Gabriella Willems has made history for Belgian judo by winning a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, breaking a 32-year drought in the -70kg category since Heidi Rakels' bronze in 1992. Willems' victory over Sanne Van Dijke from the Netherlands in a nail-biting bronze medal match at the Champs-de-Mars Arena has cemented her legacy as one of Belgium's judo greats. Willems' path to this moment was anything but easy. Her career has been riddled with serious injuries, starting with a ruptured cruciate ligament in April 2021 that forced her to miss the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. In 2022, she suffered another cruciate ligament tear and underwent Latarjet surgery to fix recurring shoulder dislocations. Despite these formidable obstacles, Willems' unyielding determination and grit led her to qualify for Paris 2024, a feat she calls nothing short of a "miracle." After witnessing her partner Christian Parlati lose his first contest, Willems had to regroup and focus on her own journey. Reflecting on her hard-fought bronze medal, Willems shared her joy and exhaustion: "The day was so tiring. I had to gather myself for every single fight. It was an incredible experience, but emotionally it took a lot out of me. In this competition, anything can happen. I'm thrilled to bring this medal home for Belgian judo—it truly is a dream come true." The electric atmosphere at the Champs-de-Mars Arena, fueled by an enthusiastic French crowd, added to the unforgettable experience. Willems praised the passion for judo in France: "French people love judo, and it's just amazing. It's one of those countries where judo is deeply cherished, and you can feel that energy on the mat. Competing in these Games in Paris, so close to Belgium, was fantastic." Willems also spoke about the camaraderie and respect that define judo: "That's the beauty of judo. The sport is built on values like respect for our rivals. Before and after the match, we are all friends." Looking ahead, Willems is taking a cautious approach to her future in judo. She emphasized the need to rest and fully recover from her injuries before deciding on competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games: "I need some time to rest and get back to 100% physically, to ensure my injuries are fully healed. From there, I'll see what the future holds." Born on July 1, 1997, in Liège, Belgium, Gabriella Willems, fondly known as "Gaby," currently resides in Barchon. She represents Judo Club Andrimont and is coached by Cedric Taymans nationally and Raffaele Parlati at the club level. Multilingual in English, French, and Italian, Willems has leveraged her language skills to excel on the international stage. Willems' road to the bronze medal in Paris was paved with a series of impressive victories. She defeated Maria Perez of Puerto Rico, Elisavet Teltsidou of Greece, and Miriam Butkereit of Germany in the elimination rounds. In the repechage contest, she triumphed over France's Marie Eve Gahie before clinching the bronze against Van Dijke, whom she had lost to five times before. Her resilience and skill have solidified her place among judo's elite, bringing immense pride to both Belgian and Italian judo fans.

The UFC middleweight division has been a whirlwind of title changes, with no champion successfully defending the belt since Israel Adesanya's victory over Jared Cannonier at UFC 276—over two years ago. The belt has since changed hands four times, and "The Last Stylebender" is determined to make it five as he faces off against current champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in Perth. Adesanya, who reigned as the undisputed champion for 1,134 days with five title defenses, sees his interim title win over Kelvin Gastelum as the true start of his championship journey, making his unification bout with Robert Whittaker his first "defense." During his three-year reign, Adesanya cleared out the division, leading to the rapid rise of Alex Pereira, the former kickboxing foe who knocked him out at UFC 281, igniting a new chapter in the division's history. Pereira's shocking TKO win over Adesanya triggered a series of intense and unforgettable battles. Adesanya quickly bounced back, defeating Pereira in a thrilling rematch at UFC 287 in Miami, where he delivered one of his most memorable performances by knocking out "Poatan" in the second round, finally avenging his previous losses across two sports. Despite battling a knee injury, Adesanya pressed on, ready to fight in Sydney, Australia, just months later. Initially slated to fight Du Plessis, Adesanya ended up facing Sean Strickland when the South African wasn't ready. Strickland shocked the world by outstriking Adesanya for 25 minutes, nearly finishing him in the first round with a powerful right hand, and ultimately claiming the middleweight title in one of the most surprising upsets in recent UFC history. Adesanya's subsequent break from competition, which he hinted could last years, ended sooner than expected. Strickland's rise to the top was matched by his growing popularity, thanks to his candid and unapologetic approach to interviews and his gratitude toward MMA fans. His first title defense against Du Plessis in Toronto was a nail-biter, ending in a split decision loss that left Strickland and his fans disappointed. With Du Plessis now holding the belt, the long-awaited matchup with Adesanya at UFC 305 is set to determine the division's next chapter. With the middleweight title in constant flux, the stakes couldn't be higher at UFC 305. Whoever emerges victorious will face a host of hungry challengers eager to claim the throne. Don't miss a second of the action as UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya unfolds live from RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, on August 17, 2024. Prelims kick off at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.

The UFC is back at the UFC APEX with a high-stakes welterweight clash as No. 6 contender Gilbert Burns takes on No. 8 Sean Brady, both gunning for a coveted spot in the Top 5. This main event promises fireworks as two of the division's most dangerous fighters go head-to-head. Also lighting up the night, former UFC strawweight champion Jéssica Andrade faces off against the surging Natalia Silva in a flyweight bout that could redefine the division’s pecking order. Date and Streaming Details: Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 7, when UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady unfolds in Las Vegas. Catch every fight live on ESPN+ with prelims kicking off at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT, and the main card starting at 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT. Fight Night Preview: Gilbert Burns (22-7, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) A former UFC welterweight title challenger, Burns has consistently proven himself as one of the top contenders in the division. Known for his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, Burns aims to catapult himself back into title contention with a decisive win over Brady. Sean Brady (16-1, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) Brady is looking to make a career-defining statement in his biggest fight yet. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Brady has showcased his grappling prowess in dominant finishes against top-tier opponents. He now plans to add Burns to his list of conquered foes by becoming the first fighter to submit the Brazilian powerhouse. Co-Main Event: Jéssica Andrade vs. Natalia Silva Jéssica Andrade (26-12, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Returning to the flyweight division, Andrade is the only woman in UFC history to secure victories in three different weight classes. She holds records for the most wins, most fights, and most post-fight bonuses in UFC women’s history. Andrade is determined to maintain her Top 10 status by defeating Silva. Natalia Silva (17-5-1, fighting out of Pingo D’Agua, Minas Gerais, Brazil) Silva, currently on an 11-fight win streak, is set on adding a former UFC champion to her impressive resume. Undefeated in the UFC, Silva is looking to crack the Top 5 with a standout performance against Andrade. Additional Bouts to Watch: Steve Garcia vs. Kyle Nelson:  Featherweights ready to deliver a fan-friendly battle. Matt Schnell vs. Alessandro Costa:  An exciting flyweight matchup with Top 10 implications. Ryan Spann vs. Ovince Saint Preux:  Light heavyweights collide in a can't-miss showdown. Trevor Peek vs. Yanal Ashmouz:  A clash of all-action lightweights. Rongzhu vs. Chris Padilla:  Lightweight Road to UFC winner looks to impress. YiZha vs. Gabriel Santos:  Road to UFC featherweight winner aims to make his mark. Andre Petroski vs. Dylan Budka:  Middleweights battle to climb the ranks. Jaqueline Amorim vs. Vanessa Demopoulos:  Strawweight bout with rising prospects. Isaac Dulgarian vs. Brendon Marotte:  Featherweights hunt for a first-round finish. Felipe dos Santos vs. Andre Lima:  Flyweights face off in an electrifying matchup. For the latest updates on this stacked card, visit Black Belt Magazine .

Two veterans from their respective nations, Bharat and Zia enter the fight with contrasting storylines but similar motivations in what is set to be a historic bout in sports - this will be the first time an MMA fight between an Indian fighter and a Pakistani opponent takes place on Pakistani soil. Bharat Khandare, one of the pioneering MMA fighters from India, is making his return to BRAVE CF after a seven-year hiatus. A former regional MMA champion, Bharat debuted with the promotion at BRAVE CF 5 and fought once more after that. After stepping away from the sport for various reasons, he is now back in the most global MMA organization, aiming to defend India’s honour in the India vs. Pakistan showdown. Bharat is not only seeking a victory for India on Pakistani soil but also looking to stage the greatest comeback in the history of Indian MMA. Zia Mashwani, on the other hand, enters the fight following a recent win on the regional circuit. Notably, Zia's professional MMA career began after Bharat's last fight. The Pakistani fighter has already competed four times in BRAVE CF, facing notable opponents like Nkosi Ndebele and Abdullah Al-Qahtani. As Zia prepares for his fifth fight in BRAVE Combat Federation, he carries the responsibility of defending Pakistan’s home turf. In addition to the Bharat vs. Zia showdown, BRAVE CF 85 will feature another India vs. Pakistan matchup, with Srikant Sekhar from India facing Rizwan Ali in the co-main event.

Pakistani superstar Ismail Khan is gearing up for his BRAVE Combat Federation debut as he will be taking on Kazakh wrestling champion Bagylan Zahakansha at BRAVE CF 85 in home soil on August 18. It will be a much-deserved homecoming fight for Khan, who has excelled since his amateur days, earning Pakistan’s first-ever world medal in the IMMAF ranks and winning local titles upon turning professional. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters in Pakistan, ''The Volcano'' is not someone who planned out his path in MMA or even thought about becoming a champion in combat sports. In fact, he entered mixed martial arts by accident. His journey began unexpectedly in 2016 after his football coach moved to the UAE. Khan had dreamt of making it as a footballer and was desolate when he found himself with no coaching. Desperately seeking another sport, he noticed his neighbour practising shadow boxing. This chance encounter led him to join KAK’s Fight Club in Rawalpindi, where he now trains under head coach Nasir Khan.  Ismail realized his potential in martial arts after his first kickboxing fight in 2017. His talent was evident, and he decided to pursue it as a career. However, his decision was not initially supported by friends and family. Their doubts faded when Ismail knocked out his opponent in just three seconds during his professional debut, earning their respect and support. “No one supported me until I turned Pro and Knocked out my opponent in just 3 seconds of round number one in front of my family and friends,” he recalls.  A year later, Ismail Khan entered the MMA realm, making his amateur MMA debut in 2018. He enjoyed success in the amateur circuit and went undefeated for four years, even representing Pakistan at the 2021 IMMAF World Championships where he secured three wins before suffering his first amateur MMA loss against Shakhban Gapizov. Nevertheless, he had made history for Pakistan, with the bronze medal in the Worlds. Ismail wrapped up his amateur career after this loss and transitioned into professional MMA where he restarted his winning streak and went seven fights without a loss before suffering his first career loss. Despite the results being in his favour, it was not always a cakewalk for Ismail. “In 2022 when it was very difficult to find an opponent for me so at that time my family members forced me to stop Martial Arts and focus on something else. But then after a long discussion of my family with my coaches, they gave us a second chance and warned us that we have only one year to prove ourselves, otherwise we would be done. And Alhamdulillah right now, I am fighting at one of the leading MMA promotions in the world,” Ismail says. BRAVE CF 85, held in Lahore, will be headlined by the Featherweight showdown between Omar Solomanov and Rauan Bekbolat. The event also features the historic India vs. Pakistan sporting rivalry and will mark the second BRAVE CF event in Pakistan.

Over the past seven years, Australian heavyweight Tai Tuivasa has become a fan favorite in the UFC, delivering unforgettable performances inside the Octagon. Tuivasa burst onto the scene with back-to-back first-round finishes, but his true rise to stardom began in 2021 when he secured three jaw-dropping knockout victories within just 10 months. Tuivasa’s appeal goes beyond his heavy hands; it’s what comes next that fans love. After knocking out his opponent, "Bam Bam" climbs atop the Octagon for his now-iconic “Shoey" celebration, where he chugs a beer from a shoe—yes, you read that right! However, after his first UFC main event against Ciryl Gane, Tuivasa has struggled to recapture his previous momentum. He’s aiming for a comeback with a victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 305: Du Plessis vs Adesanya in Perth, Western Australia. Before Tuivasa returns to the Octagon this Saturday, let’s revisit some of the most electrifying moments from “Bam Bam’s” career, available to watch on UFC FIGHT PASS: Tuivasa KO’s Derrick Lewis in Houston UFC 271 Adesanya vs Whittaker 2 | February 12, 2022 In 2022, Tuivasa faced Derrick Lewis in “The Black Beast’s” hometown of Houston. Despite the hostile crowd, Tuivasa walked out to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, showing he was ready to entertain. The first round saw Lewis gain the upper hand with a takedown and brutal ground-and-pound. But Tuivasa weathered the storm and turned the tables in the second round with a stunning right hook, followed by a short elbow that sent Lewis crashing to the canvas. The Return of the “Shoey” UFC 264: Poirier vs McGregor 3 | July 10, 2021 After suffering three consecutive losses by the end of 2019, Tuivasa was determined to bounce back in 2020. He did just that by finishing Stefan Struve and Harry Hunsucker. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans missed out on his signature “Shoey” celebration. Everything changed at UFC 264 when Tuivasa fought former NFL player Greg Hardy on a Conor McGregor pay-per-view card. The fight lasted just over a minute, with Tuivasa recovering from a big shot by Hardy to land a left hook that ended the fight. With fans back in the arena, Tuivasa celebrated with his famous “Shoey,” marking his return to the spotlight. Buzzer-Beater Knockout on Fight Island UFC 254: Khabib vs Gaethje | October 24, 2020 Following a year-long hiatus after three straight defeats, Tuivasa made his comeback at Fight Island against Stefan Struve. Tuivasa knew he needed to control the range against the towering Struve, and he did just that with a series of leg kicks and clinches. As the first round was coming to a close, Tuivasa landed a powerful uppercut that sent Struve to the canvas, finishing the fight with just one second remaining on the clock. A Knockout Debut in Sydney UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs Tybura | November 19, 2017 Tuivasa made his UFC debut in his hometown of Sydney, Australia, against Rashad Coulter. The young heavyweight showcased his potential early on, landing a crippling leg kick followed by a flying knee that knocked out Coulter in spectacular fashion. This debut knockout was a sign of the exciting future that lay ahead for Tuivasa in the UFC. Don't miss UFC 305: Du Plessis vs Adesanya, live from RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, on August 17, 2024.  Prelims start at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, while the main card kicks off live on PPV at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT

For seven years, I worked for Guns & Ammo magazine, where I wrote the monthly Personal Security column under the byline Jim Grover. (At the time, I was assigned to a highly classified special-mission unit and couldn’t use my real name.) Being involved in actual operations and the training necessary to prepare for them provided me with an extremely realistic perspective on combat.  DURING THAT TIME, the editor of another magazine under the same publisher asked my opinion about the tactic of using a handgun in each hand. I literally laughed out loud — this was well before the advent of smartphones and “LOL.”  He and I went on to debate it. He had never been in the service or worked as a police officer and had no operational experience, but he insisted that the tactic had some merit. I said that I found the idea ludicrous, and I still do.  MY THINKING WAS CLEAR and logical: There would be the obvious carry- and-support issue; it would complicate reloading and efficiently clearing any malfunction; it would make physically dealing with any noncom- batants dangerous and difficult, if not impossible; and it would make accurate shooting — responsible shooting— slow and extremely cumbersome. Dumb idea all around.  He wrote it up in his magazine . He and a former South African police- man and magazine contributor went to the range and “tested” it. The results were predictable, and the tactic proved not even marginally successful. What irritates me the most about this whole concept is that it sprouted from thinking about what may “push the envelope” and/or the sheer tedium of continuously writing about firing handguns. There is, after all, only so much that can be written about the subject. The same trend is now happening in combatives. Our compatriots have started talking about the notion of dual deployment of weapon systems — specifically, a handgun and a knife simultaneously. I still believe this is an absolutely ridiculous concept and something that attempts to artificially push the capability bell curve forward. IMAGINE YOURSELF in a potentially lethal situation in which you need to immediately take action and the use of deadly force is warranted. Why the hell would you ever risk using an edged weapon first when you’re far more lethal, effective and fast with just your firearm? It makes no sense and is a silly idea fostered by people who think it’s somehow “next level.” I’d be interested to see that next- level reload or malfunction drill. We could call it the “Edward Scissorhands technique.”  Similar things can be said about myriad unarmed combatives techniques that seemingly seek to com- plicate the utterly simple undertaking of hurting someone or making an attacker unconscious to eliminate a threat. I’ve said for years that, in fact, it’s not hurting people that is hard at all; it’s doing it under duress against a committed assailant and in consideration of the consequences that is hard.  I’M NOT SUGGESTING that critical thought shouldn’t occur with respect to tactics, techniques and procedures or that risks shouldn’t be taken to further develop equipment and/or capabilities. Certainly, trial attempts of whatever technique with the intent of meaningfully becoming more competent matter. They really, really do. It’s just that when ridiculousness creeps into the mix, someone has to throw the BS flag.  Probably the most annoying thing about concepts like these is the high melodrama overlay that’s often applied to them. Everyone gets it: deadly circumstances. But how about focusing on the very real, concrete principles and TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) that will get the job done instead of veering into the almost comical? And I use the phrase “almost comical” because what I’m talking about involves life and limb; otherwise, it would just be comical.  MY ADVICE? Focus on fundamentals. Develop your skills to a standard that’s above average. Train hard until you can execute your moves during credible attacks from training partners who are pushing the limits and not just behaving like statues. The solutions aren’t hard, but delivering them in an all-out fight will be.  Even if the kinds of tactics mentioned previously were viable and effective — and, in my opinion, they’re not — a lot of what’s circulating today as “next level” wouldn’t fall within the rules of engagement on a battlefield. At a minimum, such techniques would be considered egregious, so how could they possibly be legal on the street?  Sitting in a courtroom, faced with a jury of your peers, people who are considering what you did under the sterile hum of fluorescent lights, you’d better make sure you did everything right.

If you, as a martial arts teacher, give a student a single correction, and at the next training session, you find that he hasn’t made the change and shows no sign of trying to do so, that’s the student’s fault. THE STUDENT isn’t listening — or isn’t hearing what you’re saying. If he expects to make any progress in the art, how- ever, he must adjust his attitude. If, on the other hand, you’ve made five or six corrections and the student doesn’t implement any of them in the next class, the fault is yours. You need to examine your attitude and behavior and institute some changes. OVERALL, one of the most significant challenges in the dojo — and one that’s often overlooked and under- appreciated — is the matter of effective teaching. In too many martial arts schools, there exists the notion that technical competence is all that’s necessary to teach. Why this notion has become accepted is a mystery. Consider: How many great or even very talented boxers work as train- ers in a boxing gym? Lots of people can speak fluent Russian, but does that automatically make them good teachers of the language? No one would make such assumptions, yet the idea that a black belt wrapped around one’s waste is suddenly, automatically, a sign that the wearer is a teacher is widespread in the martial arts. IF YOU’RE A SERIOUS TEACHER, when you contemplate training a student who might be a good candidate for becoming a teacher himself, you carefully begin the process for creating a new teacher. There are many lessons here, many subtleties. If the prospective teacher immediately gets a big head and assumes he’s on the path to becoming a “master,” you quickly knock him down. You watch him teach — and promptly criticize him in front of others, demonstrating just how many mistakes he’s making and how much he has to learn. (The teacher who tells one of his students to “teach the class” and then goes into his office or leaves the dojo is depriving both the teacher candidate and the class. When a student has reached the point in his training when you think he’s ready to teach, your attention must be ramped up considerably.) What you need to look for most in the candidate is the tendency to “over-teach.” The desire is to explain it all to a new student when introducing a technique or concept. Some- times this happens because of ego: The teacher candidate wants to show the student just how much he knows. Other times, it’s a sincere desire to help: “I remember how hard it was for me to learn this — let me show you how I managed it.” The sentiment is understandable but almost certainly useless. The student will learn exactly as the teacher candidate did: slowly, with long and committed repetition. There’s no shortcut any teacher can provide for him, just as there wasn’t any for you. That’s why over-teaching is not just pointless; it can be counterproductive for students. It’s also important to understand that such an approach can be unproductive for you, the established teacher. Your job is to bring students along, to show them the way — not by holding their hands but by gently directing, offering advice at just the right time and in just the right way. I know, incidentally, that “gentle” is not a term we associate with the traditional dojo, and there will be readers who laugh out loud at that word when they think of their own harsh train- ing. Here, “gentle” means “indirectly.” In spite of tough training, the intent is not ever to brutalize; rather, it’s to patiently inculcate in students the correct mindset and personality to be able to assimilate the art’s techniques. IN BRINGING ALL STUDENTS along this path, you must be judicious. And critical in your thinking. Yes, you can see half a dozen mistakes they’re making. As their teacher, you can correct each one — which is tedious and will probably just further confuse and frustrate them. Or you can analyze the problems and determine first, which is most important at this time, and second, how they all might be related and more efficiently corrected with attention to just the factor they share. You can try to patch a dozen different holes in a garden hose, or you can shut off the water at the spigot. Finding that spigot in terms of a student’s problems is at the core of good teaching. It takes intense concentration to make these analyses for students. Often, even an experienced teacher will look at a student and see some- thing that doesn’t seem right but cannot put a finger on exactly what it is. That’s when you might want to call over a senior student and ask, “Do you see something off here? What is it?” This approach puts fresh eyes on the student. It also prepares the senior student for his own future as a teacher. In any event, you must be careful how and when you correct. A poor teacher believes the numerous corrections he makes are proof of his talent and understanding. A good teacher understands that just a word, well-timed and carefully chosen, is far better.

Israel Adesanya, known as "The Last Stylebender," reigned as the UFC middleweight champion for four years, claiming victories over top-tier fighters like Robert Whittaker, Marvin Vettori, Anderson Silva, and Kelvin Gastelum. Dive into the most electrifying moments of Israel Adesanya’s UFC career, from his rise to championship glory to his unforgettable battles inside the Octagon. Career Milestones UFC Debut:  Israel Adesanya made his explosive UFC debut on February 11, 2018, against Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221 in Perth, Australia. Interim Title Victory:  Adesanya's victory over Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 earned him the interim UFC middleweight title. Undisputed Champion:  Adesanya became the undisputed middleweight champion at UFC 243 after a stunning knockout of Robert Whittaker in the second round. Title Defenses:  Before his highly anticipated bout against Alex Pereira at UFC 281, Adesanya successfully defended his title five times. Record-Breaking Wins:  With seven title fight victories, Adesanya stands as the second most successful middleweight champion in UFC history, just behind Anderson Silva’s 11 title fight wins. Israel Adesanya’s Epic Fights UFC 236: Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum (4/13/2019):  Fourteen months after his debut, Adesanya faced off against Gastelum for the interim middleweight title. In a back-and-forth war, Adesanya emerged victorious by unanimous decision, with all judges awarding him a dominant fifth round. UFC 243: Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker (10/6/2019):  Adesanya solidified his legacy by knocking out Whittaker in the second round, becoming the undisputed middleweight champion. A powerful right-left combo sent Whittaker crashing to the canvas, marking one of the most memorable finishes in UFC history. Israel Adesanya’s UFC Record UFC 293 (9/10/23):  Adesanya lost his UFC middleweight title after a five-round unanimous decision defeat to Sean Strickland. UFC 287 (4/8/23):  Adesanya regained his middleweight title by knocking out Alex Pereira in the second round. UFC 281 (11/12/22):  Adesanya was stopped by Alex Pereira in the fifth round, losing his middleweight title. UFC 276 (7/2/22):  Adesanya retained his title with a unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier. UFC 271 (2/12/22):  Adesanya defeated Robert Whittaker in a five-round decision to retain his title. UFC 263 (6/12/21):  Adesanya retained his title with a unanimous decision victory over Marvin Vettori. UFC 259 (3/6/21):  Adesanya lost a light heavyweight title fight to Jan Blachowicz by unanimous decision. UFC 253 (9/27/20):  Adesanya retained his middleweight title by stopping Paulo Costa in the second round. UFC 248 (3/7/20):  Adesanya won a unanimous decision over Yoel Romero to retain his title. UFC 243 (10/6/19):  Adesanya unified the middleweight title with a second-round knockout of Robert Whittaker. UFC 236 (4/13/19):  Adesanya claimed the interim middleweight title with a unanimous decision win over Kelvin Gastelum. UFC 234 (2/10/19):  Adesanya won a unanimous decision over Anderson Silva. UFC 230 (11/3/18):  Adesanya stopped Derek Brunson in the first round. TUF 27 Finale (7/6/18):  Adesanya won a unanimous decision over Brad Tavares. UFC on FOX (4/14/18):  Adesanya edged out Marvin Vettori by split decision. UFC 221 (2/11/18):  Adesanya made a statement by stopping Rob Wilkinson in the second round. Explore the intense journey of Israel Adesanya, from his breathtaking victories to his shocking defeats, and witness the making of a UFC legend.

Prepare for an unforgettable night of action as UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya, lands in Perth, Australia, this Saturday, bringing with it a lineup that promises to deliver non-stop excitement and drama. Headlined by a highly anticipated middleweight championship grudge match between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, this card is packed with critical matchups that will shake up the UFC rankings and leave fans buzzing long after the final bell. Here's a fight-by-fight preview, complete with bold predictions for how these thrilling contests might unfold. Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya The middleweight title is on the line as Dricus Du Plessis defends his belt against the former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya. Du Plessis has been on a tear, undefeated in his UFC run and now looking to solidify his reign. But Adesanya, known for his ability to bounce back, is determined to reclaim his throne. Adesanya, driven by the sting of his last defeat, will come out aggressive, looking to put Du Plessis on the back foot early. Expect a technical masterclass from "The Last Stylebender" as he looks to reclaim his title, possibly ending the fight via TKO in the championship rounds. Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg In the co-main event, veteran Kai Kara-France takes on rising star Steve Erceg in a flyweight showdown that could have title implications. Kara-France, hungry for redemption after a tough loss, faces the hometown favorite Erceg, who has quickly risen through the ranks. This fight could go either way, but Erceg’s momentum and the support of the Perth crowd might give him the edge. Look for Erceg to secure a close decision victory after a hard-fought battle. Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker Lightweight contenders Mateusz Gamrot and Dan Hooker clash in what promises to be a gritty, all-out war. Both fighters are known for their resilience and will be looking to make a statement in the ultra-competitive 155-pound division. Gamrot’s grappling and relentless pressure could prove too much for Hooker, who might struggle to keep the fight standing. Expect Gamrot to grind out a decision win, solidifying his place among the division's elite. Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik Heavyweights Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik are set to bring the thunder in what could be the most explosive fight of the night. With both fighters known for their knockout power, don’t blink during this one. This fight won't last long. Tuivasa, eager to end his losing streak, will come out swinging, but Rozenstruik’s precision striking could see him land the decisive blow, earning a knockout victory within the first two rounds. Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates Kicking off the main card, seasoned veteran Li Jingliang takes on the surging newcomer Carlos Prates. Li is returning after a lengthy absence and will need to shake off any ring rust quickly against the dangerous Prates. Prates is riding a wave of momentum, and his aggression might overwhelm Li, who could struggle to find his rhythm after a long layoff. Look for Prates to earn a stoppage victory and continue his rapid ascent in the welterweight division. Preliminary Card Highlights Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker:  Expect a brawl between these two heavyweights, with Tafa likely to secure a knockout in the second round. Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos:  O’Neill, fighting on home soil, will be eager to bounce back. A dominant decision win could be in the cards for her. Stewart Nicoll vs. Jesus Aguilar:  Nicoll’s undefeated streak is on the line, but Aguilar’s experience in the UFC might see him edge out a decision win in this intriguing flyweight matchup. Don’t miss UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya, live from RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, on August 17, 2024. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card kicking off live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

ONE Friday Fights got off to an astonishing start inside Lumpinee Stadium for ONE Friday Fights 74 on August 9. The first eight matches all ended by KO/TKO. Although there was no finish, the evening’s main event delivered a thrilling three-round cavalcade of action as Parham Gheirati kept his ONE Championship record perfect Yodphupa Petkiatpet. The 20-year-old Iranian knocked down Yodphupa in the first and third rounds to take a commanding decision victory, but the Thai athlete showed heart by rallying in the second frame. In one of the night's biggest highlights, Dzhokhar Eskiev needed only 15 seconds to put away Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu. Akylbek Uulu caught a kick but was soon met with a counter left that sent him to the mat. A few follow-up shots on the ground later, Eskiev got the win to start his tenure off on the right foot. When it comes to impactful debuts, Ibragim Abdulmedzhidov threw his name in the hat with a second-round KO against Yamin PK Saenchai. Abdulmedzhidov launched a haymaker of a right hand that found its target and Yamin dropped immediately. The finish was an instant impression for the Russian who will try to keep the momentum rolling in his next outing. Those matches were still just an appetizer for the remainder of the card. ONE Friday Fights 74 continued to show all the qualities that make martial arts so incredible. The other finishes in Muay Thai bouts are almost too much to break down, and should be enjoyed in all their glory. ONE Friday Fights 74 is available on demand on ONE’s official YouTube channel. ONE Friday Fights 74 Full Results Parham Gheirati def. Yodphupa Petkiatpet by unanimous decision Denkriangkrai Singha Mawynn def. Patakake Sinbimuaythai by unanimous decision Chatpichit Sor Sor Toipadriew def. Khunsuk Sor Dechapan by unanimous decision Singtanawat Nokjeanladkrabang def. Kaoklai Chor Hapayak by unanimous decision Donking Yotharakmuaythai def. Panpet Sor Naruemon by KO at 2:27 of the first round Sainatee PK Saenchai def. Nuengthoranee Guaybangkorlaem by KO at 2:31 of the first round Kirill Khomutov def. Ferzan Cicek by KO at 2:50 of the second round Ibragim Abdulmedzhidov def. Yamin PK Saenchai by KO at 1:12 of the second round Hiroyuki def. Singsangpa Lookboonmee by KO at 1:28 of the first round Banna Hayashi def. Saenchai Nayokwittungsong by KO at 2:07 of the first round Dzhokhar Eskiev def. Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu by TKO at 0:15 of the first round Lee Seung Chul def. Moises Lois Ilogon by TKO at 2:49 of the first round

After spending several decades training under various Chinese grandmasters in the United States, I began visiting Shaolin Temple in Henan province, China, on a regular basis. Those visits have continued for the past 20 years. Every time I go, the abbot of Shaolin has me meet with a senior monk so I can continue to learn about the temple and its history, inside shaolin temple. The information presented here comes from those meetings, as well as from observations I’ve made over the decades. BODHIDHARMA, WHOM THE Chinese call Tamo, did not build Shaolin Temple. It was already there when he arrived in the late fifth century or early sixth century. Nevertheless, the temple is now regarded as a national treasure by the Chinese and a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. What this means is the primary mis- sion of any Shaolin monk is taking care of his fellow monks and disciples and maintaining the buildings that make up the temple. To do that, he needs a certain amount of fitness and strength, as well as above-average humility. He sweeps, cleans, repairs things that are broken and does other forms of manual labor. Physical exercise is a necessary part of his daily regimen, as are activities that develop the mind so he can concentrate for longer periods while study- ing Buddhist scriptures. Notice that I haven’t mentioned kung fu yet. The temple has quarters where the true monks, those who have dedicated their lives to Buddhism, live. The facilities used to be very crude, but they started making improvements after interest in Shaolin skyrocketed and the tourism boom began. (Millions of people, most of whom are Chinese, come every year.) With so many visitors, it’s only natural that the public, martial artists included, have some mistaken beliefs about Shaolin. One is that all those who become monks join the temple when they’re 3 or 4 years old. Yes, a boy can be accepted at that age — in which case he’ll receive his general education there — but few follow that path. Most are accepted when they’re adults, even adults who are married with children. Of course, they must give up their former life when they join because in Buddhism, striving toward a pure existence means being unattached to the mundane world. The life of anyone who resides at Shaolin is all about earning one’s way while striving to help others improve themselves. Often, that means living a life of sacrifice, which makes it no different from many other religions. NOTICE THAT I STILL HAVEN’T dis- cussed kung fu. That’s because for a true Shaolin monk, life is not just about that. It’s about being mentally in tune with oneself to reach the highest levels of Buddhism. Some Shaolin monks never even practice kung fu. It’s important to distinguish between monks, practitioners and disciples at Shaolin. Any child or adult who enters the temple will be given the opportunity to become a Shaolin practitioner or student, which means learning basic physical exercises along with Buddhism. Becoming a Shaolin disciple, which is when the kung fu training kicks in, is much more difficult. If a practitioner demonstrates progress, aptitude and humility, he may be taken on by a master or a senior monk and become a disciple. Now he’s like a son to the master, and the temple will always be his home. He will continue to learn the cultural and religious lessons needed to become a functioning member of the Shaolin community, along with kung fu. The whole time, the disciple has to keep up with his chores. Over time, he gains strength and humility — and his kung fu improves because of the daily training and the healthy, simple living. PEOPLE AT SHAOLIN wake up early and eat a vegan breakfast. They consume no animal products, not even eggs. Their diet is mostly tofu, rice, vegetables and bread. They don’t eat garlic because they regard it as an aphrodisiac, and they don’t want to stimulate their bodies that way. Lunch and dinner are more of the same: rice, vegetables and tofu.  Those who live at the temple move their bodies all day long. The entry-level student does physical exercise and cleans. The disciple does that in addition to his martial arts training, which lasts late into the afternoon. His kung fu education starts with stances and footwork, then branches out to the Shaolin animals, especially the “personality” of each one as it pertains to self-defense. He also begins learning the forms. After dinner, everyone goes back to work, so to speak. Depending on his position, that might involve practicing calligraphy, studying Buddhism or fine-tuning a form. EMPTY-HAND SKILLS and weapons constitute a large part of the kung fu training, but the curriculum also includes Shaolin martial culture and philosophy, chi kung and traditional Chinese medicine. All the senior monks are well-versed in these ancillary disciplines. At times, the kung fu training of a disciple is as primitive as it looks in movies like 1982’s The Shaolin Temple, which stars Jet Li. The disciple may lift heavy stones for strength development and walk on tree stumps for balance. Clearly, the monks like to keep things traditional. On average, a disciple trains in martial arts between four and six hours a day. He starts right after breakfast and morning prayer. He pauses for lunch, then resumes practice. Approximately half his day is filled with martial arts and the other half with study. A monk’s day will start even earlier than a disciple’s day. I don’t know when each monk wakes up, but I know I’ve trained with some as early as 4 a.m. And I know their day isn’t done until evening, which means they often put in 14-hour days. SHAOLIN KUNG FU TRAINING falls into two categories, and they’re closely linked to the forms that are practiced. “Old Shaolin” is composed of the traditional forms. There’s none of the flashy aerial maneuvers we see in movies. Old Shaolin was developed to build the body and mind. It allows the practitioner to do things most people cannot do, but that does not entail flying through the air.  Old Shaolin includes disciplines such as “head kung.” In this, a monk practices hitting objects with his head and building his chi until he’s capable of effecting breaks without injury. Another discipline is “jumping kung,” in which a monk develops his ability to leap up (for example, out of a hole in the ground) and leap down (for example, off a rooftop). No, they can’t jump onto a rooftop, but they can safely jump off them. In contrast, “new Shaolin” is what the public knows. Having seen it — perhaps in a movie — people travel to the temple to train with instructors they believe are Shaolin monks. Much of this training takes place outside the temple grounds, and the teachers are “training monks” rather than true Shaolin monks. These training monks can do incredible things that involve jumping, spin- ning, punching, kicking and wielding weapons. They have shaved heads and wear monk’s robes. In a way, the public is getting what it wants: a dose of acrobatic Shaolin kung fu, along with some history and philosophy. The majority leave satisfied.  However, those people are certainly not getting schooled in old Shaolin. Think about the logic of this for a moment. If you were in charge of a 1,500-year-old temple and its venerated fighting tradition, would you hand over your treasure to anyone who walked in and said he wanted to learn? Steve DeMasco was Black Belt’s 1998 Instructor of the Year. His first book, An American’s Journey to the Shaolin Temple, is avail- able at blackbeltmag.com/store This article originally appeared in a 2019 edition of Black Belt Magazine.