Diamond Heart.” “To me, it’s amazing. When they announced it, I immediately informed my fighters [at Venum Training Camp] about it. But I never thought that I would be the one competing,” Zatout told ONE . “It’s crazy that ONE will be in Qatar. To be part of ONE 166 is a dream for me. Knowing it’s an Arabic country, it’s also special for me.” A major factor in Zatout’s retirement was his injuries. However, with time away from competition, he has had the time necessary to heal up and stay active, making it a prime opportunity to come back for the historic event. “I retired because I had problems with my knees, and there was so much work. I’d just had enough. I decided to come back because I like the challenge,” Zatout remarked. “I’m happy that Chatri [Sityodtong] and ONE offered me the fight. Despite retiring, I’ve kept myself in shape and continued to spar with all of my fighters on the team. So, why not?” Zatout’s decision to return was also in part due to the type of bout offered to him. As a lifelong fan of “the sweet science,” the Algerian saw his chance to finally compete in the sport. “I was actually sad when I made my decision to retire because I really wanted to fulfill my dream of competing in boxing at least once in my career,” Zatout admitted. “When people saw me at events, they’d ask, ‘Mehdi, do you want to fight?’ I would usually respond, ‘Of course, but not Muay Thai or kickboxing.’ What made me say yes was when ONE offered this boxing fight.” The bout will be contested in 10-ounce gloves. After a life spent perfecting his striking technique, Zatout will get a chance to showcase his boxing to the masses on March 1. “A lot of people close to me know that I love boxing. I’ve always trained in boxing. Before when I sparred with the biggest names in Europe, I’d always focused on the boxing aspect. That’s why I’m good at boxing,” Zatout said. “At the beginning, I thought we would be competing in 4-ounce gloves. That’s okay, but when I found out it’s going to be a standard 10-ounce, it became more interesting for me because it will be contested under real boxing rules with boxing gloves. It will be so exciting for me.” ONE 166 airs live on Friday, March 1, beginning at 7:30 a.m. EST/4:30 a.m. PST.