Hey, have you ever noticed how every martial art starts you off with a bunch of basic moves? It's like, the moment you step into training, they're all about teaching you the foundational stances, kicks, throws, and whatnot. I get it, though. When you're just starting, it's super tempting to want to leapfrog right over those and dive into the cooler, flashier advanced stuff. But here's the thing: the secret sauce to really leveling up in martial arts? It's all about getting those basics down pat. Think about the first things you learned when you joined your martial arts class. Those initial stances, the kicks, the throws – they're your bread and butter. But when was the last time you really focused on them? If it's been a minute, they might be getting a bit rusty. So, the first step is shaking off the dust and sharpening them up again. And then there's drills. Oh, drills. Just going through the motions isn't enough. To make them work for you, you've got to slow down and pay attention to your form. Make sure you're nailing the technique, especially if it's one you haven't practiced in a while. The devil's in the details, like knowing exactly when to shift your weight or snap that kick. Get it right, and then you can amp up the reps to build speed and fluidity. Once you've got those basics feeling like second nature again, it's time to play around with them. Mix it up. If you're practicing a throw, try it from different angles or in new situations. Experimenting is key – and hey, mistakes are part of the process. Find the variations that click for you, jot them down, and keep refining them. Keeping a journal can be a huge help in tracking your progress and brainstorming. And mastery? Well, they say the best way to master something is to teach it. I've heard this from every mentor I've had, whether we're talking martial arts, music, or business. Sharing what you've learned, helping a newbie or your go-to training buddy get better – that's where true expertise starts to bloom. So, stick with those basics, refine them, teach them, and watch how they lay the groundwork for everything else you want to achieve. Whether you're eyeing the next belt or just want to feel more confident in your skills, investing time in the fundamentals is always, always worth it.

After a certain number of years in karate-do, I sometimes imagine that nothing can surprise me. However, when a friend related a conversation he’d had while attending an open clinic presented by a visiting instructor, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My friend was introduced to some karateka who let him know very quickly that they were “seniors,” highly positioned instructors in their organization. As the seminar began, he noticed immediately that these people didn’t participate in the warm-up session or the training that followed. Instead, they stood at the front of the room and watched. During a break, my friend approached one of them and asked if he would join the training later on. “I don’t train anymore,” the fellow told him, apparently surprised at the suggestion. “I’m a senior instructor. I don’t train anymore. I just teach.” I tend to be cynical, being accustomed to stories of “10th-degree black belts” not old enough to remember the first Bush administration and of masters too deadly to practice their techniques in the vicinity of mortals. But the notion of anyone reaching a level at which no further training is necessary rendered me speechless. The idea of graduating beyond practice in karate or any of Japan’s budo — including the tea ceremony and flower arranging — is preposterous. Try saying, “I’ve perfected my marriage to such a degree that I no longer need to be married,” without getting laughed out of the conversation. Building, refining and keeping a marriage strong and healthy is a lifelong process. You don’t graduate from a marriage academy and become free of involvement. No, you must continue working, learning and contributing to the relationship until you or your spouse dies or you end the contract. Let’s be absolutely clear: You don’t graduate from karate-do. There’s no summit, no peak to reach and say, “I’ve climbed to the top; there’s no place higher for me to go.” Instead, karate-do is like slowly working your way up a hill. It’s not steep or treacherous, but it’s intimidating if you’ve never climbed before. You approach the top, proud of your accomplishment, only to see three or four larger hills facing you, each of which must be climbed. When you ascend the first peak, it affords you a view of a half-dozen even higher peaks. The second reveals a vista of other peaks that are more like mountains. Each time you tackle a new climb, you’re rewarded the same way: another landscape with more mountains. Seeing them, you can’t imagine having the time, energy or resources in one lifetime to conquer even a fraction of the peaks you glimpse. For some, this description seems familiar, even exciting and challenging. That karate-do offers such varied and profound vistas and destinations is a powerful attraction for them. For others, the view from the top of that first little hill is intimidating. Something within them, a tiny voice from the depths of their ego, urges them to turn away from the hills and mountains and proclaim, “I’ve reached the top!” and believe it. They spend the rest of their lives not conquering new summits but marching around the crest of that first little hill, reliving that accomplishment and pretending that higher elevations don’t exist. This is the only explanation I can find for people who believe they no longer need training. How else can they sit comfortably and shout instructions to those below while ignoring their own journey? True, they can help others climb to their level, but no higher. Those who have climbed higher and encounter such people realize instantly that they’re deluding themselves and possibly others. The great joy and wonderful benefit of following a way like karate is in the process. That’s a big reason it’s called a martial way. It’s a path, not a destination. There are endless destinations along the way, and some of us will reach more of them than others. In the end, what matters is not how many summits we climb but the process of climbing. Of course, there may be cases in which physical limitations mean a karateka can no longer be active. If one of my karate teachers was confined to a wheelchair or had to walk with a cane, I’d still seek his teaching and guidance. In his final years, Gichin Funakoshi had to be carried up the stairs to get to the dojo where he taught. I suspect that even then, he was struggling, climbing new peaks in his art that we may never know. That is what is so terribly sad about the attitude of those “senior instructors.” A much older karate teacher once told me, “By the time I got old enough to know how I was supposed to do it, I was too old to do it.” The notion of embarking on an endless journey — to a place where dimensions and boundaries are impossible to measure — can be daunting. That’s what we sign up for when we begin to follow the path of karate-do. An “instructor” who thinks otherwise will never be my teacher. Originally published on February 14, 2022, we're delighted to share this article with you again for your enjoyment.

Hey there, fellow martial artists! We all know the importance of showing up to class, but let's not forget that a lot of our growth happens outside those dojo walls. When life throws challenges our way, that's when we truly get to test and refine our skills in the real world. But, here's the thing—sometimes our solo training feels like it's hit a wall. It can start feeling a bit stale or even like we're not making any progress. It's perfectly natural for us to seek out new ways to improve. After all, our journey in martial arts is all about personal growth. It'd be strange if we didn't find ourselves craving that next level of development from time to time. However, diving into solo training without a clear purpose can lead us to waste precious time. But hey, don't worry! This guide, along with its predecessor, is here to inject some excitement and challenge into your training routine. Here are 5 innovative strategies for effective martial arts training: Dance to the Rhythm with a Metronome : We often focus on speed, but what about timing? Borrow a page from the musician's book and use a metronome to perfect your timing and rhythm. Adjust the BPM and work your combos with the beat—this little shift can bring a whole new dimension to your practice. Turn the Camera into Your Student : Ever noticed how teaching can deepen your own understanding? Set up a camera and teach it as if it's your student. This not only helps solidify your knowledge but also gives you a chance to review and improve your communication skills. It's a win-win, especially if you're already teaching others. Embrace the Elements : Real-life scenarios aren't always going to be in perfect conditions. To add a dose of reality to your training, mimic outdoor elements like rain or snow by splashing water on yourself while practicing. It's a simple trick, but it can make your training feel more authentic and challenging. Slow Down to Speed Up : Speed can sometimes mask sloppy technique. Try moving as slowly as possible to pinpoint and correct any flaws in your form. This deliberate practice leads to smoother, faster, and more powerful movements over time. Mix Up Your Training Schedule : Don't let routine dull your sharpness. If possible, practice at different times of the day and in various lighting conditions. This not only keeps things interesting but also prepares you for any situation, whether it's the blinding midday sun or the dim light of dusk. Remember, these ideas are just the beginning. The key to continuous improvement is to stay creative and open-minded in your training. Keep experimenting and pushing the boundaries of what you can do outside the dojo. Here's to your growth and success in martial arts!

In jiu-jitsu, having a training partner is pretty much the bread and butter of getting better, right? We drill, spar, and compete, needing someone else to really push us to our limits. But what happens when you're flying solo? We've all been there, no partner in sight—maybe you're out of town for work, swamped with home duties, or just can't get to class on time. So, what's the game plan for those times when you're on your own - how do you enhance your Jiu-Jitsu skills? First off, visualization is a game-changer. It sounds simple, but picturing yourself executing moves step by step, or even running through a whole sparring session in your mind, can seriously level up your skills. It's backed by loads of studies, too. So, while you can't replace physical practice, adding a bit of mind gym to your routine can make a big difference. Then, there's getting down with the basics on your own. Think hip escapes, bridges, and all those foundational moves you can do solo. They're not just warm-up exercises; they're your secret weapon for improving. It's like how boxers shadowbox—it's all about refining those movements and techniques, even when you don't have a partner. Don't forget the treasure trove of online instructional materials out there. Platforms like BJJ Fanatics and Jiu-Jitsu X are stacked with tips from top-tier competitors. Whatever part of your game you're looking to boost, there's something out there for you. And watching match footage? It's like having a masterclass at your fingertips, giving you insights and strategies you can weave into your own style. And let's not overlook strength and conditioning. Sure, it's not technique-focused, but being stronger and more conditioned is a massive plus on the mats. It's about finding a routine you enjoy and sticking with it because, in the end, it could be the tiebreaker in a match of equally skilled fighters. So, even when you're training partner-less, there's a whole bunch of ways to keep pushing your jiu-jitsu forward. It's about making the most of what you've got and staying committed to your growth, no matter the setup.

Netflix's foray into live-action adaptations has garnered considerable attention, particularly following the success of their reimagining of One Piece . This time, they are about to premiere the long awaited adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, a popular animated series beloved by millions of millennials when it first aired on Nickelodeon back in 2005. The original series left an indelible mark on the landscape of American animation with its intricate world-building and compelling storytelling. The announcement of the new live-action cast and the release of flashy trailers have ignited fervent anticipation among fans eager to revisit the fantastical realm of bending and elemental mastery. Leading the charge in this epic saga is showrunner, executive producer, and writer Albert Kim ( Sleepy Hollow , Nikita ), supported by executive producers and directors Jabbar Raisani ( Lost in Space , Stranger Things ), Michael Goi, Roseanne Liang (also a co-executive producer), and Jet Wilkinson. Dan Lin ( The Lego Movie , Aladdin ) and Lindsey Liberatore ( Walker ) of Rideback contribute as executive producers. For those unfamiliar with the original animated series, it is a story about a world divided into four nations of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, who co-existed harmoniously under the guardianship of the Avatar, the master of all four elements, ensuring peace across the lands. However, the tranquility shattered when the Fire Nation launched a devastating assault, annihilating the Air Nomads and igniting a ruthless campaign to dominate the world. With the Avatar yet to emerge, despair grips the world. Yet, a beacon of hope emerges from the shadows in the form of Aang (Gordon Cormier), a young Air Nomad and the sole survivor of his people. As the destined Avatar, Aang embarks on a perilous journey to fulfill his sacred duty, accompanied by his newfound allies Sokka (Ian Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio), siblings hailing from the Southern Water Tribe. Together, they face formidable adversaries, including the formidable Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) and the relentless Crown Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu). Martial arts fans will be thrilled to see real martial arts styles as the inspiration for the “bending” movements, such as Tai Chi for waterbending, Hung Gar for earthbending, Northern Shaolin for firebending, and Bagua for airbending.  The new live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender  premieres globally on February 22, 2024 on Netflix.

Mohamed Younes Rabah defeated Saemapetch Fairtex last December, but with the controversy surrounding the finish, the two striking stars will run it back on Friday, February 16, at ONE Fight Night 19 .   The rematch will be the Algerians's chance to prove the first go-around was no fluke.   "What excites me most about this fight is the opportunity to prove myself once again, to leave no stone unturned in silencing the doubters. That's the real thrill for me in this one," Rabah told ONE .   "I've already apologized for that knee incident. It wasn't intentional. It just happened in the heat of the moment. However, if you watch the entire fight, you'll see that I had already dropped him once. Honestly, even if that knee incident hadn't occurred, I don't think it would have changed the outcome of the fight."   "The Eagle" believes he is even more ready in the rematch. Scoring the finish after coming in on short notice, Rabah has now had a full training camp to prepare for Saemapetch inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.   "Everything's different this time around. In my last fight, it was all about scrambling to get ready with just a week's notice, between game planning and making weight," the Algerian explained.   "But now, I've had a full camp to prepare properly. From securing the right sparring partners to ensuring I hit weight correctly, everything's been dialed in. Technically, physically, and tactically, I've made significant adjustments. And mentally, I'm in a much better place. I feel completely ready for this fight." "It won't be any different from the last fight. I'll just remove that last knee, but other than that, the KO is inevitable. It's going to be a first-round KO."   Although Rabah is sure he will get another knockout against the Thai star, he is aware of how powerful the Fairtex Gym star's punches can be when they land.   "The Eagle" will be mindful and attempt to be more tactical to stop Saemapetch's aggressive attacks.   "Saemapetch has got a solid left hand, and he times it pretty effectively. To deal with that, I've been focusing on utilizing angles and constantly moving to his right to disrupt his rhythm and neutralize his strengths," Rabah detailed.   "I believe my biggest advantage in this fight lies in my mental strength. On a technical level, I have the height and reach advantage. I can control the distance in this fight, and when it comes to close range, that dog in me is always ready for a war."   With another sterling knockout, Rabah can expect to assert himself into the title hunt. That is why affirming his last performance by repeating a KO is so important.   Confidence is not lacking as Rabah calls his shot for ONE Fight Night 19.   "I can see many holes in his game. He has a tendency of dropping his hands, which will get him in trouble against someone like me. Additionally, his overall defense seems lacking, and he has a soft chin that I can crack," Rabah said.   ONE Fight Night 19 airs live on Friday, February 16, on Prime Video. The action gets underway at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST and is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

A Martial Artist’s Guide to the Science of Generating Power By Christopher J. Hasson Top mixed martial artists like Randy Couture (left) and Chuck Liddell know that the key to generating power in their strikes lies in sequentially moving their body and limbs to maximize their momentum. Photos by Rick Hustead Momentum for Traditional Martial Artists and MMA Fighters You don’t often hear martial artists talk about the role momentum plays in striking. However, it’s an integral part of any attack, and success in a street fight or sparring match often depends on your ability to maximize it. Simply put, momentum is a measure of the “amount of motion” an object has. An object with a lot of momentum is difficult to stop. Momentum depends on the object’s mass (how heavy it is or, more accurately, how much matter it contains) and its velocity. The more mass and/or velocity, the greater its momentum. The formula is: Momentum = mass x velocity From that equation, it’s clear that a massive freight train moving very slowly has a lot of momentum and that a less massive motorcycle moving very quickly has a lot of momentum. In other words, you don’t want to be hit by massive objects moving slowly or small objects moving quickly. Of course, you definitely don’t want to be hit by something that’s massive and fast. Right now, you’re probably thinking: “That’s enough physics talk about trains and motorcycles. How will a knowledge of momentum help me unleash more devastating attacks?” Conceptually, all you have to do is replace the mass of the freight train with the mass of your body, and the speed of the motorcycle with the speed of your attack. To increase the momentum of your strike, you must increase the effective mass behind it, increase its velocity or, ideally, increase both. The more momentum your attack has, the more forceful it will be and the harder it will be to block. Using Rotation Most martial arts strikes involve rotation of the body. That’s obvious for some attacks, like the hook punch and roundhouse kick, but it’s also true for straight-line attacks such as the jab, cross and sidekick. The reason is physiological: Your body segments are linked by joints, which for the most part allow only two neighboring segments to move relative to each other. In straight-line attacks, you must coordinate the rotations of your body segments to make your hand or foot move along a straight path. Proper timing of these rotations is crucial for maximizing the velocity and, thus, the Momentum. Studies in biomechanics have shown that movements such as striking, throwing, kicking and swinging are performed by rotating body segments in a sequential order, which facilitates an efficient transfer of momentum from one segment to the next. This is referred to by many names, including the “kinetic link” and “summation of speed” principles. The basic idea is that you begin by rotating massive body segments such as your hips, then sequentially rotating progressively smaller segments such as your upper arm, lower arm and hand. Consider a straight punch like the jab or cross. To understand it, think of your body as consisting of four segments: your legs, hips, shoulders and arm. You first push against the ground with your legs, which causes your body mass to surge forward (this is important and will be discussed in the next section). Next, you begin rotating your hips, allowing the powerful muscles in your legs and pelvis to contribute to the motion. Pushing off with the rear foot causes the body and hand to accelerate forward (1). The hips begin to rotate, causing the hand speed to increase (2). As the rotational velocity of the hips reaches a maximum, the shoulders begin to rotate (about a vertical axis), and hand speed continues to increase (3). As the shoulders attain maximum rotational velocity, the arm starts to extend, causing the hand speed to reach its maximum (4). (images courtesy of Christopher J. Hasson) As the hip rotation progresses, a peak rotational velocity is reached, which is followed by a decrease in velocity as the hip movement approaches the limit of its range of motion. When your hips are rotating most quickly and before they slow down, your shoulders should begin to rotate. However, the rotational velocity of your hips increases the velocity of your shoulders, which makes your shoulders rotate more quickly than your hips. When your shoulders reach their maximum rotational velocity, your arm should begin rotating around your shoulder joint, extending out for the punch. Once again, the velocities created during the hip and shoulder rotation combine so that your arm is faster still. However, because your arm weighs much less than your hips and shoulders, it increases its velocity dramatically—much more than if the arm rotation was performed in isolation and more than if your hip and shoulder rotation occurred simultaneously. The key is that each segment must begin rotating when the previous segment reaches peak velocity. Although this example uses an upper body attack, the methodology also works for kicks. The sequence of rotations, however, needs to be reversed. In other words, you should move your shoulders, then your hips, then your leg. This description of the movement sequence probably makes it seem like you must initiate large rotations for each body segment. That, however, would be a bad thing. Making large, conspicuous movements can clue your opponent into your impending attack. It’s much better to make the rotations very small yet very rapid. Remember that momentum is the product of mass and velocity, so the degree of rotation isn’t what’s important; it’s the velocity. Another good thing about the sequence of body rotations is that the very last thing to move is your arm, which is one of the more conspicuous body parts from your opponent’s perspective. If the initial movements of your legs and hips can be kept relatively small and rapid, he may not be able to detect your attack until it’s too late to react. Until now, I’ve focused on the mechanical aspects of body rotation. However the sequential order has many other advantages based on muscle physiology. An important consideration is that muscles cannot generate force instantly. If you try to move all your joints at the same time by contracting all your muscles simultaneously, your muscles may not have time to reach full activation and will consequently be unable to develop maximum force. By performing the rotations sequentially, you buy more time for your muscles to reach their maximum force generating potential. Musclesthat generate more force are able to impart greater acceleration to body segments, which translates into higher rotational velocities and thus more momentum. And that means more damage to your opponent. The roundhouse kick uses body rotation and sequential muscle activation in much the same way as the reverse punch. (For illustrative purposes, Cung Le is shown kicking.) Using Your Body By using your body appropriately, your attack can gain even more momentum. Again, the straight punch will be used as an example, although the principles will work for any strike. The secret is to shift your weight forward during the punch. If done correctly, that increases the mass and velocity of your attack, which increases the momentum. Let’s investigate how this occurs. If you stand still and throw a punch as hard as you can without shifting your weight, the effective mass behind the attack is the mass of your arm. However, if you shift your weight forward so your entire body is moving toward your opponent when you make contact, the effective mass includes the mass of your body, which is about 20 times more than your arm. If you really want to make an impact on your opponent—forgivethe pun—step forward as you shift your weight. The weight shift causes your effective mass to increase, which increases the momentum of the strike. Another bonus is that if your body moves forward, the speed of your hand increases, which boosts the momentum. That’s because the speed of your body and hand are additive. For example, when throwing a straight punch with your body standing still, your hand moves relative to your body. Let’s say that the maximum rate at which your hand travels during a punch is 20 miles per hour—the average for Olympic boxers throwing straight punches.  Now, if you perform the same punch while stepping forward and your body moves forward at 5 mph, your hand is moving at 25 mph.  This is described by the formula: Hand velocity = velocity of body + velocity of hand relative to body This relationship is also known as “relative motion,” a concept made famous by Albert Einstein. You can take this scenario one step further and include the motion of your opponent. Your fist moves even more quickly if you strike when your opponent approaches you. Let’s say, as in the previous example, your fist is moving at 25 mph because you’re stepping forward as you punch. If you strike while your opponent steps toward you and he’s moving at 5 mph, your fist will be moving at 30 mph relative to him. Therefore, by performing a rapid weight shift and timing your attack during his advance, you can maximize your speed. Although the straight punch served as the example, the same principles apply to most strikes, including the hook punch, front kick, side kick and hook kick. Applying the concepts outlined here will enable you to improve and refine your technique—and help you make the most of momentum. About the author: Christopher J. Hasson is a doctoral student in the Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratories at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His research focuses on human motor learning, muscle mechanics and coordination, and computer simulation of human movement. This article originally appeared in a 2007 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

The perception of muay boran as the ancestral form of Thailand Martial Arts muay Thai is widespread yet flawed. This view overlooks two critical points: firstly, the "modern" muay Thai is older than several martial arts considered traditional, like taekwondo and shotokan karate. Secondly, muay boran, as a singular martial art, doesn't actually exist. Muay boran is more accurately described as a collective term, similar to kung fu, encompassing a variety of boxing styles across Thailand and, by extension, Southeast Asia. It's not a singular style but a compilation of traditional techniques from different regions. This generalisation leads to misconceptions about its authenticity and lineage, akin to the ambiguity surrounding someone who practices "kung fu" without specifying the style. Attending a muay boran class often means learning a mix of traditional techniques influenced more by contemporary muay Thai than any singular traditional form. This blend may not offer the cultural and historical immersion some seek. Furthermore, while muay Thai's emphasis on full-contact sparring makes it superior for self-defense, it overshadows the traditional nuances that muay boran styles could offer. In the modern landscape, certain muay boran styles, such as muay chaiya and muay khorat, continue to exist, though their prevalence varies. Muay chaiya, dating back to 1769, remains taught by lineage holders like Kru Lek, emphasizing quick, targeted strikes. Muay khorat, known for its punches, and its military derivative lertrit, face challenges in preservation and continuation, with masters like Gen. Tunwakom and figures like Marco De Cesaris adapting these arts in their teachings. These traditional styles include sparring in their training, ensuring they remain practical and not merely "technique museums." However, they struggle for relevance against the more accessible and practical muay Thai, compounded by scant historical documentation. This lack of recorded history facilitates misinformation and exploitation by those claiming false lineage or teaching recreated forms. As muay boran styles gain popularity, there's a risk of diluting genuine respect and understanding for these historical martial arts. Despite these challenges, the hope remains that the richness of styles like muay chaiya and lertrit will not fade, preserving a vital link to Thailand's martial heritage.

BRAVE Combat Federation is returning to the United Arab Emirates in 2024, for its first-ever event in Dubai and will continue to use its international reach to empower mixed martial arts in the MENA (Middle Eastern and North Africa) region.  From its first show in Bahrain, the organization has made it a mission to identify the best Arab talents and give them a truly global platform to shine and make their names internationally. Through the BRAVE CF platform, several Arab fighters became household names for MMA fans worldwide, showcasing the true warrior spirit of the athletes in the region.  Such is the case for Arab legends like Jarrah Al-Silawi, Mohammad Fakhreddine, Hamza Kooheji, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, and many others, who have shone under the BRAVE CF banner, facing off against top international fighters around the globe, while also competing near their home fanbases.  It has allowed these fighters to achieve world championships and become leaders in their communities, teams, as well as examples for the next generation of Arab fighters, who use the amateur platform set out by BRAVE CF in association with the IMMAF to develop on a grassroots level.  BRAVE CF has also been able to bring the eyes of the world to the Middle East as a hot destination hub for combat sports, consistently delivering world-class events in the region, increasing fan interest, and creating a true sports economy for MMA in the region. A total of 32 shows have taken place in the Middle East, which shows BRAVE CF’s commitment to the expansion of the sport in the region across all levels.  The region has also witnessed some of the biggest moments in the organization’s history. At BRAVE CF 4, in Abu Dhabi, Featherweight submission artist Elias Boudegzdame became the first-ever BRAVE CF champion of the world by beating Masio Fullen in the promotion’s first title fight. Abu Dhabi would be the proving ground to several other world-class fighters – at BRAVE CF 16, Jarrah Al-Silawi earned the first of his two BRAVE CF championships; while Khamzat Chimaev fought for the last time under BRAVE CF at BRAVE CF 27.  Saudi Arabia has also featured big moments for BRAVE CF, including historic fights for Usman Nurmagomedov and Ikram Aliskerov, and the debuts of Mohammed Said Maalem, Abdullah Al-Qahtani and other Arab stars.  Jordan is one of the most important nations in BRAVE CF folklore, as arguably the best Arab fighter of all time, Jarrah Al-Silawi, hails from Amman, and it was where the promotion hosted perhaps one of the best shows in its history – BRAVE CF 23 had three world title fights and a fight card which delivered immensely. The names on the BRAVE CF 23 reads like a who’s who of the top athletes in MMA today: Jarrah Al-Silawi, Abdoul Abdouraguimov, Eldar Eldarov, Khamzat Chimaev, Ikram Aliskerov, Amir Albazi, Jose Torres were some of the top names fighting on the same night.  Last but not least, the Kingdom of Bahrain has also witnessed several legendary moments in BRAVE CF and MMA history, such as the inauguration of the BRAVE International Combat Week, which became the biggest combat sports festival on the planet, several world title fights, the crowning moment for BRAVE CF’s only double-weight world champion Mohammad Fakhreddine, as well as world titles for Stephen Loman, Ottman Azaitar, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, Azamat Murzakanov, Amin Ayoub, Marcin Bandel, Roman Bogatov, Nemat Abdrashitov, Kamal Magomedov, and Nkosi Ndebele.  The doubleheader of Dubai and Bahrain to help end the year for BRAVE CF will continue to impact the region as the eyes of the world turn once again to Arab fighters and BRAVE CF's global platform ensures maximum reach for the upcoming superstars of the sport in the Arab, and soon, the world.

BKFC Fight Night, Miami headlined by Lightweight Battle between Howard Davis vs. Sean Wilson. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion , makes a triumphant return to South Florida with BKFC Fight Night Miami on Friday, March 15  at Vivo Dolphin Mall headlined by a welterweight battle between #5 ranked, former world title challenger Howard Davis, (5-2-1), of Plantation, FL and Sean ‘P-Town’ Wilson, (3-1), of Omaha, Nebraska.   Tickets for BKFC Fight Night Miami starting at $60 can be purchased at BKFC.com .  Vivo Dolphin Mall is located at 11401 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33172. BKFC Fight Night Miami  will also be broadcast internationally as part of the BKFC+ Subscription for $7.99 per month on the BKFC App – The Best Value in Combat Sports  and is sponsored by Forged Irish Stout, Bucked Up, Grunt Style, Fubo Sports, MIT 45, Only Fans and Crescent Tools.   “South Florida is truly our second home and after another sold-out event on February 2 at the Hard Rock we wanted to return to Miami as quickly as possible,” said David Feldman, President and Founder of BKFC. “Howard Davis is one of the most exciting fighters in BKFC and very popular in South Florida but Sean Wilson is a tough, strong veteran with an aggressive style from Nebraska. It’s a sensational main event with great opportunities for the winner.” Victorious in his three previous fights all by knockout, Howard Davis will look to re-enter the win column following a title challenge against BKFC Featherweight World Champion Kai Stewart at BKFC-56 on December 2, 2023 in Salt Lake City, UT. Davis also holds victories over Jeff Chiffens (BKFC-49), Eduardo Peralta (BKFC-45), Trevor Morris (BKFC-38), Josh Wright (BKFC Fight Night Fort Lauderdale) and Rusty Crowder (BKFC-22).   Sean Wilson hits the squared circle for the fifth time following a dominant decision victory over Brandon Meyer at BKFC-43 on May 19, 2023. Wilson also holds exciting wins over Rocky Long (BKFC Fight Night Omaha) and Will Shutt (BKFC-21).   Additional fights for BKFC Fight Night Miami will be announced shortly.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), has added an outstanding middleweight clash to BKFC-59  on Friday, March 29  at the  Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, NM between popular local favorite Donald Sanchez, (2-1), and battle-tested veteran Dallas Davison, (2-2), of Great Falls, MT.   Also, just announced for  BKFC-59 is a  can’t miss  welterweight fight between Albuquerque’s  Will ‘The Brown Bomber’ Santiago,  (2-0-1), and James ‘Knucklehead’ Dennis, (2-1), of Great Falls, MT.   BKFC-59  is headlined by the previously announced first title defense of New Mexico combat sports legend, BKFC Flyweight World Champion John Dodson, (3-0), against fast-rising contender Dagoberto Aguero, (1-0), of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.    Advance tickets for BKFC-59 starting at $45 can be found purchased at  BKFC.com .  The Tingley Coliseum is located at 300 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87108. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:00 p.m. MT with the first bell at 6:00 p.m. MT. BKFC-59 will also be broadcast internationally as part of the BKFC+ Subscription for $7.99 per month on the BKFC App –  The Best Value in Combat Sports  and i s sponsored by Forged Irish Stout, Bucked Up, Grunt Style, Fubo Sports, MIT 45, Only Fans and Crescent Tools.   The all-action Donald Sanchez makes a very quick return to the squared circle following a stunning first round knockout of veteran Noah Cutter on January 27, 2024 at the BKFC Prospect Series event in Albuquerque, NM. Prior to that Sanchez won a dominant unanimous decision over Blake Lacaze at BKFC-48 in Albuquerque. Upset minded Dallas Davison looks to hit the win column following a hotly contested clash with Lloyd Woodward at BKFC-44 on June 9, 2023. He also holds second round stoppage victories over Erik Lopez (BKFC-24) and Jordan Christensen (BKFC Fight Night Montana).     Will Santiago looks to extend his two-fight winning streak with first round knockouts coming over Noah Cutter (KnuckleMania 3) and Jake Young, (BKFC-28), both victories coming in Albuquerque. James Dennis also holds a two-fight winning streak with second round knockouts over Rene Rodriguez (BKFC-45) and Brian Maxwell (BKFC-24).   Additional fights for BKFC-59 will be announced shortly.

England’s own Fabian Edwards faces Canada’s Aaron Jeffery in Middleweight action James ‘The Strabanimal’ Gallagher clashes with Jeremy Kennedy in the Featherweight division Seven fights added to Bellator Champions Series at SSE Arena, Belfast Tickets available now for first Bellator Champions Series Event at   Ticketmaster.ie The Professional Fighters League (PFL), today announced seven additional action-packed matchups for the debut of   Bellator Champions Series Belfast  including two clashes between number one contenders on Friday, March 22 at The SSE Arena, Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The first battle of number one contenders takes place in the Middleweight division when England’s gifted southpaw striker Fabian Edwards (12-3), will look to use his power to neutralize Canada’s Aaron Jeffery’s (14-4) relentless ground and grappling game. Featherweight number one contenders collide when Ireland’s submission machine James Gallagher (12-2) faces Canada’s jiu-jitsu standout Jeremy Kennedy (19-3) in what will be a battle of wit and stamina. Rounding out the five-fight main card will be a Lightweight fight featuring England’s Tim Wilde (17-4-1) versus undefeated PFL Challengers Series veteran Manoel Sousa (10-0). The debut  Bellator Champions Series Belfast  event on March 22 is anchored by a battle for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship pitting former title challenger Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) against Northern Ireland’s Karl Moore (12-2), and co-main evented by a Women’s Featherweight rematch between Belfast’s Leah McCourt (8-3) and Dublin’s Sinead Kavanagh (9-6). The card can be seen live in the U.K. on DAZN beginning at 5 pm GMT / 12 pm ET, additional distribution information including a U.S. broadcast partner will be announced in coming weeks. The preliminary portion of the event is also beginning to take shape, with the news that homegrown Bellator prospect Ciaran Clarke (8-0) will try to remain undefeated against Darius Mafi (4-1) at 135-pounds, former Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix quarterfinalist Tofiq Musayev (21-5) tangles with London Shootfighters standout Alfie Davis (16-4-1) at Lightweight, Bellator and PFL veteran Nathan Kelly (9-2) of SBG Ireland goes up against India’s Vikas Singh Ruhil (12-7) at Featherweight, and finally undefeated Heavyweights collide when Abraham Bably (3-0) goes toe-to-toe with Isaiah Pinson (3-0). Updated Bellator Champions Series Belfast Main Card Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) vs. Karl Moore(12-2) Women’s Featherweight Co-Main Event: Leah McCourt (8-3) vs. Sinead Kavanagh(9-6) Middleweight No. 1 Contender Bout: Fabian Edwards (12-3) vs. Aaron Jeffery (14-4) Featherweight No. 1 Contender Bout: Jeremy Kennedy (19-3) vs James Gallagher(12-2) Lightweight Main Card Bout: Tim Wilde (17-4-1) vs. Manoel Sousa (10-0)Preliminary Card: Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Ciaran Clarke (8-0) vs. Darius Mafi (4-1) Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Tofiq Musayev (21-5) Alfie Davis (16-4-1) Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Nathan Kelly (9-2) vs.Vikas Singh Ruhil (12-7) Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Abraham Bably (3-0) vs. Isaiah Pinson (3-0)