Yon Gae 연개 Hyung 형 by Eric San José Yon Gae Hyung for High Level Black Belts.  I personally like that this form is long, so you must remain in good shape to even do the whole pattern.  Panther punches with the finger joints to the neck are great for self defense.  Also the spinning and striking means that one is blocking and hitting in one motion.  Jump turning kicks at the end for even more difficulty so one better still be training regularly to pull these off.  Named after famous Korean General Yon Gae So Moon of the Goguryeo Dynasty.   Eric San José is an 8th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under Grandmaster Tae Sun Kang of Brooklyn, NY.  Specializing in the Chung Do Kwan/Oh Do Kwan Style more commonly known as the Int'l Tae Kwon Do Federation  (ITF) style of Tae  Kwon Do 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shoto Kan Karate Do. Trained in the traditional Japan Karate Association (JKA) version, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Western Kick Boxing and USA Boxing Kali, Escrima, and Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do (JKD) Concepts under Tom Barrell. To connect with Eric Sane José visit: https://www.ericsanjosemartialarts.com/

Joshua Pacio once stood atop the ONE Championship strawweight division. However, American Jarred Brooks stormed through to crash the party and take his crown. After getting back in the win column in 2023, Pacio earned a rematch against “The Monkey God” and the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship at ONE 166: Qatar  on Friday, March 1. “I lost in a fight where I didn’t showcase my absolute best. That disappointment lingered within me for a long time,” Pacio told ONE . “Now, I’m turning that disappointment into my fuel for this fight. I know the lapses I committed in the first fight, and in the rematch, I will aim to rectify them.” In the first meeting, Brooks’ wrestling took control of the match against the Filipino. Back in the gym, “The Passion” is taking the lessons from the first match and applying them in order to get back on the throne. “This is mixed martial arts. It’s either you will get hit or you will get taken down. This camp has taught me to have the proper mindset. If I am one of the best in the world, I should fight like it,” the former strawweight champion stated. “That’s the goal of this training camp – to fight with no hesitation. In this rematch, I must fight the way I really fight.” “I see two [possible outcomes]: It’s either I win by knockout or I win by decision. Jarred Brooks is no pushover. He can strike and he can wrestle. But I’m prepared wherever the fight goes.” While many may expect the Lions Nations MMA star to focus on his takedown defense or Brooks specifically, it is actually the mental mindset that Pacio puts at the forefront of his preparation. Pacio believes confidence and comfortability will play a huge role in how the match plays out. “When you’re preparing for a bout with this kind of magnitude, you must be 100 percent ready physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally,” Pacio explained. “First of all, as an athlete, you have to feel at home. When you’re confident and happy in your environment, it will bring out the best in an athlete. And I can honestly say that’s what I’m feeling right now. All of that can be attributed to the support I’m getting here at Lions Nation MMA.” On top of the mental preparation and technical improvements, Pacio is making sure his body is peaking at the right time. For ONE 166, “The Passion” has improved his diet and focused on his strength and conditioning. Pacio is leaving no stone unturned for his second meeting against his American rival. “I’m blessed because I’m having the proper preparation, from the fight itself to strength and conditioning, and even the nutrition,” Pacio said. “For this training camp, we’ve got all the help I need to monitor my progress. We have a legitimate strength and conditioning coach, Kuya Vince [Loman], who has really focused on enhancing my explosiveness and speed.” “In the grappling aspect, of course, Professor Gibran Langbayan is here to help. Plus, he brought his younger brother, Godwin, with him. Godwin is one of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the Philippines and is part of the national sambo team.” “In terms of the fight itself, we’ve done a lot of simulations to have a real feel of all the possibilities that could happen in the fight.” ONE 166 airs live on Friday, March 1, from Qatar. The action gets underway at 7:30 a.m. EST/4:30 a.m. PST.

No. 1: Make "Yes" Your Favorite Word. Try to never say no. The reason is obvious. Yes is positive, and no is not. Yes propels people forward, and no does not. Yes tells your students that they're exceptional and that they're leaving "run of the mill" in the dust. No does none of that. Still, many people love to say no. Sometimes it's because they're just used to it. Sometimes it's because that's the way they were taught. Occasionally it's because they believe it gives them a sense of power and control. In the dojo, some people reflexively say things like, "No, you must wait until I tell you it's time." The question the student posed could have been about earning the next belt, learning a new kata, competing in a tournament or getting a drink of water. It's not surprising that "no people" usually have a low student count. In the 1980s, I read a popular self-help book titled Don't Say Yes When You Want to Say No. While that book had nothing to do with creating a martial arts business plan, "no" managed to find its way into my dojo's day-to-day operations. That never should have happened. Much later, I learned that saying yes often leads to hard work but that work almost always pays off. It sends the message "I will go to the ends of the earth to help you." In contrast, saying no sends the message "I don't get paid enough to do that." From the student's perspective, it's totally understandable. People don't want to be told no when they're paying for something they choose to do. Of course, as school owners, we're responsible for the solvency and success of our businesses, but there's much more. We're also responsible for uplifting our students, guiding their progress in the arts and helping them go from humdrum to humming along nicely with respect to fitness, self-defense prowess and life in general. One of the best ways to pass on these benefits to everybody who walks into our schools is to say yes more often No. 2: Start Using "Let's" and "We." These two words complement "yes" and therefore should be used frequently. It's one thing to say, "Now I want you to do 500 kicks." It's totally different to say, "We're going to do 500 kicks — and let's do the last 100 better than the first." Saying the latter is guaranteed to elicit a "Yes, Sensei!" from every student. "Let's do three two-minute rounds on the bags and really burn the last one!" "Yes, ma'am!" "Let's do all our kata two times each." "Yes, sir!" When a student's mother asks if Suzy can be on the demo team, your answer should be something like, "Yes, when she gets to green belt, she can join the demo team. Let's make sure that she keeps up her grades at school since good grades are required to be on the demo team." "Thank you, Sensei." No. 3: Say "I Can Help You" More Often. You should view helping people get what they want as a personal challenge. Take pleasure in doing that even when it doesn't directly benefit your business. Example: A woman comes in and asks about lessons for her 2-year-old. Your minimum age is 5, which means you have two choices. The first: "Well, ma'am, I know some people who teach 2-year-olds. I can help you get in touch with them." The second: "I suggest 2-year-olds start their sports career with tumbling. Here's a place you can go for that. We'll be happy to help you enroll your child here when she gets closer to 5." No. 4: Institute an "Everyone Can Do It" Theme. In most dojo, the hard system is still the norm. Problem is, it gives you no wiggle room. This old-school system is all about requirements: You have to kick this high. You need to do a 540-degree spin kick. You must break three boards. The soft system follows more of an "everyone can do it" theme. It allows you to tailor your programs and requirements to the individual based on things like motor-skill development and attitudinal maturity. It helps you make it possible for every student to reach his or her potential. This brings us back to the first bit of advice. Yes, we will get you that letter of recommendation for college. Yes, our staff will sign off on your child's PE school requirement form. Yes, you can use me as a reference on your Sheriff's Department application. Yes, we will conduct a self-defense class for your Girl Scout troop. The more you empower others, the more your student count will expand, your students' skills will improve, your kids will feel safe and your staff will thrive. These things will happen because people will enjoy being around you. Your positivity will encourage them and inspire them. Reminder: Outside the Dojo The importance of saying yes in the dojo was driven home by something my wife said to me at home. I used to say no to my two granddaughters all the time. Sometimes I would overhear them saying, "Grandpa always says no, no, no." One day, my wife said, "No is what our grandkids are going to remember you for. Let their parents be the bad cops; you be the good cop." Her insightful comment was all it took. Now when my grandkids ask for a Barbie, I say, "Let's clean your room, and I'll get you two each."When they ask to go out for pizza, I say, "Let's add some salad, and you each can get your own personal pizza." When they ask to go to the beach — which I'm not crazy about and seldom have time for because of my teaching schedule — I say, "Let's ask so-and-so if she can take you." Like so many things in the dojo, the advice I've outlined here pays big dividends at home. It's helped me make both places more pleasant and more conducive to learning and development.

The UFC is set to return to Atlantic City with a highly anticipated flyweight showdown headlining the event. Erin Blanchfield will face Manon Fiorot at UFC Fight Night on March 30, 2024, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This matchup is not only a pivotal fight in the women's flyweight division but also positions the victor closer to a title shot. Confirmed bouts for the event include Connor Matthews vs. Dennis Buzukja, Julio Arce vs. Herbert Burns, Sedriques Dumas vs. Nursulton Ruziboev, Melissa Gatto vs. Viktoriia Dudakova, and Bill Algeo vs. Kyle Nelson, showcasing a packed card with a variety of talent across weight classes​. The full event will be available for streaming on ESPN+ in both English and Spanish. Preliminary fights will be broadcast on ESPN2 starting from 7 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) / 4 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), and the main card will shift to ESPN at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

The role and timing of stretching are subject to current research, indicating its benefits may not uniformly apply across all sports. Studies suggest that static stretching can reduce a muscle's elasticity, potentially impacting speed and power in activities such as running, sprinting, and jumping. Conversely, Bruce Lee championed flexibility as crucial for martial artists, particularly for movements like kicking, highlighting the importance of integrating flexibility into one's training regimen for optimal performance. Bruce Lee, a pioneer in the 1960s, conducted personal experiments to refine his fitness and martial arts techniques, emphasizing the synergy between stretching and strength for health and fitness. He recognized that a balance between flexibility and strength prevents the extremes of hypermobility and immobility, which can lead to discomfort, injury, and reduced effectiveness in martial arts. Techniques like resistance band stretching, full range of motion exercises, and slow eccentric strength training are beneficial for developing flexibility with stability and strength. Lee also believed in the injury-prevention benefits of stretching, especially in martial arts, where flexibility can mitigate the risk of strains and tears. Though contemporary research questions stretching's role in injury prevention broadly, its specific application in martial arts remains valued. He advocated for stretching as an effective method for warm-up and cool-down, incorporating it into his daily routine to enhance recovery and reduce soreness. Lee's approach to stretching was practical, tailored to his immediate needs rather than dedicating extended periods to it. According to Lee, flexibility significantly enhances athletic performance, offering a martial artist a competitive edge over less flexible opponents. He also found stretching enjoyable, noting the positive feelings it can evoke, although he advised waiting for a short period after waking to allow the body to adjust before stretching to prevent injury. Bruce Lee emphasized the importance of finding a personal stretching zone that maximizes flexibility improvement without causing discomfort or injury. This individualized approach ensures the most benefits from stretching practices. For performing flexibility exercises, Lee's methods were simple but effective, focusing on gradual engagement and comfort. He recommended easing into stretches over 30 to 40 seconds, adjusting if pain occurs, and then maintaining the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, gradually increasing the duration to enhance flexibility over time.

As a child growing up in the 1970s, it was impossible not to be aware of Bruce Lee. Posters of a glistening and muscled Bruce Lee holding black nunchucks, and wearing an enigmatic expression, were prominent on bedroom walls of admirers everywhere. To my surprise, even John Travolta's Tony Manero had a poster of Bruce Lee in his bedroom in the hit movie Saturday Night Fever (1977). A neighbor brought over a pair of black nunchucks, and while standing beneath the aforementioned poster began to perform an obviously improvised routine. The demonstration was interrupted by a stunningly loud " konk" as wood impacted skull, followed by a grimace of obvious pain, which brought the performance to a halt. The local TV station ran a crossover episode of The Green Hornet and Batman . My brother let me know that Kato was Bruce Lee and was the better pick for viewing after school. The image, movies, and influence of Bruce Lee had reached me in my own corner of an average American suburbia. Bruce Lee was everywhere. Before  There were films with choreographed martial art fight scenes prior to the 60s and seventies, but they lacked the intensity of what came later. A notable exception was Blood on the Sun (1945) with James Cagney. The martial art featured is Judo, and the fight at the film's climax exhibits some great throwing and Newaza. Cagney trained in Judo and sells the techniques well, but not as well as, well, you know… Impact The rise in popularity of Bruce Lee in entertainment, and the creation of his art Jeet Kune Do, is well documented, so let's fast forward through The Green Hornet (1966) , incredible films like The Way of the Dragon (1972), and the iconic Enter the Dragon (1973), his groundbreaking book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do , and arrive at the present. Legend To compare Bruce Lee to contemporary action-film stars, martial artists and philosophers only serve to show that he has entered a status that few others have or will: legend. Bruce Lee has come to personify martial arts. He will likely still be relevant one hundred years from now. He will still be quoted. Bruce Lee's films will continue to be seen, to entertain, and inspire. His art of Jeet Kune Do will endure, be practiced, and passed down. Martial arts will forever be measured from before and after his lifetime. It is possible that someone else will arrive at some point, and make an equally deep and meaningful impact on martial arts, but it isn't likely. Why is Bruce Lee important? That is why.

Ron Van Clief on the August 1999 Cover Known worldwide as "The Black Dragon," Ron Van Clief retired as a 5-time world karate/kungfu champion and 15-time all American champion. His skills transitioned from sport to the silver screen in both Hollywood and Hong Kong action films including the Bamboo Trap, The Black Dragon's Revenge, Way of the Black Dragon, The Squeeze opposite Lee Van Cleef and Karen Black, and was also the fight choreographer for the 1985 film The Last Dragon. The 1999 cover featured a story about Van Clief’s signature style of Chinese Goju, three years later he would be inducted into Black Belt Hall of Fame as "2002 Instructor of the Year." Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format. https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Do you notice your energy dipping when you need it most? To achieve endurance like elite athletes such as Ferguson, Poirier, and Khabib, it's crucial to complement your training with optimal energy strategies. Incorporating specific foods into your diet can significantly boost your energy levels and prevent exhaustion. Be cautious with energy drinks. While they offer a quick boost, their effects are fleeting. Worse still, when their energy-boosting effects wear off, you're left feeling lower than before, which is detrimental, especially during extended periods of physical exertion. Recognize that food serves as the primary source of sustained energy. It's about achieving long-term energy, not just a temporary spike. Identifying and consuming the right foods can enhance your performance, as not all foods offer the same benefits. Here are the foods for optimal martial arts performance [1] Water Hydration is fundamental, and water plays a crucial role in maintaining it. It's easy to overlook, but dehydration can severely impact your training ability. Think of your body like a car; without water, it overheats and shuts down. Staying hydrated with water is essential to prevent fatigue and boost energy levels. Alternative: Gatorade [2] Eggs Eggs are versatile and should be consumed in a healthy manner, avoiding heavy oils and butter. They're ideal for consumption before training due to their quick digestion time. Packed with amino acids, proteins, leucine, iron, and zinc, eggs support muscle preservation during exercise rather than directly providing energy. Alternative: Whey protein powder [3] Bananas Bananas are an excellent source of both simple and complex carbohydrates, providing immediate and sustained energy. Ideal for consumption before, during, and after training, they contain around 300-320 grams of potassium per fruit, crucial for cell and muscle function. Alternative: Avocado or Mango [4] Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes offer a mix of simple and complex carbohydrates, with a focus on the latter for prolonged energy release. They're high in fiber, vitamins C, potassium, and magnesium, supporting extended training sessions and aiding in muscle adaptation for longer, harder workouts. Alternative: Pumpkin or Squash [5] Nuts Post-training, nuts are a quick way to replenish energy. A small amount can significantly aid recovery, making them a better choice than fast food options for maintaining energy and muscle repair. Alternative: Pumpkin seeds [6] Chia Seeds Chia seeds are an excellent nutrient source that's easily digestible, stabilizing blood sugar and replenishing potassium and magnesium lost through sweat. Rich in antioxidants like omega-3 and quercetin, they bolster the immune system and are versatile enough to be added to various foods or consumed directly. Alternative: Flax or hemp seeds Incorporating these foods into your diet can lead to improved performance and sustained energy, essential for rigorous training and competition.

Hey there! So, you know how we can get super pumped and want to hit the gym or practice non-stop, every single day? It turns out, going all out like that might not be the best idea. Crazy, right? We all have those goals, like snagging the next belt level or just pushing our limits daily. But, guess what? Pushing too hard can actually backfire, leaving our bodies worse off. Imagine being sidelined for days, or even weeks, because we didn't listen to our bodies. Not cool at all. Here is how you should rest and relax after your workout! Your body desperately needs breaks between those intense workout sessions. Think about it – every time you're thrown to the ground, try to snap a board in half, or pull off some wild flips and spins, your body's screaming for a bit of mercy. All those stunts can strain your muscles and, even worse, lead to injuries. Taking a day or two off isn't the end of the world. It won't throw you months behind in your training. In fact, getting injured because you didn't rest could set you back way longer than a couple of rest days ever would. Now, onto something you might not have considered. Sure, supplements for anti-inflammation are great, but have you ever thought about just chilling out to some soothing sounds? Yep, it sounds simple, but it works wonders. Just lie down, grab your phone, and search up "Relaxing sounds" on YouTube. You'll find a ton of options. Pick one that catches your eye, set your phone aside, and just relax. Even an hour of this kind of downtime can boost both your physical and mental health significantly. So, give it a try. An hour a day of just lying back and soaking in some peaceful tunes could do wonders. And remember, missing a couple of days at the dojo isn't a biggie. Your next belt will still be there, waiting for you when you're ready and recharged.

Sport karate has been buzzing on the Black Belt Magazine platform recently with a live stream from the Pan American Internationals, a world tour event of the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA), reaching over 6.3 million users on Facebook earlier this month. The millions of views and thousands of engagements show evident public appeal for the sport, but I have found that sport karate is heavily underrepresented in martial arts studios across America. Some of this is due to traditionalists who are set in their ways and never intend to accept sport karate, this article is not for those people. I believe that much of this issue is the result of martial arts instructors who have never heard of sport karate, don't think that they are capable of teaching it, or fear that tournaments could introduce a toxic environment for their students. However, I feel that the potential benefits of sport karate with regard to student retention far outweigh those concerns. I'll begin by describing these three key retention-boosting benefits, then provide some helpful resources for learning sport karate at the end of this article. Sports Karate Curriculum Meeting Student Expectations I started my journey in martial arts, in part, because I loved the cartoon series Samurai Jack . The generation before me may have started martial arts because of The Power Rangers , and before that it was the iconic martial arts movies of the 70's and 80's. Today, many students come to martial arts schools because they see their favorite super hero kicking and punching their way to victory in a Marvel or DC Comics film. The funneling of super hero-loving kids to martial arts studios is great for the industry, but this source of inspiration presents the challenge of new students who expect to become the next Superman or Captain America through their training. Imagine if you were the eight-year-old girl who begged mom and dad for karate lessons after watching Black Widow , then you had to spend the first three months of your training learning how to do basic blocks, stances, and stand at attention. You would probably be pretty disappointed, and would decide to go play soccer or be a cheerleader with your friends from school. I'm not saying that those foundational skills aren't important, they are essential to basic martial arts training. My point is that supplementing traditional curriculum with sport karate skills can be a valuable tool in meeting the expectations of those students who are anticipating superhero-level training. If they are already learning stances and punches, is there any harm in adding a leaping "superman punch" with a big kiai to make them feel like they just took down a big, bad villain? The moves commonly used in extreme martial arts routines at sport karate tournaments for performance value, like the "superman punch", are often criticized by traditionalists in the comment section who proudly proclaim that it would never work on the streets. Maybe it won't, but it just might keep students coming back into your school so that they can learn the techniques that would actually be effective. Curriculum Enrichment Another period in which schools often lose students is right after they get their black belt. They may stick around for a little while so that they get to wear their new belt in class for a few months, but over time many of them fade away before climbing much higher in rank. I believe that this is frequently caused by a lack of satisfactory curriculum beyond first degree black belt. I have observed many martial arts schools that have a seemingly random black belt curriculum, in which the "black belt class" really just consists of whatever the head instructor feels like teaching that day. This lack of formatted curriculum quickly becomes repetitive and it is easy to see how students inevitably get bored. Introducing a sport karate curriculum is an excellent way to provide a diverse program beyond the rank of black belt. This can be done in a variety of ways. Maybe your traditional style doesn't feature much weapons training, which would be a perfect opportunity to bring in sport karate-based training of the bo, nunchaku, kama, or sword. What if you don't want to steer away from traditional martial arts at all? Then maybe your students can have the opportunity to learn another style of martial arts (like Tae Kwon Do black belts learning a Goju-ryu style form) to use in tournaments. If you are more willing to try the extreme aspects of sport karate, those students could take their kicking skills to a new level by learning tricking. I haven't even mentioned point fighting yet, which introduces a multitude of new techniques and strategies for students to wrap their minds around. Regardless of which element of sport karate is selected for your school, each of those examples could provide years of additional instructional content that will keep black belts intellectually and physically engaged in their training. We are taught as martial artists to always be students, forever seeking to learn as much as we can. Give your students the opportunity to keep learning through sport karate. Prolonged Goal Setting The most common reason that students stop training in martial arts is because they achieved whatever goal they set out for in the beginning. Oftentimes this is obtaining a black belt, sometimes it is meeting a weight loss goal, and other times it might be gaining a baseline knowledge of self-defense. We try to combat this with the classic adage about "pursuing the unattainable goal of perfection" or preaching the "never give up attitude", but sometimes this just gets old. Some students need a clear, well-defined goal to continue sacrificing their time and money to come to class. Once again, sport karate can solve this problem. Although a school does not have to participate in tournaments to use sport karate in their curriculum, much of the philosophy behind the techniques is designed to make a practical movement more visually appealing or optimize it for speed in a point fighting match. Therefore, it just makes sense to compete if you are teaching sport karate. The world of competition organically introduces a near-endless list of goals that could never be obtained within the walls of a single studio. Competitors can seek to win first place in their division, become ranked by some league or region, win a grand championship, get sponsored by a national team, become a world champion, compete on television, and so much more. The two most common anti-tournament concerns I hear from school owners are fears that losing will make their students want to quit and the fear that if another school's students win, students might leave for the school across town. As for the worries about quitting after a loss, I believe this 100% comes down to culture. If students are appropriately taught to view losing as a source of motivation to train harder and improve their skills, it is hard to imagine a circumstance in which losing a tournament makes a student quit martial arts all together. Regarding the concern about losing students to another school, I have seen this extremely rarely in my fifteen years of competing in sport karate tournaments. The only times that I have seen this occur is when there is direct mistreatment of the student by the original instructor, such as the instructor threatening the student to only train with them and not seek private lessons. If the instructor handles the student and their parents professionally, I have never seen a student change schools simply because they lost a tournament. In addition to the goal-setting benefits of competing in tournaments, I would be remiss to not mention the importance of the social relationships built through sport karate competition. Sharing the ring with other martial artists, going to dinner with them after the event, carpooling on the way home, and so many other aspects of competition are proven to foster lifelong friendships. These friendships will keep students coming back to continue their martial arts training even when times are tough, because they know that the next tournament is when they will get to see all of their best friends again.

2024 PFL Regular Season, Available Live Across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally The toughest test in MMA just got tougher with half of the 2024 PFL Regular Season roster now featuring Bellator stars and former champions Presale Tickets for the First Half of the 2024 PFL Regular Season will be Available Beginning February 20, General on Sale February 21 The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced dates, locations and weight classes for the first half of the 2024 PFL Regular Season; which will be available live in the U.S. across ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Regarded as one of the toughest tests in MMA, the 2024 PFL Regular Season just got tougher with the addition of Bellator stars creating the deepest talent roster in PFL history. The PFL Global Season spans six weight classes vying for a chance at a spot in the PFL Playoffs, World Championship glory and a $1 million pay day.“The toughest test in MMA, The PFL Regular Season, just got tougher with the addition of stars from Bellator,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray.“The PFL is excited to kick off the 2024 Regular Season in front of our great fans in San Antonio, Las Vegas and Chicago. This promises to be the biggest Regular Season in history, with the PFL heading to ten top markets around the country and distribution to 160 countries around the world.” April 4, 2024, Boeing Center in San Antonio, TX  The 2024 Regular Season begins on Thursday, April 4, when PFL returns to Boeing Center in San Antonio, TX with Heavyweights and the newly minted Women’s Flyweight division featuring global sensation 2023 PFL Europe Champion Dakota Ditcheva. Additionally, Croatia’s Ante Delija, former Bellator Interim Heavyweight Champion Valentin Moldavsky and Bellator Women’s Flyweight Champion Liz Carmouche will be in Season action.   April 12, 2024, The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas The first half of the 2024 PFL Regular Season continues on Friday, April 12 from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and features the Light Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions. 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Impa Kasanganay returns to the PFL SmartCage along with PFL Europe Light Heavyweight Champion Jakub Nedoh and former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Phil Davis. The Lightweight division will welcome back the always exciting Clay Collard and Former Bellator Lightweight World Champion Patricky Pitbull. April 19, 2024, Wintrust Arena in Chicago The final event of the first half of the 2024 PFL Regular Season takes place April 19 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago with Welterweight and Featherweight action. Undefeated Welterweight Magomed Umalatov returns, while former Bellator Welterweight World Champion Andrey Koreshkov makes his PFL Regular Season debut. At featherweight, the pride of Peru, 2023 PFL Champion Jesus Pinedo and undefeated Timur Khizriev head into Regular Season action. PFL Regular Season features a true sports-season format, where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship, with each winner of the six weight divisions receiving a $1 million purse. The remaining roster, dates and locations for the entire 2024 PFL Regular Season will be announced shortly. The 2024 PFL Regular Season will be available live in the U.S. on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Additionally, in Canada and throughout Europe, the ten-event series can be seen live on DAZN. Tickets for all three events go on presale Tuesday, February 20 via PFL newsletter. Sign up here to receive an exclusive access code before tickets go live to the public on Wednesday, February 21. In addition, VIP experiences will be available at all three events offering fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk in the SmartCage, get a photo with a PFL announcer and more.   April 4, 2024, Boeing Center in San Antonio, TX Heavyweight and Women’s Flyweight Divisions April 12, 2024, The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas Light Heavyweight and Lightweight Divisions April 19, 2024, Wintrust Arena in Chicago Welterweight and Featherweight Divisions

In the aftermath of the electrifying UFC 298 event, the Ultimate Fighting Championship's rankings have undergone significant transformations, highlighting the dynamic nature of the sport. The latest updates reveal substantial shifts in fighters' standings across various divisions, including a notable shake-up in the coveted pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings. Ilia Topuria, emerging as the new featherweight champion, has made a spectacular entrance into the P4P rankings, securing the 5th spot and signaling his ascent in the UFC hierarchy. This development has caused a ripple effect, with former featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski descending to the 7th position, no longer within the top 5 of the P4P rankings. Leon Edwards and Alex Pereira, on the other hand, have capitalized on their recent successes, climbing to the 3rd and 4th spots, respectively, underscoring their growing influence in the sport. The men’s bantamweight division witnessed Merab Dvalishvili ascend to the top rank following a decisive victory over Henry Cejudo, marking a significant milestone in his career. This victory not only propelled Dvalishvili to the forefront but also triggered adjustments within the division's hierarchy, with fighters such as Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan, and Marlon Vera securing the 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions, respectively. Check Out the latest UFC Rankings here In the welterweight ranks, Irish sensation Ian Garry made headlines by surging to the 6th spot after outperforming Geoff Neal, showcasing his prowess and ambition in the division. The middleweight category saw its own set of advancements, with Brendan Allen, Jack Hermansson, and Anthony Hernandez climbing to the 6th, 9th, and 13th positions, respectively, reflecting their recent victories and performance enhancements. The heavyweight division also experienced minor adjustments, with Marcos Rogerio de Lima moving up to claim the 14th spot. Meanwhile, the women’s strawweight division saw Amanda Ribas ascend to the 7th position, while Mackenzie Dern experienced a slight dip, settling into the 8th spot. Amanda Lemos, with her impressive performances, has secured the 3rd position, indicating a significant reshuffling in the division's competitive landscape.