Check out the most recent Updated UFC rankings following UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira to see the changes in fighter positions. Also, keep an eye on the upcoming UFC 308 card to see which spots are up for grabs. Changes have been made in seven divisions: women’s pound-for-pound, flyweight, bantamweight, lightweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and strawweight.  Women’s Pound-For-Pound Kayla Harrison and former champion Raquel Pennington exchanged positions, with Harrison now ranked at No. 8 and Pennington at No. 9. Flyweight Following wins by Asu Almabayev and Charles Johnson last weekend, the division has undergone significant changes. Almabayev now holds the No. 7 spot, while Johnson has entered the rankings at No. 15. Manel Kape has moved up to No. 8, displacing Steve Erceg to No. 9. Matheus Nicolau has fallen to No. 10, with Tim Elliott, Tagir Ulanbekov, Bruno Silva, and Cody Durden filling spots 11-14. Bantamweight Following his victory over Kyler Phillips, Rob Font climbed one spot to No. 9, drawing level with Mario Bautista. Lightweight Max Holloway advanced three positions to No. 5, while Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler, and Beneil Dariush occupied spots 6-8. Before his welterweight bout against Geoff Neal, Rafael Dos Anjos slipped one place to No. 15. Middleweight Anthony Hernandez secured a significant triumph against Michel Pereira last Saturday. Hernandez moved ahead of Khamzat Chimaev to claim the No. 12 spot, with Chimaev dropping to No. 13. Paulo Costa also descended one spot to No. 14. Light Heavyweight Before facing Aleksandar Rakić, Magomed Ankalaev moved up one spot to tie with Jiří Procházka for the top position. Nikita Krylov is now ranked sixth after advancing one place, while Khalil Rountree Jr. climbed to seventh place, also moving up one spot. Volkan Oezdemir fell two places to eighth in the rankings.  Strawweight Iasmin Lucindo moved ahead of Amanda Ribas to claim the seventh spot, causing Ribas to drop to eighth place.  What Happens at UFC 308? This Saturday’s pay-per-view features multiple key matchups that are certain to shake up next week’s rankings.  In the headline fight, Ilia Topuria will make his debut as featherweight champion against BMF champion Max Holloway. Topuria will aim to maintain his undefeated record of 16-0 in his first title defense, while Holloway is determined to reclaim the featherweight championship. Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev are set to face off in a five-round co-main event after their initially scheduled bout last June. Whittaker, ranked No. 3, will be challenged by Chimaev, currently No. 13 and a rising star in the UFC. Chimaev, who has not yet fought a ranked middleweight, presents a formidable test for the former interim champion. A significant light heavyweight contest between No. 1 Ankalaev and No. 5 Rakić is scheduled for this Saturday on the main card. The victor is likely to face Alex Pereira in the future. Ankalaev, on a 12-fight unbeaten streak, aims to cement his status as the next title contender, while Rakić seeks to bounce back from his recent two losses. Lerone Murphy and Dan Ige will compete in an intriguing featherweight matchup. Murphy, who suffered a defeat in his UFC debut in 2019, has since won six consecutive fights leading up to UFC 308. Ige sees this as an opportunity to climb the rankings after stepping in last minute at UFC 303. In the highlighted preliminary bout, No. 15 lightweight Dos Anjos will take on No. 10 welterweight Neal in a 170-pound clash between two seasoned veterans of the sport. Catch all the action of UFC 308: Topuria vs Holloway live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on October 26, 2024. The prelims begin at 10am ET/7am PT, with the main card commencing live on PPV at 2pm ET/11am PT.

A few years ago, a female MMA champion was being interviewed by a reporter for a sports network. By “reporter,” I mean one of those officious media types, hungry for attention and determined to behave in any way necessary to make some exciting viewing. This particular guy did some probably fake “trash talking” to the woman, telling her he didn’t think she had the power of a man and so on. Again, this being the media, all the talk could have been scripted. One thing probably wasn’t, however. The woman performed a hip throw on the guy, dropping him like a wet sack — and word was that he sustained some broken ribs. I mention this as a way to bring up the subject of demonstrating a martial art in public when untrained participants are involved. As I’ve noted before, the absolute stupidest risk you can take in one of these situations is inviting a spectator to “help” with your demonstration. Nothing good can come from this. Let’s say you select someone from the crowd during your judo demonstration and give the person a quick lesson just to show onlookers how any of them can learn this art. The selectee then gets to throw you or one of your students. At this point, there are two possible outcomes. The volunteer successfully throws a member of your demonstration team, thus illustrating that your students are so inept that they can be overcome by a person who’s had only a few minutes of instruction. Or the volunteer tries to throw one of you and is injured in the process — which makes your art look like a terribly dangerous pursuit. How does either one make judo or your dojo look good? The situation becomes more complicated when you’re put on the spot by an interviewer or by circumstances beyond your immediate control. In 1962 a senator named Robert Kennedy visited Japan and watched a demonstration of aikido put on by Gozo Shioda, one of the senior exponents of the art at that time. Accounts differ. Some say that Shioda invited one of the senator’s bodyguards onto the mat, other stories maintain that the bodyguard was skeptical of aikido and still another report has it that the senator himself suggested the contest. No matter the setup, it led to a towering bodyguard standing there against Shioda, who was barely 5 feet tall. Shioda was famous for his very physical, very tough aikido. In a real fight, my money would have been on him. But this, of course, was not a real fight. It was a demonstration. An unplanned one. What was Shioda to do? His solution was an excellent one. He kneeled on the mat and had the bodyguard do the same. He then had the man take his wrist and try to move him. With precise control, Shioda moved so that the bodyguard flopped forward onto the mat. Embarrassing but not dangerous. Shioda repeated it a few times, spilling the bodyguard again and again. The senator and the crowd roared with laughter. Shioda’s demonstration of extricating oneself from a potentially awful situation is the most impressive budo I ever saw him do. In the late 1950s, a reporter traveled to Japan to film a newsreel about aikido. His skeptical sidekick, outfitted in training clothes, faced Koichi Tohei, then the senior instructor at the Aikikai. This was to be a “match” of sorts. The sidekick tried to tackle the master. Tohei was in an even tougher spot than Shioda. He had to avoid being pinned, avoid being dragged down and avoid hurting the untrained man. At the same time, he couldn’t allow his art to be dismissed as phony or inadequate. Basically, what he did was dodge and spin away, staying on his feet as he neutralized the attacks without hurting the man. Many years before, by the way, a ninth-degree judoka named Kyuzo Mifune did exactly the same at a demonstration during the occupation, when a big officer in the U.S. military asked for a chance to try to throw the martial artist. Mifune, outweighed by at least 100 pounds, proceeded to elude attack after attack, slipping away from each one and finally smiling at the officer, who collapsed to his knees after his efforts. Then Mifune reminded the man that he’d heeded his request before the fight began: “Don’t hurt me.” We’ve come a long way since those days. The martial arts no longer are seen as exotic or mysterious. Skeptics are much more likely to “see if that stuff really works.” And news personalities have become entertainers. Politely asking questions and listening to the answers is boring compared to trash talking for the sake of the audience. There’s an air of theater now that must be satisfied. That said, perhaps you should think about how you’d handle such a situation. If your response would be to try to avoid entering into circumstances that made that situation a possibility, I’d consider that a very good reply. It means you’re using strategy in your approach to your martial art, which is vital for understanding it. Even so, these things happen. It’s very difficult to demonstrate that your art does, indeed, work without injuring the instigator. If you do that, you look like the bad guy, the bully who hurt an untrained person just to show off or prove the effectiveness of his style. If you allow him to nullify your efforts, your art looks weak. That’s why this is a moment for which you ought to be prepared. Getting caught in such a predicament is a sign that you must be more serious in your training. It is, however, also a moment when you must assess your priorities. What is most important? Your image as a powerful, talented martial artist? Your pride in your art and its public presentation? Your concern for the safety of an untrained person who is placing himself into an interaction with you? Not easy questions to answer. Good ones, though, to be asked Dave Lowry has written Karate Way since 1986. For more information about his articles and books, visit blackbeltmag.com and type his name in the search box.

BRAVE CF 89 delivered a night to remember as Irish sensation Gerard Burns proved himself as a dual-division threat, defeating Santiago Paiva in dominant fashion at 135 pounds and remaining undefeated in the promotion. While his grappling masterclass impressed fans, it was Burns’ bold callout that stole the show, potentially reigniting an Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry by challenging the undefeated Muhammad Mokaev. Entering BRAVE CF 89, Burns had already racked up two consecutive first-round knockout wins in the Flyweight division. This time, stepping up to Bantamweight, Burns showcased his superior grappling against Paiva, a BJJ black belt and submission specialist, extending his winning streak to five with another statement victory. In a move rarely seen inside the cage, Burns boldly called out Mokaev while controlling Paiva on the ground, saying, "I only know one guy, and it's the little bald guy who has no respect for himself—Muhammad Mokaev. You are being handed to me on a plate, bro, and I am going to eat it. Let's go!" Burns had promised pre-fight to "humble" Mokaev and called him "easy work." With victories in both Flyweight and Bantamweight divisions, Burns is now positioning himself as a prime contender to face Mokaev upon his return to the BRAVE CF cage. BRAVE CF 89, held in Spain on October 19, made history as the first event to host an MMA world title fight on Spanish soil. It also marked the conclusion of BRAVE CF's "Around the World in 70 Days" tour, which spanned six events across six countries and two continents. Will this bold challenge ignite the next big rivalry between Ireland and Dagestan in the MMA world? Fans are eagerly waiting for an official response from Mokaev and BRAVE CF.

UFC 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY Updates: As a result of injury, the following adjustments have been made: Justin Tafa is no longer competing in his heavyweight fight against Kennedy Nzechukwu. Chris Barnett will now take Tafa's place. Nursulton Ruziboev will no longer be participating in the welterweight match against Rinat Fakhretdinov. Former LFA welterweight champion Carlos Leal will step in for Ruziboev. UFC 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY takes place this Saturday, October 26 from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi

Anissa Meksen and Jackie Buntan were initially slated for a title tilt at ONE Fight Night 23, but Buntan had to withdraw due to injury. The two ONE Championship strikers will meet on the loaded lineup of ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug  on Friday, November 8. The two will compete for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. It is an enticing prize for the 36-year-old, who has taken gold everywhere else she has competed throughout her illustrious career. Grabbing the elusive ONE World Title is the missing piece to her collection. “It’s the inaugural belt. It’s history. It really will be amazing to get this title,” Meksen told ONE . “It’s my dream. It’s my goal. It’s everything to me. If I take the belt, it will be the best moment of my career for sure.” The inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title is at the forefront of Meksen’s mind. The Korean Tiger Studios striker has chased gold in ONE since arriving, and she is making sure she is as prepared as possible for the showdown at ONE 169. “I’ve been waiting four years for this, and that’s why my motivation is very high. I really want to take this belt,” the French-Algerian remarked. “For sure, I will win. I’ve trained hard now for one month and a half. I’m in the best shape, and I’m ready to fight. I have pushed a lot during every training session. It’s my time.” The 36-year-old knows Buntan will be a stiff challenge when the bell rings. Even though Buntan has shown her power on the global stage, the veteran says it is nothing she hasn’t seen before. “She is complete, and she has good boxing. That’s why I have trained a lot of boxing and everything. My camp is the same every time, but of course, I adapt my style against my opponent,” Meksen replied. “She is very strong, but at my level, every opponent is strong. I have faced a lot of strong opponents. For me, it’s not new.” Meksen, having competed in ONE’s atomweight division, could be seen as an underdog against Buntan. However, the French-Algerian feels more at home with the strawweight limit. “C18” has not had to watch her weight and has even been able to do strength training to add more pop to her strikes. She hopes it will lead to gold on November 8. “It’s my natural weight, so I haven’t had to care about weight or my diet or anything like that. I’ve just stayed focused on my training. I’ve just put on a little bit of muscle for more power, but that’s it,” Meksen remarked. “I’m in my best shape now. I’ve trained hard, and everything is perfect.” ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug airs live on Friday, November 8, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video . The event airs free to all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira delivered electrifying action on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. With 11 thrilling MMA bouts, fans were treated to high-octane moments, shocking knockouts, and dominating performances throughout the night. Here’s a breakdown of every fight from the main and preliminary cards / Full Results of UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira - Main Event: Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira Hernandez defeats Pereira via KO/TKO (Ground and Pound) at 2:22 of Round 5 (5:00). The main event clash between Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira was a high-stakes showdown, with both fighters looking to solidify their standing in the middleweight division. After a back-and-forth battle through four rounds, Hernandez showcased his relentless grappling and ground control, finishing Pereira with a devastating ground-and-pound at 2:22 of the fifth round. This victory marks a significant milestone in Hernandez's career as he claims a thrilling KO/TKO win. Co-Main Event: Rob Font vs. Kyler Phillips Font defeats Phillips via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27). Veteran Rob Font faced off against the rising star Kyler Phillips in the co-main event, and it was Font's experience that shined through. Font utilized his crisp boxing and tactical control to earn a unanimous decision over the younger Phillips. Despite a valiant effort from Phillips, Font's pressure and precise striking led him to a well-deserved win, keeping his place as a force in the bantamweight division. Main Card Charles Johnson vs. Sumudaerji Result:  Johnson defeats Sumudaerji via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). In a striking-heavy affair, Charles Johnson outpointed Sumudaerji with sharp counters and a solid defensive strategy. Johnson's technical prowess and volume secured him a unanimous decision victory, handing Sumudaerji a tough loss. Austin Smotherman vs. Jake Hadley Result:  Smotherman defeats Hadley via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Austin Smotherman’s wrestling and top control proved too much for Jake Hadley. Despite Hadley's efforts to keep the fight standing, Smotherman consistently took the fight to the ground, controlling the pace and earning the decision win. Darren Elkins vs. Daniel Pineda Result:  Elkins defeats Pineda via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). Darren "The Damage" Elkins lived up to his nickname with a gritty performance against Daniel Pineda. Elkins showcased his endurance and wrestling ability, grinding out a hard-fought unanimous decision win, keeping his career alive in the competitive featherweight division. Preliminary Card Assu Almabayev vs. Matheus Nicolau Result:  Almabayev defeats Nicolau via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27). Assu Almabayev put on a wrestling clinic against Nicolau, dominating him with relentless takedowns and control. Nicolau had few answers for Almabayev’s grappling, leading to a clear-cut unanimous decision victory. Tatsuro Matsumoto vs. Brad Katona Result:  Matsumoto defeats Katona via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Tatsuro Matsumoto outclassed Brad Katona with superior striking and footwork. Matsumoto’s movement kept Katona on the defensive, leading to a decisive unanimous decision win for the Japanese prospect. Joselyne Edwards vs. Tamires Vidal Result:  Edwards defeats Vidal via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 4:33 of Round 3. Joselyne Edwards displayed her grappling prowess with a late submission victory over Tamires Vidal. After a competitive fight, Edwards found an opening and locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Vidal to tap out in the final minute of the bout. Melissa Reed vs. Jessica Penne Result:  Reed defeats Penne via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Melissa Reed dominated the veteran Jessica Penne with superior striking and clinch control. Despite Penne’s attempts to grapple, Reed's takedown defense and striking combinations earned her a unanimous decision victory. Jonathan Martinez vs. Andrei Ardelean Result:  Martinez defeats Ardelean via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Jonathan Martinez outpointed Andrei Ardelean in a fast-paced bantamweight clash. Martinez's volume and accuracy proved too much for Ardelean, resulting in a comfortable unanimous decision win. Trevor Lane vs. Jermaine Despaigne Result:  Lane defeats Despaigne via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27). Trevor Lane's wrestling and ground control were on full display as he neutralized Jermaine Despaigne’s offense. Lane’s dominant top game and control led to a unanimous decision win, capping off the night of competitive prelims. UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira provided unforgettable moments with Anthony Hernandez securing a massive KO/TKO victory in the main event, and veterans like Rob Font and Darren Elkins proving their mettle once again. This night of fights not only highlighted the importance of experience in the Octagon but also introduced the next wave of fighters making their mark.

The PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants on October 19, 2024, at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, lived up to its blockbuster billing, delivering fans some thrilling, hard-hitting action. Broadcast live on ESPN+ and Pay-Per-View, this high-stakes event culminated in an unforgettable main event, with Francis Ngannou reminding the world why he remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. Here’s a full breakdown of every fight from the night / Full Results of Battle of the Giants: Main Event: Francis Ngannou vs. Bruno Capelozza Ferreira – PFL Heavyweight Super Fights Championship The headlining clash between Francis Ngannou  and Bruno Capelozza Ferreira  was one for the ages. Ngannou, making his PFL debut, showcased his trademark knockout power as he dismantled Ferreira with brutal ground-and-pound strikes, earning a TKO victory at 3:32 in Round 1 . The fight was fast-paced from the get-go, with Ferreira looking for opportunities to surprise the UFC veteran, but Ngannou’s sheer power proved too much, making a resounding statement in the heavyweight division. Co-Main Event: Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco – PFL Featherweight Super Fights Championship In the co-main event, Cris Cyborg  defended her PFL Featherweight Super Fights title against a determined Larissa Pacheco . The bout went the full five rounds, with Cyborg's striking and grappling experience edging out the aggressive Pacheco. The judges scored it a unanimous decision  in favor of Cyborg, showcasing her tactical mastery and continuing her reign as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. Bellator Middleweight Championship: Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards Defending Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen  faced Fabian Edwards  in a technical battle. Eblen’s superior wrestling and cage control led to a unanimous decision  victory, with all three judges favoring the champ after five hard-fought rounds. Edwards showed great heart, but Eblen’s grappling edge sealed the deal. Mohsen vs. Kadimagomaev – Lightweight Bout In another exciting clash, Mohammad Mohsen  squared off against Kadimagomaev  in a lightweight bout. Mohsen displayed superior striking and cage control to earn a unanimous decision  victory. While Kadimagomaev showed moments of brilliance, Mohsen’s consistent pressure was the difference-maker in the judges' eyes. Hughes vs. McKee Jr. – Welterweight Bout This tightly contested welterweight bout between Ryan Hughes  and AJ McKee Jr.  went down to the wire, with both fighters trading strikes and takedowns. In the end, the judges awarded Hughes a split decision  victory, with his ability to control the grappling exchanges giving him a razor-thin edge. Preliminary Card: The undercard delivered some equally thrilling action, with rising stars putting on a show for the Saudi Arabian crowd. Raufeon Stots  defeated Breno  via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:01 of Round 3 , displaying his elite grappling to force a tap in the final round. Zaynukov  took home a unanimous decision  victory against Sanders  after a dominant striking and clinch game over three rounds. Ibragimov  earned a unanimous decision  win against Campos , relying on a well-rounded performance in all areas of the fight. Bendaoud  impressed with a second-round submission victory over Ismail , locking in a triangle choke  at 3:51 of Round 2  to finish the fight in style. The PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in Riyadh delivered action from start to finish, with Ngannou’s devastating KO  being the highlight of the night. The historic card also saw Cyborg's dominance , Eblen’s successful title defense , and a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans showcasing their skills. PFL continues to cement its place as a global force in MMA, and the Battle of the Giants is a testament to the league’s ability to host high-caliber events.

The cover of the May 1970 issue of Karate Illustrated  featured the incredible Dan Inosanto , showcasing a fast and powerful side kick. To this day, Dan Inosanto still teaches and shares his experience with multiple martial arts, from shoot wrestling to silat, in seminars and from his California based school, the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

BRAVE CF 89 delivered on its promise of historic action, leaving fans in Tenerife, Spain, and around the world buzzing. Partnering with local promotion Fight2One, the event at Pabellon Santiago Martin was headlined by the first-ever MMA World Title fight on Spanish soil. BRAVE CF Super Welterweight champion Kamal Magomedov defended his belt against Brazilian contender Luiz Cado in an explosive main event that ended in controversy. In a stunning twist, Luiz Cado became the new BRAVE CF Super Welterweight champion after Kamal Magomedov was disqualified for illegal strikes. The drama unfolded in the second round when Magomedov delivered elbows to the back of Cado's head, leading the referee to call the fight and award Cado the win. The Brazilian standout’s victory makes him the sixth Brazilian to hold a BRAVE CF title, while Magomedov suffered the first defeat of his career. Here are the Results of BRAVE CF 89 Main Event Highlights: Super Welterweight Title Fight: Luiz Cado def. Kamal Magomedov via disqualification (illegal elbows) - Round 2 The co-main event saw Ireland’s Richie Smullen waste no time in dispatching Spanish veteran Jose Sanchez. Smullen locked in a guillotine choke just 29 seconds into the fight, securing the fastest finish of the night and silencing the home crowd. Co-Main Event Results: Lightweight: Richie Smullen def. Jose Sanchez via submission (guillotine choke) - 29s - Round 1 Former kickboxing champion Ilias Bulaid extended his undefeated MMA streak with a first-round TKO over Anthony Riggio, finishing the fight with a brutal leg kick after controlling the action with precise strikes and elbows. Additional BRAVE CF 89 Results: Featherweight : Ilias Bulaid def. Anthony Riggio via TKO (leg kicks) - 4m01s - Round 1 Featherweight : Anuar Bensayiid def. Sino Sabzaliev via TKO (leg kicks & punches) - 2m52s - Round 3 Atomweight : Andrea Meneses Garcia def. Adriana Fusini via submission (rear-naked choke) - 2m06s - Round 2 Bantamweight : Gerard Burns def. Santiago Paiva via unanimous decision (3x 30-27) Lightweight : Oscar Mendez def. Tony Sipos via unanimous decision (3x 30-27) Anuar Bensayiid and Sino Sabzaliev delivered a potential Fight of the Year contender, with Bensayiid’s relentless leg kicks proving too much for his Tajikistani opponent. Bensayiid eventually secured a TKO in the third round after a back-and-forth war. In the sole women’s fight, Andrea Meneses Garcia snapped her two-fight winless streak by submitting Adriana Fusini in the second round via rear-naked choke. The victory marked a major career milestone for Garcia. Gerard Burns extended his winning streak to five in a dominant performance over Santiago Paiva, showcasing his skill in both striking and grappling. BRAVE CF 89 marked the end of BRAVE CF’s "Around the World in 70 Days" tour, which visited countries like China, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. Next up is BRAVE CF 90, set to take place in Austria on November 23, marking another milestone for the promotion as it continues to expand globally. Don’t miss out on the action as BRAVE CF continues to push the boundaries of MMA with events across the world!

The UFC Apex in Las Vegas is set to host another electrifying event on Saturday, October 19, 2024, with UFC Fight Night: Pereira vs. Hernandez.  This card promises action-packed bouts as top contenders and fan favorites collide. From the high-stakes main event between Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira to thrilling prelim bouts, here’s a detailed breakdown of each fight. Main Card #13 Anthony Hernandez (12-2-0) vs. #14 Michel Pereira (31-11-0) – Middleweight Main Event In the night’s main event, No. 13 ranked Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez takes on No. 14 ranked Michel Pereira in a clash of middleweight contenders. Hernandez, a submission specialist with recent wins showcasing his grappling prowess, will be up against the flashy and unpredictable Pereira, known for his dynamic striking and unorthodox fighting style. Both fighters are on impressive win streaks, making this a must-watch battle as they look to climb the middleweight ladder. #10 Rob Font (20-8-0) vs. #12 Kyler Phillips (12-2-0) – Bantamweight Co-Main Event The co-main event features bantamweights Rob Font and Kyler Phillips in a fight that could have major implications for the division. Font, a seasoned striker, aims to put on a striking clinic against the quick and versatile Phillips. Both fighters are renowned for their footwork and precision, which should lead to an engaging stand-up war that fans won’t want to miss. Charles Johnson (16-6-0) vs. Su Mudaerji (16-6-0) – Flyweight Bout Flyweights Charles Johnson and Su Mudaerji meet in a matchup of exciting finishers. Mudaerji, with a kick-heavy style, will try to keep Johnson at range. Meanwhile, Johnson's relentless pace and wrestling skills could be the key to grounding the Chinese striker. With both fighters holding identical records, this bout has potential for fireworks. Brady Hiestand (9-2-0) vs. Jake Hadley (11-3-0) – Bantamweight Bout This bantamweight clash features rising prospect Brady Hiestand against gritty Englishman Jake Hadley. Hiestand’s relentless pressure and wrestling will be tested by Hadley’s striking and grappling skills. Both fighters are coming off recent wins, so they’ll be looking to extend their streaks and establish themselves in a competitive division. Darren Elkins (28-11-0) vs. Daniel Pineda (28-16-0) – Featherweight Bout Featherweights Darren Elkins and Daniel Pineda square off in a bout that guarantees excitement. Elkins, known for his grit and resilience, faces off against the powerful finisher Pineda. With both veterans known for taking risks and pushing the pace, fans can expect a high-action brawl. Prelims #7 Matheus Nicolau (19-5-1) vs. #14 Asu Almabayev (20-2-0) – Flyweight Bout Top flyweight contenders Matheus Nicolau and Asu Almabayev go head-to-head in a pivotal bout. Nicolau, ranked No. 7, boasts elite grappling skills and a well-rounded game. Almabayev, ranked No. 14, has a dominant record and will look to prove himself as a worthy contender. This matchup could have title implications, making it a highly anticipated bout. Brad Katona (16-3-0) vs. Jean Matsumoto (15-0-0) – Bantamweight Bout Brad Katona faces unbeaten Jean Matsumoto, who looks to keep his perfect record intact. Katona’s experience and well-rounded skill set will challenge the young Matsumoto, who has shown incredible finishing ability in his career. This is a must-watch for fans of the bantamweight division. Joselyne Edwards (13-6-0) vs. Tamires Vidal (7-3-0) – Women’s Bantamweight Bout Joselyne Edwards and Tamires Vidal will go head-to-head in a women’s bantamweight bout. Edwards’ aggressive striking style faces Vidal’s resilience and grappling abilities. With both fighters seeking to make a statement, this fight could provide unexpected excitement. Jessica Penne (14-8-0) vs. Elise Reed (7-4-0) – Women’s Strawweight Bout Veteran Jessica Penne takes on Elise Reed in a bout where experience meets youth. Penne’s grappling could pose problems for Reed, who will look to keep the fight standing. This fight is critical for both fighters looking to rise in the strawweight rankings. Melissa Martinez (7-1-0) vs. Alice Ardelean (9-6-0) – Women’s Strawweight Bout Rising prospect Melissa Martinez faces the gritty Alice Ardelean in a strawweight clash. Martinez’s striking will be tested against Ardelean’s toughness and durability. Fans can expect an exciting exchange as both fighters aim to move up in the division. Austen Lane (12-5-0) vs. Robelis Despaigne (5-1-0) – Heavyweight Bout Rounding out the prelims is a heavyweight bout between Austen Lane and Robelis Despaigne. Lane’s power and athleticism will be met by Despaigne’s grappling skills. With both fighters known for finishes, this fight is likely to end with a bang. This card promises to deliver thrilling action from start to finish, with each fighter bringing their unique skills and styles to the Octagon. Don’t miss out on UFC Fight Night: Pereira vs. Hernandez  on October 19th!

Often stooped from age, little men hobble onto the mat, their thin wrists hidden within sleeves of uniforms held together by frayed black belts. Their bows are perfunctory but sincere, their faces calm with, sometimes, a slight smile. Opposite them are younger black belts, men whose strength and speed should roll up these oldsters and put them out of their misery. And yet the strength and speed of these young black belts do not serve them well, and the result is almost comical. If it’s aikido, they seem perpetually off-balance, falling like tops. If it’s judo, their falls appear preordained, their attempted throws ineffectual, almost clumsy. If it’s karate, their kicks, swift and powerful, just miss. Most martial arts have a few such meijin, “magicians” who seem to have traded physicality for something that requires neither strength nor speed, something essential that younger folk are usually lacking. On the internet, there are videos of these martial ancients doing impossible things: Morihei Ueshiba, founder of aikido, cheerfully throwing all comers, two and three at a time, or moving into a sword strike with nothing but a fan for defense; Kyuzo Mifune, the judo 10th dan whose opponents appear unable to stay on their feet; and Jigoro Kano, founder of judo, whose ballet-like moves routinely off-balance opponents who are, a moment before, solid and ready. “Oh, those young guys are being nice to the old man,” casual observers — and many martial artists — will say. No. They’re trying hard and failing spectacularly in a way those skeptics will never understand unless they spend a lifetime training and then, when they find their power and speed diminishing with age, reach the oldster’s stage of being. For many martial artists, this is understandably frustrating. Years of training to build technique, to build strength, to increase speed — all are worthless against these old men. I remember what that was like because only now, when I am in my 60s, am I beginning to know what the mature martial artists of my youth understood. Tokyo: Hombu Dojo I was a fit aikido shodan with equal ranking in two styles of karate when, in 1982, Kisshomaru Ueshiba called me forward to grab his wrist in a demonstration of a throw called morote kokyunage. Ueshiba, son of the founder, looked every inch the elderly accountant in his 60s. Thin wrists and an almost scrawny neck, his extended hand — “Come and get it!” — had a few liver spots. If I’d been able to grab his arm, I would have crushed it. However, a part of me said, “Be careful of the old dude,” as I rushed forward with all my strength, ready to engage. In a heartbeat, I found myself flying backward and upward, spinning head over heels as if repelled by some force. I don’t think I even touched him. Looking up in surprise, I saw that he was gesturing for me to go again. I missed again, of course. But to make his point, he kept me from falling, holding me off-balance on my toes with his shoulder and body, almost toppling but not quite. That was 30 years ago, and it has taken me those decades to understand. Osteoarthritis has slowed me down, the artificial hips having become a limit I live with. My vision, even with glasses, is mediocre, and without them, I’m pretty much blind. I’m not a meijin, not yet, but the young ones sometimes think I am because, well, they’ve yet to meet the real thing. Here’s what I learned over the years, a few of the lessons that oldsters who have practiced for a lifetime know. Timing Strength and speed are a stage everyone goes through. They’re part of being young, what you build when you don’t have anything else. And in that training, one begins to gain technique. Faster, stronger, more precise. That’s the training, but in the end, it’s never enough. There’s always someone stronger and faster. What the old guys know is that’s OK. Let them be stronger and faster. Let them do the work. Whatever the attack, let it come. Let the youngsters close the distance because all I have to do is step a bit to take the sweet spot of control. If it’s a punch or a kick, it’s aimed at a very small part of my body. They’re barreling in from 4 or 6 feet away, and I need to move only 3 inches to avoid the attack. As they begin to close, I begin to counter. They’re thinking feet, and I’m working in inches. It isn’t that the young judoka can’t load Mifune for a throw, can’t lift him. It’s just that he can’t throw Mifune because Mifune has already moved. He’s already beginning kaishi waza, the counter that rides strength and speed into a full ippon. Thanks, kid, for the assist. The old man’s smile at the beginning of the match says, “I’m watching” — not the technique (Will he kick or punch? Go for a foot sweep or a hip throw?) but the whole person. Every technique has a “tell,” a rise of the shoulder, a dip of the hip, or the sound of a foot shifting on the mat. The old guy knows them all. In the split second in which a technique is begun, it’s announced and telegraphed. As soon as an attack begins, a vulnerability appears. When you can’t move much, you can move enough. Let the other’s speed bring him or her in; all you need to do then is move a few inches and the sente, or timing, becomes your own. And so Morihei Ueshiba slips inside the arc of a sword, his fan extended. Jigoro Kano glides past the arms of his partner to pull him backward. Similarly, the tai chi adept simply rocks a bit backward and to the side, cradling the attacker’s arm or foot like a baby, deflecting before responding. Off-Balancing Young men study balance. Old men master the unbalance, the physics of which are telegraphed with each attack. The kick means you’re only on one leg, and grabbing at a wrist puts your weight to one side at a downward angle. Send out a right cross, and your body’s balance is in an arc you can’t entirely control. Whatever the attack, it starts the old man’s counter, the second at which your balance disappears and your strength is transformed into clumsiness. The old men take the brief unbalance embedded in any attack and use it. That was how Kisshomaru Ueshiba threw me all those years ago. He didn’t wait for me to grab his wrist; instead, he turned slightly off-center, entering with his body as I was grabbing. When I tried to plant my forward foot, his arm now slightly to my side, he had me in control at the shoulder and hip and threw me like a spinning top. Or as he liked to say, I was a young fool who threw himself. Training Hard and Hard Training To be good, everyone has to train hard. The more intense the workout, we think, the more we learn. Many confuse training hard with hard training, however. Training hard is a matter of focus and attention, as well as exercise. Hard training is the bruising, bangs, and knocks one takes in the dojo. People at every age can train hard and learn. Many who embrace hard training learn very little for all their pain. Nobody learns with a dislocated shoulder, a broken wrist, or two cracked ribs. All that teaches is that techniques can hurt. Training hard is about fractions of an inch and split seconds, about the exact right time and the exact right balance. Save the image of TV fights for the TV. Teachers who tell you “no pain, no gain” are mostly about pain and little gain. This doesn’t mean you should be a wimp; it means injury is always around the corner and the injured don’t practice. Save its potential for when the fight becomes real. That’s why most good schools value control above all else, insisting students take care of each other. Training hard is being sensible and intelligent, finding a way to understand the techniques and the weak points each one presents. Hard training — being proud of a black eye, a broken nose, or a fractured wrist — is being proud of a mistake, whether yours, your partner’s, or the school’s. Once I thought of them as badges of honor, but now I know they merely announce a session in which nobody learned. Kata Studying kata, the formal arrangement of moves that were once central to the Chinese and Japanese arts, has fallen into disfavor in many North American dojo. Even in judo, it’s at best a minor study as one concentrates on competition. But a secret old men know is that kata practice is a brilliant means of training hard and, if done right, training intelligently. Young students practice kata as a way of learning moves and their linkage. This block and that kick work together; this footwork offers that opportunity. For them, getting better at kata means becoming stronger and more focused, more able to demonstrate that technical mastery you can hear in the uniform’s snapping sound as the punch extends, the stomp of a foot swung out and then back in place. The old men don’t care about these things — been there and done that, you might say. Instead, in the practice of kata, they see and hear an imaginary partner, that person’s moves and that person’s demise. Kata isn’t about you and your moves; it’s about any number of partners, a wealth of potential attacks, and a variety of responses because each technique has multiple potentials. At this level, kata becomes increasingly interesting. Today, this sequence of moves answers a kick and a punch; tomorrow, with a bit of change, it’s a grab and pull. Every kata is a library with answers to multiple situations. And that’s why many of us, in age, focus our attention on kata. On the practice floor, whether I’m doing shotokan karate’s hangetsu kata or the 108-move form of Yang tai chi, I’m never alone. I’m surrounded by attackers, practicing my timing as I imagine the effect of this or that move in this or that circumstance. You know you’re practicing right when you can hear the bones break or, in extension, feel the imagined opponent as his arm extends, turns, and misses. Watch the great practitioners, and you can almost see their opponents fall. Practicing weapon forms, I often use 5- or 8-pound weights instead of a staff or sword. Sometimes I add weights and use them with the weapons. Over the length of the kata, my arms grow tired, and all I have is balance and coordination. And then when I’m freed of the weights, the move rises on its own. Weapon and empty hand become almost the same, and what was a kata for a weapon becomes just another library of moves in which I see the universe of partners advance and retreat and — if I’m doing everything right — fall. Do that for 20 years looking outward at the potential attacker rather than inward at one’s own strength, and the art — any art — becomes formidable. Children’s Practice One of the ways old men become skilled is through teaching, especially teaching children. Kids lack not only experience but also the strength and speed of their seniors. Practicing with children means practicing with those who can’t win except by guile and timing. Many who become real adepts teach children as a way of reviewing the basics, as well as timing. There is a YouTube video of Mifune teaching judo to a child who’s practicing with an adult. That’s the idea. Years ago, I trained with Noriyasu Kudo in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was then a judo fifth dan, kendo fourth dan, and karate third dan. Each class ended with him practicing randori with everyone from the youngest and least experienced to the oldest and most skilled. We thought he was training us, but we were wrong. This was his training. In each match, he would stay just a bit ahead of each student’s timing and ability. If we improved slightly, he would let us win. And so the 7-year-old who was a bit better today than yesterday would throw Kudo. Later, the 20-year-old third degree training for a tournament might, as well — if his technique, even for an instant, was equal to that of a fourth degree. Each time Kudo focused his timing to the student’s, matching what he knew we could do and leaving us free to be better. In doing so, he polished an art that remains — he’s now in his 70s — both beautiful and formidable. Years later, after gaining my shodan in aikido, I was ordered to assist with the children’s class for several months at the Hawaii Aikikai in Honolulu. I thought of it as a penalty, or at least a boring interlude in which I would give to the dojo but not receive. “Oh, no,” said George Chu, one of my seniors. “Watch and learn with the kids. Now your training begins.” Again, it took me 30 years to understand what Chu meant, how children can teach you to use their practice to improve your own. I was never a quick learner, but over the years that I taught, I increasingly focused on how better to help the beginner and thus how to improve myself. Young and Old Some older practitioners are just … older. They still want to perform as they did at 30 or 40. Some of them, however, become frail. Nothing is guaranteed in the martial arts. I’m no master and never will be. Masters are the rare people we learn from, not the ones we hope to become. But it’s the learning that is important, and it’s when strength and speed are no longer plentiful that opportunities for improvement arise. It’s a matter of survival because people simply are not as strong and fast at 45 as they were at 25. None of this will mean much to you if you’re young. And it may not mean much if you’re in early middle age. But the lesson it holds is general: Physical limits don’t necessarily mean training limits. Martial arts don’t need to become empty as one grows old; their practice need only change with us. But don’t take my word for it. Watch the real old men from judo, kendo, karate, tai chi, or practically any traditional art. They’ll show you what words cannot. If you’re lucky, you won’t have to face your limits until you’re ready. Tom Koch is an aikido yondan with black-belt certificates in two styles of karate. He lives in Toronto.

Black Belt Magazine proudly showcases exceptional martial arts training programs from around the world. This curated list takes in mind excellence in training, facility and continued growth and achievement in martial arts by their instructors.  Founded in 2003 by Hatsuo Royama, the Kyokushin-kan honors the vision of the late Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin karate. As the oldest and longest-serving student of Mas Oyama, Royama has dedicated his life to the principles of Budo karate, ensuring that these values are upheld in every aspect of training. With a honbu location in Tokyo, Japan, Kyokushin-kan is now an internationally recognized organization, boasting a dedicated presence in nearly 200 branches across 70 countries and 40 dojo in Japan. This widespread network reflects the organization's commitment to martial arts excellence. At Kyokushin-kan, the practice of martial arts transcends mere physical technique; it embodies the virtues of Budo—the warrior way. Practitioners are encouraged to integrate these principles into their everyday lives, consistently cultivating not only pristine techniques but also character, discipline, and respect. The true essence of Kyokushin karate lies in the pursuit of one’s ultimate truth, reflected in the very meaning of "Kyokushin." This philosophy is deeply ingrained in the training culture, reinforcing the importance of personal growth. In competition, matches are conducted in full contact, allowing practitioners to test their skills in realistic scenarios while wearing minimal protective gear—groin guards and mouth guards (for adults)—to foster an authentic fighting experience. Kyokushin-kan regularly hosts competitions at all levels, including events like the All Japan Tournament, the All European Championship, and All Asian and All Americas Tournaments. Kyokushin-kan instills a profound sense of courtesy and humility in its practitioners. This emphasis on respectful conduct extends beyond the dojo, encouraging students to embody the virtues of martial arts in all aspects of their lives. By integrating the principles of Budo, they learn the importance of integrity, discipline, and mutual respect. Royama’s leadership ensures the consistent sharing of knowledge within the organization. Branch chiefs frequently travel to Tokyo to stay current on training methods and developments, allowing for exceptional guidance on the path to personal growth. Through his work, Royama has also taken charge of the Kyokushin Scholarship Foundation, which was established by Oyama to unify Kyokushin karate. His commitment to fostering the Budo spirit is paramount, echoing the teachings of his revered teacher, who emphasized the significance of proper behavior, courtesy, goodwill, and, of course, fighting prowess. For more information about outstanding martial arts organizations, explore our Black Belt Directory.