2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy faces 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Finalist Daniele Miceli in the Main Event   The first round of the 2025 PFL MENA Welterweight and Bantamweight tournament card amongst a host of Showcase bouts with talent from across the region   Tickets for PFL MENA 2 are on sale here on Webook with the event available on STARZPLAY app   Saudi Arabia’s superstar Hattan Alsaif returns to the PFL SmartCage against three-time Lebanese MMA champion Nour Al Fliti The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced the full fight card for PFL MENA 2, set to take place at the Green Halls in Saudi Arabia on Friday, July 4, 2025. The event will feature top talent from across the region with tickets on sale now at webook.com , and also available to watch on STARZPLAY app in the MENA region. In the main event, 2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar “God First” El Dafrawy (13-5-0) returns to Saudi Arabia, where he captured his 2024 title. With his toughest test to date ahead of him, Dafrawy will step back into the SmartCage to face 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight finalist Daniele “The Cyborg” Miceli (13-6-0) in a high-profile showcase bout. The co-main event features a pivotal Welterweight tournament clash between Kuwait’s Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) and Palestine's Omar “187” Hussein (11-6-0). Alaqraa, a 2024 PFL MENA finalist and the current division leader, is seeking redemption after suffering the first loss of his professional career in last year’s finals. Hussein, a former PFL Europe standout, is aiming to hand Alaqraa a second defeat and make a strong statement on the Middle Eastern MMA scene. In a highly anticipated Bantamweight Quarterfinal bout, Algeria’s Mokthar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci (24-9-0) will face Lebanon’s Marcel Adur (19-7-0). Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and finishing power, making this matchup a strong contender for the most thrilling bout of the night. Local favorite Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) returns to the SmartCage for what is anticipated to be another exciting amateur showcase. The rising Saudi talent faces her toughest opponent yet in Nour Al Fliti (AM 1-1-0), a three-time Lebanese MMA champion and IMMAF Asian Championship silver medalist. Rounding out the card, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) will also represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in an Amateur Catchweight Showcase bout against Egypt’s Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0).   Updated 2025 PFL MENA 2 Card: Starzplay (MENA) | PFL App (U.S.) Friday, July 4th - 7pm AST Welterweight Showcase Bout: Omar El Dafrawy (13-5-0) vs. Daniele Miceli (13-6-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Omar Hussein (11-6-0) vs. Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) Atomweight Showcase Amateur Bout: Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) vs. Nour Al Fliti (AM 1-1-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Mohamed Zarey (9-1-0) vs. Ayman Galal (4-1-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Xavier Alaoui (15-6-0) vs. Ziad Ayman (6-1-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Mokhtar Benkaci (24-9-0) vs. Marcel Adur (19-7-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Badreddine Diani (8-3-0) vs. Ahmed Abdelbast Darwish (4-0-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Rostem Akman (7-4-0) vs. Amir Fazli (6-3-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Elias Boudegzdame (19-9-0) vs. Mehdi Saadi (6-2-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Nawras Abzakh (12-6-0) vs. Ali Yazbeck (5-0-1) Catchweight 160LB Showcase Amateur Bout: Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) vs. Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0) Tickets can be purchased at webook.com .

Welterweight & Featherweight First Round Fights Take Center Stage at Big Top Arena, Carnival City Tickets On Sale This Thursday, June 12 via TicketPro here . PFL Africa video asset available here . Following its historic debut in Cape Town, the Professional Fighters League is proud to announce its second PFL Africa event will take place on Saturday, August 9 at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City in Johannesburg, South Africa. Fans on August 9 can witness Africa’s top MMA talent clash in the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions as the inaugural tournament continues toward crowning the first-ever PFL Africa Champions. Tickets for PFL Africa Johannesburg go on sale this Thursday, June 12 via TicketPro . Fight fans are encouraged to secure seats early for what promises to be another electric night in the SmartCage. Headlining the evening is a Featherweight First Round bout featuring Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (6-1) against Guinea’s Mohamed Camara (5-2-1) in a high-stakes matchup between two of the best West African in the world. In the co-main event, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperanca (9-1), who was victorious in his PFL debut, returns to action against Gambia’s Ibrahima Mané (14-5) in a Welterweight First Round bout. Additional matchups will be announced shortly.In total, 32 fighters representing 15 African nations will compete across the four PFL Africa divisions in 2025, as the league embarks on a continent wide journey to crown the first-ever PFL Africa Champions.   Updated PFL Africa Johannesburg Card: SuperSport (Africa - English) | Canal+ (Africa - French) PFL App (U.S.) | DAZN (France, UK & Ireland) Saturday, August 9 Featherweight First Round Main Event: Patrick Ocheme (6-1) vs. Mohamed Camara (5-2-1) Welterweight First Round Co-Main Event: Shido Boris Esperanca (9-1) vs. Ibrahima Mané (14-5)

What’s the most unforgettable breaking demo you’ve ever seen? The August 1975 cover of Black Belt Magazine featured tae kwon do master Yong T. Lee in a powerful brick-breaking display, captured mid-action by photographer Ed Ikuta. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

“This journey didn’t begin with fight promotion—it began with the love of the arts, and it continues because of it.” –Scott Coker You may know him as the founder of Strikeforce, the former president of Bellator, or the man who helped shape the careers of some of the greatest fighters in the world. But what sets Scott apart is not just what he built—it's how he built it. At his core, Scott is a martial artist. A student and teacher who carries the legacy of Ernie Reyes, a master of building not just champions, but character. From training in Korea to creating global fight organizations, from discovering legends like Daniel Cormier and Ronda Rousey to launching his latest venture, “Fight Night,” Scott’s journey is a masterclass in authenticity, intuition, and martial arts spirit. Click the link below to listen now on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3t227s4 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3KvsIDy Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3Kxcg5D Main Directory: https://theblackbeltpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

In her first-ever role as writer/producer, Cynthia Rothrock  makes a bold leap into new territory with BLACK CREEK  — a gritty Western action film that marks an exciting chapter in her legendary career. Rothrock stars as the sister of a small-town sheriff, who embarks on a relentless quest for justice after a ruthless gang of outlaws — led by a terrifying and merciless leader — brutally murders her brother, his wife, and several other family members. Set against the harsh backdrop of a lawless southwestern town, BLACK CREEK  blends classic Western grit with explosive martial arts action. The film features an all-star martial arts cast, headlined by Rothrock and Richard Norton  in his final feature film role, alongside Keith Cooke , Don "The Dragon" Wilson , and R. Marcos Taylor . Fans will also be treated to special fight appearances by legends Benny “The Jet” Urquidez  and Keith Vitali . BLACK CREEK  is now available for pre-order on Apple TV . Watch the trailer and pre-order here: Trailer Black Creek Pre Order Here

Best-of-Class Partner ViewLift Powers PFL New Digital Home    Download FREE on Apple and Android Stores The Professional Fighters League today launched its all new direct-to-consumer (DTC) App, the free vehicle for Americans to watch all PFL International League events and fights live, including PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and PFL Africa. Globally, the new PFL App is a comprehensive home for PFL information, entertainment and engagement, including PFL fights and fighter information, advanced analytics, fan rewards and games, and behind-the-scenes content.  Download now at the Apple or Google Play Store to begin your PFL free all access pass.   For the first time, and exclusively only on the PFL App, U.S. fans can stream all PFL International League events live and free.   The next PFL International League fights (viewable in the US via the new app) are as follows:   PFL MENA - Friday, July 4 - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - 12 pm EST PFL Europe - Saturday, July 5 - Brussels, Belgium - 11 am EST PFL Africa - Saturday, July 19 - Cape Town, Africa - 10:30 am EST In addition to exclusive live content, the PFL App is loaded with features designed to elevate the fan experience: PFL Fights Live - Watch Direct in PFL App  PFL Schedule - What, When, Where  PFL Fighters - All Fighters, All Details  PFL Fan Engagement - Test your MMA Knowledge PFL Insider Content - Go Behind the Scenes or Explore Full Archive “ We ’ re putting the power directly in the hands of MMA fans,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray . “ For the first time ever, fans in the U.S. can watch PFL MENA, PFL Europe, PFL Africa, and PFL Pacific live and free, all in one place. The PFL App is a major investment in our global league strategy and in delivering a deeper, more connected and centralized experience for our fans.” “ PFL has focused on its fans since its launch,” noted  Rick Allen , ViewLift’s CEO. “ We are proud to continue our 7-year alliance with the League, and deliver an entirely new experience for those fans: behind-the-scenes access, new ways to expand your fight knowledge and test yourself against others, and … for the very first time … direct US access to live international fights and recaps. Join us in the SmartCage!” Fans can download the new PFL app in the Apple and Google Play stores now. The platform is also available via web and will roll out across OTT devices including Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV later this year. For more information: PFLmma.com or PFLMMA on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, or X

UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 delivered an unforgettable night of action-packed fights at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in Australia. The event drew a record-breaking live gate of $7.7 million and an impressive crowd of 18,253 fans, setting the stage for 12 thrilling bouts that showcased the best of mixed martial arts. Main Event: UFC Middleweight Championship Dricus Du Plessis def. Sean Strickland via Unanimous Decision In a grueling five-round battle, Dricus Du Plessis once again proved why he’s the king of the middleweight division. The South African champion retained his title with a dominant performance, using relentless pressure and a well-rounded skill set to outclass Sean Strickland. Du Plessis’ victory solidified his status as one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC. Co-Main Event: UFC Strawweight Championship Zhang Weili def. Tatiana Suarez via Unanimous Decision China’s Zhang Weili put on a masterclass in her strawweight title defense against Tatiana Suarez. Zhang’s superior striking and impeccable takedown defense kept her in control throughout the fight, earning her a clear unanimous decision victory and further cementing her legacy as one of the division’s greatest champions. Main Card Results Heavyweight Bout (265 lbs): Tallison Teixeira def. Justin Tafa via KO/TKO (Elbows and Knees) at 0:35, Round 1Teixeira made a statement with a lightning-fast knockout, overwhelming Tafa with a brutal combination of elbows and knees in under 40 seconds. Light Heavyweight Bout (205 lbs): Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato ends in a DrawA hard-fought battle between two light heavyweight contenders ended in a rare draw, with neither fighter able to gain a decisive edge. Welterweight Bout (170 lbs): Jake Matthews def. Francisco Prado via Unanimous DecisionMatthews showcased his veteran experience, using precise striking and well-timed takedowns to secure a decisive victory over Prado. Preliminary Card Results Featherweight Bout (145 lbs): Gabriel Santos def. Jack Jenkins via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:06, Round 3 Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Tom Nolan def. Viacheslav Borshchev via Unanimous Decision Flyweight Bout (125 lbs): Cong Wang def. Bruna Brasil via Unanimous Decision Bantamweight Bout (135 lbs): Aleksandre Topuria def. Colby Thicknesse via Unanimous Decision Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Rongzhu def. Kody Steele via Unanimous Decision Welterweight Bout (170 lbs): Jonathan Micallef def. Kevin Jousset via Unanimous Decision Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Quillan Salkilld def. Anshul Jubli via KO/TKO (Right Cross) at 0:19, Round 1Salkilld scored the fastest finish of the night with a devastating right cross just 19 seconds into the fight. Event Highlights UFC 312 was a night to remember, featuring championship drama, jaw-dropping knockouts, and technical brilliance. With title implications and career-defining performances, the event left fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for the winners and losers. Stay tuned for in-depth post-fight analysis and updates on the future matchups stemming from this epic night in Sydney!

Can you name them all? The 1982 Karate Illustrated Yearbook featured the very best of the best! Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The following is a snippet of a feature found exclusively in the Spring 2025 issue of Black Belt Magazine. From Karate Champs to Industry Innovators Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and thought, I could do that ? For many martial artists, the dream is to take years of dedication and skill and turn it into a career on the big screen. Justin Ortiz and Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz did just that. After earning NASKA world champion titles, they traveled the globe as two of the most sought-after instructors in the industry and then immersed themselves in the world of Hollywood, learning firsthand what it takes to succeed in action filmmaking.  Now, they’re sharing that knowledge—helping martial artists of all skill levels turn their passion into opportunity. From bright-eyed beginners throwing their first punch to seasoned competitors looking to break into the industry, Justin Ortiz and Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz stand as both mentors and trailblazers, showing the world that martial arts isn’t just a discipline—it’s a gateway to limitless possibilities. The Beginning: A Leap of Faith Justin Ortiz’s martial arts career took off in his early twenties when he realized his passion extended beyond just competing. A pivotal moment came when a life coach, Christina Cooper Foster, recognized his potential and helped him reshape his mindset. Growing up, Ortiz had never considered the vast opportunities available beyond traditional martial arts instruction. Through her guidance, he learned that success was a matter of choice and strategy. Jewlianna Ramos-Ortiz, an accomplished martial artist specializing in forms and weapons, shared a similar drive to push beyond traditional competition. With an extensive background in performance-based martial arts and an unyielding drive in life, she understood the power of combining technique with storytelling, a perspective that would later shape their joint ventures. To read the interview, be sure to order your copy of Black Belt's Spring 2025 Issue !

The temperature’s rising—and so is the body count. From the universe of John Wick  comes Ballerina , a high-impact thriller where elegance meets execution. Ana de Armas  stars as a deadly assassin trained in the brutal traditions of the Ruska Roma , turning ballet technique into a devastating martial art. With a mix of gunplay, grappling, knife work , and cinematic combat choreography, Ballerina  promises to be this summer’s ultimate action spectacle. Directed by Len Wiseman , known for launching the Underworld  franchise, Ballerina  marks his return to sleek, stylized action. With a background in high-impact visual storytelling—from Underworld  to Live Free or Die Hard —Wiseman brings his signature mix of dark aesthetics and kinetic energy to the world of martial arts mayhem. Expect balletic brutality, razor-sharp choreography, and action sequences engineered for the big screen. Hitting theaters June 6 , Ballerina  is set to bring moviegoers back to the big screen—for a front-row seat to the most graceful beatdown of the year.

AJ ‘Mercenary’ McKee Battles Russia’s Akhmed Magomedov at Featherweight Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson Moves Up to Face 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion Denis Goltsov Lightweights Clash as Russia’s Artur Zaynukov Meets Japan’s Takeshi Izumi Tickets On Sale Now via Ticketpro here The Professional Fighters League has finalized the lineup for the upcoming PFL Cape Town event, marking the debut of MMA in Africa with the continent’s first-ever global MMA event. Set for Saturday, July 19 at Grand Arena, Grand West in Cape Town, South Africa, this landmark event marks a groundbreaking moment in PFL’s global expansion. The event will feature the launch of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament with First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions, each featuring an eight-man bracket. In addition to the tournament bouts, the evening will be headlined by five high-stakes PFL Champions Series fights featuring elite global talent. Tickets for this landmark event are on sale now via Ticketpro. At 145-pounds, former Bellator Featherweight World Champion AJ “Mercenary” McKee (22-2) returns to the SmartCage against Akhmed Magomedov  (11-1), a rising Russian star and protégé of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Also confirmed is a Heavyweight Showcase featuring current Light Heavyweight World Champion Corey Anderson (18-6) moving up a division to face 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion Denis Goltsov  (36-8). Artur Zaynukov (16-4) returns to the PFL following an impressive showing at Battle of the Giants, aiming to extend his win streak to six. He will meet RIZIN veteran Takeshi Izumi  (6-3) of Japan, a decorated wrestler who earned a unanimous decision win over Spike Carlyle in his most recent outing. These marquee matchups round out an already stacked PFL Champions Series card, showcasing some of the world’s top MMA talent on African soil. Headlining the evening is undefeated Middleweight World Champion Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (16-0), who puts his perfect record and title on the line against Spain’s surging contender Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis  (16-3).  In the co-main event, Women’s Flyweight phenom “Dangerous” Dakota Ditcheva  (14-0), widely considered one of the top pound-for-pound female fighters in MMA, faces Hawaii’s elite striker Sumiko “Lady Samurai” Inaba  (8-1) in a thrilling penultimate bout. The PFL Cape Town event  begins at 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST  with the PFL Africa portion of the card, followed by PFL Champions Series , which begins at 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST.  A U.S. broadcast partner will be announced shortly. Complete PFL Champions Series Card: Saturday, July 19 -  8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST Middleweight World Championship Main Event:   Johnny Eblen (16-0) vs.  Costello van Steenis  (16-3) Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event:   Dakota Ditcheva  (14-0) vs. Sumiko Inaba (8-1) Featherweight Showcase Bout:   AJ McKee  (22-2) vs. Akhmed Magomedov  (11-1) Lightweight Showcase Bout:   Artur Zaynukov  (16-4) vs. Takeshi Izumi (6-3) Heavyweight Showcase Bout:   Corey Anderson  (18-6) vs. Denis Goltsov  (36-8) Complete PFL Africa Card: SuperSport (Africa - English) | Canal+ (Africa - French)DAZN (France, UK & Ireland)  Saturday, July 19 - 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST Bantamweight First Round Bout: Nkosi Ndebele  (8-3) vs. Mahmoud Atef (5-2) Heavyweight First Round Bout:   Maxwell Djantou Nana (6-1) vs. Mikael Groguhe  (6-2) Bantamweight First Round Bout:   Shannon Van Tonder  (7-2) vs.  Boule Godogo  (3-0) Heavyweight First Round Bout:   Jashell Ticha Awa  (3-1) vs. Justin Clarke  (2-0) Bantamweight First Round Bout:   Antero Dos Santos  (5-0) vs. Karim Henniene (4-0) Heavyweight First Round Bout:   Abdoullah Kane  (3-0) vs. Mohammed Ben Yahia  (9-4) Bantamweight First Round Bout:   Simbarashe Hokonya  (5-0) vs. Alain Majorique  (5-0) Heavyweight First Round Bout:   Abraham Bably (5-2) vs. Badredinne Medkouri  (7-2) Showcase Women’s Strawweight Bout:   Juliet Ukah  (6-0) vs. Ceileigh Niedermayr (3-2)

The November 1973 edition of Karate Illustrated featured Emil Farkas , widely known as the “Karate Instructor to the Stars.” As the founder of the iconic Beverly Hills Karate Academy, Farkas established a hub for Hollywood’s elite throughout the 1970s and '80s. More than just a dojo, his academy became a go-to destination for actors training for action roles and celebrities seeking expert self-defense instruction. With a profound mastery of martial arts and a unique ability to coach performers, Farkas played a pivotal role in bridging traditional martial arts with the evolving demands of the entertainment industry. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com