After clawing his way to the top of the bantamweight division, Merab Dvalishvili  is determined to cement his legacy. The reigning UFC bantamweight champion, affectionately known as "The Machine," is gearing up for his first title defense at UFC 311  against an undefeated and dangerous opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov . The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Dvalishvili is leaving no stone unturned to keep his crown. From Georgia to Glory: The Journey of a Champion Merab Dvalishvili’s victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306  was a career-defining moment that sent shockwaves through the MMA world. His unanimous decision win not only earned him the bantamweight title but also the admiration of an entire nation. Georgia erupted in celebration, with fans hailing Dvalishvili as a national hero. “When I landed back home, the love was overwhelming,” Dvalishvili shared. “It didn’t matter where I went—young kids, elders, everyone was proud of me. It’s bigger than just fighting; it’s about representing my country on the global stage.” Facing a "Fast-Tracked" Contender Umar Nurmagomedov has skyrocketed into title contention, most notably after defeating Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi. But Dvalishvili is less than impressed by Nurmagomedov’s rapid ascent. “Umar is good, no doubt, but he hasn’t earned this like the rest of us,” Dvalishvili said. “He beat Sandhagen, but that’s just one fight. I’ve faced legends—Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo. I’ve earned this belt through blood, sweat, and tears.” While the Georgian champion respects Nurmagomedov’s skills, he doesn’t mince words about his challenger’s attitude. “He’s cocky when he should be humble. Real fighters earn respect through action, not entitlement.” Fighting for More Than a Belt For Dvalishvili, his success is about more than individual glory. Alongside fellow Georgian champion Ilia Topuria , he’s inspiring a new generation in his homeland. Their victories have shifted the spotlight from political turmoil to a narrative of pride and resilience. “We Georgians are warriors at heart,” Dvalishvili declared. “Fighting isn’t just a sport for us; it’s a way to show the world what we’re made of. Seeing how our success impacts people’s lives is what keeps me going.” The Road Ahead: A Test of Heart and Skill As he prepares to face Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 , Dvalishvili acknowledges the challenge but exudes confidence. “This fight won’t be easy. Umar is tough, but I’ve overcome tougher. I’m ready to hand him his first loss and prove why I’m the champion.” The co-main event at UFC 311  promises fireworks, with Dvalishvili looking to add yet another name to his impressive résumé. Don’t miss this epic showdown, live from Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California , on January 18, 2025 . Prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, with the main card kicking off on PPV at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.  Will Dvalishvili’s machine-like dominance continue, or will Nurmagomedov snatch the belt in his first title shot? Tune in to witness history in the making!

Five years. That’s how long Arman Tsarukyan has waited to rewrite the script of his UFC debut against Islam Makhachev. What started as a baptism by fire for a 22-year-old UFC newcomer in 2019 has now come full circle. On January 18, 2025 , Tsarukyan steps into the Octagon once again with Makhachev, this time with the UFC Lightweight Championship  on the line. This isn’t just a fight—it’s the culmination of years of growth, relentless training, and a burning desire to prove that the man he faced in Russia years ago is far from invincible. The Journey: From Acid Test to Title Shot When Tsarukyan first faced Makhachev at UFC Saint Petersburg, it was a fight many expected to be a walkover for the Dagestani phenom. But Tsarukyan shocked the world by not only surviving but showcasing the kind of skill and resilience that hinted at a bright future. Despite the loss, Tsarukyan walked away with more than experience; he gained belief. “I was just 22 and on three weeks’ notice,” Tsarukyan recalls. “I didn’t perform at my best, but even then, I showed I could wrestle with him and hold my own. I’ve improved so much since then, and this time, I’m coming to win.” And improve he has. Tsarukyan has gone 9-1 since their first encounter, most recently securing a razor-thin split decision over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 . Meanwhile, Makhachev has been on an unstoppable tear, defending his title and extending his win streak to 14 fights. But Tsarukyan isn’t intimidated. He’s laser-focused on one thing: the belt. “I’m the One to Beat Him” Despite Makhachev’s dominance and pound-for-pound ranking, Tsarukyan sees cracks in the armor. “People think he’s unbeatable,” Tsarukyan said, “but I took him down when I was 22. He’s not as good as people make him out to be.” Tsarukyan believes his wrestling, coupled with his youth, hunger, and five years of evolution, will be the difference maker. “I’m young, hungry, and I’ve never had the belt. That drives me every day. I’ve dreamed about this moment for five years.” Gameplans Are for the Unprepared If there’s one thing Makhachev’s camp, led by Khabib Nurmagomedov, is known for, it’s meticulous preparation. But Tsarukyan has a blunt counter to their strategies: power. “When you get hit with a hard punch, you forget about your gameplan,” Tsarukyan said, channeling the spirit of Mike Tyson. “I’ll hit him hard early, and he’ll forget everything. That’s how I’ll break him.” The Rematch We’ve Been Waiting For For Tsarukyan, this isn’t just a chance to win a title—it’s an opportunity to show the world how far he’s come since that fateful night in 2019. With the confidence of a seasoned contender and the fire of a hungry challenger, he believes the stars are aligned for him to dethrone one of the UFC’s most dominant champions. Don’t Miss UFC 311 The stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Makhachev cement his legacy as the king of the lightweight division, or will Tsarukyan deliver the upset of the year? Catch all the action live on January 18, 2025 , as UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2  unfolds at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Prelims:  8 PM ET/5 PM PT Main Card (PPV):  10 PM ET/7 PM PT It’s a rematch five years in the making—and it could change the lightweight division forever.

Islam Makhachev isn’t just fighting to defend his UFC Lightweight Championship—he’s fighting to erase every shred of doubt about his dominance. As the pound-for-pound king prepares to meet Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 311 , the stakes couldn’t be higher. From his debut in the Octagon, Makhachev’s goal was clear: prove he’s the best in the world. With a 14-fight win streak, three successful title defenses, and victories over some of the sport’s elite, including Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier, Makhachev has already built a resume worthy of the Hall of Fame. But for this 33-year-old Dagestani phenomenon, greatness is about leaving no questions unanswered. A Familiar Foe: Revisiting the Arman Tsarukyan Challenge Makhachev’s upcoming opponent is no stranger. Nearly five years ago, a young and unheralded Tsarukyan gave Makhachev one of the toughest fights of his career. That 2019 bout in Saint Petersburg saw Makhachev earn a unanimous decision victory, but it was far from a cakewalk. “Maybe I underestimated him,” Makhachev admitted, reflecting on their first meeting. “It was short notice, and I didn’t know him, but he gave me a hard time.” Fast forward to today, Tsarukyan is no longer the inexperienced debutant. The Armenian standout has stormed his way through the division, earning nine wins in his last ten fights, including a jaw-dropping knockout of Beneil Dariush and a split-decision triumph over Charles Oliveira. Now, he’s poised to challenge for the belt. A Legacy on the Line For Makhachev, this fight isn’t just another title defense; it’s a chance to prove why he’s the undisputed king of the lightweight division. “I like to finish the old questions,” Makhachev said, determined to show the world he’s levels above Tsarukyan. Rematches aren’t his favorite, but Makhachev sees the advantages. “When I fight someone a second time, I know everything they can do. There are no surprises,” he explained. “Arman is tough, but I’ve studied him. I know how to finish him.” And a finish is exactly what Makhachev is aiming for. Tsarukyan showed resilience against Oliveira, narrowly escaping several submissions, but Makhachev believes he has the skills to succeed where others have fallen short. “Charles almost finished him multiple times,” Makhachev remarked. “I think I have an even better chance to get it done.” What’s Next for Makhachev? With his eyes firmly set on January 18, Makhachev is already considering the future. If he defeats Tsarukyan, he hinted at a potential move to welterweight to chase a second belt. “I need a second belt. Belal [Muhammad] is there, and there are many good fighters at welterweight,” he teased. But first, he must overcome Tsarukyan, a fighter he respects as a worthy contender. “It’s going to be a huge fight for the fans,” Makhachev said. “He has all the skills—striking, wrestling, grappling. This is what makes the fight exciting.” Don’t Miss UFC 311: A Night of Answers The highly anticipated rematch headlines UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2  on January 18, 2025, live from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Will Makhachev solidify his legacy, or will Tsarukyan pull off a shocking upset? Catch the action live!  Prelims start at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, and the main card kicks off on PPV at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT.

Fabricio Andrade will set out to defend his ONE Bantamweight MMA World Championship for the first time at ONE 170 on Friday, January 24. Awaiting him will be a familiar foe, Kwon Won Il. The spectacular matchup will be the first of three title tilts when ONE Championship returns to Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The massive event will be the perfect opportunity for Andrade to step back into MMA and the win column. Andrade was last seen attempting to become a two-sport World Champion at ONE Fight Night 16 in November 2023. However, the night ended badly when Jonathan Haggerty secured a second-round knockout. In his time away, Andrade returned to Brazil and kept busy as he rehabbed injuries and hit the reset button following the loss. “But a lot happened during that time when I was not fighting. I made this documentary and then I built a house for my father. My father was living alone in Fortaleza, so I went with him to his hometown, Marco Ceará, bought a piece of land, and built a house for him there, close to his family. Since it's his hometown, he has a lot of family there, so I thought it would be better for him to be closer to his family. It was something I've wanted to do for a while, and I took advantage of this moment to build this house for him,” Andrade told ONE. Andrade and Kwon first met at ONE 158 in June 2022. Both men were enjoying incredible success and looking to punch their ticket to a title shot. 62 seconds into the match, Andrade struck fiercely and punched his ticket while sending Kwon to the back of the line. “Our fight was very quick, I managed to impose my strategy right at the beginning of the fight and managed to land a good kick that knocked him out. He's a guy who likes to talk a lot, who likes to provoke. That was something he did in our first fight and I'm expecting him to do it again,” Andrade remarked. “But I'm mentally prepared for it and I think all this trash talk just shows that he's not confident. He knows I'm dangerous, that I can knock him out at any moment. So, I think he should be more respectful. But in the fight, I will show that I am better than him. I know how to beat him, and I will knock him out or submit him.” Since losing to “Wonder Boy,” the South Korean has reeled off three straight wins on the global stage. Although Kwon is back with full momentum, Andrade claims he has not seen anything new that worries him ahead of the title defense on January 24. “What I see in his game is the same as I saw the first time I faced him. He's a guy who doesn't know how to use the good wingspan he has. He faces smaller athletes and always moves forward, so he doesn't have good distance control and doesn't use his wingspan well,” Andrade observed. “I have good distance control, and I can use that to my advantage to land strikes without him being able to counterattack. And my ground game is better than his, so at any time I can take this fight to the ground, and I'm sure I can finish him. That's another weapon I can use against him.” The Brazilian plans to use his Fight IQ in the matchup to exploit the holes he sees. Not opposed to a firefight, Andrade believes he has a more complete striking arsenal that will give Kwon problems during their match. However, should the action go to the ground, “Wonder Boy” is more than willing to use his ground game to earn the win. Either way, Andrade is seeking the finish to defend the gold and return in style. “I'm going to finish the fight, no matter what round. I'm going to look for the knockout all the time, and if I have the opportunity, I'm going to knock him out. But if I also have the opportunity to take him down and take this fight to the ground, I'm going to submit him. So, my prediction is that I'll win by submission or knockout. This fight won't go to the judges' decision,” Andrade said. ONE 170 airs live on Friday, January 24, from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, at 6:30 a.m. EST/3:30 a.m. PST.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has just raised the stakes in MMA! Get ready for an electrifying battle as the PFL 2025 World Tournament kicks off in April, featuring 64 world-class fighters  across eight weight classes , all vying for ultimate glory. This high-octane, single-elimination showdown promises to deliver the most intense, must-watch action in combat sports. With semi-finals slated for June and championships in August, the tournament’s five-month journey will determine who truly reigns supreme. Eight Divisions. One Ultimate Goal. Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Women’s Flyweight – the PFL has covered every major weight class, giving fans the thrill of watching their favorite fighters battle it out across eight stacked brackets . The challenge? Win three consecutive fights in five months  to claim the title of PFL Tournament Champion  in one of the world’s toughest MMA gauntlets. Bigger Rewards, Bigger Risks Fighters will not only face the toughest opponents in their careers but will also have a chance to win a share of the $20 million prize pool , with an additional $500,000 bonus  for each division’s champion. And here’s something new to ramp up the excitement – elbows are now officially allowed  in all tournament fights! Each round will deliver non-stop action, with the first round and semi-final bouts scheduled for three rounds  of five minutes each, and the finals going the full five rounds . Expect fireworks as the world’s top-tier fighters bring their A-game, knowing there’s no second chance – it’s one shot, win or go home . Mark Your Calendars – Key Dates First Round:  April 3, April 11, April 18, 2025 Semi-Finals:  June 12, June 20, June 27, 2025 Championships:  August 1, August 15, August 21, 2025 The brackets and matchups will be revealed in February , along with the highly anticipated roster of 64 elite fighters. Broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S.  and streamed globally across 190 countries , fans worldwide can experience every heart-pounding moment in real-time. “No Greater Thrill in Sports” “The PFL World Tournament represents continued innovation, and we are thrilled to present global MMA fans with an even more exciting product,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray . “One shot, single elimination – nothing’s more thrilling in all of sports.” Stay tuned for the February reveal of the full fighter lineup and bracket matchups. MMA fans, this is the event you’ve been waiting for – one shot, eight champions, and endless glory on the line. Are you ready for PFL 2025.

Cage Warriors has today confirmed a huge title bout for its upcoming return to London, Cage Warriors 186. Featherweight Champion Harry 'Houdini' Hardwick will make the second defence of his featherweight title, when he takes on American challenger Javier 'El Mariachi' Garcia. The bout will take place over five rounds as part of the CW 186 main card on Friday, March 21st, at London's indigo at The O2. Middlesborough's Hardwick (12-3-1) comes into the bout on a career-best run of form, having compiled an eight-fight unbeaten run. He most recently saw action in November of last year, making the first defence of his title against Brazilian wrecking machine Keweny Lopes. Hardwick stopped the hard-hitting Brazilian in the championship rounds. Prior to that, the MFA project captured 145lbs gold against Orlando Wilson Prins with a first round TKO. Challenger Javier Garcia (12-5, 1NC) also comes into the contest on a respectable run of form, unbeaten as he is in five previous contests. He last strapped on the Famous Yellow Gloves of Cage Warriors in June of 2024, outpointing former title challenger Roberto Hernandez in an enthralling contest at CW 173. Since that appearance, the BJJ blackbelt defeated Mauricio Eguiluz via third round submission outside the organisation, the eighth submission of his professional MMA career. "With Cage Warriors and the UFC in town, fans are going to be anticipating a massive weekend of MMA..."  said CW President Graham Boylan.  "...so we're kicking things off with some big Friday Night Fights." "Harry Hardwick had a career-best run in 2024, but if he keeps turning in show-stopping performances, this could be the year that he truly breaks out." "Javier Garcia is coming to spoil the party though; he's got a wealth of high-level experience and is crossing the Atlantic to steal Hardwick's thunder." "I'm expecting these guys to raise the roof on March 21st!" Already announced for CW 186 are the return of Will 'Drago' Currie, who faces the debuting Eli 'The Israeli Tank' Aronov, a clash of lightweight prospects between Daniel Crooks-May and Cameron Stewart, and a middleweight showdown between Joe Middleton and Craig Rawlins. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Get ready for an electrifying start to 2025 as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) kicks off the new year with a blockbuster event: PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series! Streaming live exclusively in the U.S. on Max, this unmissable showdown begins at 10:30 am EST on Saturday, January 25 , delivering non-stop MMA action from Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena, nestled in the heart of the vibrant City Walk. Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes – A Rivalry Rekindled! Headlining this spectacular card is none other than the undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) , putting his pristine record and title on the line against Ireland’s fiery challenger Paul ‘Big News’ Hughes (13-1) . With national pride at stake, this matchup reignites the intense rivalry between Dagestan and Ireland—promising fireworks in the cage! Co-Main Event: Heavyweight Clash of Titans The co-main event features former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov (18-2)  stepping into the heavyweight division to face the hard-hitting former Minnesota National Guard sergeant Tim Johnson (18-10) . This bout promises high-octane action as these two titans collide in a heavyweight war. More Action-Packed Bouts to Watch Out For: Featherweight Bout:  Akhmed Magomedov (10-1) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2) Featherweight Bout:  Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1) Bantamweight Bout:  Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1) Preliminary Card Highlights: Middleweight Bout:  Tarek Suleiman (13-8) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4) Middleweight Bout:  Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7) Lightweight Bout:  Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2) Flyweight Bout:  Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2) Lightweight Bout:  John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1) Middleweight Bout:  Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1) A Game-Changing Partnership: Road to Dubai Begins! This monumental event marks the launch of PFL’s groundbreaking multi-year partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)  and Dubai Sports Council (DSC) . Through this collaboration, Dubai is set to become a premier destination for global MMA events, hosting world-class fights featuring the biggest stars and future champions. The “Road to Dubai” initiative will pave the way for rising Emirati fighters to showcase their talent on an international stage, with an aim to crown future PFL champions from the region. Don’t Miss Out – Join the Action Live! With a stacked fight card, heated rivalries, and the world’s top MMA talent converging in Dubai, PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series  promises to be an unforgettable night of combat sports. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and tune in to Max on January 25  for a front-row seat to history in the making!

ONE Championship is set to light up Qatar with electrifying action at ONE 171 on Thursday, February 20, featuring two high-stakes matchups that could reshape the championship landscape. In a can't-miss showdown, former ONE Kickboxing World Champions Ilias Ennahachi and Petchtanong Petchfergus will battle it out, each determined to reclaim the throne. The stakes couldn’t be higher as these elite strikers collide in a bout that promises fireworks. Petchtanong made a thunderous comeback in June 2024, dismantling Alaverdi Ramazanov with a devastating second-round TKO after a two-year hiatus. His emphatic return catapulted him to the #3 spot in the rankings, hot on the heels of Ennahachi. Meanwhile, Ennahachi, the Dutch-Moroccan phenom, made waves in February 2023 with a jaw-dropping second-round KO against Aliasghar Ghodratisaraskan, proving his mettle in the bantamweight division. Most recently, at ONE Friday Fights 81 in September, he earned a decisive unanimous decision over Hiroki Akimoto, cementing his status as a top-tier contender. With both men eyeing gold, this pivotal clash could determine the next title challenger. But that’s not all! Brace yourself for a heavyweight slugfest as Kirill Grishenko faces off against Mauro Cerilli in a battle for divisional supremacy. Cerilli roared back into form with a stunning first-round TKO of Paul Elliott in September 2023, while Grishenko is riding high after a grueling three-round war against South Korean powerhouse Kang Ji Won in July. With both heavyweights eager to stack back-to-back wins, expect a collision that will shake the Lusail Sports Arena to its core. Don’t miss this night of must-watch action!ONE 171: Qatar airs live on Thursday, February 20, from the Lusail Sports Arena. Buckle up—it’s going to be an unforgettable ride!

GLORY 98 is set to ignite the 2025 kickboxing calendar with a blockbuster event  on February 22, live from the iconic RTM Stage in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Brace yourself for a night of adrenaline-fueled action featuring thrilling matchups and championship battles that promise to leave fans on the edge of their seats! In the main event , kickboxing titan Jamal Ben Saddik  (36-9, 29 KO) makes his long-awaited return, squaring off against Estonian knockout artist Uku Jurjendal  (20-9, 16 KO) in a heavyweight clash destined to deliver fireworks. Meanwhile, reigning GLORY welterweight world champion Chico Kwasi  (43-5-1, 23 KO) puts his title on the line against the dangerous Teodor Hristov  (18-3, 7 KO), ranked number two in the division, in a co-main event that could steal the show. 2024’s hottest rising stars  collide when undefeated powerhouse Cem Caceres  (18-1, 14 KO) faces fellow unbeaten prospect Mory Kromah  (31-2-1, 18 KO) in a massive light heavyweight showdown. Both fighters stormed onto the scene last year with perfect 3-0 records, making this bout one of the most highly anticipated battles on the card. Adding to the excitement, middleweight standout Michael Boapeah  (19-4-1, 7 KO) takes a bold leap to light heavyweight, where he’ll meet top-ten ranked veteran Ibrahim El Bouni  (42-10-1, 22 KO) in a can’t-miss clash of styles. Fans will also be treated to thrilling matchups, including local favorite Iliass Hammouche  (34-7, 7 KO) taking on Mesud Selimovic  (32-12, 17 KO) and top welterweight Hamicha  (41-2, 30 KO) going head-to-head with undefeated Spanish phenom Calmente Mendes  (7-0, 4 KO). The main card opener promises instant fireworks as Andre Santos  (22-2, 10 KO) faces seasoned German veteran Chris Wunn  (35-6-1, 14 KO). On the preliminary card , the action kicks off with number four ranked Robin Ciric  (23-8, 7 KO) taking on the in-form Mehdi Ait El Hadj  (34-4-2, 8 KO) in a free-to-watch headliner live on GLORY’s official YouTube & FAST channels. Other thrilling prelim bouts include: Don Sno  (4-2, 2 KO) vs. Ismail Ayaadi  (31-4-2, 16 KO) A top ten welterweight war between Bobo Sacko  (77-6-1, 30 KO) and Ahmed Chikh Mousa  (59-10-1, 28 KO) Germany’s Denis Wosik  (39-9-1, 9 KO) welcoming French standout Matthan Choinard  (25-6-1, 11 KO) Soufiane El Hammouchi  (21-6, 13 KO) vs. Croatian rising star Antonio Krajinovic  (2-0, 2 KO) Can’t make it in person? Catch all the action live exclusively on Videoland  in the Netherlands and DAZN  in France & Belgium. For global viewing options, visit GLORYKickboxing.com .

With the popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition continuing to climb on television and online, martial artists of all stripes are becoming more well-rounded in their approach to fighting. The bad news is criminals are learning, too. Police officers report that it’s now common for suspects to challenge arresting officers physically using MMA moves. That means the good guys and gals — people like you — must be prepared to fend off an attacker who may be skilled in kickboxing range, in the clinch, and on the ground. The Most Neglected Area of Combat Although close-range proficiency is important in any fight, the clinch is the most neglected area of combat for most martial artists. Street assaults often begin with an aggressor getting in the victim’s face — that’s clinch range. Even when a real attack is initiated from farther away, the rage of the assailant often propels him forward and into close range. In short, clinch happens. For me, the biggest reason to train in the clinch is that it’s the intermediate range between kickboxing and the ground. Why is that important? Because whoever controls the clinch decides where the fight takes place. The clinch is where almost all takedowns occur. If you prefer to use long-range punches and kicks, you’ll need to counter takedown attempts and transition back out to long range, where you’re most comfortable. If you prefer to fight on the ground, you’ll need to use the clinch to put the aggressor on his back. If you’re skilled in the clinch, you may choose to maintain that distance and finish the fight right there. Clinch skills allow you to physically hold an attacker in that range so he can’t move away and land a wild swing. You control his movement, trap his arms, and deliver debilitating blows while he struggles to free himself. You position yourself to avoid takedowns such as the headlock or bear hug, as well as any technical throws he may initiate. But what happens when the opponent has skills, too? Have you ever seen a bout in which the combatants spend a large portion of their time in the clinch, trading knees to the thigh or midsection with little effect? How many times do you see one fighter pressed against the fence or ropes while neither is able to do much damage or get a takedown? This is because two fighters with relatively equal clinching skills will nullify each other. There are just a few dominant positions in the clinch where you can totally control an opponent. An adversary with a similar skill set will force you into a stalemate. You certainly don’t want to have your techniques nullified in a street situation by an attacker who’s proficient in the clinch, so what can you do? I suggest going outside the realm of sport and using moves your opponent probably isn’t ready for. This is where the close-range techniques of silat shine. In a street attack, there are no rules to abide by and no referees to ensure that you’re not fouled. Anything goes, as long as you can justify your use of force in a court of law. Adding silat to your approach will give you an advantage over a fighter who’s trained only in the sport version of the clinch. Below are seven silat tactics you can add to your clinch. They’re illegal in competition but could save your life in a real-world assault. 1. Groin Strikes Here’s a simple concept for you: Sport fighters don’t protect themselves from groin strikes. Their stances are designed to promote maximum stability in the clinch instead of protecting the most vulnerable target. The lesson: If you’re in the clinch, go for the groin. When you arrive at close range, use your knees and feet immediately to debilitate the attacker while you use your hands to control his arms. A fighter who’s well-conditioned will often absorb knees to the midsection. This makes him feel secure facing you, but it leaves his groin open for attack. Targeting the groin gives you the element of surprise. If he doesn’t expect it, he won’t see it coming. You must use your arms well to control your foe and keep him from achieving a dominant position, striking, or taking you down. It’s important to spar in the clinch to ingrain proper offensive and defensive positioning. While the assailant’s arms are occupied looking for a dominant position, attack the groin and get out of there. 2. Head Butt This is a powerful tool that's readily available at close range. The goal is to take that 11lb head of yours and slam it into the attacker's nose. It's like hitting him with a medium-size bowling ball. There are other targets, but the nose may be best. If you aim for it and hit a little low, you’ll contact the knockout button on the chin or jaw. If you hit high, you may crack an eye socket. Just don’t hit the top of his head — that will give you both a big headache. When you employ the head butt, you can increase your power and accuracy by gripping the back of your opponent’s head and jerking him into the blow. This compounds the collision effect and leads to a shocking impact that can finish off even the toughest brute. 3. Eye Attacks Very few people develop defenses for an eye attack executed at close range. Although this fight-ending move is easy to employ, it’s often left out of training, especially when sparring. However, if you’re careful, you can run the soft portion of your thumb (think thumbprint) over the eyelid of a training partner because he or she will instinctively close that eye. My students and I do this regularly in sparring, so I know it produces just enough pressure to make the person acknowledge the gouge and react — without causing pain. In a fight, an accurate, properly executed eye gouge or eye strike can make the strongest and most determined fighter lose heart. You can use the tips of your thumbs to target one or both eyes. If you deem the situation dire, you can use a fingernail like a knife and lacerate an eyeball. This is an extreme measure, but if your life is in danger or you're protecting loved ones, injuring an assailant’s eye might buy you time to disengage and get to safety. 4. Throat Grab The throat grab allows you to move a much larger opponent, which is important because at close range, off-balancing is crucial to facilitate a takedown. An easy way to maneuver a bigger person is to grip the throat, lift to get him on his toes, and then move him into the position you desire to make the takedown work. Lifting is key because it enables you to uproot that massive tree. A benefit of the throat grab is you can practice it with no ill effects. If you're sparring the clinch with an experienced combat sports practitioner, you can actually grab his throat and use it to your advantage. Most fighters won't object to this, even if it's illegal in their particular sport. In contrast, you can't kick them in the groin or rake your thumb across their eyes. The throat grab can also be used to distract. The natural response to it is for the recipient to use both hands to seize the arm that's gripping the throat. While all the opponent’s attention goes to breaking the grip, he leaves other targets (especially the groin) unprotected. Implementation:  Grip the throat and knee the groin. It works like a charm. 5. Hair Grab If your opponent has longish hair, you may find that grabbing it results in the most dominant clinch position you can achieve. It’s easy to steer a person's head when you have hold of his hair. You can jerk his head down to make him bend forward. By extending your arms, you can move out of range of his fists while staying close enough to throw knees to the face or kicks to the groin. Taking the assailant down is as easy as stepping back and yanking him face-first to the ground. It’s true that you won't be able to use the hair wrap on some people because they keep their hair short, but if you get in a tussle with a person with a “do,” this can be a lifesaver when you need to achieve control. 6. Throat Punch A strike to the throat can drop any attacker. The problem is, this vulnerable body part presents a relatively small target that can be difficult to find with a normal closed fist. There are two reasons for this: First, in a real fight, the opponent will be moving, and that impedes your ability to land a significant blow on a specific area. Second, if his chin is slightly lowered, it will block your fist from getting in. Hitting the chin isn’t a bad thing, but a tough opponent might be able to absorb a shot to the jaw and keep on fighting. The solution to the moving-target dilemma entails launching your throat punch from the clinch after you’ve secured the back of your adversary’s head. This way, his head isn’t moving, and you’ve created a reference point that makes it easier to find the target in the middle of the chaos. To get past the chin, form your fist into a “paw” and strike with the knuckles (specifically, the proximal interphalangeal joints). This configuration makes your hand smaller and better able to fit under his chin. Bonus:  Because the striking surface is smaller, the force of the blow is concentrated. It’s no wonder the throat punch is illegal in combat sports. 7. Knee Compression The knee compression is illegal in all combat sports, from judo to kickboxing to MMA. The reason: Attacking the side of the knee usually results in torn ligaments. Years ago, I witnessed a tall person being taken down with a silat knee compression. The silat instructor had begun demonstrating the takedown when the opponent suddenly decided to counter. Bad idea. The guy moved the wrong way, his foot stuck to the ground, and his body collapsed over his knee, bending the leg sideways. He screamed before he hit the ground and was later diagnosed with multiple torn ligaments. His misguided response to the technique took him out of training for a year. Lesson learned:  The knee compression is a move you must practice with no resistance. It’s simply too dangerous otherwise, and it’s always too dangerous to use in sparring. If you rehearse it with a compliant partner, however, you can ingrain the move in your subconscious, which will make it accessible to you in a self-defense situation. Proficiency in the clinch is vital for anyone who wants to have a complete approach to fighting. Fortunately, the art of silat provides proven methods for achieving this. If self-defense is important to you, I encourage you to go beyond using a sport-based methodology and focus on techniques that are illegal on the mat. Your training will take you beyond the limitations of competition and into the realm of complete self-defense. A practitioner of silat, jeet kune do, Filipino martial arts, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Burton Richardson was Black Belt’s 2015 Self-Defense Instructor of the Year. Photography by Robert Reiff

Black Belt: If you would never have had the accident that wrecked your right knee and led you to start your career in karate, do you think you'd be called "Superfeet" instead of Superfoot? Bill "Superfoot" Wallace: I really have no idea. I wouldn't have practiced with the left foot twice as much as everybody else, which helped give the foot a mind of its own. I would have been more orthodox and fought like everyone else instead of from the side stance. If I had to answer truthfully, I'd say probably not. I would have been a nobody. Someone else would have earned the title — and everything else I accumulated throughout the years. You had a knee replacement a half dozen years ago. Do you ever wish you'd gotten it fixed sooner? Absolutely not. Back then, knee surgery was iffy. They told me I would have only a 50/50 chance that it would be okay after surgery. So we didn’t do it until the procedure had been refined and perfected, then had it done. I tell you, it was painful. All the pain medication in the world would not stop the pain, and it went on for several weeks. I called the doctor and told him, “If you were here right now, I just might have to kill you.” Of course, I wouldn’t have. I was just mad because I wasn’t prepared for that much discomfort. Even so, I’m glad I did it that way because the knee works great now, and I’m pain-free. You're a really good boxer. Do you ever have misgivings about not pursuing boxing as a career? Not at all. Pro boxing is a dog-eat-dog, cutthroat world, but I had my chance at it. As I was making a name for myself, a boxing promoter made me an offer. He said something like, “I can promise you a world championship bout if you sign with me. I’ll set you up with eight fights, and then you’ll have your shot.” I asked him why he chose me, and he said, “Because you’re white, you can talk pretty good in front of people, and you’re not punch-drunk.” I thought to myself, Self , he’s going to give you eight losers that you will defeat easily, then set you up with the champion who’ll beat the living hell out of you. I declined the offer. You ran two karate schools early in your career. Are you glad you decided to concentrate on the seminar circuit instead of sticking with commercial schools? I love teaching seminars, traveling, meeting new people, and then reuniting with those who have me back every year or two. I get to teach what and how I like, and even though topics are often the same, every seminar is different. I never really enjoyed teaching day in and day out at a school and having to do all the paperwork, marketing, banking, and other stuff. Everybody knows your second love is golf. Do you have any regrets about not giving professional golf a shot? Looking back, maybe I do. At the time when I could have gone pro, most golfers who weren't near the top didn’t make much money. However, I was doing really great financially then. It all changed after Tiger Woods came along. Now guys make a killing in golf, and that goes for the senior tour, too. If I’d done that, we wouldn’t be talking — unless you worked for Golf Digest .

The highly anticipated UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 is set to deliver fireworks on Saturday, January 18, 2025 , live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California . Featuring 14 electrifying MMA bouts , the event will be broadcast via Pay-Per-View, with preliminary fights airing on ESPN . Headlined by a rematch between Islam Makhachev  and Arman Tsarukyan  for the UFC Lightweight Championship, the card also boasts a stacked co-main event for the Bantamweight Championship  between Merab Dvalishvili  and Umar Nurmagomedov . Here's a detailed breakdown of every fight on the card, including key matchups and what fans can expect. Main Event: UFC Lightweight Championship Islam Makhachev (C) vs. Arman Tsarukyan The long-awaited rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan is finally here. Their first encounter saw Makhachev secure a unanimous decision victory, but Tsarukyan has since evolved into a legitimate title contender. Makhachev, known for his grappling dominance and cerebral striking, will look to defend his belt once again. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, aims to showcase improved wrestling and striking to dethrone the champion. Key Factors: Makhachev’s elite ground control vs. Tsarukyan’s improved takedown defense. Tsarukyan’s speed and versatility in striking exchanges. Co-Main Event: UFC Bantamweight Championship Merab Dvalishvili (C) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov A clash of grappling titans, this co-main event promises relentless pace and technical brilliance. Dvalishvili, known for his cardio and high-pressure style, will face the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, who combines Dagestani wrestling with pinpoint striking. Key Factors: Dvalishvili’s pressure game vs. Nurmagomedov’s counter-wrestling. Potential for five grueling rounds or a surprise submission finish. Main Card Light Heavyweight Bout Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill This light heavyweight bout features two former champions hungry for another shot at the title. Procházka’s unorthodox striking meets Hill’s power and precision in what could be a Fight of the Night contender. Key Factors: Procházka’s unpredictability vs. Hill’s knockout power. Defensive lapses could lead to an early finish. Lightweight Bout Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano Veteran contender Beneil Dariush takes on submission specialist Renato Moicano in a pivotal lightweight matchup. Dariush’s well-rounded skill set and experience may give him the edge, but Moicano’s grappling prowess is always a threat. Key Factors: Dariush’s wrestling and striking mix vs. Moicano’s jiu-jitsu. The potential for a grappling masterclass. Middleweight Bout Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder In a middleweight clash, Kevin Holland faces off against former ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder. Holland’s dynamic striking and de Ridder’s grappling-centric style make for an intriguing stylistic matchup. Key Factors: Holland’s reach and striking variety vs. de Ridder’s submission game. Holland’s ability to keep the fight standing. Preliminary Card Light Heavyweight Bout Bogdan Guskov vs. Billy Elekana Expect fireworks in this light heavyweight bout as Bogdan Guskov, known for his knockout power, faces the rising prospect Billy Elekana. Bantamweight Bout Payton Talbott vs. Raoni Barcelos Payton Talbott looks to make a statement against veteran Raoni Barcelos in what promises to be an action-packed bantamweight bout. Heavyweight Bout Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac Two heavyweight grapplers collide as Jailton Almeida takes on Serghei Spivac. Almeida’s explosiveness and Spivac’s grinding style should make for an intriguing contest. Middleweight Bout Zach Reese vs. Azamat Bekoev Zach Reese steps into the Octagon to face Azamat Bekoev in a middleweight battle. Both fighters are known for their aggressive approaches. Lightweight Bout Grant Dawson vs. Diego Ferreira Grant Dawson and Diego Ferreira meet in a lightweight bout that could have future ranking implications. Dawson’s grappling vs. Ferreira’s striking will be a key narrative. Bantamweight Bout Karol Rosa vs. Ailín Pérez Karol Rosa and Ailín Pérez square off in a bantamweight bout that could determine future contenders in the division. Bantamweight Bout Rinya Nakamura vs. Muin Gafurov In another exciting bantamweight contest, Rinya Nakamura faces Muin Gafurov. Both fighters are known for their knockout power and fast-paced styles. Bantamweight Bout Ricky Turcios vs. Benardo Sopaj The ever-entertaining Ricky Turcios returns to action against Benardo Sopaj in a fight that promises nonstop action. Flyweight Bout Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Clayton Carpenter Rounding out the prelims, Tagir Ulanbekov takes on Clayton Carpenter in a flyweight showdown. Ulanbekov’s grappling vs. Carpenter’s striking should provide an exciting contrast. With two title fights headlining a card filled with high-stakes matchups across multiple divisions, UFC 311  is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of 2025. From Makhachev’s title defense against a surging Tsarukyan to the co-main event clash of bantamweight elites, the night promises drama, action, and potential upsets. Don’t miss UFC 311 live on Pay-Per-View  and catch the prelims on ESPN ! Get ready for an unforgettable night of MMA action from Los Angeles!