Daniel Zellhuber is one of the UFC’s hottest rising prospects in the lightweight division, and as he heads into his fifth UFC fight at UFC 306, all eyes are on the "Golden Boy." Set to face Esteban Ribovics, Zellhuber is on a mission to extend his three-fight win streak and prove why he’s a future star at 155 pounds. The lightweight division has long been a breeding ground for elite talent, and Zellhuber’s 15-1 record (3-1 in the UFC) shows he’s on the fast track to join the ranks of legendary champions. With 10 finishes under his belt, including submissions and knockouts, Zellhuber has demonstrated he’s a well-rounded fighter with a bright future ahead. Zellhuber’s journey began after being bullied as a child. His father introduced him to boxing, but it wasn’t until age 12, when he discovered MMA, that he found his true passion. Fast-forward to his professional debut in 2016, and he quickly rattled off 11 straight victories, earning his shot on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. A decision win there secured him a UFC contract, and though he stumbled in his UFC debut against Trey Ogden, Zellhuber has rebounded with three straight wins. His first UFC victory came against seasoned veteran Lando Vannata at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen, a fight that showcased Zellhuber’s skillset and fight IQ. He followed up that performance with a statement win over Christos Giagos at UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2, where he displayed both his striking and submission skills, finishing Giagos with an anaconda choke. Most recently, Zellhuber took on Francisco Prado in Mexico City at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2. Zellhuber dominated the fight with an array of striking techniques—kicks, knees, and punches—leading to a unanimous decision victory. The dominance of his performance had him wondering how the fight even made it to the scorecards. As he prepares to take on Esteban Ribovics at UFC 306, Zellhuber is looking to make another statement win. With the lightweight division stacked with names like Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, and Paddy Pimblett, Zellhuber is positioning himself as a standout among the new generation of fighters. A win at UFC 306 could propel him toward a spot in the Top 15 and put him one step closer to a title shot. Don't miss UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili, live from Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, 2024. Prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, and the main card kicks off on PPV at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT!

Elite Lightweights go head-to-head when AJ “Mercenary” McKee meets Ireland’s Paul “Big News” Hughes   PFL PPV Super Fight takes place Saturday, October 19 – Live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide The Professional Fighters League has added another high-stakes matchup to the main card of the next PFL PPV Super Fight - Battle of the Giants - on Saturday, October 19, 2024.   Opening the main card will be a Lightweight bout featuring former Bellator Featherweight World Champion  AJ McKee  (22-1), serving as the toughest test of  Paul Hughes 's (12-1) young career as the man with the longest winning streak in Bellator history (18) will face an Irishman whom many consider to be the top Lightweight prospect on the planet.   The aforementioned bout joins a card headlined by MMA superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world,  Francis Ngannou  (17-3) making his highly anticipated return to the sport of MMA. “The Predator” faces the most-feared fighter in PFL, 6-foot-8 PFL Heavyweight Champion  Renan “Problema” Ferreira  (13-3, 3 NC) for the newly minted PFL Super Fights Championship Belt. Ferreira most recently defeated Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds in February in the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions event in Riyadh.   The co-main event will feature another major world title fight featuring the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all-time,  Cris “Cyborg”  (27-2, 1 NC), whose legacy will be on the line when she squares off against PFL two-division Champion  Larissa Pacheco (23-4), who looks to prove she is the greatest women’s MMA fighter on the planet.   The event will emanate from the state-of-the-art Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The monumental cultural venue hosts significant national and international events in the heart of Riyadh, serving as a perfect backdrop for the “Battle of the Giants” mega event.   PFL’s “Battle of the Giants” PPV event takes place Saturday, October 19 and can be seen live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S and DAZN worldwide.   AJ McKee vs. Paul Hughes - Lightweight Main Card Bout Synonymous with Bellator since signing with the promotion at 20-years-old in 2015, AJ McKee has gone on to do incredible things throughout his 23-fight run with the promotion, including a Featherweight title run. With wins against Patricio Pitbull, Darrion Caldwell, Pat Curran and others, McKee has the second-most wins in Bellator history and the longest winning streak to start a career at 18-0. Only 27 years of age, Paul Hughes accomplished everything possible on the regional stage before entering free agency, where he was pursued by every major mixed martial arts promotion on the planet before choosing to join PFL. A former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion before moving up to Lightweight, Hughes is currently in the midst of a six-fight winning streak. Eight of his 12 professional victories have come via stoppage. Most recently, he defeated Bobby King in his promotional debut at Bellator Champions Series: Dublin.   “Battle of the Giants” Main Card: ESPN+ PPV (U.S.) | DAZN (Worldwide) Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saturday, October 19   Early Card: 1:30 pm ET / 8:30 pm AST Main Card: 4:00pm ET / 11:00 pm AST    Heavyweight Main Event:  Francis Ngannou  (17-3) vs.  Renan Ferreira  (13-3, 3 NC)  Women’s Featherweight Co-Main Event:  Cris “Cyborg”  (27-2) vs.  Larissa Pacheco (23-4) Lightweight Main Card Bout:  AJ McKee  (22-1) vs.  Paul Hughes  (12-1)

Chuck Norris. The name alone conjures up images of roundhouse kicks, indestructibility, and legendary toughness. But behind the iconic action star and martial arts expert lies a treasure trove of little-known facts that will surprise even his biggest fans. Get ready to dive into the world of Chuck Norris like never before with these 10 mind-blowing facts! 1. Chuck Norris Wasn't Always "Chuck" Chuck Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris, was given the name “Chuck” during his time serving in the U.S. Air Force. After enlisting at the age of 18, he was stationed in South Korea, where his fellow airmen gave him the nickname. At the time, he had no idea that "Chuck" would become synonymous with martial arts mastery and tough-guy personas in the years to come. 2. He Wasn't a Natural Fighter While Norris might seem like someone born to fight, his early life was far from it. Growing up, he struggled with shyness, academic challenges, and a lack of athletic ability. He described himself as a quiet, introverted child who had little interest in sports or physical activities. It wasn’t until he was stationed in South Korea that he was introduced to martial arts. There, he began practicing Tang Soo Do, which ignited his passion for martial arts and ultimately transformed his life. 3. The Real-Life Inspiration Behind 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Walker, Texas Ranger  wasn’t just a work of fiction. Norris’s character, Cordell Walker, was based on real-life Texas Rangers, who had a reputation for their tough but fair approach to law enforcement. Norris wanted to ensure that the fight scenes and action sequences in the show were authentic, and thus insisted on performing many of his own stunts and choreography, incorporating genuine martial arts techniques that he mastered over his career. 4. A Champion Fighter in Real Life Before he became a Hollywood action star, Norris was a dominant force in the competitive martial arts scene. He won the Professional Middleweight Karate Championship six consecutive times from 1968 to 1974. His record in the competitive karate world stood at an impressive 183 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws. In 1969, Black Belt  Magazine named him Fighter of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the most respected martial artists in the world at the time. 5. Chuck Norris Founded His Own Martial Arts After mastering several martial arts disciplines, Norris created his own style, known as Chun Kuk Do, which means "The Universal Way." Chun Kuk Do is a hybrid system that draws from Norris's experience in Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Shotokan Karate. It emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental discipline, promoting values such as honor, respect, and integrity. The system also incorporates Norris's own personal philosophy and code of conduct, which has been central to his life and career. 6. He Trained with Bruce Lee Norris's friendship and professional relationship with Bruce Lee began in the 1960s, after both became prominent figures in the martial arts world. The two often trained together, exchanging techniques and philosophies. Their most famous collaboration came in 1972, when Norris appeared opposite Lee in the film The Way of the Dragon . The fight scene between the two in the Colosseum is considered one of the greatest martial arts battles in cinematic history. Norris later spoke highly of Lee’s skill and dedication, calling him one of the most talented martial artists he had ever met. 7. He Holds a Black Belt in Multiple Martial Arts Not just a master of one discipline, Norris has achieved black belt rankings in numerous martial arts. He holds a 10th-degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do, the system he created, an 8th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a 9th-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Machado family, who are renowned BJJ practitioners. His mastery of multiple disciplines showcases his deep commitment to martial arts and his broad understanding of combat techniques. 8. Chuck Norris is a Best-Selling Author In addition to his film career and martial arts achievements, Norris has authored multiple books. His works range from martial arts guides to self-help books, as well as autobiographies. His autobiography, Against All Odds: My Story , became a best-seller, providing fans a glimpse into his life beyond the movies, including his struggles and triumphs. Norris also penned The Secret of Inner Strength  and Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America , which reflects his deep sense of patriotism and philosophy on life. 9. He's an Internet Legend In the early 2000s, Chuck Norris became an unlikely internet sensation with the rise of “Chuck Norris Facts,” a viral meme phenomenon. These "facts" depicted Norris as an almost god-like figure with hyperbolic, humorous abilities, like "Chuck Norris counted to infinity. Twice." Norris himself embraced the meme culture, recognizing the good-natured humor behind it. In fact, the meme’s popularity helped revitalize interest in his career, introducing him to a new generation of fans. 10. He’s a Philanthropist Norris is not just about roundhouse kicks and action stardom; he's also deeply committed to philanthropy. In 1990, he founded Kickstart Kids, an organization that uses martial arts to teach character-building values to children. Kickstart Kids operates in schools across Texas, giving students access to martial arts training while focusing on respect, discipline, and perseverance. The program aims to equip young people with life skills that will help them overcome obstacles and lead successful lives. Norris has also been involved in various charitable efforts over the years, making a positive impact both on and off the screen. Chuck Norris’s legacy extends far beyond the big screen. From his accomplishments in martial arts to his humanitarian efforts and internet fame, these 10 lesser-known facts reveal a man of many talents and dimensions.

2024 Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee Ernie Reyes Jr. is the featured throwback, having graced the cover of the May 1991 issue. At just 21 years old, he was already a legendary TV and movie star with a truckload of championship trophies. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

After the fifth week of Dana White's Contender Series, UFC CEO Dana White answered questions from the media, primarily discussing UFC 306: O'Malley vs Dvalishvili at Sphere in Las Vegas. He also mentioned the halfway mark of the show's eighth season and the importance of the event on September 14. With only a few days left until the highly anticipated Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere, excitement is mounting for this unique occasion. White briefly discussed the challenges and visuals involved in organizing such an event. He mentioned that one of the major obstacles to overcome was the absence of a lighting grid above the Octagon. White stated that everything is set and ready for the event, with all the necessary components in place. The focus now is on continuous rehearsal leading up to the event. He mentioned that unlike previous UFC events, no further adjustments are being made at this stage. White also provided details about the in-arena experience, including the elements that will be displayed on the large screen in Sphere while the fights are happening live. White expressed his satisfaction and excitement about the event, emphasizing his pride in the preparations and his eagerness for the event to unfold. He acknowledged that the true outcome will only be known once the event takes place. The conversation briefly touched on the defending champion headlining UFC 306. The rising star has been associated with high expectations since his introduction on Dana White’s Contender Series, and his upcoming appearance on September 14 will take his career to new heights. Comparisons between the rising star and Conor McGregor have been circulating among fans and White. White highlighted McGregor's ability to deliver in significant fights and expressed confidence that O’Malley, with his similar intelligence and skills, will also succeed in important matches.

ONE Championship will soon be recognized on the silver screen.   T he organization has come on board for a sports action film led by Russell Crowe and Daniel MacPherson titled “The Beast in Me.”   MacPherson will portray an out-of-work MMA fighter who suffers a personal tragedy involving his brother. Crowe, playing a trainer in the picture, assists MacPherson as he sets out to avenge his brother by coming out of retirement to compete in ONE Championship.   One of the locations set for the film will be the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.   On January 24, ONE will stage a ONE Friday Fights event, which will be a setting for a scene in the picture. Filming will continue throughout fight week to have additional footage for the film. ONE will take a production partner and consultant credit for the film.   “I am thrilled to be partnering with the star-studded cast and production team behind ‘The Beast in Me.’ I am confident ONE is the best platform to help tell their story of grit, perseverance and determination. We cannot wait to host their entire team in Bangkok at a One Friday Fights fight week in January,” Sityodtong said in a press release.   The raucous Bangkok crowds should provide plenty of ambiance for the film as they have routinely given excitement for the ONE Friday Fights series since its inception in 2023.   The film will be another way to celebrate the growth of martial arts around the world.   Production on the film will begin later this year and into early 2025.

Adrian Gralak is determined to make a statement as he gets ready to enter the BRAVE Combat Federation cage at BRAVE CF 87. The renowned Polish athlete is set to face Noach Blyden in the co-main event, aiming to demonstrate that his opponent is not suited for MMA. Blyden, who gained popularity with his performance at BRAVE CF 83 earlier this year, hails from a kickboxing background and had an undefeated record in the sport before transitioning to MMA. Currently riding a four-fight winning streak in MMA, Blyden defeated Gralak's compatriot Oskar Herczyk in the co-main event of BRAVE CF 83, a victory that Gralak is keen to discredit. “He is a kickboxer. MMA is my domain, and I aim to prove that,” stated Adrian Gralak in a recent interview. Notably, Gralak was initially scheduled to face Blyden at BRAVE CF 83 but had to withdraw due to illness, leading to Oskar Herczyk stepping in. Blyden swiftly dispatched Herczyk in the first round, establishing himself as a standout performer for BRAVE CF this year. On the other hand, Gralak enters the bout fresh off a first-round victory in the regional circuit. With a history in MMA dating back to 2019 and over ten fights in both amateur and professional ranks, Gralak trains among Poland's elite MMA practitioners and is anticipated to present a well-rounded skillset, posing the toughest challenge for Blyden in MMA so far. Although Gralak could leverage his grappling expertise to counter Blyden, he also possesses the ability to engage in striking exchanges. A Taekwondo blackbelt, Gralak has secured three of his six wins via stoppages, showcasing his versatility as an MMA competitor. Whether Gralak can deflate the buzz surrounding Blyden remains the pivotal question that will captivate fans during the BRAVE CF 87 co-main event. BRAVE CF 87 is scheduled for September 22 in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, marking the second event for BRAVE Combat Federation in the country. The event's headline attraction will be the Lightweight title clash between Abdisalam Kubanychbek and Raul Tutarauli, presented in partnership with Enfusion’s ECE MMA.

Demetrious Johnson is riding off into the sunset. The all-time great appeared at ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6, to bid farewell to the fans as he retired from mixed martial arts. Johnson gave an emotional speech inside the ONE Championship Circle to deliver the news. However, the decision to call it a career had long been in the plans. "I knew I was going to retire after I fought Adriano the third time after I did the press conference. I had my kids. I was walking, and I was like, 'Damn, is this what my life is right here? Is this it,'" Johnson remarked to ONE. "And I was like, 'I'm gonna take a year off, keep on training, and see if I miss it.' Because I didn't want to be the athlete who just retires and I'm back home and I'm training, and I'm like 'Oh man, I wish I could unretire. I wanna come back and fight.' And then come back out of retirement and fight again." "So, my New Year's resolution this year was that I was gonna force myself not to fight. I need to start using my brain, my intellect, my charisma, my creativity to start making money and building my brand." "I was sitting at home, and I was like, 'I don't miss it.' It's a young man's game. I'm 38 years old. I'm spending time with my kids and my wife, and I just knew that this was the right time to do it." Johnson's highly decorated career puts him in a class of his own. He accomplished the sport's greatest heights with championship victories wherever he went. "Mighty Mouse" talked with other athletes who walked away to ensure he was making the right decision. "It was a little bit [of a sigh of relief]. I knew already that I was in that chapter in my life. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm gonna miss it because I know I can still fight, but there comes a point in time where the athlete just goes, 'I'm done. I don't wanna stay too long at the party,'" the pound-for-pound great said. "I just wanna enjoy what I've done and walk away. And I talked to a lot of guys – GSP was one. He was like, 'There's always gonna be another guy.' That's why he retired. Urijah Faber, he was like, 'We only get a short amount of time in our life where we could be a professional athlete and fight at the highest level.'" "So it is pretty hard, but I am relieved to be able to say I'm finally done." Johnson was content with just retiring without a send-off. However, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong played a role in having Johnson relay the news to the fans himself. ONE has given the platform for other athletes to retire. Last October, Angela Lee gave her emotional speech, inside the Circle, as she turned her page to the next chapter. Johnson was grateful that he was talked into making a public appearance and having the appropriate platform for delivering the news. "For me, I was gonna do it kinda silently, but after talking to Chatri, talking to my wife, they were like, 'Well, it's not always about you. It's about your fans,'" Johnson said. "And I'm grateful I did it the way I did. I think the package that ONE Championship and Chatri put together was absolutely amazing." When it comes to a legacy, many may point to the championships that "Mighty Mouse" won. They may look at the highlight reel of finishes and creative moves he displayed throughout his career. But Johnson wants to be known for his work ethic and being one of the sport's true role models. "I've never thought about my legacy. [I'm a] hard worker. I'd probably say from what I've achieved in mixed martial arts, I'd say I'm the easiest athlete to work with. Never failed a drug test. Every single time USADA came to me, I made it happen," Johnson stated.  "I always showed up when I fought. So, I would say a hard worker, a great athlete, and a good student."

Noach Blyden was one of the standout success stories of BRAVE Combat Federation’s debut in the Netherlands earlier this year and now looks to build on this momentum at BRAVE CF 87, where he will face Polish star Adrian Gralak.  An undefeated kickboxer, Blyden is also known for his work outside the sport as an actor, entrepreneur, and stunt performer. His charisma and engaging social media presence before his debut at BRAVE CF 83 gained worldwide attention, quickly establishing him as a fan favourite. On fight night, Blyden backed up his charm with a dominant performance, securing a first-round stoppage win over the experienced Polish star Oskar Herczyk. This marked his fourth consecutive first-round finish in MMA, making his BRAVE CF debut a memorable one. As Blyden prepares for his second BRAVE CF appearance, the stakes are higher. He now faces the challenge of proving that his debut victory was no fluke, with Gralak, a well-rounded fighter with plenty of MMA experience, standing in his way. Active in MMA since 2019, Gralak presents a tougher test for Blyden, who will need to show his versatility and growth as a complete MMA fighter. A win over Gralak would silence Blyden's doubters and solidify his position as more than a kickboxer transitioning to MMA. It would also advance him in the BRAVE CF Middleweight division and potentially elevate him as the next big star in Dutch MMA. BRAVE CF 87, scheduled for September 22, will be headlined by a Lightweight title fight between current champion Abdisalam Kubanychbek and Georgian contender Raul Tutarauli. The event, held in association with ECE MMA, will feature top talent from around the world.

Karate practitioners with any interest in the historical roots of their art will be familiar with the terms Naha-te and Shuri-te. They refer, very generically, to the two major “styles” of Okinawan karate. Understanding the distinctions in Naha-te vs. Shuri-te can provide valuable insights into their historical development and influence. Some will know, too, that we can determine the pedigree of a karate system through the heritage of these two styles. Shorin-ryu, for instance, comes basically from the Shuri-te tradition, while the bulk of goju-ryu evolved from Naha-te. Here is a comparison between Naha-Te vs. Shuri-Te. Beyond that, these two iterations of karate aren’t really understood or appreciated by many practitioners. The distinctions and unique characteristics of the two are intriguing, and they offer important insights into the karate we practice today. While our image of Okinawa and the other Ryukyu islands is largely shaped by World War II, from very early on, the chain was seen as a crossroads, a convenient, neutral stopover and trading spot for much of Asia. Naha has always been, and is today, the principal port city of the Okinawan islands. For centuries, Okinawans conducted business with the rest of Asia on this small spit of land. Ships from southern China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere anchored in the harbor. It was one of the most cosmopolitan places in that part of the world. In 1852, American Commodore Matthew Perry came ashore for the first time at Naha. He brought sailors and traders on his way to forcibly opening mainland Japan to the West. Think about it: Travelers of all sorts gathered at the inns and bars that were crammed into Naha. There was a constant influx of new ideas, and that included fighting techniques. An observant patron of a rough, rowdy Naha saloon or a worker on the docks could have seen an Indonesian silat head butt, the flickering hand strikes of Chinese praying-mantis boxing, the brawling techniques of Boston sailors or the moves of Japanese jujitsu. It would have been a remarkable array of combat methods, all practiced by native exponents. Naha was a vibrant melting pot of fighting arts. Elements were enthusiastically incorporated into the indigenous combat systems. Systems like goju-ryu and shito-ryu trace their origins back to this time and place. Shuri is less than 3 miles from Naha. Today, it’s just a neighborhood of Naha, but in the olden days, Shuri was the home of the king and much of the yukatchu , the island’s ruling class. It was, in some sense, a world away from free-wheeling Naha. Shuri was an enclave, and at its center was Shuri Castle, a miniature version of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Trivia note: Commodore Perry pushed his way into the castle precincts; he did not, though, get the audience he wanted with the 10-year-old king. In karate terms, Shuri was where karate was practiced by the upper classes. The yukatchu maintained their own traditions and developed their own versions of the art that have come down to us as shorin-ryu, shotokan and other styles. Two important points must be inserted here. One, these are generalizations. Especially after the beginning of the 20th century, there was much cross-pollination between the systems and practitioners on both sides, and no one today reasonably can claim to be pursuing a completely unadulterated style of either. Two, nothing should be presumed about one system being more “real” than the other. Both lineages are full of legendary masters revered in karate dojo, both are sophisticated fighting arts and both are utterly worthy of study. That said, the image among Okinawan karateka in the first half of the 20th century was colored by the perceptions that Shuri-te-based karate was more “aristocratic” and Naha-te-based karate was more “blue collar.” These perceptions were pronounced on Okinawa, and when karate moved to the Japanese mainland, they carried over. It didn’t matter that Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) was the adopted son of a wealthy Ryukyuan merchant. Because he’d begun his karate studies in a dojo associated with Naha-te — and because, despite his family’s wealth, they were not of Okinawa’s traditional upper classes — his reputation was that of a rough, tough guy. In contrast, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), because he was of the shizoku class, a relatively low level of yukatchu but aristocracy nonetheless, was seen as more of a scholar-gentleman. The karate taught by Funakoshi and others who descended from these upper classes had a veneer, at least, of refinement. The yukatchu of Okinawa was formally abolished in 1875, after Japan annexed the islands. This is usually mentioned incidentally in Okinawan karate histories, while in reality, it was a profound, world-changing event in the Ryukyu. Stripped of not only their titles but also their lands, many yukatchu were forced to work in the fields or in jobs they previously would have considered menial. It was humiliating, even devastating, for some of them. In this context, we can see that karate, once the exclusive property of the yukatchu, would have been one of the only remaining treasures of their original status. They would have protected it and encouraged the belief that their art was superior to arts of the common classes. It’s a fascinating aspect of karate’s history, one we still can see if we know how to look at it.

ONE Championship had a banner night inside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, for ONE 168: Denver . ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 closed the show by grabbing the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title from Jonathan Haggerty with a stunning KO. However, he was not the only one to get a belt at ONE 168. ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt live on the broadcast by Renzo Gracie. Sityodtong was visibly emotional about earning the honor and detailed the story of how he began training at Gracie’s gym in 2005. For over nearly 20 years, the ONE Chairman and CEO has continued to train and improve upon his craft as a martial artist. “When I first stepped into your school in 2005 while I was living in New York City, I had no idea that it would mark the beginning of the biggest adventure of my life. As you already know, both ONE and EVOLVE would never have been born without you. You inspire me to dream more, do more, and be more in life,” Sityodtong wrote on Instagram to Gracie. “Through jiu-jitsu, I have learned not only how to fight, but more importantly how to live. I will continue to honor you and the Gracie name in everything I do. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, Renzo!!!” The black belt symbolizes the hard work and dedication Sityodtong has put into BJJ over the years. Sityodtong is not just a suit at the helm of ONE, but a martial artist himself who is committed to constant improvement on the mat and in his personal life. The surprising moment was another highlight of ONE’s return to U.S. soil and its consistent dedication to elevating all martial arts across the world.

Here are the most recent UFC rankings updates for all divisions. See which fighters have risen and fallen following a welterweight showdown at the APEX, and which positions are at stake for UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili. Changes were observed in seven divisions, including men's pound-for-pound, flyweight, featherweight, and welterweight, as well as women's pound-for-pound, flyweight, and bantamweight categories. Here are the updated UFC rankings. Men’s Pound-For-Pound Israel Adesanya, the former middleweight champion, dropped out of the rankings, resulting in bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling moving in and taking the No. 15 spot. Flyweight A last-minute flyweight fight between Matt Schnell and Cody Durden led to changes in the 125-pound division. Tagir Ulanbekov climbed to No. 11, surpassing Bruno Silva at No. 12. Durden's victory over Schnell elevated him to No. 13, while Schnell descended three places to No. 14. Asu Almabayev also dropped one spot to No. 15. Featherweight Prior to UFC 306, Bryce Mitchell rose to No. 12, while Diego Lopes slipped to No. 13. Welterweight Philadelphia's Sean Brady claimed a significant victory over former title contender Gilbert Burns, propelling him to No. 6 in the rankings, with Burns moving down to No. 8. Kevin Holland entered the rankings at No. 15. Women’s Pound-For-Pound Kayla Harrison advanced to No. 11, displacing Virna Jandiroba to No. 12. Following her recent defeat, Jéssica Andrade fell two places to No. 13, allowing Natalia Silva to debut at No. 14. Amanda Lemos rounded off the rankings at No. 15. Women’s Flyweight After her victory over Andrade, Silva climbed two positions to No. 6, while Andrade descended to No. 8. Women’s Bantamweight Just before her fight at UFC 306, Norma Dumont rose to No. 8, causing Karol Rosa to drop to No. 9. Julia Avila now holds the No. 10 spot, with Germaine De Randamie moving up to No. 13. Chelsea Chandler now sits at No. 14, and Ailin Perez entered the rankings at No. 15. Looking Forward to UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili  Heading into Saturday’s event at Sphere in Las Vegas, there is a lot at stake. Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley will defend his title against No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley aims to secure his title defense following a dominant victory over Marlon “Chito” Vera earlier this year in Miami. Meanwhile, Dvalishvili, who is on a 10-fight win streak, is coming off a win against Henry Cejudo in February. In the co-main event, flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko will settle their trilogy. Grasso claimed the belt by defeating Shevchenko at UFC 285 last March. After their draw in September at the Noche UFC event, it was only logical to have a trilogy fight to determine the ultimate winner. Originally scheduled for UFC 303 in June, the featherweight matchup between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes was canceled due to an issue on Ortega's side. Lopes stepped in last minute to face Dan Ige. Finally, the two will now face each other, with Lopes aiming to defeat Ortega and break into the Top 5. In the featured prelim, No. 5 Irene Aldana will take on No. 8 Norma Dumont. With the bantamweight title fight set for next month in Salt Lake, this bout could determine a contender to face the winner. Don't miss out on UFC 306: O'Malley vs Dvalishvili , broadcasting live from Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 14, 2024. The prelims begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT, followed by the main card live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.