BRAVE Combat Federation is set to make history on October 19 as it arrives in Spain for the landmark BRAVE CF 89 event. For Spanish MMA veteran Jose Sanchez, this event isn’t just a historic moment for the nation—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cement his legacy on the grand stage. The Rise of Jose Sanchez in Spanish MMA Jose Sanchez began his MMA journey in 2014, quickly establishing himself as one of Spain’s most promising fighters. In just five years, he went undefeated, amassing an impressive 11 consecutive victories and capturing a regional title in 2019. However, his meteoric rise was halted by a string of fight cancellations, forcing Sanchez to take a break and recalibrate. In 2021, Sanchez returned to the cage, but his comeback has been a mixed bag. Over his last six fights, he’s experienced two wins, three losses, and one draw. Yet, many of these bouts were on short notice or while he was battling injuries, which impacted his performance. Now, as BRAVE CF 89 looms, Sanchez finds himself with a golden opportunity to reignite his career. Facing a Formidable Opponent: Richie Smullen Sanchez will take on Irish powerhouse Richie Smullen from the renowned SBG Ireland gym in the co-main event. This bout will mark Sanchez as the highest-ranked Spanish fighter on the biggest MMA card in the nation’s history. For Sanchez, a victory over Smullen would not only be a career-defining moment but also an opportunity to mirror the success of fellow Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria, who gained international acclaim after competing in BRAVE CF. Interestingly, both Sanchez and Topuria were part of an unreleased MMA reality show, which could have been Sanchez’s ticket to stardom. Now, he’s determined to carve out his own path to fame in front of a home crowd. The Spanish Lineup at BRAVE CF 89 Alongside Sanchez, Spanish fighters Oscar Mendez and Andrea Meneses Garcia will also be competing, making BRAVE CF 89 a truly monumental event for Spanish MMA. Fans will get to witness top local talent battling on a global stage, showcasing the country’s MMA prowess. The Final Stop in BRAVE CF’s World Tour BRAVE CF 89 will take place at the Pabellon Santiago Martin in Tenerife, in partnership with Fight2One. This event is the grand finale of BRAVE CF’s “Around the World in 70 Days” tour, which has seen action-packed fights in destinations like China, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Will Jose Sanchez seize this pivotal moment to secure his biggest win yet? Spanish MMA fans and the world will soon find out.

In an epic showdown at BRAVE CF 89 on October 19, 2024, Russian MMA sensation Kamal Magomedov will put his undefeated record and Super Welterweight title on the line against Brazil’s rising star, Luiz Cado, in Spain’s first-ever MMA world title fight. Magomedov has carved a path of destruction in the Super Welterweight division, with an impressive streak of 11 consecutive finishes. He made his powerful debut at BRAVE CF 55 in 2021, submitting Vitali Tverdokhlebov in the opening round. His momentum continued with a dominant win over Olli Santalahti at BRAVE CF 63, paving the way for his title shot. At BRAVE CF 77, Magomedov’s first-round victory over former champion Marcin Bandel crowned him the Super Welterweight king and solidified his place at the top of the division. Meanwhile, Luiz Cado has risen as a worthy challenger, securing his spot with three straight wins. Just one day after Magomedov's title win, Cado’s victory at BRAVE CF 78 made him the undisputed top contender. Known for his relentless finishing ability, Cado has proven to be a dangerous opponent, with all three of his BRAVE CF wins coming by way of stoppage. As Magomedov and Cado prepare to clash at Pabellón Santiago Martín in Tenerife, the stakes have never been higher. This battle will not only decide the world’s best Super Welterweight but also add to BRAVE CF’s historic “Around the World in 70 Days” tour, which included events in China, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Can Magomedov continue his unbeaten streak and cement his legacy, or will Cado rise as the new champion, adding another chapter to Brazil’s BRAVE CF success story? Don’t miss the electrifying BRAVE CF 89, where history is set to be made!

ONE Championship announced the addition of featherweights Eddie Abasolo and Mohamed Younes Rabah to the ONE 169 lineup on Friday, November 8. The two strikers will throw down on the massive event in the hopes of jumping into title contention at featherweight. But the road to ONE 169 was not easy for Rabah. Having a large family w ithout a large income meant the Algerian had to develop his work ethic at an early age. “I had a very hard childhood. We lived at my grandparent’s house with numerous uncles and aunts. Then we moved into a small house with eight siblings in a tough neighborhood. My father worked as a teacher, striving to provide for our large family as the sole br eadwinner,” Rabah told ONE. “Money was tight, so I had to start working at a young age to support myself and help my family.” Rabah was always involved in sports growing up. Still, he lacked a passion for any one in particular until he discovered kickboxing. From there, a love for martial arts was discovered. “I played football for a while but found myself craving something more intense. That’s when I tried my hand at karate, but the non-contact aspect didn’t quite resonate with me,” the Algerian remarked. “It wasn’t until I stumbled upon kickboxing at the age of 13, through a humble gym in my town, that I truly discovered my passion for martial arts.” Inspired by luminaries of the sport, Rabah decided he wanted to chase his dream of becoming a pro athlete. “The Eagle” had the maturity to know he needed to spend more time training if he wanted to capitalize on his potential and make that dream a reality. “Watching legends like Badr Hari ignited a fire within me, and I began envisioning myself competing at their level, starting from that very same small gym,” Rabah stated. “I quickly realized that hitting the gym three times a week wasn’t going to cut it. So, I got creative. I set up this janky punching bag in my house using old tires and my worn-out gloves.” “Every single day, I was in there, working out solo and studying the pros’ moves. I became kinda obsessed with getting better, even back then.” The beginning of his journey as a professional displayed his commitment to greatness. Rabah sacrificed many things to pursue success at the highest level and was willing to take the long road to the top. “In pursuit of my dreams, I made the leap from my small town to the bustling capital city of Algiers, searching for new opportunities,” the 27-year-old said. “It was a challenging time. I was on my own, juggling training with work. Initially, I took on the role of a shopkeeper, and during this period, I even found myself crashing in a friend’s university campus room, pushing through difficulties.” Rabah showed his promise on the regional circuits with victories and title wins. However, he still wanted to make his way to the global stage. “The Eagle” decided to make his way to Thailand, but to do so, he picked up a wide array of jobs until he could afford to jump to the mecca of Muay Thai. “To fund my travels to Thailand and further my career, I ventured into car trading and took on additional hours as a salesman,” Rabah said. “There was even a stint in Dubai where I found myself behind the wheel as a taxi driver, all while living and training at the gym. So yeah, I’ve had my fair share of jobs and hustles along the way to establish myself as a professional athlete.” Now, in ONE, Rabah is finally getting recognition for his skills. The 27-year-old stunned Saemapetch Fairtex in his promotional debut to make an instant impact in the featherweight division. The acclaim from fans is a startling revelation for Rabah, but one he hopes to continue building as he chases ultimate glory in ONE. “It’s been wild to notice more people recognizing me on the streets of Bangkok. Now, folks even stop me for photos, which is kinda surreal but totally cool. The love from fans keeps me going, and I really appreciate every bit of it,” Rabah commented. ONE 169 airs live a nd free on Prime Video a t 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, November 8, to all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.

The cover of the January 1995 issue of Black Belt   featured martial arts film star Mark Dacascos, flying through the air with powerful grace. The multi-talented martial artist made waves with his role in the film Double Dragon, released that same year. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Strawweight kickboxing will receive a barnburner for its inaugural title tilt on Friday, November 8. ONE Championship will put Jackie Buntan vs. Anissa Meksen for the ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World T itle at ONE 169. The collision will mark Buntan’s second attempt to claim gold on the global stage. At ONE 156, the American squared off against Smilla Sundell for the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. However, she came out on the losing end by unanimous decision. Since then, Buntan has been working her way back into championship form. The Boxing Works star is 3-0 since her lone loss in ONE, including a staggering knockout of Diandra Martin in the promotion’s U.S. debut at ONE Fight Night 10. Buntan will need every bit of momentum she can get as she prepares for one of striking’s all-time greats in Meksen. The French-Algerian was widely regarded as the pound-for-pound best women’s kickboxer for years. Upon arrival in ONE, Meksen racked up three straight dominating performances until dropping an atomweight title bid against “The Queen” Phetjeeja. Buntan and Meksen were initially slated to contend for the inaugural crown in July, but Buntan withdrew due to an undisclosed injury. Now healthy, the match is signed for one of the year’s biggest events. The two elite talents will have a U.S. primetime platform to shine as they attempt to wear history over their shoulder as the first-ever ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion. ONE 169 airs live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, November 8, to all U.S. and Canadian Amazon Prime members.

This Saturday, October 12, GLORY Kickboxing fans are in for an electrifying evening as GLORY 96 takes center stage at the sold-out RTM Stage in Rotterdam, Netherlands. With two world championship titles on the line and a stacked lineup featuring 11 thrilling bouts, the event promises unforgettable action that’ll keep fans at the edge of their seats. Main Event: Champ vs. Champ Superfight The main event brings a Champ vs. Champ spectacle as GLORY Welterweight World Champion Chico Kwasi (43-5, 23 KO) defends his title against GLORY Lightweight World Champion Tyjani Beztati (27-4, 9 KO). This highly anticipated showdown pits two of GLORY’s most dynamic fighters against each other, each with a reputation for explosive knockouts and relentless pressure. Kwasi and Beztati will be leaving it all in the ring, determined to etch their names into kickboxing history. Co-Main Event: Wisse’s Fifth Title Defense In the co-main event, Donovan Wisse (21-1, 10 KO), the reigning GLORY Middleweight World Champion, looks to defend his belt for the fifth time against top-ranked German challenger Sergej Braun (44-13, 27 KO). Wisse has been unstoppable in his reign, but Braun, with an impressive record and powerful striking, is prepared to challenge that dominance. Other Must-Watch Fights on the Main Card The action-packed main card also features heavyweight powerhouse Nabil Khachab (28-5-1, 4 KO) squaring off with newcomer Bugra Tugay Erdogan (18-4, 6 KO), who’s ready to make a bold statement in his GLORY debut. Middleweights Michael Boapeah (18-4-1, 7 KO) and Mohamed Touchassie (16-2, 12 KO) will clash in what promises to be a fierce battle, potentially leading to a future title shot for the winner. Plus, Iliass Hammouche (34-6, 7 KO) welcomes debuting Serbian Mihailo Culafic (36-12, 19 KO) to the GLORY ring, and featherweights Denis Wosik (39-8-1, 9 KO) and Bobo Sacko (76-6-1, 30 KO) are set for a showdown that’ll keep fans guessing till the final bell. Exciting Prelims Packed with Heavy Hitters For those eager for even more action, GLORY 96 prelims are not to be missed. From heavyweight wrecking machine Ionut Iancu (29-9, 11 KO) facing KO specialist Cihad Kepenek (23-6, 16 KO) to light heavyweight rivals Ibrahim El Bouni (41-10-1, 22 KO) and Bogdan Stoica (58-15, 40 KO) going toe-to-toe once again, the prelims are loaded with bouts that promise intense action from start to finish. Welterweight title hopefuls Teodor Hristov (17-3, 7 KO) and Robin Ciric (23-7, 7 KO) will also lock horns, and heavyweight giants Asdren Gashi (17-4-1, 8 KO) and Colin George (23-11, 21 KO) are set to clash. Adding to the fire, Mehdi Ait El Hadj (33-4-2, 8 KO) will open the night against Soufian Abdelkhalek (5-2-1, 2 KO), a promising prospect eager to make an impact. How to Watch GLORY 96 Can’t make it to Rotterdam? GLORY 96 is available on various streaming platforms! Fans in the Netherlands can catch it on Videoland, while those in France and Belgium can tune in via DAZN. In the United States and Canada, Bally Live and Stadium will carry the event. The GLORY 96 prelims will be streamed live for free on YouTube, starting at 6 PM CET/12 PM ET, with the main card kicking off at 8 PM CET/2 PM ET. Prepare for a night of fierce battles, powerful knockouts, and kickboxing excellence as GLORY 96 brings the world’s top fighters into the spotlight this Saturday. Don’t miss it! GLORY 96 Fight Card Main Event | Champ vs. Champ GLORY Welterweight World Championship WW Champ Chico Kwasi (43-5, 23 KO) vs. LW Champ Tyjani Beztati (27-4, 9 KO) Co-Main Event GLORY Middleweight World Championship Champ Donovan Wisse (21-1, 10 KO) vs. #2 Sergej Braun (44-13, 27 KO) Heavyweight #6 Nabil Khachab (28-5-1, 4 KO) vs. Bugra Tugay Erdogan (18-4, 6 KO) Middleweight #1 Michael Boapeah (18-4-1, 7 KO) vs. Mohamed Touchassie (16-2, 12 KO) Middleweight Iliass Hammouche (34-6, 7 KO) vs. Mihailo Culafic (36-12, 19 KO) Featherweight #3 Denis Wosik (39-8-1, 9 KO) vs. #7 Bobo Sacko (76-6-1, 30 KO) Preliminary Card Heavyweight #9 Ionut Iancu (29-9, 11 KO) vs. Cihad Kepenek (23-6, 16 KO) Light Heavyweight #6 Ibrahim El Bouni (41-10-1, 22 KO) vs. #8 Bogdan Stoica (58-15, 40 KO) Welterweight #2 Teodor Hristov (17-3, 7 KO) vs. #4 Robin Ciric (23-7, 7 KO) Heavyweight Asdren Gashi (17-4-1, 9 KO) vs. Colin George (23-11, 21 KO) Welterweight Mehdi Ait El Hadj (33-4-2, 8 KO) vs. Soufian Abdelkhalek (5-2-1, 2 KO)

Private Red Carpet Premiere of “Black Creek in Beverly Hills, California Action and martial arts icon Cynthia Rothrock will premiere her latest film, Black Creek , on October 9th at the Fine Arts Theater, 8556 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA. Rothrock takes on the roles of producer, lead actor, and co-writer, and she’s excited to share this epic action-drama Western martial arts film with audiences. Following the screening, a panel featuring producers and key cast members will be on stage for a discussion. Black Creek follows  Rose Jennings (Cynthia Rothrock), a sheriff's sister who seeks revenge against the terrifying leader of a group of outlaws after discovering he brutally murdered her brother, his wife, and other family members in a gritty southwestern town. Cast attending include Rothrock, Don Wilson, Benny Urquidez, Patrick Kilpatrick, Richard Norton, Oliver Gruner, Forbes Riley, R.Marcos Taylor, Douglas Vermeeren. About Cynthia Rothrock Cynthia Rothrock is a martial arts expert and athlete, now a film actress, starring in several highly successful martial arts action movies. She first made a name as an action actress in Hong Kong before going on to wow audiences on her home turf. At the time of her popularity, she was well-known as the "Queen of Martial Arts films". Cynthia Rothrock is the World Champion in martial arts Forms and Weapons (1981-1985). Her goal was to be undefeated and retire after five years. With over 100 competitions, she holds the undefeated worldwide record in martial arts Forms competition. In the weapons competition, Cynthia was the first and only woman to win number one in North America against the men. At that time, women had to compete with the men. She holds five Black Belts with the rank of 8th Dan Grandmaster. To learn more about Cynthia, visit https://www.cynthiarothrockofficial.com/ Free Parking: Beverly Hills City Garage - 321 S La Cienega Blvd Monday thru Friday (entering after 4 pm) Media check-in at 6:30 pm Black Creek screens at 8:00 PM and doors open at 7:00 PM For media coverage requests email- jparris@richgirlproductions.com

If you’re looking for real-world self-defense techniques that go beyond traditional martial arts, Kelly McCann’s Combatives Self-Defense, Real World Self-Defense  course on Black Belt Drills is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Designed by the renowned expert in combative tactics and self-defense, this comprehensive 22-episode course provides practical skills that work when it counts the most. Why Choose Kelly McCann's Combatives Self-Defense Course? Kelly McCann is a legendary figure in the self-defense and security industry, respected for his no-nonsense approach. His course is specifically tailored for those who want actionable, street-ready self-defense techniques. Here’s what makes this course a must-have for anyone serious about personal safety: Realistic Scenarios:  Learn how to react effectively in the types of dangerous situations you may encounter on the street. Proven Techniques:  Kelly’s methods are based on his extensive experience in military and security operations, ensuring that these tactics are both effective and easy to learn. Comprehensive Coverage:  The 22 episodes cover a variety of critical areas, from situational awareness to specific striking techniques, allowing you to develop a well-rounded set of self-defense skills. Course Highlights Here’s a quick look at some of the topics covered in the course: Understanding the Basics of Combatives:  Learn what makes combatives different from traditional martial arts and why it’s so effective for real-world self-defense. Situational Awareness:  Essential skills to help you avoid conflict before it even starts. Defensive Tactics:  Techniques to defend against common attacks such as grabs, punches, and more. Counter-Attacks:  How to neutralize threats quickly and efficiently. Street Smarts and Safety Tips:  Practical advice to stay safe in various environments. The course focuses on simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of application, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of age, size, or skill level. Head over to Black Belt Drills and enroll in Kelly McCann’s Combatives Self-Defense, Real World Self-Defense . Don’t wait – learn the skills that could one day protect you or your loved ones. Get started today, and arm yourself with the knowledge and techniques to handle real-world threats with confidence!

UFC 307 concluded with an electrifying night of fights at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, October 5, 2024. With a sellout crowd of 17,487 fans and a gate revenue reaching $5,000,000, the event showcased twelve thrilling bouts, leaving fans buzzing as two new champions were crowned. Here are the full results of UFC 307. Main Event Breakdown: Pereira’s Power on Display In the main event, Alex Pereira retained his UFC Light Heavyweight Champion status by defeating Khalil Rountree Jr. in a fierce contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Pereira utilized his signature striking power, landing decisive uppercuts in the fourth round to secure a KO/TKO victory at 4:32. This win solidifies Pereira’s status as a dominant force in the Light Heavyweight division. Co-Main Event: Peña Claims Bantamweight Gold In the co-main event, Julianna Peña made a triumphant return to the Octagon, capturing the Women’s Bantamweight Championship by narrowly defeating Raquel Pennington via split decision. The bout was closely contested, with Peña’s relentless aggression ultimately swaying two out of three judges in her favor, earning her the championship belt. Main Card Results Mario Bautista vs. Jose Aldo : Bautista edged out a victory over the legendary Aldo, winning by split decision in a hard-fought bout. Bautista’s striking and grappling exchanges proved effective in securing the win. Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland : Dolidze took advantage of a rib injury sustained by Holland, finishing the fight with a KO/TKO at the buzzer in Round 1. Dolidze’s powerful strikes and relentless pressure left a lasting impression. Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira : Harrison displayed her grappling prowess, defeating Vieira by unanimous decision. Her dominance on the ground was evident throughout all three rounds. Prelims Recap The preliminary bouts were equally thrilling, with fighters delivering impressive performances: Joaquin Buckley vs. Stephen Thompson : Buckley showcased his knockout power, dropping Thompson with a devastating right hook at 2:17 in the third round. Yasmin Lucindo vs. Marina Rodriguez : In a closely contested match, Lucindo emerged victorious over Rodriguez by split decision, marking a significant win in her career. Alexander Hernandez vs. Jared Hubbard : Hernandez continued his rise with a split decision victory over Hubbard, displaying his resilience and tactical skill. Jailton Almeida vs. Ihor Potieria : Almeida won a convincing unanimous decision against Potieria, using his grappling to control the fight. Ryan Spann vs. Ovince St. Preux : Spann wasted no time, submitting St. Preux with a guillotine choke at 1:35 of the first round, securing an early finish. Raquel Pennington vs. Carla Esparza : Pennington dominated Esparza, earning a unanimous decision victory with effective striking and octagon control. Court McGee vs. Tim Means : McGee wrapped up the prelims with a submission win over Means, using a neck crank to force the tap at 3:19 in the first round. With unforgettable performances and new champions emerging, UFC 307 will go down as one of the most exciting events of the year, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for these fighters.

Like most historical figures, past giants of the budo world tend to stand, in our view, at such a distance as to make them seem almost unreal. We are too far away to see the flaws. Or the scars. Jigoro Kano (1860-1938) is, of course, known to most martial artists. He studied jujitsu at the end of Japan’s feudal era and was motivated to create judo. He founded the Kodokan, which became the center for judo internationally. Some might know of the serious challenges he and his students faced from jujitsu exponents as he established his art. Overall, though, it seems that Kano’s bringing judo onto the scene was straightforward and undramatic. If we were closer, however, we would see the enormous problems Kano suffered — not just from outside forces but also from his own students. HEITA OKABE (1891-1966) Heita Okabe advanced from first dan to fourth dan in less than a year, which remains a record in judo promotions. He was a star at the early Kodokan, having attained his ranks by batsugan, or victories in competition. Okabe was enrolled at a Tokyo teachers college. Kano arranged for the young man to study at the University of Chicago, where Okabe excelled in wrestling, boxing, football, and tennis — nearly every sport played at the college. When Okabe returned to Japan, he was convinced that judo must begin to emphasize the sort of competition he’d experienced — and enjoyed — in the United States. He saw judo’s future as a sport, and that put him at odds with Kano, who continued to promote judo as a Way, a system to train mind and body toward the goals of living a productive, philosophically grounded life. In 1921, Adolph Ernst, a professional wrestler, arrived in Japan from the States with a contingent of American wrestlers to challenge judoka. Ernst had already won several matches with Kodokan judoka and jujitsu practitioners in America. Okabe was there in Yokohama to meet them. Okabe arranged matches between the Americans and the Japanese. The Japanese lost most of them. Kano strongly objected to the matches, insisting they were contrary to the spirit and aims of Kodokan judo. He revoked the rank of Okabe and others connected with the challenges. Even so, the matches were a massive embarrassment — and disappointment — for Kano. Kodokan judoka began traveling to the West to study submission holds and other aspects of Western wrestling, which drew Kano’s art further from a Way and closer to a modern sport. SHIRO SAIGO (1866-1922) Shiro Saigo is a beloved judo figure. He was the subject of a famous novel made into multiple movies, including Sugata Sanshiro,  about his exploits. Saigo participated in several of the early challenge matches Kano’s judo faced from jujitsu schools. His victories are primarily responsible, in fact, for establishing the Kodokan as a powerful force in the world of Japan’s martial arts. Saigo was a central figure who assisted Kano. He was also a headache for Kano. Saigo loved to brawl. He engaged in street fights all over Tokyo. He was a little guy, pugnacious, eager to go at it with anyone in his path. In 1890 that “anyone” was a sumo wrestler named Araumi. Saigo, reportedly drunk, got into it with Araumi and threw the wrestler, knocking him out cold. Saigo and his friends proceeded to wade into fights with Araumi’s friends, then with the police who showed up to stop the brawl. It was too much for Kano. Reluctantly, he expelled Saigo from the Kodokan. Saigo’s version of the story is that he left the Kodokan voluntarily to join a group of expatriate Japanese adventurers who were working as mercenaries in Japan and Korea. Later, he turned to kyudo (archery). And while he never trained at the Kodokan again, Kano’s fondness for the little fighter is obvious in that he promoted Saigo posthumously to sixth dan. SAKUJIRO YOKOYAMA (1864-1912)  Sakujiro Yokoyama was the opposite of Saigo: He was a massive man, nearly 200 pounds. A student of various jujitsu ryu, he came to the Kodokan in 1882 as a challenger. Yokoyama was so badly beaten — by Saigo, in fact — that he asked to join the school. He rapidly became an indispensable leader. Yokoyama was large, not only physically but also in his appetites. He was a prodigious sake drinker. And if an evening over cups ended with a brawl, the night was complete. Once, Yokoyama and Kyuzo Mifune were drinking in a bar when they attracted the attention of some guys looking for trouble. Mifune was even smaller than Saigo and arguably a better judoka. He must have looked like a child sitting across from Yokoyama. One of the troublemakers tried to steal Yokoyama’s hat and coat. When Yokoyama blocked his exit, six other men rushed in. Yokoyama set about throwing all of them. Meanwhile, the other half of the group came for Mifune and met the same kind of windmill, just a smaller, faster version. Yokoyama and Mifune cleaned out the place. The reason for Yokoyama’s eventual estrangement from the Kodokan is still a mystery. It may have had to do with his excessive drinking. He was likely unhappy because he thought the job of technical director at the Kodokan should have been his, but Kano disagreed. The dispute between Kano and Yokoyama became publicly known, and it threatened the reputation of the Kodokan. Yokoyama, for whatever reason, eventually pulled away, rarely even visiting the Kodokan. He died of cancer in 1912. As with Saigo, Kano awarded Yokoyama a posthumous rank, promoting him to eighth dan. Three men, three pillars of the Kodokan. All three of Jigoro Kano’s students made tremendous contributions to early judo. And while Kano must have treasured all of them, he must have wondered if they were more trouble than they were worth.

In the spirit of honoring the history of martial arts film by Funko Pops and inspired by Bruce Lee’s iconic “Be Water” philosophy. The Little Dragon has taken on a new shape and form, truly living up to its legendary name! He may be small in stature at just 3.9 inches tall but he certainly packs a punch!  Let us celebrate the legacy of an icon with this striking new collectible!  The product drops tomorrow - 9th Oct 2024. Available at https://funko.com/ MSRP $12

Regian Eersel reclaimed the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title from Alexis Nicolas in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25. “The Immortal” started hot against the French talent and stayed strong through the championship rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory in Bangkok, Thailand. The complete performance also served as a plate of crow to his staunchest detractors. “Of course, people were doubting me, especially the French fans. I got a lot of messages saying that I was going to sleep. But that only added fuel to the fire. It only motivated me, and you saw the result,” Eersel told ONE after ONE Fight Night 25. “I’m very satisfied [that I avenged my only loss in ONE]. It’s one of the best things. I’m very happy.” Nicolas worked himself back into the match and scored points of his own. The ability to match Eersel showed the first victory was not a fluke. Eersel offered up some thoughts on his rival after the event. “Alexis is a challenging opponent because of his fighting style. He’s very quick. His fighting [style] is unique, but you saw I found the key to beat him,” the Surinamese star remarked. “I knew in the last [round] I was winning the fight. I was scoring more points.” Eersel shot down the possibility of a trilogy with Nicolas as his next bout. Instead, he wants to put on the four-ounce gloves next. “The Immortal” is excited to defend the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title while the lightweight kickboxing division works itself out. “No, [I don’t think we should have a trilogy fight with Nicolas] right now. Maybe in the future,” Eersel stated. “I hope my next fight will be in Muay Thai because the position is waiting for me. It took a long time to defend my Muay Thai belt, so I think now it’s time.” “First, I’m going to enjoy this victory, then we will talk about my next opponent. It can be anybody. Just bring them to me. I have no names. ONE can line them up for me.” Eersel is also not shutting the door to more creative options. The Surinamese star mentioned he would be open to a mixed-rules bout, but it was clear it was not at the top of his list. Still, the lightweight king is intrigued by the challenge. “I can do a mixed-rules fight. Not MMA. It would take more preparation, and it’s not one of my goals,” Eersel said. “What’s most exciting about a mixed-rules fight is you can fight [in] almost all of the disciplines. And it’s a challenge. I like challenges. We have to challenge ourselves – that’s why we’re here.”