UFC fans, get ready for fireworks! The octagon will ignite on Saturday, January 11, 2025 , as Mackenzie Dern  and Amanda Ribas  square off in a high-stakes rematch in the UFC’s first main event of the year. This isn’t just any fight—this is a chance for redemption, a shot at climbing closer to title contention, and a test of how far two elite strawweights have come since their initial clash in 2019 . A Look Back: Dern vs. Ribas 1 Their first encounter was a wake-up call for Dern. Ribas didn’t just win that night—she dominated. Dern, known for her world-class grappling, was unable to secure a single takedown, going 0 for 6 on her attempts. Meanwhile, Ribas put on a striking clinic, landing a whopping 74 significant strikes  to Dern’s 20  and cruising to a unanimous decision victory. That fight may feel like ancient history now, but the lessons learned have clearly shaped both women into more complete fighters. Five years is a long time in the fight game, and this rematch promises to be a whole different beast. The Evolution of Ribas Since their first fight, Ribas has blossomed into one of the division’s most reliable strikers. Her ability to control the distance and pace of fights is evident in her impressive significant strike differentials: +32 vs. Luana Pinheiro +33 vs. Virna Jandiroba +49 vs. Randa Markos +54 vs. Mackenzie Dern  (in their first fight) But it’s not just her offense that’s impressive—Ribas boasts a stellar 67% strike defense , placing her second in strawweight history. In a division where precision can mean the difference between winning and losing, Ribas’ ability to evade danger makes her a formidable foe on the feet. The Grappling Queen: Mackenzie Dern While Ribas shines in striking, Dern reigns supreme on the ground. Known as the submission queen of the strawweight division , Dern holds the record for the most submission wins at 115 pounds , with four to her name. Her relentless ground game isn’t about stalling—when Dern gets top control, she’s always hunting for a finish. Case in point: 167 ground strikes vs. Yan Xiaonan  in 2022 (5th most in strawweight history) 147 ground strikes vs. Angela Hill  (6th most in strawweight history) Dern’s 15 submission attempts  are the most in divisional history, and with over 55 minutes of control time , she’s proven time and again that once the fight hits the mat, it’s her world. The Key to Victory: Who Controls the Fight? The question looming over this rematch is simple: Can Dern finally take Ribas down?  Ribas’ takedown defense has been rock-solid, allowing just four successful takedowns in 11 UFC fights . At strawweight, her takedown defense rate stands at 85.7% , second only to Jinh Yu Frey in divisional history. For Ribas, keeping the fight standing and outpointing Dern on the feet is the clearest path to victory. For Dern, the challenge remains what it was in 2019—closing the distance, securing the takedown, and turning the bout into a grappling contest where she thrives. Both women have something to prove. Dern wants to show that she’s evolved beyond her grappling roots and can overcome a fighter who once bested her. Ribas is out to prove that her first win wasn’t a fluke and that she’s ready to break into the title picture. This is a grudge match, a statement fight, and a perfect way to kick off the UFC’s 2025 campaign . Who will take the next big step toward the strawweight elite? Tune in on Saturday, January 11, at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT on ESPN+  to find out!

UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 Updates: Due to injury, please note the following changes: Yanal Ashmouz has been withdrawn from his lightweight fight against Nurullo Aliev. Joe Solecki will step in for Ashmouz. Andreas Gustafsson has been taken out of his welterweight match with Preston Parsons. Jacobe Smith will replace Gustafsson.   Don't miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 , live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 11, 2025. Prelims start at 4pm ET/1pm PT, while the main card begins live on ESPN+ at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

Full-contact combat sports, such as MMA, boxing, and Muay Thai, require athletes to push their physical and mental limits. While technical skills, physical conditioning, and tactical acumen are crucial, the importance of mental preparation cannot be overstated. The ability to stay focused under pressure, manage fear, and maintain composure in high-stakes situations often separates great fighters from good ones. Mental toughness can be the deciding factor in closely contested matches, making psychological strategies a vital component of any combat athlete’s training regimen. This article explores the mental strategies in combat sports that successful combat athletes employ to enhance performance, manage stress, and maintain focus during bouts. Techniques such as visualization, emotional regulation, goal setting, and staying composed under pressure are discussed, with real-world examples of fighters who have mastered these methods. Visualization: Rehearsing Success Visualization, also known as mental imagery, involves mentally rehearsing scenarios and outcomes before they happen. By vividly imagining a fight’s critical moments—executing a perfect takedown, countering an opponent’s punch, or winning by knockout—athletes can build confidence and improve performance. For example, former UFC Champion Georges St-Pierre often spoke about using visualization to mentally rehearse his fights, including the walkout, the crowd’s energy, and specific fight sequences. By doing so, he created a sense of familiarity with high-pressure situations, which helped him remain calm and focused during real bouts. "Aspiring athletes can practice visualization by setting aside time before training or competition to imagine various scenarios they might encounter during a fight. Focus on all senses—sight, sound, touch, and even smell—to make the mental rehearsal as vivid as possible." Emotional Regulation: Mastering the Mind In full-contact sports, emotions can run high—fear, anger, excitement, and anxiety are common experiences. Emotional regulation is the ability to control and channel these emotions productively. Fighters who can master their emotions maintain clarity of thought and make better decisions during a bout. Anderson Silva, one of MMA’s greatest fighters, was known for his ability to stay calm under pressure. His composure allowed him to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, often leading to spectacular knockouts. Silva’s emotional regulation stemmed from years of practice in meditation and breathing exercises, which helped him stay centered even in the most chaotic moments. "Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine to improve emotional regulation. These techniques can help combat athletes remain composed during intense exchanges in a fight." Goal Setting: Focusing on Progress Setting clear and achievable goals is another essential mental strategy for combat athletes. Goals provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. By breaking down long-term aspirations (e.g., becoming a world champion) into short-term, actionable goals (e.g., improving footwork or increasing cardio endurance), athletes can measure progress and stay motivated. Conor McGregor, known for his meticulous approach to goal setting, often emphasized the importance of visualizing and setting specific goals for his career. His ability to articulate his goals and work toward them with laser-like focus played a significant role in his rapid rise to stardom. "Use the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to set both short-term and long-term goals. Regularly review and adjust these goals based on your progress and changing circumstances." Maintaining Composure: Staying Calm in High-Stress Situations Staying composed in high-pressure situations is crucial in combat sports. Whether it’s handling an aggressive opponent or dealing with a tough round, composure can prevent rash decisions that might lead to defeat. One of the most iconic examples of composure under pressure is Muhammad Ali’s performance during the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman. Ali employed the “rope-a-dope” strategy, allowing Foreman to tire himself out before launching a counterattack. Ali’s ability to remain calm and stick to his game plan in the face of Foreman’s relentless aggression demonstrated his exceptional mental strength. "Practice composure by simulating high-pressure situations during sparring. Have training partners push the pace or create unpredictable scenarios to build your ability to stay calm and focused." Real-World Examples of Mental Toughness Ronda Rousey:  Known for her mental toughness and focus, Rousey often credited her mental preparation for her rapid rise in the UFC. Her pre-fight routines included visualization and positive affirmations. Khabib Nurmagomedov:  Undefeated throughout his career, Khabib’s discipline and emotional regulation were key factors in his success. Despite intense rivalries and high-stakes bouts, he maintained his composure and executed his game plan with precision. Mike Tyson:  While Tyson was known for his ferocity, he also worked extensively on his mental game. His former trainer, Cus D’Amato, instilled in him the belief that mental strength was as important as physical strength. Actionable Tips for Aspiring Athletes Practice Visualization Regularly:  Set aside time daily to mentally rehearse different aspects of your training and competition. Develop a Pre-Fight Routine:  Create a consistent routine that includes mental exercises, such as positive affirmations and breathing techniques, to reduce anxiety and enhance focus. Set Clear Goals:  Use the SMART framework to create short-term and long-term goals, and track your progress. Incorporate Mindfulness:  Practice meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to improve emotional regulation and reduce stress. Simulate High-Stress Situations:  During training, replicate the intensity and unpredictability of real fights to build composure. In full-contact combat sports, where physical prowess meets mental fortitude, mastering the mind is often the key to victory. Techniques such as visualization, emotional regulation, goal setting, and maintaining composure are invaluable tools that can elevate an athlete’s performance. By studying and implementing these strategies, aspiring fighters can not only enhance their physical skills but also gain the mental edge needed to succeed in the ring or cage.

With Stamp Fairtex recovering on the sidelines, the spotlight shifts to Denice Zamboanga and Alyona Rassohyna, who are set to battle for the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Championship at ONE Fight Night 27, this coming Friday, January 10. For Zamboanga, who’s been chasing championship glory ever since her debut in ONE back in 2019, this is more than just a fight – it’s a shot at making history and strapping 26 pounds of gold around her waist. Nicknamed “The Menace,” Zamboanga knows this won’t be a walk in the park. She’s been studying Rassohyna closely, knowing the Ukrainian warrior offers one of the toughest challenges of her career. “In that fight, it was the first time I saw Stamp really struggle,”  Zamboanga shared. “Alyona was the only one who truly gave her a hard time. She’s well-rounded, unpredictable, and capable of pulling off unexpected moves – that’s what makes her dangerous.” Since joining the promotion, Zamboanga has shown remarkable evolution in her skill set. Now, at 27 years old, she’s determined to prove that she can dominate the ground game against Rassohyna, who’s best known for her striking prowess. “I want to test her grappling,”  Zamboanga declared confidently. “Most of her opponents have been strikers, which is why she’s been able to control the ground game. But she hasn’t faced someone like me – a pure grappler and wrestler. I’m ready to prove that I’m better than her on the ground.” To ensure she’s at her peak, Zamboanga has been laser-focused on sharpening her wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “My team has been instrumental in my progress,”  she added. “They’ve been working closely with me, analyzing my every move, and improving my ground game constantly. I’m coming into this fight with confidence.” The atomweight division is stacked with elite talent, and Zamboanga knows that being well-rounded is the key to success. Whether it’s on the feet or on the mat, she’s prepared to dictate the pace and control the action. “In MMA, you can’t just rely on one thing. You need to be complete. That’s why I’m confident every time I step into the cage – I can finish the fight wherever it goes,”  she emphasized. But there’s more on the line than just the interim gold. Winning in Bangkok on January 10 would be the perfect way to kick off the year and celebrate her upcoming birthday later in the month. “It would mean a lot to start the year with a win and celebrate my birthday with a World Title,”  she said. “This would be an incredible way to begin 2025.” It hasn’t been an easy road for Zamboanga. She’s had to make plenty of sacrifices during this training camp, especially with it taking place over the holiday season. While others were enjoying festive feasts, she was grinding in the gym, staying disciplined. “I missed out on all the holiday fun – Christmas, New Year’s, all of it. I couldn’t indulge in the celebrations or even eat much,”  Zamboanga admitted. “But that’s just more fuel for me. I’ll take all that frustration and let it out in the cage.” Denice Zamboanga is ready to put it all on the line and chase her dream of gold. Don’t miss the action when ONE Fight Night 27  goes live and free on Prime Video  at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST  this Friday, January 10.

UFC fans, mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 is set to deliver an action-packed evening of thrilling bouts at the iconic UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Featuring a stacked lineup of 14 exciting MMA matchups, this event promises non-stop action and intense rivalries. The entire fight card will be broadcast live in the U.S. on ESPN+, making it a must-watch for fight enthusiasts. Let’s dive into what makes this event one of the most anticipated on the UFC calendar. Main Event Breakdown: Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 The highly anticipated rematch between Mackenzie Dern  and Amanda Ribas  headlines UFC Fight Night. Their first encounter ended in a decisive victory for Ribas, who outclassed Dern with her striking and grappling defense. Since then, both fighters have evolved tremendously, making this rematch a compelling clash of styles. Key Strengths: Mackenzie Dern:  Renowned for her world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dern has significantly improved her stand-up game. She boasts multiple submission wins and relentless pressure. Amanda Ribas:  A well-rounded fighter with crisp striking and solid grappling skills. Ribas’ ability to control the pace of the fight gives her a strategic edge. Why This Rematch Matters: This fight holds significant implications for the strawweight division. With both fighters ranked in the top 10, a victory here could propel the winner into title contention. Expect fireworks as Dern seeks redemption, and Ribas aims to prove her previous win was no fluke. Co-Main Event: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Carlston Harris In the co-main event, Santiago Ponzinibbio , a veteran of the welterweight division, faces off against rising contender Carlston Harris . Ponzinibbio is known for his aggressive striking and knockout power, while Harris brings an unorthodox style and dangerous grappling. Recent Performances: Ponzinibbio:  Coming off a hard-fought decision win, Ponzinibbio looks to build momentum. Harris:  After an impressive submission victory in his last outing, Harris aims to climb further up the rankings. Main Card Here’s a quick look at the remaining bouts on the main card: Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. César Almeida (Middleweight): Both fighters are known for their knockout power, making this a must-watch striking battle. Chris Curtis vs. Roman Kopylov (Middleweight): Curtis brings durability and power, while Kopylov offers technical precision in striking. Austin Bashi vs. Christian Rodriguez (Featherweight): Bashi’s relentless wrestling style will challenge Rodriguez’s grappling defense. Punahele Soriano vs. Uros Medic (Welterweight): Soriano’s explosive power meets Medic’s dynamic striking and movement. Preliminary Card The prelims are packed with rising talent and intriguing matchups: Jose Johnson vs. Felipe Bunes (Flyweight): Johnson’s striking reach could play a pivotal role against Bunes’ grappling skills. Marco Tulio vs. Ihor Potieria (Middleweight): A classic striker vs. grappler matchup that could end in a finish. Thiago Moisés vs. Trey Ogden (Lightweight): Moisés brings experience and technical grappling, while Ogden offers striking versatility. Preston Parsons vs. Jacobe Smith (Welterweight): Parsons’ grappling could be tested by Smith’s power and wrestling. Ernesta Kareckaite vs. Nicolle Caliari (Flyweight): Both fighters are hungry for a statement win in the flyweight division. Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Bruno Lopes (Light Heavyweight): Gadzhiyasulov’s power and aggression will be matched by Lopes’ technical striking. Victoria Dudakova vs. Fatima Kline (Strawweight): This bout features Dudakova’s grappling prowess against Kline’s striking. Joe Solecki vs. Nurullo Aliev (Lightweight): A highly competitive bout with both fighters known for their grappling and cardio. UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 promises to be an unforgettable event with high-stakes matchups across the board. The rematch between Dern and Ribas is the highlight, but intriguing bouts like Ponzinibbio vs. Harris and Curtis vs. Kopylov ensure a thrilling night of fights. Be sure to tune in on ESPN+  this Saturday, November 1, 2025 , and witness the action live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Stay updated with us for post-fight analysis and results.

Brace yourself for an electrifying showdown as ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai  gears up to defend his title in the highly anticipated main event of ONE Fight Night 28  on Friday, February 7 , live during U.S. primetime. With the iconic Lumpinee Stadium  as the battleground, Prajanchai faces a dangerous challenger in Ellis Badr Barboza , who’s determined to pull off a massive upset. Prajanchai’s Unstoppable Reign Prajanchai has been on an extraordinary tear, boasting an incredible five-fight winning streak. His journey has been nothing short of legendary, having claimed gold in two disciplines  – Muay Thai and kickboxing. The Thai sensation’s rise to two-sport dominance began with a sensational knockout victory over Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao  at ONE Friday Fights 22 , where he secured the interim strawweight Muay Thai title. Hungry for more, Prajanchai returned to kickboxing and delivered a standout performance against Akram Hamidi  at ONE Friday Fights 34 , cementing his place as a top contender. But it was at ONE Friday Fights 46  where Prajanchai truly reigned supreme. In a thrilling unification bout against Joseph Lasiri , he needed less than 90 seconds  to claim revenge and become the undisputed strawweight Muay Thai king. Adding another accolade to his already illustrious career, Prajanchai showcased his world-class striking skills by outclassing Jonathan Di Bella  over five rounds to capture the kickboxing crown . Now, the two-sport king is back in his element – the “art of eight limbs” – with his sights set on defending the Muay Thai throne and continuing to build his indelible legacy. The Challenger: Barboza’s Big Opportunity Standing in his way is the formidable British contender Ellis Badr Barboza , who’s ready to silence doubters and etch his name in ONE Championship history. Despite a rocky start with a no-contest against Thongpoon PK Saenchai , Barboza bounced back in style, earning a hard-fought split decision win over Aliff Sor Dechapan  at ONE Fight Night 23  in June 2024. A former WBC European Muay Thai Champion , Barboza has the skills and heart to shock the world. With everything to gain, he’s preparing for the fight of his life. Expect Fireworks in the Ring Both Prajanchai and Barboza are known for their aggressive styles and knockout power, making this an unmissable clash. Fans can expect non-stop action, blistering pace, and jaw-dropping moments as these two warriors go head-to-head. Will Prajanchai’s reign continue, or can Barboza defy the odds and seize the gold? Find out when ONE Fight Night 28  airs live on Prime Video  at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST , Friday, February 7. This is one fight card you don’t want to miss!

The February 1980 issue of Fighting Stars  showcased Chuck Norris in his prime, facing off against the muscular Bill "Superfoot" Wallace , in promotion of the film A Force of One . Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Jose ‘Shorty’ Torres, the former BRAVE Combat Federation Bantamweight Champion, wrapped up 2024 with a bang by clinching a thrilling victory at RIZIN 49  on New Year’s Eve. Representing BRAVE CF on Japanese soil, Torres proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with, and now, he’s fired up to do it all over again—this time with even bigger stakes. Fresh off his impressive win, Torres didn’t hold back when discussing his future plans. He officially reaffirmed his commitment to the Flyweight division—a move he had teased after completing his intense trilogy with Nkosi Ndebele. Now, with his triumphant return and a successful weight cut under his belt, Torres has placed the BRAVE CF Flyweight division on high alert. “I’m happy to end the year on a high note,” said an elated Torres. “This fight was a test to see if I could make Flyweight, and I nailed it. I made the weight easily, hydrated well, and felt great. My next fight will definitely be at Flyweight.” But Torres isn’t just thinking about BRAVE CF gold—he’s got his eyes set on something even more electrifying: a potential Flyweight Grand Prix in Japan, with a high-profile showdown against his former teammate and Japanese MMA icon, Kyoji Horiguchi. “Collaborating with BRAVE CF and RIZIN again would be amazing,” Torres shared. “I’d love to fight some legends, especially Kyoji Horiguchi. We trained together at American Top Team, and facing him in the Flyweight Grand Prix would be exciting for both of us.” Horiguchi, a household name in Japanese MMA with an impressive 34-5 record, remains unbeaten since 2022. He also walked away victorious at RIZIN 49 , winning by decision—fueling speculation of a future clash with Torres that would surely set the MMA world on fire. As 2025 dawns, Torres is riding high on momentum and laser-focused on making the year unforgettable. Whether it’s a BRAVE CF title run or a headline-making showdown in Japan, one thing’s for sure—‘Shorty’ Torres is ready to deliver fireworks once again. Stay tuned!

Nearly five years ago, a 22-year-old Arman Tsarukyan stepped into the Octagon for his UFC debut against one of the most feared rising contenders, Islam Makhachev. It was a baptism of fire for the young Armenian, who, despite suffering a decision loss, proved his mettle by pushing the now lightweight kingpin to his limits. Fast forward to January 18, 2025, and Tsarukyan has earned the rematch he’s been chasing ever since—a shot at redemption and the UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 , live from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. A Debut That Launched a Dream Facing Makhachev in April 2019 at UFC Saint Petersburg wasn’t just a fight—it was an acid test. Despite stepping in on just three weeks' notice, Tsarukyan displayed elite grappling and striking skills, making it clear that he belonged in the upper echelon of the lightweight division. Reflecting on that experience, Tsarukyan admitted that while he fell short, it only fueled his hunger to improve. “I didn’t have enough time to prepare, but there are no excuses. That fight taught me a lot,” Tsarukyan said. “I knew right then that I would fight him again, but next time, I’d be ready to win.” The Ascent to Title Contender Since that fateful debut, Tsarukyan has transformed himself into a bona fide title contender. With a 9-1 record since his first fight with Makhachev, Tsarukyan has dismantled top-tier competition and currently rides a four-fight win streak. His most notable victory came at UFC 300, where he edged out former champion Charles Oliveira via split decision in a grueling five-round war. Now standing at 19-3 in his professional career, Tsarukyan believes he’s never been more prepared to claim UFC gold. “I’m a different fighter now—more experienced, more powerful, and more strategic. I’ve evolved in every aspect of my game.” Makhachev’s Dominance—and Vulnerabilities? While Tsarukyan has been on a tear, Makhachev has been equally unstoppable. Since their first encounter, the reigning champion has racked up nine more wins, including a victory over Alexander Volkanovski, cementing himself as the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighter. Despite Makhachev’s dominance, Tsarukyan remains unfazed. “He’s not as unbeatable as people think. I took him down when I was just 22 years old. I’ve grown since then, and I know I can do it again,” Tsarukyan declared confidently. “He’s human, and I’m going to prove that on fight night.” A Battle of Styles and Strategies With both fighters boasting elite grappling and ever-improving striking, the rematch promises to be a tactical chess match. Tsarukyan, however, plans to bring more than just strategy—he’s bringing relentless pressure and power. “I’m young, I’m hungry, and I’ve got something he doesn’t—a burning desire to prove everyone wrong. I know he has a plan, but as Mike Tyson said, ‘Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.’ I’m going to hit him hard, break his rhythm, and make him forget that plan.” A Shot at History For Tsarukyan, UFC 311 isn’t just about avenging a past loss—it’s about realizing a lifelong dream. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for five years. Every morning, every night, I think about that belt. It’s what drives me, and now, it’s within reach.” As the countdown to UFC 311 begins, fans eagerly anticipate a historic night where a young challenger seeks to dethrone a dominant champion. Will Tsarukyan’s hunger and evolution be enough to overcome Makhachev’s experience and skill? The world will find out on January 18. Don’t miss UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 , live on Pay-Per-View from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Prelims kick off at 8pm ET/5pm PT, followed by the main card at 10pm ET/7pm PT.

Islam Makhachev’s journey to the pinnacle of the UFC lightweight division has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days in the UFC to becoming the undisputed lightweight champion, Makhachev has continuously silenced critics with dominant performances, elite grappling, and ever-improving striking. However, despite his current position as both the lightweight king and pound-for-pound number one, there’s always a new contender looking to test his greatness. At UFC 311, set to take place on January 18, 2025, in Inglewood, California, Makhachev will face a familiar adversary—Arman Tsarukyan. This highly anticipated rematch comes nearly five years after their first meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where Makhachev secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory against a debuting Tsarukyan. Reflecting on Their First Encounter Back in 2019, Makhachev was already a rising star in the lightweight division, but few expected Tsarukyan, a late replacement, to give him such a tough challenge. The three-round battle showcased both fighters’ high-level grappling and endurance, with Makhachev ultimately outworking Tsarukyan to secure the win. “It was one of the hardest fights of my career,” Makhachev recently admitted. “Back then, nobody knew who Arman was, and I didn’t prepare specifically for him. He came in on short notice, and he performed really well.” Since that night, both fighters have evolved tremendously. Makhachev has gone on to dominate the lightweight division, stringing together 14 consecutive victories, including a fifth-round D’Arce choke submission over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan has become a force to be reckoned with, winning nine of his last 10 bouts and earning his title shot with back-to-back wins over top contenders Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira. The Champion’s Perspective For Makhachev, the stakes of this rematch go beyond just retaining his title. He sees it as an opportunity to eliminate any lingering doubts about his supremacy in the division. “I want to finish the old questions,” Makhachev stated. “When I fought Volkanovski, I made sure to finish him in the rematch, and now I want to do the same with Arman. I’m not just looking for a win; I’m looking for a finish.” The reigning champion also hinted at potential future plans beyond UFC 311. While he remains focused on Tsarukyan, Makhachev has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to challenge for a second belt. “After Arman, if I beat him, I might move up. I’m tired of rematches. I want new challenges, and welterweight has a lot of interesting fighters,” he said, mentioning top contenders like Belal Muhammad as potential opponents. Tsarukyan’s Rise to Contention Arman Tsarukyan has been on a relentless quest to earn a rematch with Makhachev. His impressive resume includes victories over elite opponents and a well-rounded skill set that has made him a dangerous threat in all areas of the game. His recent first-round knockout of Beneil Dariush and a gritty split decision win over former champion Charles Oliveira solidified his position as the number one contender. “I knew Arman was coming,” Makhachev acknowledged. “He deserves this shot. He’s been fighting the best guys, and now it’s time for us to do it again, but this time, I’m ready for everything he brings.” Keys to Victory Makhachev’s path to victory lies in his elite grappling and ability to control the pace of the fight. His wrestling, honed under the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has been the cornerstone of his success, while his striking continues to improve under the tutelage of Javier Mendez. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s key to victory will be his ability to keep the fight standing and utilize his dynamic striking. He has shown marked improvements in his striking accuracy and power, making him a legitimate threat on the feet. What’s at Stake? For Makhachev, a win at UFC 311 would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights of all time. It would also put him on the verge of potential double-champ status if he chooses to move up to welterweight. For Tsarukyan, a victory would mark one of the greatest comeback stories in UFC history—from a hard-fought debut loss to dethroning the seemingly invincible champion. Don’t Miss UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 With two of the most talented lightweights in the world set to collide, UFC 311 promises to be a night of high-level MMA action. The prelims begin at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, followed by the main card at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, live on PPV from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Will Islam Makhachev continue his reign of dominance, or will Arman Tsarukyan shock the world and claim the lightweight crown? Tune in to find out!

The GLORY 2025 calendar will kick-off with a stacked GLORY 98 card on February 22 at the RTM Stage in Rotterdam. We will see the highly anticipated return of   Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO)  against Estonian power puncher  Uku Jurjendal (20-9, 16 KO)  in the main event while GLORY welterweight world champion Chico Kwasi (43-5-1, 23 KO)  is set to defend his title against number two ranked welterweight Teodor Hristov (18-3, 7 KO)  in the co-main event. Recently, more exciting fights were added to the first fight card of the year. Two of 2024’s best discoveries will clash as   Cem Caceres (18-1, 14 KO)  meets  Mory Kromah (31-2-1, 18 KO)  in a huge light heavyweight contest. Both fighters went 3-0 in their debut year in GLORY in 2024 and now cross paths on February 22. Middleweight standout   Michael Boapeah (19-4-1, 7 KO)  ventures up to light heavyweight for the first time and will face top ten ranked  Ibrahim El Bouni (42-10-1, 22 KO) . Boapeah cites wanting to stay active and challenge himself while he waits for a potential title rematch with middleweight champ Donovan Wisse as the reason for stepping up. El Bouni is coming in off a victory over veteran Bogdan Stoica at GLORY 96 this past October. Among the additional fights added, the explosive   Andre Santos (22-2, 10 KO)  meets German veteran  Chris Wunn (35-6-1, 14 KO) , number four ranked  Robin Ciric (23-8, 7 KO)  faces the in-form Mehdi Ait El Hadj (34-4-2, 8 KO) , and  Denis Wosik (39-9-1, 9 KO)  welcomes France’s  Matthan Choinard (25-6-1, 11 KO) . GLORY 98 will be available to watch live February 22 exclusively on Videoland in the Netherlands, DAZN in France & Belgium, and Bally Live & Stadium across the United States & Canada. For full global listings, please visit   GLORYKickboxing.com . GLORY 98 Fight Card Main Event Heavyweight #9 Uku Jurjendal (20-9, 16 KO) vs. Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO) Co-Main Event GLORY Welterweight World Championship (C) Chico Kwasi (43-5-1, 23 KO) vs. Teodor Hristov (18-3, 7 KO) Light Heavyweight #4 Cem Caceres (18-1, 14 KO) vs. #5 Mory Kromah (31-2-1, 18 KO) Light Heavyweight #7 Ibrahim El Bouni (42-10-1, 22 KO) vs. Michael Boapeah (19-4-1, 7 KO) Featherweight #8 Andre Santos (22-2, 10 KO) vs. Chris Wunn (35-6-1, 14 KO) Welterweight #4 Robin Ciric (23-8, 7 KO) vs. Mehdi Ait El Hadj (34-4-2, 8 KO) Featherweight #3 Denis Wosik (39-9-1, 9 KO) vs. Matthan Choinard (25-6-1, 11 KO) More fights to be added...

The Lumpinee Stadium is set to light up on Friday, January 10 , as reigning ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai  prepares to defend his title against the undefeated rising star Akbar Abdullaev  at ONE Fight Night 27. With Abdullaev’s perfect 11-0 record and three back-to-back finishes in ONE Championship, this showdown promises fireworks from start to finish. But while fans are buzzing about Abdullaev’s meteoric rise, Tang Kai remains unfazed. The confident Chinese champ isn’t impressed by the hype surrounding his challenger. "It’s a good record, but just look at all his opponents – none of them impressed me. I think his perfect record is only because he’s very brave and always push es forward,"  Tang commented with bold conviction. Abdullaev’s Knockout Surge Abdullaev burst onto the scene in 2023  with a thunderous 44-second TKO  victory over Oh Ho Taek. Four months later, he dispatched Aaron Canarte in just 41 seconds . He capped off his year with a spectacular knockout over the previously unbeaten Halil Amir at ONE Fight Night 22 , earning his shot at gold. Despite acknowledging Abdullaev’s undeniable power, Tang Kai believes his own skill set gives him the edge. "His strength is the way he pushes forward. Compared with me, my strength lies in my precision and movement. We both have knockout power, but the key will be who finds their timing first,"  Tang said, revealing his strategy for fight night. Ready for a Slugfest or a Marathon Tang is ready for anything – whether it’s an early knockout or a grueling five-round war. "I want to finish this fight by KO, but I’m also prepared for a five-round contest,"  he declared, emphasizing his readiness to go the distance if needed. The Champion’s Mentality Carrying the championship belt comes with immense pressure, but Tang embraces it. For him, pressure is fuel for greatness. "Of course, I have pressure in every fight, but that pressure is also my motivation. Since the day I won the belt, I’ve known my opponents would get tougher, so I push myself to improve every day. That’s what being a champion is all about,"  Tang stated. The Pressure Is On – But Who Feels It More? Tang believes the pressure is heavier on Abdullaev, who enters the main event with an unblemished record and the weight of expectations. "I think he has more pressure because he’s on an 11-fight winning streak and hasn’t experienced a loss yet. As the challenger, he will feel the moment more,"  Tang predicted. Will Abdullaev’s fearless forward style overwhelm the reigning king? Or will Tang Kai’s experience and precision keep the belt firmly around his waist?Tune in to ONE Fight Night 27 , streaming live on Prime Video  in U.S. primetime at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST  on Friday, January 10 , to witness this electrifying clash!