Former title challenger Gilbert Burns is determined to return to winning form as he faces rising welterweight star Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Brady. For any fighter, losing is tough, but for Burns, his loss earlier this year to Jack Della Maddalena in Miami became a valuable learning experience. “The learning process was kind of cool,” Burns said. “It was great until it wasn’t. I made a big mistake, and he capitalized and got a nice finish. It’s the fight game—one little mistake and it’s over. I learned from it, and it was actually easy to accept.” Now in the main event spotlight again, Burns is seeking his first win since defeating Jorge Masvidal in April. His next challenge comes in the form of another highly-regarded prospect, Sean Brady. Burns, excited for the matchup, embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. “When they said Sean Brady, I said, let’s do it,” Burns shared. “He’s a tough opponent with great jiu-jitsu. This fight is a great test for me, and it’s exciting for the fans and the promotion.” Brady, who made his UFC debut in 2019, quickly rose through the ranks with an undefeated streak that included wins over Michael Chiesa and Jake Matthews. However, his unbeaten run ended in 2022 against Belal Muhammad. Brady bounced back by submitting Kelvin Gastelum in December 2023. In contrast, Burns brings a wealth of experience to the Octagon, having fought top contenders like Demian Maia, Khamzat Chimaev, and Kamaru Usman since his UFC debut in 2014. This experience, Burns believes, will give him the edge over Brady on Saturday night. “Sean is very good, but I believe I’m just a little better,” Burns said confidently. “I’ve fought the best in the division, and I know how to handle these situations. I’ll defend his takedowns, land my shots, and frustrate him until he breaks.” While both men are known for their grappling skills, Burns predicts the fight will be decided on the feet. “I envision knocking him out,” Burns stated. “We’ll grapple, but I believe the fight will be decided by striking. When I connect, I think I’ll shut him down.” The welterweight division has become even more interesting with new champions in play, and Burns, who lost to Muhammad last year, is eager for another shot at the belt. A victory over Brady could put him back in the conversation for a title fight. “I’m happy for Muhammad, and I’m excited to see the division moving forward,” Burns said. “It’s a great time to be in the welterweight division, and I hope to meet him again down the line.” Burns is eager to feel the rush of victory once more and is prepared for whatever happens on Saturday night. “That adrenaline dump when you win is the best feeling,” Burns said. “I’m confident but not overconfident. It could be a war, but I’m ready. I see myself knocking him out, getting my arm raised, and feeling all those good emotions on Saturday.” Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Brady, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas on September 7, 2024. Prelims start at 4pm ET/1pm PT, with the main card live on ESPN+ at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) Junior World Kickboxing Championships was held August 22nd to September 1st, 2024, at Bok Hall in Budapest, Hungary.  WAKO is the National Governing Body for the sport under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). A record-breaking 3028 entries made the event the largest world championship league’s 47-year history. In all, 68 countries participated in the competition with the United States earning 37 medals, a new record for the United States team. USA Kickboxing (WAKO USA) fields the official national team to compete at international events and is the only kickboxing organization with American Olympic Committee (AOC) status. WAKO USA Tatami Chairman Bill Viola Jr. explains, “This is major part of the Olympic movement and development for our sport. We brought our largest junior team to date ever for a World Championships and they didn’t disappoint. Our talent pool is deep, earning a record amount of gold, silver, and bronze medals.  Not only did we earn respect in Budapest, but we also put the entire world on notice that Team USA will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.”  WAKO Team USA partnered with Century Martial Arts who provided uniforms and support for the organization abroad.  Michael Dillard, Century President, explained, “It was a big stage for Century Martial Arts as it was the first championship event that the company was featured as WAKO’s Platinum sponsor. This meant that all athletes were represented by either Century or the only other sponsor Top Ten. Team USA Kickboxing had an impressive showing, taking 56 athletes this year to compete. Being the first American company to sponsor WAKO at this level and having them represented by Century Martial Arts made for a special experience. There is nothing like seeing the pride of these young athletes representing their countries and doing so in your company’s gear.”  Viola Jr. adds, “Our coaching staff is at the core of our success. From El Java [Abul-Qadir] on down, they gave as much as the athletes on the mat. I want to give a special shoutout to Laco Villanueva from El Paso, Texas.  He has consistently supported the WAKO movement and this year his individual students were able to bring home more medals than any other school or dojo.”  Viola continues, David Bybee led the charge for our ring athletes. Bybee, a 2001 world champion in his own right explained, “The ring team had the best medal count in 20 years. We haven’t earned a gold since Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson earned a cruiserweight championship in 2005.”    WAKO IF President Roy Baker congratulated all the athletes stating, “Your presence this week is a testament to your and our dedication and resilience. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves and those around you. Competing at this level places you among the best kickboxers in the world, showcasing your strength and courage on the mat and in the ring.”  WAKO ceremonies were held by former Hungarian President Pal Schmitt and Dr. Raffaele Chiulli from Italy, President of ARISF (Association of IOC) Recognized International Sports Federations.  The group was evaluating WAKO for inclusion to the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Africa. Kickboxing is an Olympic sport that was shortlisted for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, and WAKO officials are hopeful for a debut at the 2032 Brisbane, Australia Olympic Games.USA Kickboxing is the only U.S. organization in the sport of kickboxing to have IOC (International Olympic Committee) recognition, serving as the gateway to the Olympics Games.    The United States earned at total of 37 medals:  10 Gold, 11 Silver, 16 Bronze in a total of 7 competition disciplines. Tatami divisions: Point, Light Contact, Kick Light, and forms.  Ring divisions: Full Contact, K1, and Low Kick. USA Medalists Matias David Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF CH -21kg BRONZE MEDAL Heraclio K Villanueva - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF CH -30kg BRONZE MEDAL   Reuben Spencer - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF YC -28kg SILVER MEDAL   Raymundo Elias Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF YC -37kg BRONZE MEDAL   Armando Cardenas - Legends, Florida - PF YC -42kg BRONZE MEDAL   Ricardo Madrinan - Legneds, Florida - PF YC +47kg GOLD MEDAL   Alyssa Thomas - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF YC -28kg BRONZE MEDAL   Axel Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF OC -57kg SILVER MEDAL   Luis Rivera - Legends, Florida - PF OC -63kg GOLD MEDAL   Eddy Xander – Viola Karate, Pennsylvania - PF OC -63kg SILVER MEDAL   William Olivares - nfinito martial arts, California - PF OC -69kg BRONZE MEDAL   Brayan Hernandez - nfinito martial arts, California - PF OC -69kg BRONZE MEDAL   Gabby Viola - Viola Karate, Pennsylvania - PF OC -50kg BRONZE MEDAL   Jaydon Holland - nfinito martial arts, California - PF J -74kg SILVER MEDAL   Sofia Rodriguez-Florez - Millenium Martial Arts, Florida - PF J -70kg BRONZE MEDAL   Axel Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - LC OC -57kg GOLD MEDAL   Heraclio K Villanueva - Alchemy Karate, Texas - CF CH SILVER MEDAL   Raymundo Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - CF YC GOLD MEDAL   Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - CF YC SILVER MEDAL   Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - CW YC SILVER MEDAL   Emily Molinar - Alchemy Karate, Texas - CF OC BRONZE MEDAL   Heraclio K Villanueva - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF CH SILVER MEDAL   Sammy Aguilar - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF CH BRONZE MEDAL   Raymundo Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF YC GOLD MEDAL   Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - MF YC SILVER MEDAL   Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - CW YC GOLD MEDAL   Reuben Spencer - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MW YC BRONZE MEDAL   Alyssa Thomas - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF YC GOLD MEDAL   Emily Molinar - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF OC SILVER MEDAL   Lionel Aguilar - Millenium Martial Arts, Florida - FC OJ -86kg GOLD MEDAL   Annikka Kimball - TCB Fight Factory, Arkansas - LK YJ +60kg BRONZE MEDAL   Alexander Kimball - TCB Fight Factory, Arkansas - LK OH -75kg GOLD MEDAL   Caleb Lewis - Poteet Martial Arts, Texas - LK OJ -91kg SILVER MEDAL   Victor Aguilar - Aldama Muay Thai, California - K1 OJ -57kg BRONZE MEDAL   Mekenna Vanyo - Vanya Martial Arts, OH - K1 OJ +70kg SILVER MEDAL   PF Child’s Men Team - Sammy Aguilar, Erik Hermosillo, Heraclio K Villanueva, Santos R Villanueva BRONZE MEDAL   PF OC Men’s Team - Xander Eddy, Axel Rodriguez, Edwin Rivera, Luis Rivera BRONZE MEDAL     USA Coaching Staff El Java Abdul-Qadir Tatami, New York David Bybee Ring, Florida Bill Viola Tatami, Pennsylvania Dawn Roffey Tatami, Florida Davon Emil Clark Tatami, California Aaron Kimball Ring, Arkansas Annette Poteet Ring/Tatami, Texas Damian Rodriguez Tatami, Florida Mark Vanyo Ring, Ohio Laco Villanueva Tatami, Texas.   The senior team trials will take place in March of 2025. New USA national champions will be crowned and earn a spot to travel to the 2025 WAKO Senior World Championships scheduled for November in Abu Dhabi, capital of United Arab Emirates.

BRAVE Combat Federation has announced a blockbuster fight card for BRAVE CF 88 which marks the organization’s return to Slovenia.  Scheduled to happen on September 28 and held in association with WFC, BRAVE CF 88 will be the second event of the year in Slovenia for BRAVE Combat Federation, following BRAVE CF 81 and the event will feature two historic title fights, with also 11 nations represented in total: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, Slovenia, Italy, Poland, Croatia, Estonia, Serbia, and Brazil. The main event will see European MMA superstar Erko Jun taking on German knockout artist Alexander Wesner for the vacant Light Heavyweight title. In the co-main event, BRAVE CF will crown its inaugural Heavyweight champion when Pavel Dailidko takes on Azamat Nuftillaev, as previously announced.  Erko Jun earned his shot at the Light Heavyweight title after defeating Mohammed Said Maalem at BRAVE CF 81, while Wesner is currently on a five-fight winning streak and has not lost since 2021. Meanwhile, Pavel Dailidko enters the Heavyweight title fight on a four-fight winning streak in BRAVE CF, with his most recent victory coming against Valdrin Istrefi at BRAVE CF 81. His opponent, Nuftillaev, is on a three-fight winning streak and eager to etch his name into the history books.  Slovenian superstar Monika Kučinič will return to action following her impressive win at BRAVE CF 81, as she faces Italy’s Fabiola Pidroni in a Strawweight bout. Similarly, Patryk Dubiela and Domen Drnovsek will also look to continue their success from BRAVE CF 81 as they face Martin Batur and Kristjan Toniste, respectively. Luka Podkrajšek returns to the BRAVE CF roster after a one-year absence to fight Italian veteran and promotional newcomer Michele Mirabella. Miha Frlic, returning after his fight at BRAVE CF 70 and riding on a two-fight winning streak, takes on Samuele Di Guardo, who is on a three-fight undefeated run.  The opening bout of the card will feature Serbia’s Marina Spasič taking on Brazilian standout Maristela Alves. After the Strawweights get the action going, an amateur Welterweight contest between undefeated Slovenian Kirill Negru and his fellow countryman Tilen Bregant showcases the best amateur talent that Slovenia has to offer.  BRAVE CF 88 will be the eighth event of the year for BRAVE Combat Federation and the second in Slovenia for 2024. The event follows BRAVE CF 87 in the Netherlands and precedes BRAVE CF 89 in Spain, scheduled for October 19. BRAVE CF 88 Fight Card Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Erko Jun vs. Alexander Wesner Heavyweight Title Fight: Pavel Dailidko vs. Azamat Nuftillaev Strawweight: Monika Kučinič vs. Fabiola Pidroni Heavyweight: Patryk Dubiela vs. Martin Batur Heavyweight: Luka Podkrajšek vs. Michele Mirabella Heavyweight: Miha Frlic vs. Samuele Di Guardo Super Lightweight: Domen Drnovsek vs. Kristjan Toniste Amateur Welterweight: Kirill Negru vs. Tilen Bregant Strawweight: Marina Spasič vs Maristela Alves

UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Las Vegas, is shaping up to be a night of thrilling action, and fans won’t want to miss the highly anticipated flyweight clash between Matheus Nicolau and Asu Almabayev. As a featured bout on the card, this fight has major implications for the flyweight division, with two elite competitors eager to climb the ranks and stake their claim for a title shot. Matheus Nicolau Looks to Defend Top 10 Spot Ranked No. 7 in the UFC flyweight division, Matheus Nicolau (19-5-1) is no stranger to the pressure of competing at the highest level. The Brazilian standout is looking to bounce back after a tough 2024 and secure a crucial victory that will reaffirm his place among the division's best. With notable wins over UFC stalwarts like Matt Schnell, Tim Elliott, and Manel Kape, Nicolau has proven his ability to hang with top-tier talent. Known for his well-rounded skill set, Nicolau’s striking and submission game make him a formidable challenge for anyone in the division. However, facing Almabayev presents a unique test, as the Kazakhstani fighter’s momentum and unrelenting pressure will push Nicolau to his limits. Asu Almabayev on a Mission to Break into the Top 10 Asu Almabayev (20-2) has quickly become one of the UFC’s most talked-about rising stars. Riding an impressive 16-fight win streak that stretches back to 2017, Almabayev has stormed through the flyweight division since his UFC debut. With victories over Ode’ Osbourne, C.J. Vergara, and Jose Johnson, Almabayev has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike as a future title contender. A victory over a seasoned veteran like Nicolau would be a career-defining moment for Almabayev, catapulting him into the Top 10 and thrusting him into the conversation for a title shot in the near future. Known for his wrestling and relentless pace, Almabayev will need to bring his A-game to outwork and outsmart Nicolau inside the Octagon. What’s at Stake For Nicolau, this fight is all about solidifying his position as one of the division's elite while fending off a fast-rising contender. A win could potentially set him up for a title eliminator or a shot at the belt in the near future. On the flip side, Almabayev has the opportunity to make a massive leap forward in the rankings and announce himself as a serious threat to the current flyweight champions. With both fighters hungry for victory and eager to prove themselves, this bout promises to be an all-out war that could steal the show at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Pereira. Main Event Highlights The night’s headliner, a middleweight showdown between No. 13-ranked Anthony Hernandez and No. 14-ranked Michel Pereira, has fans buzzing as both fighters look to crack into the Top 10 of their division. Hernandez brings a submission-heavy arsenal, while Pereira’s unpredictable and dynamic striking style promises fireworks. Be sure to catch all the action on Saturday, October 19, live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, exclusively on ESPN+.

As UFC Fight Night: Brady vs. Burns approaches, all eyes are on UFC featherweight sensation Steve Garcia, who steps into the Octagon once again this Saturday, just two months after his latest knockout victory. Facing off against Canada’s Kyle Nelson, Garcia is on a mission to continue his devastating streak and prove once again why he’s a knockout artist everyone should be talking about. The Knockout Streak: Four in a Row and Counting If there’s one thing fight fans love, it’s knockouts. And no one has been delivering them quite like Steve Garcia. The Albuquerque native is riding high on a four-fight win streak, with each victory coming by way of knockout. Despite this electrifying run, Garcia remains humble, not getting caught up in the social media frenzy that often surrounds fighters on hot streaks. “Who said that?” Garcia laughs when asked about the buzz surrounding his knockout power. “That’s a good thought to have, I guess.” He’s not interested in the hype—Garcia’s focus is solely on the job at hand: winning fights and supporting his family. “The UFC pays me to do a job. They put a bounty on this guy's head. If I go and get him and I give the UFC his head, they pay me to do that.” Garcia’s bounty hunter mentality is paying off. In his last six outings, he’s notched five knockouts, with his only setback being a 2022 loss to Maheshate. That lone defeat hasn’t deterred him, though, and he continues to chase finishes with a hunger that suggests he’s just getting started. A Fighter with a Chip on His Shoulder Even with an impressive streak, Garcia feels like there’s still plenty to prove. “I feel like I still have that chip on my shoulder,” Garcia said. “People are still doubting me. They're just waiting for me to fall. I feel like they're anticipating it, that it's only a matter of time, and I'm here to just prove people wrong.” But more than silencing the doubters, Garcia fights to prove his supporters right. “I’ve got to make believers out of some of these people that may doubt me,” he added. His attitude mirrors that of UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell, another knockout artist with a pragmatic approach. Like Liddell, Garcia has a backup plan outside of the cage but steps into every fight knowing that winning is non-negotiable. “I have to win,” Garcia stated. “If I don't win, my family suffers. That’s just how it is.” Chasing Glory Against Kyle Nelson Garcia’s knockout spree has already earned him two Performance of the Night bonuses for his victories over Chase Hooper and SeungWoo Choi. Now, as he prepares to face Kyle Nelson, Garcia isn’t just looking for a win—he’s aiming for a finish that will leave a lasting impression on the UFC, the fans, and his featherweight peers. “I'm just trying to continue to rack up these wins,” Garcia said. “And it's just not just winning anymore. How you win is a big deal. I'm trying to do it in a devastating fashion. I'm trying to be undeniable here.” With his trademark confidence, Garcia believes he’s ready to cement his place as one of the elite at 145 pounds. “I've arrived,” he declared. “Over the last four fights, I've been able to show you that I can put anybody out that stands across from me. And these are the best guys in the world that are across from me; I believe that I'm just better.” Kyle Nelson presents a formidable challenge, but Garcia isn’t shying away from the moment. He’s ready to make a statement. The Stage Is Set As Garcia steps into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, there’s one thing on his mind: adding another knockout to his highlight reel. The featherweight division is one of the most competitive in the UFC, but Garcia is determined to show that his power, hunger, and work ethic set him apart from the rest. Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Brady vs. Burns on September 7, 2024, live on ESPN+. The prelims start at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT, with the main card kicking off at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT. Will Garcia continue his knockout streak? Fight fans won’t want to miss the action!

2024 Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee Jean Jacques Machado is no stranger to the spotlight—featured on the 2008 cover and now celebrated for his 7th-degree red and black Coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! A true legend, Machado has shaped the paths of some of the biggest names in martial arts and beyond, including Eddie Bravo, Dan Inosanto, Joe Rogan, Richard Norton, Chris D'Elia, and even Chuck Norris. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The potential for injury exists in all physical pursuits. You can sprain an ankle by inadvertently stepping in a pothole while crossing the street just as easily as you can by putting a foot down incorrectly after executing a kick. You can experience an overuse injury that stems from spending hours in front of a computer screen just as easily as you can from repeatedly sweeping an opponent with the same leg. BOTTOM LINE: When we use our bodies, anything can happen. When we repetitively use our bodies in a specific manner, we subject ourselves to potential muscle imbalances that can lead to chronic pain and instability. For martial artists, the stakes tend to be higher than for sedentary people. In the dojo, there are lots of impacts and plenty of resistance, not to mention training sessions that are by design highly repetitive. For example, striking, grappling and wielding weapons are actions driven by force and frequently met with opposition. Training to execute techniques forces you to spend countless hours practicing the exact same patterns of movement. This can place you at a higher risk for acute injuries in addition to overuse injuries.  But because you're an active martial artist - why else would you be reading Black Belt?- you know this. You accept it. You consciously decided that the rewards of training - self-defense, fitness, confidence, awareness and discipline, to name a few - far outweigh the risks. You know that just because an activity incurs a liability, you need not stop doing it. It's much better to build your knowledge base and take actions to mitigate the risks of, in this case, sustaining a training injury. The key to doing that is having a plan and adopting an exercise routine that will help you steer clear of injury in the long run. Prevent Injury With Strength Training  Having spent two decades in the martial arts - on both the fitness side and the self-defense side - I can safely say that most practitioners get it wrong when they adopt the notion that adding strength and conditioning training to their daily routine will just wear down their body. In fact, supplementing your martial arts workouts with exercises designed to boost strength and improve conditioning will do just the opposite. In a nutshell, if you want to maximize the likelihood of being able to practice your art far into the future, start doing strength and conditioning exercises now. One reason to do this is performance enhancement. Following a solid exercise program will improve your ability in your martial art, just as it does in other physical pursuits. Those who compete in triathlon, basketball, tennis, swimming and virtually all sports regularly engage in regimented strength and conditioning routines. Another reason is injury prevention. The right strength and conditioning workout will fortify your body and help balance its components. The key is to keep things simple when you lift weights. Done properly, your workout will be general-purpose. The exercises should not parallel specific martial arts moves; they should address your whole body and the variety of motion that's typical for you. In other words, avoid mimicking martial arts moves like kicking with weights on your ankles and punching against a resistance. Instead, focus on basic strength-building exercises that incorporate pushing, pulling, hip hinging and knee bending. Load weight on the bar progressively to avoid trying to lift too much too soon. One more caveat: In the martial arts, it's OK to concentrate on stances and positions that favor one side of your body. (If you're a southpaw, you shouldn't force yourself to adopt a conventional stance.) However, when it comes to strength and conditioning, you should strive to keep things balanced. Make sure you work all the muscle groups on both sides of your body equally.   Prevent Injury With Consistency  Your body adapts to repetitive stress. If you want to become faster, stronger or more flexible, you must apply the necessary stress in a suitable dose, then wait for your body to adjust to this new normal. The biggest problem in this equation? The erratic training many martial artists put in both on and off the mat. Your body is far more likely to experience injury and overuse issues when it's pushed to the max one week and then allowed to skip training altogether the next week. Yo-yo training is the No. 1 reason martial artists are held back in terms of progress. They miss class for a few weeks, then dive back in and go all-out. The truth is that the snail will beat the rabbit in the martial arts. Translated, that means longevity and consistency will override intensity, and while it's nice to be able to give it 100 percent at certain times, it's more important to be consistent. Make sure your body isn't shocked and is never overloaded by the sudden stress of training you haven't done for a while. Prevent Injury With Downtime  One of my greatest mentors in the martial arts is Dan Inosanto. I've spent the past 15 years meeting with him every August at the academy I run with my husband. During one of those meetings, he said something that spurred me to develop a whole new perspective on martial arts: "The most difficult part of your training - at this point in your life and going forward - will be knowing when to sit out." His words stunned me because until then, I'd been accustomed to pushing myself to the edge in everything I did. Even so, I had begun to wonder whether this was wise. Inosanto's advice was the confirmation I needed to make a change. In the martial arts, it's crucial to develop a routine. As noted, it's not good to train sporadically and then disappear from class. However, training every day and going all-out every single time - and pushing through pain, ignoring overuse issues and going past the point of exhaustion - is a surefire way to get injured. In sports, athletes often go through an injury cycle. If they don't address a certain pain, it can travel through the body — for example, working its way from the elbow to the shoulder to the neck to the back. Ignoring it can take you to the breaking point, stranding you in a cycle that can last for years and become chronic. The cure is simple: Sit out when you’re hurt. That doesn’t mean you need to stay home. You can attend class as an observer. You can engage in training but not spar. You can do light non-contact sparring while abstaining from full contact. Or you can just take some time off. If you’re a true martial artist, your art will be with you for life, so taking off a day or a week won’t be an issue. Prevent Injury With a Proper Warm-up  There’s a reason old-school karate, judo and jujitsu classes were an hour and a half to two hours long. The human body thrives when it’s warmed up in a progressive manner. That means you’re able to more efficiently and effectively use your skills after you’ve engaged in exercises that target mobility, flexibility and strength. These days, most classes are shorter in duration, sometimes as short as a half-hour, mainly because of our busy schedules. However, if you want to avoid injury in the long term, you need to devote more time to your martial pursuit. Try not to run into the dojo late — something I often see — and jump right into a 300-kick drill. Maybe you’ve done this in the past without repercussions, but eventually, your body will snap under the pressure of going from zero to 60 without a warm-up. In the martial arts, warm-ups are critical because they do exactly that — warm the body in the ranges of motion and movement patterns required for the specific art. Ideally, you’ll arrive early and devote at least five to 10 minutes to a customized routine to give your body what it requires. This is in addition to any organized warm-up that precedes the formal lesson. If you’re at a loss as to what to do to warm up your body, start by slowly moving through the limb motions you do when you practice techniques. If you plan to be kicking, slowly cycle through leg stretches without holding any particular position. Then engage your core with dead-bug and plank exercises to wake up your back, arms, legs and glutes. Prevent Injury With Shadowboxing  A decade ago, I attended a Gracie jiu-jitsu seminar in which the instructor unexpectedly advised us to shadowbox. Now, I was used to shadowboxing because of my jeet kune do, muay Thai and kali studies, but hearing that it could enhance my jiu-jitsu practice was confusing. Standing in front of the class, the instructor began to demonstrate the movement patterns required for sweeps, reversals and escapes, only by himself. He back-rolled, front-rolled and moved his legs, then had us do the same. Much later in my career, after traveling and training in countless countries in a variety of martial arts, I realized that every style should teach shadowboxing as a way to prevent injury and enhance skill. Shadowboxing is a form of mobility practice. It takes you through all the ranges of motion of your art without creating the tension or resistance you encounter when you drill or spar. In past years, however, with the growth of the martial arts in general, I’ve seen countless students in many different arts skip over this excellent form of practice. Instead, they opt to jump right into sparring. I doubt they know what they’re depriving themselves of. Sure, shadowboxing requires skill and discipline, as well as attention to detail and feedback, but it’s also a proven way to enhance your performance and warm up your body. Thus, it helps you avoid injury on two fronts: by fixing poor technique and by getting your body ready for exertion. Yes, practicing martial arts — just like engaging in any sport, art or life pursuit — entails risk. However, you won’t live a life worth smiling over if you choose to abstain from that which drives and inspires you. The happy medium is to adopt a long-term plan, to keep an eye on the big picture, and to take the steps needed to prevent injury so you can train in the martial arts as long as you live.

The Middle East has rapidly become a premier destination for major sporting events, with combat sports being a notable draw. From boxing to MMA, countries like Saudi Arabia have emerged as hosts for high-profile events, and it's clear why the region is favored. YouTuber-turned-pro boxer and PFL Fighter Jake Paul shared insights on the growing popularity of combat sports in the Middle East. “I think the fight game is developing [in Saudi Arabia], and it’s becoming more and more usual to go there," said Paul. "They have a ton of fight fans, which is the most important thing for a fight city." Paul, who joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as a fighter and Head of Fighter Advocacy last year, confirmed that the PFL is returning to Saudi Arabia for its "Battle of the Giants" event. The headline bout features former UFC Champion Francis Ngannou making his highly anticipated PFL SmartCage debut against 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira. Paul explained that Saudi Arabia was the natural choice for such a monumental event: “The fight fans there love Francis, and I think it’s a perfect spot for him to fight... This is gonna be a massive fight, so it needed a massive place like Saudi to put the show on.” Earlier this year, PFL held its first event in Saudi Arabia with the "PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions" card in Riyadh. This was followed by the launch of PFL MENA, which has successfully hosted two events in the region, signaling the growing demand for MMA in the Middle East. Paul also hinted at expanding the PFL’s presence further in the region. “There’s definitely been conversations behind the scenes of going to Abu Dhabi or Dubai. I would love to take a fight there, and I have a lot of fans in both those places.” With the "Battle of the Giants" set for October 19th in Mayadeen, Saudi Arabia, it’s clear that the PFL is looking to cement the Middle East as a key player in the global combat sports scene, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai potentially next in line.

Kade Ruotolo is out of ONE Championship’s return to the United States. Due to an injury suffered during the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational, the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion withdrew from the event. Mikey Musumeci will remain on the ONE 168: Denver card to defend his ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Championship against Bebeto Oliveira in the evening’s co-main event matchup. The two have already faced off in high-level competition before. In 2021, Musumeci defeated Oliveira by ankle lock in the quarterfinals of the IBJJF World Championships. However, three years have passed, and much has changed for both men. Since then, Musumeci has ascended to the top of the sport and become a household name thanks to ONE’s global platform. At ONE Fight Night 10 last May, the Colorado audience cheered furiously for Musumeci in his title defense, showing how far the sport has come in a short span. Meanwhile, Oliveira has succeeded in both gi and no-gi competitions and is the reigning IBJJF World Champion. The latest title defense will be intriguing beyond just the typical rematch story. With Musumeci preparing intently for a shot at lightweight gold, his sudden shift to defend the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title is an exciting plot twist. Oliveira enters with nothing to lose and everything to gain, and Musumeci’s risk-taking acceptance of the bout is also to be commended. The submission grappling showdown keeps the sport represented on the huge card and is another exciting matchup for U.S. fans to enjoy. ONE 168: Denver airs live on Friday, September 6, on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT to all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.

Unfortunately, Alessandro Costa's anticipated flyweight bout with Matt Schnell had to be altered due to an injury that forced Costa to withdraw from the fight. However, the show must go on, and stepping in to fill Costa's spot is the talented Cody Durden, who will now face off against Schnell. This sudden change has shifted the dynamics of the fight, as it will now be contested at bantamweight instead of the originally planned flyweight division. Ovince Saint Preux had to withdraw from his light heavyweight fight against Ryan Spann due to illness. Consequently, this matchup has been scrapped from this weekend's event. Alessandro Costa had to withdraw from his flyweight fight against Matt Schnell due to injury. Cody Durden will step in to replace Costa, and the bout has been rescheduled to take place at bantamweight. This Saturday, September 7, UFC FIGHT NIGHT: BURNS vs BRADY will be held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Make sure you catch every second of UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Brady , airing live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 7, 2024. The preliminary fights begin at 4pm ET/1pm PT, with the main card starting live on ESPN+ at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

BRAVE Combat Federation is making its much-anticipated return to Spain with BRAVE CF 89 and the show has a fitting main event as Super Welterweight champion Kamal Magomedov will defend his title against Brazilian finishing machine Luiz Cado.  The fight marks Magomedov's first defense of his title since he won it at BRAVE CF 77, where he defeated Marcin Bandel with a first-round stoppage. Magomedov remains undefeated in his professional MMA career and has won all three of his fights in BRAVE CF. Despite being called out by fighters like Alex Lohoré and Eliezer Kubanza, his first title defense will be against Cado, who is currently on a three-fight winning streak under the most global promotion in MMA.  Luiz Cado has also had a successful run in BRAVE CF, winning all three of his fights in the organization. The Brazilian fighter has finished all his opponents in BRAVE CF, with his most recent victory coming at BRAVE CF 78, where he submitted Vernon Ramos in the second round to earn his shot at the Super Welterweight title. Before this, Cado achieved stoppage wins over Willker Lemos and Luis Felipe Dias, showcasing his dominance inside the BRAVE CF cage.  The co-main event will feature a Featherweight bout between Spain's own Jose Sanchez and Irish superstar Richie Smullen. Sanchez, a veteran of the Spanish MMA scene, has fought across Europe over his decade-long career and now has the chance to gain international exposure while fighting in front of his home crowd. Smullen, on the other hand, is on a three-fight winning streak and aims to spoil Sanchez's homecoming and make a strong debut in the BRAVE CF Featherweight division. The event, which is BRAVE CF's second in Spain following BRAVE CF 75, will be held in partnership with Fight2One on October 19 at Pabellon Santiago Martin in Tenerife.  BRAVE CF 89 will also be the organization's ninth event of the year and will conclude its 70-day world tour, which includes events in six countries. The event follows BRAVE CF 86 in Bulgaria, BRAVE CF 87 in the Netherlands, and BRAVE CF 88 in Slovenia, highlighting BRAVE CF's dedication to promoting the growth of MMA in Europe.

It's fight week in Glasgow! Cage Warriors returns to Scotland with a stacked card at Cage Warriors 176, the return of George Hardwick and a $50,000 PrizeFighter! The countdown is on to this Saturday's event at the Braehead Arena, as Scotland's best gear up to face elite opposition from the UK, Europe and beyond. Topping the bill is a double-header main event. First up, lightweight king George Hardwick returns to action as he looks to make the third defence of his championship against Romanian Judo and Karate stylist Christian Iorga. Following that, the winner of the $50,000 PrizeFighter tournament will be decided, as the successful semi-finalists (or the reserve bout winner, if a semi-finalist can't continue) duke it out for the big cash prize and a shot at the welterweight title currently held by Ireland's James Sheehan. In the first semi-final, hard hitting former title challenger Omiel Brown faces off with 6'4 BJJ blackbelt Henri Lintula. In the second semi, newcomers Marko Kisic and Bourama Camara will be looking to make a big first impression in the organisation. Finally in the reserve bout, Scottish MMA prodigy Sean Clancy Jr will shoot his shot against Israeli finisher Rafael Aronov. Also on the card, Scottish MMA icon Chris 'The Bad Guy' Bungard returns in search of redemption. With original opponent Artūrs Leisāns withdrawing at the eleventh hour due to illness, Bungard will now face Brazil's Andrey Augusto at a catchweight of 163lbs. Greenock's Reece McEwan will strap on the Famous Yellow Gloves for the seventh time, as he looks to return to the form that earned him a 2023 title shot, as he faces Miguel Haro. Cage Warriors 176: Glasgow | LIVE on  UFC Fight Pass Main Card – 12:30 (PT) | 15:30 (ET) | 20:30 (BST) | 21:30 (CEST) Welterweight PrizeFighter Finals: Lightweight Title Christian Iorga vs George Hardwick (c) Catchweight (163 lbs) Andrey Augusto vs Chris Bungard Bantamweight Miguel Haro vs Reece McEwan Lightweight Kye Stevens vs Michael Blair Bantamweight Rory Evans vs Kier Harvie Prelims 09:15 (PT) | 12:15 (ET) | 17:15 (BST) | 18:15 (CEST) Featherweight Kallum Parker vs Damon Donald PrizeFighter Reserve Bout Rafael Aronov vs Sean Clancy Jr PrizeFighter Semi-Final #2 Marko Kisic vs Bourama Camara PrizeFighter Semi-Final #1 Omiel Brown vs Henri Lintula Lightweight Wesley Machado vs Jordan Stronge Lightweight Shahram Hotak vs Ryan Campbell Light Heavyweight Brandon Guest vs Charles Joyner Flyweight Emerson Oliveira vs Igor Wojtas Flyweight Ryan Hewitt vs Redgie Hingston