The 8 Man, $100,000 Grand Prize "COPA COMBATE" Tournament will stream over the course of two nights - December 15 & Dec 16 Combate Global also announces News Tournament format and featured Women's Fight COMBATE GLOBAL today made several announcements, including the Paramount+ programming details and matchups for the quarterfinal stage of the “COPA COMBATE eight-man, $100,000 grand prize featherweight (145 pounds) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament in Miami on Friday, Dec. 15. The tournament, widely recognized as the toughest tournament in sports, will stream over the course of two nights, with the tournament’s two alternate bouts and four quarterfinal stage bouts streaming live on December 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT, and the semifinal stage bout and championship stage bout as well as a featured women’s matchup streaming the following night, Saturday, Dec. 16., beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Announcers Jimmy Smith and Rodolfo Roman will co-host a 30-minute Paramount+ pre-show on each night, with Friday’s pre-show beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, and Saturday’s pre-show beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. COMBATE GLOBAL also announced today the quarterfinal stage matchups for “COPA COMBATE” featuring seven of the eight previously announced tournament entrants, as well as new tournament entrant,   Alexander “Prettyboy” Schenk  (6-2), who will represent the U.S. and replace previously announced wildcard recipient  Jeremy Alba  (1-0) of El Paso, Texas, after the Florida Athletic Commission ruled that Alba would not be eligible to fight in the event. In one tournament bracket, undefeated   Ramiro “El Cachanilla” Jimenez  (7-0) of Ensenada, B.C., Mexico will square off with  Pablo “El Mexicano” Burgos (5-2) of Santiago, Chile, while Schenk of Clarksville, Tenn. will face   Marlon “Deriko Siete” Gonzales  (15-6-2) of Lima, Peru. In the opposite tournament bracket,   Manuel Exposito  (10-1) of Cordoba, Argentina will battle  Tommy “La Salsa” Garcia  (7-2) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and  Nicolas “Nico” Barna  (8-3) of Montevideo, Uruguay will collide with  Leonardo “Chimmy” Morales  (13-9) of Managua, Nicaragua. The winner of the matchup between Jimenez and Burgos will face off with the winner of the contest between Schenk and Gonzales in the semifinal stage of the tournament, and the winner of the bout between Exposito and Garcia will meet the winner of the affair between Barna and Morales in the semifinal stage of the tournament. The two semifinal victors will collide in the championship fight for the $100,000 grand prize.  For the first time in the five-year history of “COPA COMBATE”, the tournament’s quarterfinal stage will be comprised of two rounds, each five minutes in length, while the semifinal stage bouts will still be comprised of one round, five minutes in length, and the championship bout will consist of three rounds, each five minutes in length, the same lengths that the semifinal stage fights and championship fight, respectively, have been in the past. The additional round in the quarterfinal stage contests is intended to give each of the tournament fighters more time to warm up and execute their respective strategies.  Between the semifinal stage and championship stage of the tournament, COMBATE GLOBAL announced today that a featured women’s 119-pound catchweight fight between   Jade “The Princess” Jorand  (4-2) and  Naomie “Queen Kong” Young  (1-1) will take place. The 23-year-old Jorand of Bordeaux, France is riding an impressive four-fight win streak, while Young, 26 years of age, of Orlando, Fla. was victorious over Dulce Vazquez in her last effort on July 16 by way of first round (1:46) submission (arm triangle choke). Additional information about COMBATE GLOBAL and its athletes can be found on   www.CombateGlobal.com  as well as on  Facebook ,   Instagram ,   Twitter  and  YouTube .

As the MMA world gears up for UFC 296, the spotlight shines brightly on a highly anticipated welterweight clash between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. This matchup is not just another fight on the card; it's a bout brimming with promise and excitement. Here are five compelling reasons why UFC 296 is unmissable: Contrasting Styles:  Leon Edwards, known for his versatile striking and slick ground game, brings a technical finesse to the Octagon that contrasts sharply with Colby Covington's relentless pressure and top-tier wrestling. This stylistic clash is a classic striker vs. wrestler matchup, promising an intriguing tactical battle. High Stakes:  With both fighters at the top of their game, the outcome of this fight has significant implications for the welterweight division. Edwards is looking to solidify his place among the elite, while Covington aims to bounce back and reassert his dominance. The winner could very well be next in line for a title shot. Personal Rivalry:  Beyond the technical aspects, there's a brewing personal rivalry between Edwards and Covington. Their exchanges outside the Octagon have been heated, adding an extra layer of intensity to this bout. This personal animosity often translates into a more aggressive and engaging fight. Resilience and Heart:  Both fighters have demonstrated remarkable resilience and heart in their careers. Edwards has shown he can overcome adversity, notably in his recent fights, while Covington is known for his incredible endurance and ability to push the pace. Fans can expect a battle of wills where neither fighter will back down easily. Global Appeal:  This fight holds a global appeal, with Edwards hailing from the UK and Covington from the USA. Their contrasting backgrounds and fighting styles have garnered a worldwide fanbase, making this bout not just a regional attraction but a global spectacle.

To say that 2023 was a landmark year for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) is an understatement.    The US-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion enjoyed perhaps their biggest year this year, which featured a number of big-name signings, the emergence of new stars and new franchises, as well as an industry-defining purchase.    Before 2023 comes to a close, let’s take a quick look back at the Professional Fighters League's most notable moments of 2023. The Acquisition of Bellator   Easily the PFL’s biggest moment of 2023, the self-proclaimed number-2 MMA promotion in the world strengthened its stance by acquiring Bellator MMA, a well-established MMA promotion that has its own share of big names and stars, to create a “new global MMA powerhouse.”    With the purchase of Bellator, the PFL now owns the promotion’s stacked roster, which features the likes of Patricio “Pitbull” Friere, Cris “Cyborg” Justino, Ryan Bader, Vadim Nemkov, and many others. This influx of new stars has opened the door for multiple dream fights to watch out for in 2024.    Bellator MMA will continue to live on as a franchise under the PFL banner.    Big Name Signings   Bringing in big names has been nothing new for the PFL. In the past years, the league has signed world champions like Claressa Shields, Rory MacDonald, Anthony Pettis, and Fabricio Werdum, as well as proven names like Jeremy Stephens, Aspen Ladd, Marlon Moraes, and Shane Burgos.    2023 however, was the PFL’s biggest year in terms of fighter signings, with the addition of social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, and heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Paul and Ngannou will be part of the PFL’s new PPV Superfight Division franchise, while also taking roles as executives.    The PFL also added Derek Brunson, Savannah Marshall, and Amanda Serrano to their stacked roster of fighters.    The Success of PFL Europe   2023 saw the inaugural season of PFL Europe, and it was indeed nothing short of a success. A ‘spinoff’ league of sorts which puts the spotlight on the region’s best and brightest up-and-comers, the PFL Europe followed a similar true sports season format that featured a regular season, playoffs, and finals, with the winners being crowned PFL Europe champions and awarded a $100,000 prize. More importantly, PFL Europe’s winners get their chance to join the PFL’s million-dollar global season.    The league also birthed stars like Cedric Doumbe, Dakota Ditcheva, Nathan Kelly, and more.    PFL Europe has provided the blueprint for succeeding regional PFL tournaments, with areas like Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as potential targets in the coming years.    Multiple Partnerships   A major part of the PFL’s success is their ability to bring in major partners, and 2023 has been another big year for big deals.    This year, the PFL renewed their media rights with ESPN and strike partnerships with Proper Twelve, Combate, Dafabet, the Air Force Reserve, and many others.    This only proves that the PFL is indeed growing in all aspects.    2023 was indeed the PFL’s biggest year, and 2024 could even be bigger.

The Countdown Begins: BRAVE CF 80 Set to Ignite Bahrain on December 15th. Watch the event live on BRAVE TV and BRAVE Combat Federation YouTube Channel As the clock ticks towards the 15th of December 2023, the mixed martial arts community is buzzing with anticipation for BRAVE CF 80. Scheduled to begin at 6 PM local Bahrain time [+3GMT] at the prestigious Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain, this event promises to be a spectacular display of skill, strength, and strategy. The Main Event: Bantamweight Championship Showdown The headline bout features a clash for the BCF Bantamweight Championship, where Jose Torres will face off against Nkosi Ndebele in a 135 lbs category match. Torres, known for his dynamic fighting style and strategic prowess, will be put to the test against Ndebele, whose speed and agility make him a formidable opponent. This matchup is more than just a contest; it's a battle for supremacy in the bantamweight division. Co-Main Event: Middleweight Mayhem The co-main event brings another thrilling encounter with Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi taking on Nenad Avramović in the middleweight division (185 lbs). Al-Silawi, with his powerful strikes and ironclad defense, is all set to lock horns with Avramović, whose endurance and tactical acumen have won him numerous battles inside the cage. This bout is anticipated to be a strategic chess match, with each fighter looking to outmaneuver the other. Main Card Highlights The main card is stacked with talent and promises high-octane action. In the flyweight division (125 lbs), Hussain Maki will battle Gerard Burns. Maki's agility and precision striking will be up against Burns's grappling skills and resilience. The welterweight category will see two gripping encounters. At 175 lbs, Ahmad Labban faces Jack Grant, a matchup that is expected to be a striking clinic. Following this, at 165 lbs, Mahmoud Fawzy Sebie will clash with Oscar Ownsworth, in what is anticipated to be a display of both power and technique. The bantamweight (135 lbs) and lightweight (155 lbs) divisions will also see fierce battles, with Izzeddine Al Derbani taking on Dean Garnett, and Abbas Khan challenging Chad Griffiths, respectively. These fights are expected to be fast-paced and action-packed, showcasing the diverse skills of the fighters. Preliminary Card: Rising Stars The preliminary card features two intriguing bouts. In the bantamweight division (135 lbs), Sabrina Laurentina De Sousa will face Rewan Yasser, promising a showcase of emerging talent in the women's MMA scene. Additionally, in the strawweight category (115 lbs), Fabiola Nascimento will take on Jleana Valentino, which is expected to be a technical battle showcasing the agility and finesse of the fighters. BRAVE CF 80 is more than just another event; it's a celebration of martial arts, a display of human potential, and a testament to the spirit of competition. With a lineup that promises thrilling encounters across various weight classes, this event is poised to be one of the most memorable in recent MMA history. As fighters and fans converge on the Khalifa Sports City, one thing is certain: the world of MMA is in for a spectacular treat.

by Antonio Terrone There has been much clamor in the aikido world about a recent study suggesting that practice of the traditional martial art is shrinking in the modern world. Based on Google Trend data, the Aikido Journal published a special report on the art’s demographics, and it too indicated a dramatic decline in aikido in America. The take-aways are several. One is that aikido in the United States is not popular among the younger generations, especially in comparison with Europe. A mere 4.8 percent of aikidoka in the United States are in their 30s, while more than 80 percent are age 40 or older. Evidence of gender and ethnic asymmetries are also cause for concern. As in many other fields of human endeavor, while there are some conservative views on how to cultivate aikido, others push for a more progressive approach that is based on adaptation to a changing world. Conversations on this issue are not new, but they tend to raise questions rather than suggest solutions, and consequently there is little consensus on how to move forward. As if this was not bad enough, the long and unexpected pause in group aikido practice brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has had dire consequences in the aikido community. Many members will not return to their dojo, many dojo will not reopen soon and some have closed for good. But beyond that, if we are seriously concerned about the future of aikido — and, by extension, the future of all traditional martial arts—the current slowdown is a precious opportunity to reflect on how to restart on the right foot. Identifying the Problem Rather than the decline of aikido, it is more accurate to say that what we are witnessing is the rise of martial sports and nontraditional fighting systems. A casual search on the internet reveals that the number of pages pertaining to mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, karate and even self-defense far surpasses the number of pages devoted to aikido. However, to aikido’s credit, if we look at the numbers for the past decade only, it seems that the art has experienced more stability—albeit stability at a low level — than is indicated by the dramatic drop it experienced in previous years. There is little doubt that new forms of fighting and new combat sports are the hot topics in the martial arts. The popularity of UFC videos on YouTube and in social media offers undeniable proof of this. Clips of “new” martial arts — including MMA, BJJ and, to a lesser extent, krav maga, systema, Muay Thai and even Navy SEALs hand-to-hand combat — dominate the internet. As aikido instructor Christian Tissier recently said, “Traditional martial arts have lost their magic.” Although disappointing, to a certain degree, his comment is true. The high kicks, the semi-contact competitions and the full-contact matches that were popular in the recent past have been replaced by events that feature vicious low kicks, knee strikes, strangulations and barroom-brawl-style punches, often coupled with visible blood loss and occasionally life endangerment. Style, form and ethics have been supplanted by brutality and muscular strength. The heightened violence, the extreme realism and the spectacular athleticism displayed by modern warriors are difficult to compete with. But should traditional martial arts leaders try to match that? Or should aikido and other forms of budo find new ways to adapt to the changing circumstances? These questions lead to an even bigger issue: Are traditional martial arts still relevant? I would argue that traditional martial arts like aikido continue to be relevant not only because of the content they convey but also because they offer the physical and sociopsychological development everyone should have. Physical prowess is only one portion of traditional training. The philosophical and ethical benefits practitioners enjoy are equally important.  Consider the following: Recent scientific research has demonstrated that because of the violence seen in some of these new martial sports, namely MMA, exposure “may not be suitable for at-risk youth to practice, whereas traditional martial arts and sports with a healthy philosophical foundation may be effective in reducing anti-social behavior while enhancing socially desirable behavior among young people.” (pubmed . ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31167632/ ) Clearly, traditional arts like aikido are worth preserving. The question now becomes, What can aikido Suggestion 1: Retain the Aikido Curriculum There is nothing inherently wrong or outdated in the tradition oriented content of aikido, and there is little or no need to change or innovate the waza (techniques). Aikido is effective as a budo just the way it is, and we all know it. What can and should be improved are the efforts to popularize aikido among young people. Unlike in Japan, aikido in America is predominantly an adult martial art, and most qualified instructors are middle-aged or older. Perhaps the younger generation is not attracted to a martial art because it is powerful in some abstract sense. Perhaps they would be attracted to a martial art that is represented by young, fit fighters who are dynamic and effective. It has been observed that many young students relate better to young instructors. The age of an instructor should not be an issue when it comes to attracting younger students because, as we all know, experience matters. That said, the fitness, agility and enthusiasm of instructors need to be inspirational. The credibility and charisma of the dojo leader and his or her immediate assistants depend on their ability to offer themselves as role models, and with the right approach, young instructors can achieve that goal. Suggestion 2: Ensure Classes Meet the Needs of Students In Europe and the United States, aikido’s popularity is not stable, and membership lacks renewal. Because the art does not include competition, intense cardiovascular activity or fighting, aikido in the West is geared primarily to adults. Aikido is not naturally selective when it comes to physical skills — unlike martial sports. In aikido dojo, it is not uncommon for senior practitioners to struggle with aging, physical fitness and stamina. Taking the ukemi (falls) and tobi ukemi (breakfalls) is not required. Many dojo do not regularly include ki no nagare (continuous practice), jiyu waza (freestyle techniques) and randori (free sparring) in their classes. There is frequently a mix in terms of students’ years of experience, making training somewhat slow and often unattractive to advanced practitioners. Dojo owners should do some soul-searching regarding expectations and age distribution in their classes. With the prevalence of hybrid training — in terms of skill level, age and fitness — more skilled and capable students often find that opportunities for high-level workouts are inconsistent. Such hybrid classes can be less gratifying for younger practitioners, as well. One solution to this shortcoming involves organizing classes according to age and experience, perhaps with separate sessions for children, beginners, intermediates, advanced students and black belts. Although this might be challenging for small dojo with low enrollment, schools should, when possible, offer classes at different levels multiple times a week to give all students the opportunity to train at their level and to create an environment of natural motivation for junior practitioners to improve toward advanced levels and classes… Part 2 coming next week.  Antonio Terrone began aikido in Italy in the late 1980s under Tada Hiroshi. He continued training in France and the Netherlands with Christian Tissier and Wilko Vriesman, and on several occasions, he trained at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo under Ueshiba Moriteru, Endo Seishiro, Yokota Yoshiaki, Yasuno Masatoshi and Miyamoto Tsuruzo, among others. Currently an Aikikai yondan, he teaches at the Evanston Aikido Center in Evanston, Illinois. He also teaches in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at Northwestern University. His first book was The Moon in the River: The Budo Path to the Empty Mind (2020). To read his blog, visit antonioterrone.com . This article was originally published in a 2022 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

ONE Championship and Sky Sports have announced a partnership across the network’s broadcast and digital platforms that will begin in 2024 with ONE Fight Night 18 on Saturday, January 14, at 1 a.m. GMT local time. The event, which is headlined by ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 defending his gold against Elias Mahmoudi, will get the new partnership started with a bang. “For years, our UK fans have been clamoring for ONE to be broadcast on one of the region’s major networks. Today, I’m excited to announce a new partnership with Sky Sports, the premier broadcaster for live sports in the UK and one of the most well-known sports networks in the world. This deal marks an important milestone for the celebration of martial arts and the continued expansion of ONE Championship’s global footprint,” ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said in the press release. The announcement marks a new day for martial arts fans in Britain and Ireland. With a rich history in combat sports, the nations will now be able to see ONE’s full slate of martial arts offerings throughout the region beginning in 2024. “We’re pleased to partner with ONE Championship to bring their full range of martial arts to Sky Sports for the first time. We hope to bring new fans to the world class competitive formats on our channels, as well as reach new audiences for Sky,” Sky Sports Director of Multi Sports Helen Falkus said. ONE Fight Night 18: Superlek vs. Mahmoudi airs live on Saturday, January 14, at 1 a.m. GMT.

In the upcoming Netflix K-drama, "Gyeongseong Creature," viewers can anticipate a captivating blend of action, rich historical drama and mystery set to premiere in December. The story unfolds in early 1945, a period when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule, and follows two young adults navigating a city filled with strange creatures born from greed. As they grapple with the challenges of survival in Gyeongseong, now known as Seoul, the narrative takes an intriguing turn, hinting at a threat even more perilous than the enigmatic creatures themselves. There is plenty of action in this series. The led, Han So Hee, revealed her hands-on approach to her role in the series My Name by undertaking all her stunts and dedicating four months to rigorous training before the series commenced filming. Notably, My Name marked her debut in the action genre, setting the stage for her subsequent lead role in another action-packed series, Gyeongseong Creature . During the filming of a high-intensity action scene for Gyeongseong Creature , Han So Hee sustained a facial injury. Fortunately, the injury did not require surgery, showcasing her commitment to delivering authentic and physically demanding performances. Stars Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee, during Geeked Week 2023, announced that the series will be released in two parts, with the first part premiering in December and the second in January 2024, adding to the anticipation surrounding this unique and enthralling period piece.

An undefeated boxer and kickboxer, Graciela Casillas is the first athlete male or female to hold 2 world championships in martial arts and boxing at the same time. Long-time advocate of self defense training for women, Graciela has expertise beyond the ring as a certified NRA weapons instructor, Kali FMA master, and one of the first and few women to graduate the ESI Executive Protection Program. Today she is one of the most sought-after martial arts and tactical trainers in the world teaching self-defense programs with stick, blade, gun and empty hand to civilian law enforcement and even military personnel around the world. She is also an adjunct professor at Oxnard College with two masters degrees. Graciela sat down with Black Belt’s Tony Parrish to discuss training for both those championships, mastering multiple arts, and self-defense. Check out the full interview below:

ONE Friday Fights 45 airs live and free on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel. The action begins at 7:30 a.m. EST/4:30 a.m. PST on Friday, December 15. ONE Championship brings another action-packed event to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on Friday, December 15, with ONE Friday Fights 45. In a bantamweight Muay Thai battle, 17-year-old Otop Or Kwanmuang takes on Soner Sen. Both talented strikers have seen success on ONE Friday Fights but will look to leave a big impression with a victory on Friday. Sen picked up a knockout victory over Kongklai Annymuaythai last month, while Otop suffered a setback at the hands of Ilyas Musaev. The winner will take another step closer toward a six-figure contract. Stephen Irvine got his tenure started with back-to-back victories before dropping a narrow majority decision in his last outing. He’ll try to get in the win column against Longern Paesaisi, who is seeking another big win in this 127-pound catchweight contest. Eight more Muay Thai bouts line the card, but there will be two additional matches to start the night. To begin the event, two mixed martial arts affairs take place with Suleyman Suleymanov battling Nursultan Toktorov and Rabindra Dhant meeting Ismail Khan. Here is the Full Fight Card for ONE Friday Fights 45 Otop Or Kwanmuang vs. Soner Sen [Muay Thai: Bantamweight] Longern Paesaisi vs. Stephen Irvine [Muay Thai: 127Lbs. Catchweight] Dabdam Por Tor Tor Thongtawee vs. Chartpayak Saksatoon [Muay Thai: 126Lbs. Catchweight] Singmanee Surasakmontri vs. Pettasuea Seeopal [Muay Thai: 120Lbs. Catchweight] Silapet Por Petkaikaew vs. Charlie Singha Mawynn [Muay Thai: 126Lbs. Catchweight] Jaoinsee PK Saenchai vs. Ratchamongkol Maethongbairecycle [Muay Thai: 118Lbs. Catchweight] Apisit Fairtex vs. Patrik Szana [Muay Thai: 140Lbs. Catchweight] Yodthongthai Sor Sommai vs. Omar El Halabi [Muay Thai: 130Lbs. Catchweight] Sherzod Kabutov vs. Jaruadsuk Sor Jor Wichitpadriew [Muay Thai: Flyweight] Lorenzo Di Vara vs. Furkan Karabag [Muay Thai: Featherweight] Suleyman Suleymanov vs. Nursultan Toktorov [MMA: Featherweight] Rabindra Dhant vs. Ismail Khan [MMA Flyweight]

San Diego is set to host the thrilling Cage Warriors 165, a flagship event in the world of mixed martial arts. As Europe's leading MMA organisation, Cage Warriors is renowned for delivering high-octane fights, and this year's final event on December 15, 2023, promises to be no exception. Fans are eagerly anticipating a night of intense competition at the historic Sycuan Casino Resort, with the event being broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass. Main and Co-Main Event Breakdown The main event features a bantamweight showdown between UFC veteran Trevin '5 Star' Jones and local hero Roberto Hernandez. Jones, coming off a split decision victory over Wilson Reis at CW 159, is set to headline for the second time in a row. Hernandez, meanwhile, makes a strategic drop to 135lbs, aiming to extend his impressive winning streak to nine. In the co-main event, the former UFC title challenger Wilson Reis returns to face Ricky Bandejas, a highly respected veteran making his Cage Warriors debut. This bantamweight clash is anticipated to be a technical and strategic battle, showcasing the depth of talent in the division. Featured Bouts The card also features several intriguing matchups. Welterweight prospects clash as Ahmad Hassanzada, a Contender Series veteran, faces Chasen 'Paper' Blair. Additionally, rising stars Bobby Winther and Anthony Orozco are set to take on Anthony Zaragoza and Benny Orozco in what are expected to be dynamic and competitive bouts. Preliminary Highlights The preliminary card is equally exciting with a mix of flyweight, bantamweight, and heavyweight battles. Notable matchups include Ronal Siahaan vs Andrew Johnson-Cabrera in the flyweight division and a heavyweight clash between Diego Vazquez and Sean Rose. These fights provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on a significant stage. Here is the full fight card with broadcast timings: Cage Warriors 165: San Diego | LIVE on  UFC Fight Pass Main Card – 20:00 (PT) | 23:00 (ET) | 04:00 (GMT) | 05:00 (CET) Bantamweight : Trevin Jones vs Roberto Hernandez Bantamweight: Ricky Bandejas vs Wilson Reis Welterweight: Ahmad Hassanzada vs Chasen Blair Welterweight: Anthony Zaragosa vs Bobby Winther Welterweight: Benny Orozco vs Anthony Orozco Prelims – 17:30 (PT) | 20:30 (ET) | 01:30 (GMT) | 02:30 (CET) Flyweight: Ronal Siahaan vs Andrew Johnson-Cabrera Bantamweight: Corvan Allen vs Brandon Carrillo Flyweight: Enrique Montalvo vs Manuel Madina Heavyweight: Diego Vazquez vs Sean Rose Bantamweight: Xavier Vines vs Miguel Peimbert Bantamweight: James Settle vs Johnny Gill Bantamweight: Eperaim Ginting vs Shawn Johnson With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the card is poised to deliver unforgettable moments. Fans worldwide can catch all the action live on UFC Fight Pass, with tickets available through CageWarriors.com . For the latest news and updates, follow Cage Warriors on Facebook , X , and Instagram .

When I was 16, taking 30 pills/day and in the hospital every three months, my doctor said I'd be dead in five years from cystic fibrosis (CF), a deadly disease that robbed me of my breath and ability to digest food. Moments away from death by suicide, I saw Bruce Lee's Big Boss (1971) and during his first fight when Lee venomously decked a thug with two lightening kicks, I howled like a banshee. In that moment, I went from being depressed and waiting to die, to wanting to live and learn what Lee was doing. I vowed that if I survived, I'd pay homage to Lee like no other. Through martial arts, I knew that I had one chance to survive, an ancient Chinese healing skill never taught to outsiders, chi gong . In 1979, against doctors' advice, couldn't speak Chinese, and with no job, money or place to stay, I moved to the chaotic, under strict martial law and distrusting-America Taiwan, where mixed-race love was vilified with forbidden fruit furor. At Chiang Kai-Shek Airport, the military charged me with weapon smuggling (wooden sticks), drug trafficking (CF pills) and threatened me with the death penalty. Weeks later, I met Silvia, a devout Catholic and volunteer at a leper colony; it was love at first sight and three months later we were secretly engaged. Tearfully aware my death anon, she committed sociocultural suicide by pledging her love saying, "Little time with you, better no time with you." As a token white dude on Kung Fu TV Soaps, butt-kicking fodder for the Chinese stars, I met an ascetic chi master who during the monsoons subjected me to a perilous, 30-day test of perseverance, endurance and worthiness on Monsoon Mountain. Coughing up blood, clinging to life and heartbroken by the loss of my soul mate, I faced ceaseless biblical rain, entities, an earthquake and a mudslide ate me for lunch. Five months later I was off all medication. A year later, my final test occurred amid a violent typhoon where after being chased by cat-sized rats through waist-deep sewage flood waters, I practiced chi at a construction site rife with body-damaging flying debris. The sounds of spear-like bamboo poles whistling toward me with impaling force was a harrowing experience. Days later, a serious lung infection gave me a 105o F body temperature. Years prior would require upping antibiotics, a long hospital stay, intense therapy and months to fully recover. I completely recovered in three days without medication. To prove chi helped me overcome CF, in 1986, with both lungs 30% deteriorated, I walked 3000 miles (marathon/day for 115 days) across America to Seattle, WA, to pay my respects to Lee's grave. President Ronald Reagan awarded me with a letter of bravery. I've been off all medication for 41 years, married 40 years and since 1987, Silvia and I have used chi healing to help others, including working with seven Olympic teams. You're only limited by what you think you can't do.

Old-School Martial Artists Offer Advice for All Who Plan to Train for Life! by Terry L. Wilson In the United States alone, millions of people practice the martial arts. Each discipline — there are several hundred around the world — comes with a specific skill set that requires regular reinforcement. Unfortunately, life can get in the way and prevent us from training as often as we want in pursuit of that reinforcement. One of the most common reasons we miss workouts is an injury incurred during training. This is readily apparent to anyone older than 40. Eventually, the human body pays a price for the concussions, tweaked joints and broken bones that often accumulate over time. Black Belt wanted to know how veteran martial artists deal with careers filled with such damage. More importantly, we wanted to know how they have adjusted their training and teaching to account for those impediments. To that end, we spoke with four respected masters. To assist you in staying in fighting shape decades into your career, Black Belt Wellness & Performance Store has been intentionally curated by top experts in the field of medicine, health, and fitness along with key insights from former professional athletes and martial arts champions. Check it out here: https://www.iherb.com/me/blackbeltmag Avoid Putting Unneeded Stress on Ligaments! Expert: Joe Corley Arts: tang soo do, American karate Black Belt Archives: February 1990 issue In 1963 a 16-year-old named Joe Corley was struggling to learn how to tie his white belt. The youth won, and it wound up being the first of many victories in the martial arts. In subsequent years, Corley squared off with the best in the game, earning three U.S. championships in point karate and retiring as the No. 1–ranked middleweight in the world. He continued his winning ways when he entered the fledgling world of full-contact karate. A career like that comes with a price, however, and Corley’s body had to pay it. “In my most serious surgery, they fused my lower spine,” he said. “That was diagnosed as being a congenital problem that I exacerbated with all the torquing I did over the years in the martial arts. I had that surgery 16 months before I fought [Bill] Wallace for the world middleweight title in 1975. “When I went through the spinal fusion, I laid in the hospital crying because I thought I would never walk again. It felt like a cannon had blown a hole in the middle of my back. For six months, I had to wear a corset that prevented me from moving. So just the fact that I could fight at that level having just gone through a surgery like that says a lot about what the body can endure.” Also on Corley’s laundry list of pain was an injury to the MCL and ACL of his left knee, which rendered him unable to jump well with that leg. The lessons he learned from that time on the sidelines, along with the rehab that followed, showed him the value of training with an eye on the future. In other words, you have to respect your body and learn its limits now so you can remain active in the dojo into your senior years. “When it comes to training, I tell my students not to worry about getting down into the Chinese split,” Corley said. “Every one of my peers that could get down into a full Chinese split has had to have their hips replaced. Bill Wallace is famous for his flexibility and the speed of his kicks, but even the great ‘Superfoot’ has had to have his hips replaced five times. “I think [doing] a kick at 180 degrees over your head is not as practical as it is dramatic. For me, it’s more important to protect the hip joints, so if you can kick at 145 or 160 degrees, be happy with that. There are some individuals who have DNA reasons why they’ll never be able to be that flexible, so don’t keep tearing muscles just to get to a place where nature didn’t intend you to be.” In the old days, a martial artist’s knees and elbows often were the first casualties in the dojo. At times, it appeared as if the training was designed to test how much stress the human body can endure before it taps out. “During the first 10 years of my training, we had two kinds of kicks:a front snap and a front thrust kick,” Corley explained. “Back then, we were taught to get that foot back as fast as you can to prevent your opponent from grabbing your foot. When we snap-kicked into the air, we’d lock the leg for a fraction of a second. After I began fighting full contact and studied boxing techniques, I realized the snapping we were doing in traditional karate training was damaging the knee — and the arm and even the lower back.” Taking a cue from pro boxers, Corley adopted a new way of increasing his speed and power, one that didn’t require abusing his body. “In ’73 I got involved in full-contact kickboxing, and I got used to striking and kicking the heavy bag, and what we learned was that force is equal to mass times acceleration,” he said. In essence, powerful kicks and punches can be generated without fully extending the limbs and locking out the joints. “When you land a boxer’s punch on the bag, you don’t land it at the end of the punch. You land it with your arm still bent,” Corley explained. “If I landed a right cross on someone’s face, it precluded the need to lock my arm straight out like we did in a horse-stance drill or kata. If you control your kick or punch just short of locking out your arm or knee — just short of putting stress on the ligament — you shouldn’t have any problems.” To prevent most age-related issues, it’s crucial to listen to your body while you’re young because it will speak to you, said Corley, who was Black Belt’s 1998 Man of the Year. “Jeff Smith and I have attended longevity seminars put on by Robert Goldman in Las Vegas, and we’ve learned a lot about maintaining a healthy quality of life.”