Jackie Buntan has a massive task ahead of her at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug. On Friday, November 8, the Southern Californian will take on Anissa Meksen for the inaugural ONE Women's Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. Although Meksen will move up to strawweight for the title opportunity, Buntan says she will feel like the underdog in the title tilt due to a lack of experience in the larger gloves. "On paper, I'm the underdog. It's my first kickboxing fight. She has more than double the experience. She's a multiple-time World Champion," Buntan stated to ONE. "So, for me, it just reminds me of going into my first fight with Wondergirl. I was a big underdog, odds stacked against me, and that's my motivation – just go out there and showcase a new style every time I fight." "Showcase new adaptability, be better than my last performance, and win against one of the best kickboxers." Buntan has soared to new heights since arriving in ONE. Her exceptional power and crisp style have made her an international star. She is planning to utilize her physical gifts at ONE 169 to put away one of the sport's all-time greats. "I'm very confident in the strength and power that I have and the athleticism that I have," the Boxing Works representative said. "I make sure to have no shortcuts when it comes to strength transitioning into technique. I want to make sure that I'm doing the technique correctly, with full power." "I think, just like all my matches, that's definitely going to be one of my strong suits. It doesn't matter that the gloves are bigger; I think the strength is still going to be there." Buntan vs. Meksen could be one of the best stylistic matchups at ONE 169. The two warriors have complementary styles that could produce an instant classic inside Lumpinee Stadium. The 27-year-old is prepping for her career's biggest fight by ensuring she is as technically proficient as possible. "I bet on myself all the time. I think I'm going to come out victorious, even if it's a five-round war. I have a feeling this is going to be that type of fight. I know I'm going to have to bring the dog out inside of me and bring it to her," Buntan remarked. "But yeah, I expect, as corny as it is, I do expect it to be a super entertaining fight with back-and-forth action. I just think there's going to be more action on my end." This will not be the first opportunity for Buntan to earn gold. She challenged for the inaugural ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title against Smilla Sundell but came out on the losing end to the Swedish phenom. While this match could be a little taste of redemption, Buntan merely sees it as its own standalone bout. "On paper, yes, this is a second chance. But every fight, whether it's a belt or if it's just three rounds, I always think of it as a new opportunity. It's a new fight. It's just as important if it's a three-round fight. It's just as important as if it were a five-round fight for a belt," the strawweight contender said. "The stage I'm at, it's all high-level opponents, and everyone's worthy of being there, so I don't take anyone lightly. Whoever wants to stand in front of me, I just view it as a completely new situation." Becoming the first-ever strawweight kickboxing queen excites the California native. Buntan wants to be remembered as one of the best to ever compete in combat sports, and defeating Meksen for kickboxing gold would be a huge step forward in that goal. The journey to the top of the mountain is just one fight away. "It would mean the world. Absolutely everything. You know, it's the reason why I do this. There's more to it, but that's obviously the end goal, is you want to work towards something that solidifies your greatness, that solidifies your name in the sport," Buntan commented. "This is just the stepping stone, the first step in order to do that. I didn't really see myself fighting professionally until my early 20s, though being able to have another chance to compete for a World Title in a different sport, it's just an amazing opportunity that I do not take for granted at all. It means a whole lot of things to me. It's a lifelong journey that I honestly feel like I'm just beginning." ONE 169 airs live and free on Prime Video on Friday, November 8, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT to all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

Assu Almabayev’s Rapid Rise in the UFC Flyweight Division Assu Almabayev has been nothing short of impressive since making his mark in the UFC. The Kazakh fighter has quickly climbed the ranks, showcasing a blend of tenacity and skill that has captivated fans and earned the respect of his peers. Known for his relentless pace, powerful grappling, and tactical striking, Almabayev is making waves as a standout contender in the UFC’s Flyweight division. Early Career and Entry into the UFC Before joining the UFC, Almabayev built a solid resume fighting in regional promotions, where he honed his skills against a variety of opponents. His dominant performances caught the attention of UFC scouts, leading to his debut in the Octagon. Almabayev has since shown remarkable growth with each fight, adapting and evolving to meet the challenges posed by higher-ranked fighters. What Makes Assu Almabayev a Formidable Opponent? Almabayev’s skill set is well-rounded, making him a dangerous threat to anyone in the Flyweight division. Here are some key attributes that make him stand out: Grappling Dominance:  Almabayev has an impressive ground game, consistently outworking his opponents on the mat. His grappling has become a major asset, allowing him to control the pace and direction of the fight. Striking Precision:  Known for his accuracy, Almabayev utilizes pinpoint striking to keep his opponents guessing. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling makes him unpredictable. Cardio and Stamina:  Almabayev’s conditioning is top-notch. He can push the pace for all three rounds, maintaining his intensity from start to finish. Facing Matheus Nicolau: A Test of Skill and Grit As he prepares to face the seasoned Matheus Nicolau, Almabayev is stepping into one of the toughest matchups of his career. Nicolau, a well-rounded fighter with extensive experience in the UFC, is known for his grappling ability and striking skills. With his own trajectory through the Flyweight division, Nicolau will provide a true test for Almabayev, pushing the Kazakh fighter to demonstrate his growth and resilience. What to Expect This Saturday, October 19, at UFC Apex As Almabayev and Nicolau square off at UFC Apex, fans can expect an intense, high-energy bout. Here’s what to look for in this exciting Flyweight showdown: Ground Battles:  Both fighters have solid grappling skills, so expect a few exchanges on the mat as they each try to establish control. Striking Exchanges:  While grappling may dominate, both fighters possess sharp striking techniques that could lead to some thrilling stand-up moments. Pace and Pressure:  Almabayev is known for his relentless pressure, and Nicolau’s experience will likely shine as he attempts to match or counter Almabayev’s energy. Tune in this Saturday, October 19, to witness the action unfold live from UFC Apex. This fight promises to be a defining moment for both fighters in their pursuit of Flyweight supremacy.

The cover of the June 2005 issue of Black Belt Magazine  featured wushu master and cinematic superstar Jet Li . In 2005, Li took on a more serious role in the film Unleashed . In addition to showcasing his martial arts prowess, the film explored deeper themes than any of his previous works. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Panpayak Jitmuangnon will return to the ONE Championship stage for the first time since late 2022 at ONE Friday Fights 83  on Friday, October 18. It will be the first time fans have seen the talented striker on the global stage since his narrow split-decision loss to Superlek Kiatmoo9. Panpayak will square off against Silviu “Hitman” Vitez in a flyweight Muay Thai contest. “The Angel Warrior” opened up about why he took an extended break from the sport and is now ready to step back into the ring. “The main reason I decided to stop fighting was because I felt burned out and had no motivation anymore. I felt that I had been using my body for a long time, so I wanted to take a break and do something else,” Panpayak told ONE. A significant life change rekindled Panpayak’s passion to compete. After having a child, the Thai athlete found more reason to step back between the ropes and be an inspiration for his daughter. “I always followed ONE during the past two years. I admit that I missed fighting a bit, but I didn’t have any motivation to come back to fight – until I had a child,” the Thai star said. “I wanted to come back to fight again because I wanted to show my child how good a fighter I am. If I didn’t have a child, I might never come back.” While Panpayak would surely like to rejoin the chase for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, he first wants to establish to everyone that he is still at the top of his game. That is why “The Angel Warrior” is focused on putting on a show in Bangkok in his return. “My goal for this fight is to make an epic comeback by winning by knockout. I want to show my daughter and everyone that Panpayak is still a great fighter,” Panpayak remarked. In his comeback bout, Panpayak is not taking anything for granted. He has been looking deeper into what skills Silviu brings to the table, and believes he can use his experience to take out the Romanian striker. “Silviu’s fighting style is different from other foreign boxers who move in and out quickly. He almost stands still and trades one by one, like Thai fighters,” Panpayak commented. “His strengths are his endurance and his all-around weapons, so I plan to use my superior experience to fight against him.” The 28-year-old is prepared to come out aggressive at ONE Friday Fights 83. “The Angel Warrior” is excited to give fans a memorable performance all the while delivering a message to the flyweight division that he is back with a vengeance. “For this fight, I have worked hard on my punches. As for kicks, don’t worry, you guys will definitely see it in the ring. I will try to press forward as much as possible because I believe that many fans still think of me as a fighter who likes to back away,” Panapayak said. “For this fight, I will show my fans that I am a new Panpayak who has changed his style to be more aggressive with no more retreating.” ONE Friday Fights 83 airs live and free on ONE’s YouTube channel  beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT on Friday, October 18.

The Octagon is set to make a thrilling comeback! UFC is returning to Sydney with UFC 312, scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the iconic Qudos Bank Arena. Following the incredible success of UFC 293, this event is expected to be even bigger, building on Sydney’s status as a premier destination for global sporting events. This highly anticipated Pay-Per-View event is part of a strategic four-year, multi-event partnership with the NSW Government, brokered through Destination New South Wales. The return was officially announced at a press conference at Hickson Road Reserve, attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, UFC Vice President for Australia and New Zealand Peter Kloczko, and former UFC Featherweight Champion and current No.1 contender Alexander Volkanovski. UFC 312 and Sydney’s Growing Legacy in MMA Since hosting its first UFC event in 2010, Sydney has quickly become a fan-favorite location for MMA enthusiasts. With an electric atmosphere and packed arenas, the city has welcomed some of the sport’s most significant events, including last year’s UFC 293: ADESANYA vs. STRICKLAND, which saw a sellout crowd of over 18,000 fans. Peter Kloczko, UFC Vice President for Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the strong collaboration with Destination NSW. “Sydney, Australia – the Octagon is coming back this summer,” he said. “Get ready for another cracking event at Qudos Bank Arena, featuring the best local and international UFC athletes. We value the support from our event partners and hope to deliver another record-breaking result, building off the success of UFC 293 in September 2023.” A Powerful Tourism Draw and Economic Impact The benefits of hosting a UFC event in Sydney extend beyond the arena. Premier Chris Minns highlighted the positive impact on the local economy: “UFC’s return to Sydney is another step in us delivering on this election commitment. Last year’s event was a huge success, and we expect next year’s event will match that, showcasing Sydney on the global stage as a top destination for sporting events.” With fans traveling from across Australia and internationally, the economic impact is substantial. In 2023, UFC 293 generated $57.1 million in total economic impact, including $21.6 million in direct spending by out-of-state visitors on hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. The media coverage reached 975 million households worldwide, spotlighting Sydney as a key player in the global sports market. Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham noted, “Hosting the UFC Octagon puts Sydney on the world stage, demonstrating that we punch above our weight when it comes to hosting blockbuster events. When the Octagon comes to town, so do thousands of visitors who stay in our hotels, eat in our cafes and restaurants, and visit other attractions.” UFC and Australia: A Growing Relationship Since UFC 110 in 2010, Australia has become one of the most dynamic markets for the UFC. The organization has now presented 18 events across the country, with more than 313,000 fans in attendance. From Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena to Perth’s RAC Arena, the UFC has set attendance records and captivated millions of viewers globally, showcasing top-tier fights and fan-favorite athletes. In partnership with Destination New South Wales, UFC is strengthening Sydney’s position as a sporting capital, offering thrilling action and unforgettable experiences for both fans and athletes alike. Sydney’s own Alexander Volkanovski, a former featherweight champion and one of the top-ranked fighters worldwide, is a testament to the growing impact of UFC in the region, inspiring new generations of fans and fighters. What to Expect from UFC 312 UFC 312 promises an explosive lineup, featuring top-tier Australian fighters and international stars. With athletes from across the globe ready to step into the Octagon, fans can anticipate intense matchups, thrilling knockouts, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned as UFC announces the official fight card in the coming months. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so make sure you secure yours early to witness the heart-pounding action live at Qudos Bank Arena. As Sydney continues to attract global sports events, UFC 312 will be yet another showcase of the city’s vibrant culture and passion for world-class entertainment. Secure Your Spot at UFC 312 – Sydney’s MMA Extravaganza Awaits!

The Netherlands is globally recognized for its kickboxing pedigree, with many Dutch MMA stars coming from strong kickboxing backgrounds. However, Daan Duijs has taken a unique path, diverging from the norm by beginning his martial arts journey with Judo at just 6 years old. Ten years later, Daan transitioned to MMA and immediately made waves, going undefeated in his first six professional fights. Daan's success didn’t stop there. He notched four more wins in his next six bouts, ultimately earning a spot in the BRAVE Combat Federation. Now, with BRAVE CF 89 fast approaching, Daan is determined to make a lasting impression on October 19 in Tenerife, Spain, as he faces a major test in Abdelmoumen Mssaate. Riding a two-fight win streak, Daan hopes to extend his momentum. More than a win, he’s looking at the possibility of changing his life. Currently balancing MMA with part-time work to support his family, a victory could propel him into the upper echelons of the BRAVE CF Bantamweight division, currently ruled by Nkosi Ndebele. Known for his submission skills, Daan, a black belt in Judo, has finished six of his ten career victories by submission. But he’s no slouch on the feet either. Training with top-tier talent like former MMA World Champion Germaine De Randamie and kickboxing sensation Ilias Bulaid, Daan has honed his striking to complement his grappling prowess. With BRAVE CF’s recent expansion into the Netherlands, following the successful BRAVE CF 83 and BRAVE CF 87, Daan is perfectly poised to shine on the global stage. If he can outperform Mssaate—who has previously battled with champion Ndebele—Daan could stake a serious claim to a future title shot. BRAVE CF 89 is set to deliver a night of thrilling matchups at Pabellón Santiago Martín in partnership with Fight2One. Headlining the card is the Super Welterweight title bout between champion Kamal Magomedov and Brazilian contender Luiz Cado, setting the stage for Daan Duijs to seize his moment and possibly become one of the biggest names in Dutch MMA.

Check out the most recent UFC Rankings updates to see the changes in fighter positions following a crucial flyweight battle at the APEX. Also, find out the available spots up for grabs at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira. Two divisions – men’s flyweight and lightweight saw changes. Flyweight Brandon Royval maintained his top ranking by defeating Tatsuro Taira, who was ranked fifth, for the first time in his career at the APEX last Saturday. Both athletes retained their positions, while Matt Schnell slipped to the 15th spot. Lightweight Although there were no ranked competitors at UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Taira, the division experienced some changes. Jalin Turner climbed one spot to No. 13, while Rafael Dos Anjos fell to No. 14, now sharing that position with Paddy Pimblett who moved up one place. Excited for UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira The upcoming APEX event on Saturday will showcase numerous fighters aiming to establish themselves as deserving contenders. In the upcoming main event featuring Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira, two remarkable winning streaks will be at stake. Hernandez aims to secure his sixth consecutive victory, while Pereira is determined to extend his winning streak to nine. Both fighters have achieved three consecutive finishes leading up to this contest, promising an exciting showdown between the No. 13 and No. 14 ranked middleweights. Rob Font, ranked 10th, will be taking on Kyler Phillips, ranked 12th, in the co-main event. Font has faced tough competition in his recent fights, losing four out of his last five bouts. Meanwhile, Phillips is on a three-fight winning streak and aims to defeat a reputable contender in this matchup. Concluding the preliminary fights this Saturday will be an exciting battle between the 7th ranked Matheus Nicolau and the 14th ranked Asu Almabayev. As they aim for their dreams of securing the flyweight title in December, both competitors are eager to make a statement.

Footwork is a mainstay of combat sports and self-defense. The feet are the deuce and a half that gets your munitions to the field of battle. The feet are your mode of retreat to get out of harm’s way. Your feet are the pegs you use to cut angles to better deflect, diminish, evade and apply your own meanness. Footwork was, is and always will be vital to all matters martial. An element of footwork that’s just as important as mobility is what you can do on your feet while basically standing stock-still. How steady is your balance? How maneuverable is your upper body? How much force can you generate? The historical record provides a huge archive of material showing how much emphasis was placed on stationary power, but this static base wasn’t the primary focus of static-stance drills. It seems that static balance in the midst of power was the treasured attribute. It was the ability to deliver “oomph” while retaining your poise. Records present us with more than a few drills that seek to develop this. We also find a handful of “sporting matches” based on the attributes of balance and power. On the Eastern martial arts side, we can find complete fighting systems dedicated to balance work — plum-blossom kung fu and its pole training come to mind. To those unfamiliar with it, picture a series of shortened telephone poles driven into the ground. The practitioner drills and even spars while maneuvering on these precarious perches. Anyone who’s tackled pole-leaping challenges in obstacle-course racing can appreciate the added difficulty of fighting while treacherously aloft. I also call your attention to a sport in Thailand that I absolutely love: muay tale, sometimes called muay talay, or “sea boxing.” Essentially, two combatants straddle a horizontal boom that’s approximately 5 feet above the water or a padded surface. Then they go to town with standard boxing rules until one or both plunge into the water. They can still fire punches if they lose their balance and spin under the boom, in which case they would need to keep out of the water with a stout leg-scissors. Interestingly, historian Paul Wellman created a similar battle in the form of an apocryphal knife duel involving Jim Bowie on the pirate island of Galvez in his novel The Iron Mistress . Again, I love this sport! It’s well worth adding to your training if for nothing else than the fun factor. Bringing balance and power training closer to the Western side of things, we have accounts of “rail” and “trestle” matches in boxing, wrestling, and a combination of them known as Frontier Rough and Tumble. The contests were conducted atop logs, on suspended railroad ties, and on the sides of trestle bridges. Basically, the combatants would go at it anywhere odd. Those matches happened so often because balance and power were coveted attributes on America’s frontier — if you’ve witnessed lumberjacks competing in the springboard-chop event, you know what I mean. Standing on a 12-inch-wide board precariously notched into the side of a tree while you’re chopping with full power — now that’s power and balance! There are more than a few accounts of Native Americans engaging in competitive brawling atop logs in a variation of the Robin Hood-Little John quarterstaff fight on the log bridge. (FYI, if you dig Robin Hood narratives, Angus Donald has delivered a gorgeous series of novels called The Outlaw Chronicles  that gives a down-and-dirty version of the tale.) We also encounter numerous accounts of old-school boxing coaches tying their fighters’ shoelaces together to get them to find balance and power in their footwork and to reduce overcommitted lunges. We see similar ideas in “tea tray” training, in which 18th-century London fencing masters would have their pupils work call-and-response with a foil or epee while perched on a tea tray to limit their footwork. It’s with such historical traditions in mind that I offer the following variations of combat balance-and-power exercises culled from Frontier Rough and Tumble accounts. BABY RAIL: Place a two-by-four or four-by-four on the ground in front of a heavy bag. Stand on it and put in your rounds of bag work. Try to find your power in this constricted position. ELEVATED FRONTAL RAIL: This exercise uses the same idea, but this time you elevate that four-by-four to at least 28 inches above the ground. If you don’t have a heavy bag with that much height clearance, do what I do: Position the frontal rail near a tree and suspend your heavy bag from a sturdy branch. Even if you found the baby rail to be a piece of cake, elevating the platform takes some getting used to because the consequences of overreaching or bag blowback are higher. You’ll find timidity drops your commitment to power. Your job is to keep the work up until you find your power rising back to a respectable level. FLANK BABY RAIL: Place the four-by-four on the ground in front of the heavy bag at a right angle to it. In other words, it should lie so one end is facing the bag. Do your rounds from there. ELEVATED FLANK RAIL: Suspend the rail as described above and begin striking. Once again, you’ll notice a decline in oomph because the stakes are, literally, higher. There are many more unusual training methods in the Rough and Tumble tradition that we’ll save for another day. For now, try the four described here for a dose of preparatory training on the bag. Then add a bit of limited sparring to your rail work. You’ll find that when you go through a week or two of this and then take your game back to an unlimited-footwork, flat-ground base, you’ll boost your balance and be cooking with gas! Or, as an old-school Rough and Tumbler might say, “You’ll be a rough and tough fighter who has fought through the mill and refused to grind fine.” In our modern parlance, you’ll be a bit more badass on your road to badassery. Mark Hatmaker’s website is extremselfprotection.com .

The UFC world was set abuzz with the recent announcement that Japanese star Kai Asakura will challenge reigning Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja in his promotional debut at UFC 310: Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov on December 7, 2024. Known for his explosive style, Asakura boasts a 21-4 professional record, including an impressive 16 finishes. A two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion, he is expected to bring a fresh challenge to Pantoja in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Asakura’s Meteoric Rise Asakura’s journey to the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. At 30 years old, he’s already cemented his legacy in RIZIN with notable wins, including a knockout victory over the UFC’s No. 9-ranked flyweight contender, Manel Kape, and former UFC flyweight title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi. Asakura’s latest triumph saw him reclaim the RIZIN bantamweight title by finishing former Bellator champ Juan Archuleta in the second round at RIZIN 45 last December. He subsequently vacated his title on June 8 to sign with the UFC, marking a new chapter in his storied career. The Champion Awaits: Alexandre Pantoja Standing in Asakura’s way is UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja, a powerhouse in the division. Pantoja captured the belt from Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 and has since defended it twice, securing decisive wins over top contenders Brandon Royval and Steve Erceg. With a six-fight win streak, the Brazilian champion is hungry to extend his reign, sitting just one win away from tying Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez’s record for most victories in UFC flyweight history. Pantoja’s well-rounded skill set, which includes submission wins over Royval and Alex Perez, makes him a dangerous opponent for any newcomer, even one as seasoned as Asakura. This battle promises to test both fighters as they look to cement their legacies on one of the year’s most anticipated fight cards. Stacked Card for UFC 310 UFC 310, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is shaping up to be a blockbuster event. Here’s what fans can expect: Main Event:  Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Kai Asakura vs. Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov Vicente Luque vs. Nick Diaz Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the main card live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. This card is packed with thrilling matchups and is expected to draw a massive global audience as fight fans gear up for a night of nonstop action. Don’t miss the electrifying debut of Kai Asakura as he faces off against Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight gold at UFC 310! This is a fight you won’t want to miss.

ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug is shaping up to be 2024’s most stacked lineup of martial arts action. On Tuesday, ONE Championship revealed two more sensational matches for the November 8 event. In kickboxing action, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao will square off against Zhang Piemian in a strawweight kickboxing battle. Sam-A is a former two-sport king and a certified legend of striking. After over a year away from ONE, the Thai star returned with a stunning first-round knockout over Akram Hamidi in September. Back in form, he now looks to take back-to-back wins on the global stage to re-enter the title picture. Zhang has exchanged wins and losses in recent outings but is coming off a unanimous decision win over Aliff Sor Dechapan in April. A win over Sam-A would boost the former title challenger’s stock and give him the momentum to chase gold once again. However, the fun does not end there. Mixed martial arts goes under the spotlight with an intriguing lightweight showdown. ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo will try to follow up his exceptional pro-MMA debut by taking on Ahmed Mujtaba. Ruotolo submitted Blake Cooper at ONE 167 to start his promising MMA career with a bang. His second bout, against Mujtaba, will test how much he has developed his all-around skill set. Mujtaba has flashed power on his feet and shown himself to be a credible threat on the mat. Ruotolo must be mindful no matter where the match takes place to get past the Pakistani workhorse. ONE 169 airs live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, November 8, for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.

Irish MMA standout Richie Smullen is ready to make his long-awaited BRAVE CF debut, going head-to-head against Spain’s own Jose Sanchez in the co-main event at BRAVE CF 89, set for October 19 at Pabellón Santiago Martín in Tenerife, Spain. Smullen is riding high on a three-fight win streak, and he’s eager to make a powerful statement in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of BRAVE Combat Federation. With his fierce fighting style and relentless ambition, Smullen is not just aiming for victory—he’s targeting dominance in a promotion renowned for its global reach and top-tier competition. A proud teammate of MMA legend Conor McGregor, Smullen started his journey over a decade ago under the watchful eye of coach John Kavanagh. His amateur career was packed with victories over top-tier Irish fighters like Nathan Kelly and Paul Hughes. After transitioning to the pro ranks, Smullen built an impressive résumé, capturing titles in two weight classes in regional circuits, where he represented Ireland on the global stage. Although his momentum was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led him back to Ireland, Smullen rebounded with three consecutive finishes, reigniting his career. Now, he’s set to unleash his honed skills on the BRAVE CF stage, aiming to secure the biggest win of his career against Sanchez. Known for his finishing ability, Smullen boasts a record with 10 of his 13 victories coming by stoppage—five by submission and five by knockout. This time, he faces Sanchez, a seasoned Lightweight veteran who will have the advantage of a roaring home crowd. The co-main event promises fireworks as Smullen looks to assert his dominance in BRAVE CF's competitive divisions. BRAVE CF 89 is the thrilling finale of BRAVE Combat Federation’s “Around the World in 70 Days” tour, which has seen unforgettable matchups in countries like China, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Partnering with Fight2One, this landmark event in Spain is set to be an electrifying night for MMA fans across the globe. Don't miss the action as Richie Smullen returns to the world stage, ready to make an unforgettable impact.

The practice of martial arts in the United States started small and was mostly limited to World War II veterans, who introduced it to the public after they returned from the Pacific. “Karate” became the all-encompassing buzzword for martial arts, which is why legendary kenpo master Ed Parker is generally acknowledged as the first person to open a commercial karate school in 1956. By the early 1960s, former servicemen such as Mike Stone, Chuck Norris, and Joe Lewis had started to establish reputations as teachers and students of the Asian arts. The popularity of karate tournaments allowed them to share and mix skills from the various fighting arts of Japan, Okinawa, Korea, and China. Despite the heightened popularity, karate schools remained few and far between. Making a living as a martial arts teacher almost always meant limited compensation. In the late ’60s, taekwondo spread to many major U.S. cities. The South Korean government sponsored numerous masters and helped them open dojang. Korean instructors worked many hours to build and promote their schools. Popular TV shows like Kung Fu  and movies like Billy Jack  brought new interest to martial arts programs. By 1973, the stage was set for the first national proliferation of martial arts schools. In 1973, Five Fingers of Death  and other popular Chinese films — many of which were referred to as “chopsocky” flicks — introduced more Americans to the Asian arts. The most notable movie was Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon . Lee’s untimely and unfortunate death in July of that year added to the attention that was being directed toward the arts. In the summer of ’73, self-defense schools began to open in every major city and suburb in the United States. The boom lasted a year. The oil embargo meant that many people couldn’t afford recreational pursuits like martial arts training. The boom of ’73 quickly turned into the bust of ’74, catching many instructors off guard. With the death of Lee, the cancellation of the Kung Fu  TV show, and the general recession in economic growth, the martial arts school industry took a nosedive. By the late ’70s, interest in the arts had reignited. Norris starred in a series of successful movies. Cable sports channel ESPN began promoting full-contact karate matches. Champions like Bill “Superfoot” Wallace became mainstream sports personalities. Meanwhile, martial arts school owners noticed the renewed interest. It wasn’t long before a few enterprising instructors discovered that they could make big money from karate and taekwondo. The 1980s were excellent years for karate schools. Hollywood favored the industry with The Karate Kid  and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles  film series. The seminar circuit became a lucrative business for promoters and performers like Wallace, Lewis, Dan Inosanto, and Stephen K. Hayes. Toward the end of the decade, training camps sprang up. Successful entrepreneur Andrew Wood published a now-famous instructional manual on how to make a six-figure salary by teaching karate. Implementing his methods for earning $100,000, however, would not seriously take place until the 1990s. The arrival of business organizations in the ’90s was extremely important to the development of martial arts schools in America. Leading the way was the Martial Arts Industry Association, which still helps instructors develop effective strategies for teaching, marketing, and management. One of the challenges facing martial arts instructors in the past was they didn’t know how to effectively profit through teaching. The individual charged with the task of running the school had to assume the role of compassionate, trusting, and humble master and the role of strong-minded, fast-talking, and hard-toothed entrepreneur. Often, those roles conflicted. As a result, the instructor who couldn’t strike a happy medium became either a poor-but-well-thought-of master or a well-to-do-but-not-so-respected entrepreneur. After many years of business evolution, martial arts teachers now know that profiting from professional practices is not contrary to the act of shaping good students. Making more money means the teachers can afford larger facilities and accept even more students. By using proven business practices, qualified instructors can work full time to maintain and pass on their art’s traditions through well-structured programs, and that’s a great thing for society in general.