Jean-Claude Van Damme, known as "The Muscles from Brussels," has been a force in the action movie genre for decades. With his incredible flexibility, martial arts skills, and on-screen charisma, Van Damme became an action legend in the 1980s and 1990s. Below are a handful of his best fight scenes, showcasing the full extent of his martial arts prowess, dramatic intensity, and pure on-screen magic. Get ready to relive some of his most iconic moments! Bloodsport (1988) – Final Fight vs. Chong Li Why It's Legendary? Bloodsport is arguably Van Damme’s breakout film, and this fight remains one of his most iconic. In the finale, Van Damme’s character, Frank Dux, faces off against the brutal and undefeated Chong Li (played by Bolo Yeung) in the Kumite tournament. What makes it stand out? The fight is a thrilling mix of martial arts techniques, with Van Damme's flexibility and agility on full display as he dodges and counters Chong Li’s powerful attacks. The dramatic build-up, along with Frank's "mind over matter" philosophy, makes this an unforgettable scene. Kickboxer (1989) – Training Montage and Final Fight vs. Tong Po Why It's Legendary : In Kickboxer , Van Damme plays Kurt Sloane, a fighter seeking revenge against the sadistic Muay Thai champion, Tong Po. The final showdown between Kurt and Tong Po is a blend of high-intensity Muay Thai combat and raw emotion. What makes it stand out? The training montage, which sees Van Damme preparing for the fight by enduring a brutal regimen, sets the tone for the epic final battle. The fight itself is a showcase of devastating knee strikes, powerful kicks, and Van Damme’s determination to overcome Tong Po's cruelty. Timecop (1994) – Fight in the Hallway Why It's Legendary? In Timecop , Van Damme plays a time-traveling cop named Max Walker, and one of the film's standout fight scenes takes place in a narrow hallway. Walker confronts a villain who has traveled back in time, and the two engage in a tight, close-quarter battle. What makes it stand out? The confined space makes the choreography more intense and personal. Van Damme utilizes his speed, kicks, and acrobatics to take down his opponent while maintaining the film’s tense, futuristic atmosphere. Universal Soldier (1992) – Final Showdown vs. Dolph Lundgren Why It's Legendary? In Universal Soldier , Van Damme’s character, Luc Deveraux, faces off against his fellow soldier, Andrew Scott, played by Dolph Lundgren. The film’s final battle is a brutal, no-holds-barred fight between two genetically enhanced super-soldiers. What makes it stand out? The sheer physicality of the fight, paired with Van Damme's agility and Lundgren’s raw strength, creates a thrilling, intense showdown. The fight also showcases both characters' mental breakdowns, adding emotional weight to the violent action. JCVD (2008) – Bank Robbery Scene Why It's Legendary? In JCVD , Van Damme plays a fictionalized version of himself, struggling with career and personal issues. The most surprising fight scene in this film occurs when Jean-Claude, caught in the middle of a bank robbery, uses his action movie skills to save the day. What makes it stand out? The scene is more grounded than Van Damme’s usual high-octane action scenes. The fight isn’t about fancy moves or kicks—it’s about quick thinking and using physicality in a real-world scenario. This scene stands out for its raw, unpolished intensity and gives audiences a glimpse of Van Damme's range as an actor. The Quest (1996) – Tournament Fights Why It's Legendary? In The Quest , Van Damme plays a man who enters an underground tournament to fight for a grand prize. The film features multiple fight sequences, but the tournament fights are particularly memorable. What makes it stand out? These fights are a fantastic showcase of Van Damme's martial arts versatility, as the choreography incorporates a range of styles from around the world. Van Damme’s speed, flexibility, and athleticism shine as he battles opponents from different cultures and fighting techniques. Hard Target (1993) – Alley Fight vs. The Hunters Why It's Legendary? In Hard Target , Van Damme plays Chance Boudreaux, a drifter who gets involved in a hunt where the rich pay to track humans. One of the standout action sequences occurs in an alley, where Van Damme takes on a group of armed hunters. What makes it stand out? The fight blends high-paced action, impressive acrobatics, and close combat, all while showcasing Van Damme’s signature roundhouse kicks and fluid footwork. The use of the environment (such as props and alleys) makes this fight feel gritty and dynamic. Sudden Death (1995) – Penguin Mascot Fight Why It's Legendary? In Sudden Death , Van Damme’s character, a former firefighter turned security guard, must stop terrorists at a hockey game. One of the iconic fights features one of the terrorists climax features a brutal fight in an ice rink, where Van Damme faces off against a deadly assassin. What makes it stand out? The absurdity of the fight is perfectly matched by the intensity of the action. Despite the assailant's cartoonish outfit, the battle quickly escalates into a brutal reflection of its chaotic nature—one moment, they're dodging attacks, the next, they're getting sliced, chopped, and tossed around by a giant fan. Van Damme’s agility shines as he seamlessly uses the environment to his advantage, making this one of his most inventive and thrilling fight sequences. The mix of hand-to-hand combat with the unpredictable setting adds a layer of excitement and fun that makes the scene truly unforgettable. Lionheart (1990) – Street Fight vs. Attila Why It's Legendary? In Lionheart , Van Damme plays Lyon Gaultier, a soldier-turned-fighter who enters underground street fighting circuits to raise money for his family. One of the most intense fights occurs when Lyon faces off against Attila, a ruthless opponent. What makes it stand out? The fight is raw and intense, with Van Damme showing his ability to combine physicality with emotional stakes. Lyon’s fight against Attila is a turning point in the film, and Van Damme’s heart-pounding performance makes it stand out as one of his most memorable. Replicant (2001) – Final Battle with The Replicant Why It's Legendary? In Replicant , Van Damme plays dual roles as a detective and a cloned killer. The final battle between the two versions of Van Damme—one the hero and the other the villain—is a thrilling showcase of physicality and psychological tension. What makes it stand out? The fight highlights Van Damme’s ability to fight with himself, using his martial arts skills against his own clone in an intense, no-holds-barred confrontation. It’s a battle of mind and body, with Van Damme bringing both emotional depth and intense action to the screen. The Takeaway Jean-Claude Van Damme has delivered countless unforgettable fight scenes that showcase his impressive martial arts ability, physical conditioning, and screen presence. From iconic showdowns in films like Bloodsport  and Kickboxer  to gritty, more grounded moments in JCVD , these 10 fight scenes represent only a handful of the best in his legendary action career. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to his work, these scenes are a perfect way to appreciate why Van Damme is still one of the greatest martial arts movie stars of all time.

"Fear is not my enemy; it is a friend. Fear is only allowing me to see an aspect of myself I was not willing to look at." – Mike Stone In the latest episode, Mike takes us beyond the physical techniques of martial arts and into the spiritual and mental depths that define true mastery. He shares his profound insights on living in the present, integrating fear as a tool for growth, and remembering who we truly are. With his characteristic candor and wisdom, Mike Stone will challenge you to reimagine not just martial arts, but your life itself. This episode highlights that the essence of martial arts is not just a physical discipline, but a pathway to spiritual and mental growth, fuelled by honor, respect, and integrity. The ultimate journey in life and martial arts is to know oneself, and to start asking, “Who am I?” and start living in alignment with love and light. Be ready to dive deep into mindset and synchronicity and discuss how synchronicity and alignment with universal laws can create meaningful transformations. Mike champions the power of the present moment as the only reality, urging listeners to live fully in the now rather than dwelling on the past or future. So, buckle up and get ready for a conversation that will inspire, provoke, and empower. This is an episode you do not want to miss. Let’s dive in! Click the link below to listen now on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3t227s4 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3KvsIDy Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3Kxcg5D Main Directory: https://theblackbeltpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

The art of submission is one of the most fascinating aspects of MMA. In 2024, UFC fighters showcased their prowess on the ground, delivering some of the most iconic submissions in recent memory. From lightning-fast finishes to high-stakes main event wins, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 UFC submissions of 2024 and what made them unforgettable. 1. Khamzat Chimaev Submits Robert Whittaker via Face Crank (3:34, Round 1) Khamzat Chimaev’s grappling supremacy was on full display as he faced former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Chimaev transitioned seamlessly to a face crank after controlling Whittaker from top position. The submission showcased Chimaev’s raw strength and technical acumen, earning him a pivotal win in his journey towards the title. The early finish against a fighter of Whittaker’s caliber was a testament to Chimaev's undeniable dominance in the octagon. 2. Paddy Pimblett Triumphs Over King Green via Triangle Choke (3:22, Round 1) Paddy Pimblett, known for his charisma and slick grappling, delivered a highlight-reel submission against King Green. After a swift scramble, Pimblett locked in a picture-perfect triangle choke. This win solidified Pimblett’s claim as a legitimate contender in the lightweight division. The crowd erupted as "The Baddy" proved he’s more than just a showman. 3. Islam Makhachev Defeats Dustin Poirier via D’Arce Choke (2:42, Round 5) In a high-stakes, back-and-forth battle, Islam Makhachev showcased his championship heart and technical mastery. Late in the fifth round, Makhachev trapped Dustin Poirier in a tight D’Arce choke after a beautifully executed takedown. The submission was a culmination of Makhachev’s relentless pressure, cementing his status as the most dominant lightweight of his era. 4. Dricus Du Plessis Submits Israel Adesanya via Rear-Naked Choke (3:38, R4) Dricus Du Plessis shocked the MMA world by submitting Israel Adesanya, the middleweight kingpin. In a grueling fourth round, Du Plessis took Adesanya’s back and locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing the tap. This monumental upset demonstrated Du Plessis’ well-rounded skill set and solidified his place as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. 5. Brian Ortega Overcomes Yair Rodriguez with an Arm-Triangle Choke (0:58, Round 3) “Brian T-City” Ortega returned to form with a stunning arm-triangle choke victory over Yair Rodriguez. Known for his submission artistry, Ortega capitalized on a brief opening during a scramble to secure the choke. This win marked Ortega’s resurgence in the featherweight division and reminded fans why he’s one of the best submission specialists in UFC history. 6. Anthony Hernandez Submits Roman Kopylov via Rear-Naked Choke (3:23, Round 2) Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez once again proved his grappling chops with a clinical rear-naked choke against Roman Kopylov. Hernandez’s relentless pace overwhelmed Kopylov, and the submission came after he softened him up with ground-and-pound. This victory underscored Hernandez’s potential to climb the middleweight rankings. 7. Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Asakura via Rear-Naked Choke (2:05, Round 2) Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja showcased his elite grappling in a masterclass against Kai Asakura. After dominating the stand-up exchanges, Pantoja took Asakura’s back and secured a rear-naked choke. This win cemented Pantoja’s reign as the undisputed flyweight champion, proving his versatility and tactical brilliance. 8. Kayla Harrison Submits Holly Holm via Rear-Naked Choke (1:47, Round 2) In one of the most anticipated fights of the year, Kayla Harrison made a statement by submitting the legendary Holly Holm. Harrison’s Olympic-level judo transitioned beautifully into MMA as she took Holm to the mat and locked in a rear-naked choke. This emphatic win highlighted Harrison’s seamless adaptation to high-level competition. 9. Felipe Lima Submits Muhammad Naimov via Rear-Naked Choke (1:15, Round 3) Felipe Lima’s victory over Muhammad Naimov was a showcase of persistence and grit. Despite being tested in the early rounds, Lima’s relentless pressure paid off as he secured a rear-naked choke in the final round. This win demonstrated Lima’s potential to become a serious contender in his division. 10. Jaqueline Amorim Submits Cory McKenna via Armbar (1:38, Round 1) Jaqueline Amorim delivered one of the quickest and most technical submissions of the year with an armbar finish over Cory McKenna. The Brazilian prospect wasted no time, transitioning from guard to armbar in seconds. This victory not only highlighted Amorim’s grappling pedigree but also positioned her as a rising star in the strawweight division. Each of these submissions represents a blend of technical brilliance, strategic execution, and high-stakes drama. From championship bouts to rising stars making their mark, these moments captured the essence of MMA’s unpredictable nature.

UFC kicks off 2025 with a bang at UFC APEX  in Las Vegas, hosting a highly anticipated strawweight rematch between No. 6-ranked Mackenzie Dern and No. 8-ranked Amanda Ribas. Both fighters are vying for a coveted spot in the Top 5, promising an electrifying start to the new year. Adding to the excitement, middleweight knockout artists Chris Curtis and Roman Kopylov are set to collide in what could be a Fight of the Night contender. Here are the event details of UFC Fight Night: Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 Event Details: Date:  Saturday, January 11, 2025 Location:  UFC APEX, Las Vegas Streaming:  ESPN+ (English and Spanish) Prelims: 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT Main Card: 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT The Main Event: A Battle of Redemption and Rivalry Mackenzie Dern (14-5) Fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. Known for her relentless Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills Holds submission wins over Angela Hill, Loopy Godinez, and Tecia Pennington Mission:  To avenge her 2019 loss to Ribas and cement herself in the title conversation Amanda Ribas (13-5) Fighting out of Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil A black belt in both judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Scored impressive finishes over Paige VanZant and Luana Pinheiro Goal:  To replicate her 2019 win over Dern and reestablish herself as a Top 5 contender The Co-Main Event: Fireworks at Middleweight Chris Curtis (31-11, 1NC) Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. A fan favorite with wins over Joaquin Buckley and Marc-Andre Barriault Strategy:  Use his well-rounded game to secure a statement victory Roman Kopylov (13-3) Fighting out of Bachatsky, Russia Known for devastating knockouts, including Josh Fremd and Claudio Ribeiro Objective:  Break into the Top 15 with a highlight-reel finish Other Bouts on the Card Marco Tulio vs. Ihor Potieria : A middleweight clash featuring a DWCS signee's UFC debut. Thiago Moises vs. Trey Ogden : A lightweight matchup that promises action. Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Bruno Lopes : A battle of unbeaten rising stars at light heavyweight. Cesar Almeida vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan : Expect fireworks from these striking specialists. Christian Rodriguez vs. Austin Bashi : A featherweight clash to watch closely. Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Carlston Harris : A welterweight battle with high stakes. Nurullo Aliev vs. Yanal Ashmouz : Lightweight prospects collide in an exciting matchup. Fatima Kline vs. Viktoriia Dudakova : Strawweight action guaranteed to deliver. Catch every moment of UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 , streaming live on ESPN+. The prelims kick off at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT, followed by the main card at 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT.

The stage is set, the excitement is building, and the countdown begins! GLORY’s 2025 calendar kicks off with a bang on February 22  at the iconic RTM Stage in Rotterdam. Following the blockbuster announcement of Jamal Ben Saddik  (36-9, 29 KO) returning to face Uku Jurjendal  (20-9, 16 KO) in the main event, another electrifying clash has been added to the GLORY 98 lineup. In the co-main event, GLORY Welterweight World Champion Chico Kwasi  (43-5-1, 23 KO) puts his belt on the line against the division’s #2-ranked contender, Teodor Hristov  (18-3, 7 KO). Kwasi, a name synonymous with dominance, claimed the welterweight throne at GLORY 91 in Paris  with a show-stopping performance, becoming the first fighter to stop the legendary Endy Semeleer  in the GLORY ring. The 26-year-old then delivered an epic battle in November, retaining his title in a potential Fight of the Year  draw against lightweight champion Tyjani Beztati. Now, all eyes turn to Bulgaria’s rising star, Teodor Hristov.  The 24-year-old phenom has been on a meteoric rise since entering GLORY in late 2023, racking up four consecutive victories. His resume already boasts wins over former GLORY champion Murthel Groenhart  and former title contender Jay Overmeer. This showdown between two undefeated GLORY warriors represents the new generation of kickboxing . With contrasting styles and a shared hunger for greatness, Kwasi vs. Hristov is shaping up to be an unmissable clash that could define 2025. Tickets and Viewing Information Fans, don’t miss your chance to witness history! Presale tickets for GLORY 98  go live on Monday, December 23, at 9 AM CET.  General ticket sales open on Tuesday, December 24, at 9 AM CET. Can’t make it to Rotterdam? Catch all the action live and exclusively on Videoland  in the Netherlands. For global broadcast details, visit GLORYKickboxing.com . Mark your calendars and get ready for a night of high-octane kickboxing action. GLORY 98 is set to deliver fireworks from start to finish! 🌟

Hold on to your seats, fight fans—GLORY Kickboxing is set to kick off 2025 with an explosive bang! After months of speculation, it’s official: fan-favorite Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO) will step back into the ring for a highly anticipated return. The Goliath is scheduled to face the Estonian powerhouse Uku Jurjendal (20-9, 16 KO) at GLORY 98 , taking place on February 22 at the RTM Stage in Rotterdam, the Netherlands . This matchup has everything a kickboxing fan could ask for: raw power, thrilling knockouts, and a clash of two heavyweights with a lot to prove. For Ben Saddik, this will be his first fight in almost two and a half years. The 34-year-old former title contender boasts a resume filled with victories over some of the sport’s biggest names, including Guto Inocente, Junior Tafa, Errol Zimmerman, Remy Bonjasky, and Rico Verhoeven. Now, he’s ready to make a triumphant return to reclaim his place among the elite. Standing in his way is Uku Jurjendal , GLORY’s No. 8-ranked heavyweight and one of the division's rising stars. Since joining GLORY in 2023, Jurjendal has gained a reputation as a knockout artist, most notably with his jaw-dropping TKO victory over the legendary Badr Hari at GLORY 89 . With an opportunity to take down another kickboxing icon, Jurjendal is coming into this bout hungry to cement his place as a true force in the heavyweight division. A Showdown of Behemoths The stakes couldn’t be higher for this monumental clash. Ben Saddik aims to send a message to the rest of the division with a dominant performance, while Jurjendal is eager to add another legend to his list of conquests. Expect fireworks when these two titans collide, with the RTM Stage promising to shake under the roar of the crowd as Ben Saddik’s loyal fans welcome him back to the GLORY ring. Kickstarting 2025 in Style GLORY 98 is more than just a single fight; it’s the first event of the GLORY 2025 calendar and promises to deliver an unforgettable night of action. With more exciting matchups to be announced in the coming days, the event is already shaping up to be a must-watch for kickboxing enthusiasts. Tickets and Broadcast Details Want to be part of the action? Fans can register now to secure their tickets during the presale, starting Monday, December 23, at 9 AM CET . General tickets will be available beginning Tuesday, December 24, at 9 AM CET . For those watching from home, GLORY 98 will stream live exclusively on Videoland in the Netherlands . Fans around the world can visit GLORYKickboxing.com  for the full list of global broadcast options. Get ready for an epic night of kickboxing as GLORY 98 sets the stage for an explosive year ahead!

The electrifying Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok will once again serve as the battleground for one of Muay Thai’s most highly anticipated showdowns. Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, a seasoned Thai legend, takes center stage this Friday, December 20, as he squares off against the rising phenom Shadow Singha Mawynn in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 92. Sitthichai, who’s been through the highs and lows of a storied career, is coming off an impressive victory over Masaaki Noiri at ONE 167. Determined to reignite his path to the top, the Thai striking maestro aims to stop Shadow’s meteoric rise in its tracks. For Sitthichai, this fight is more than just another matchup—it’s a chance to show the world he’s still one of the best in the business. “I took this fight because I want to test myself against a rising star,” Sitthichai shared with ONE Championship. “It’s a big challenge, but I’m ready to prove I’ve still got it.” On the other side of the ring, Shadow Singha Mawynn is a young fighter on fire. After a rocky start in ONE Championship, the 24-year-old has stormed back with a three-fight winning streak, positioning himself as a serious contender in the featherweight division. With his sights set on breaking into the rankings, Shadow sees this clash with Sitthichai as the perfect opportunity to make his mark. “I was thrilled when I learned I’d be fighting Shadow,” Sitthichai said. “He’s in great form, and I’m excited to go blow-for-blow with him. This is a chance for me to use all my experience and show I can still hang with the best.” Ranked #3 in the bantamweight Muay Thai division, Sitthichai knows his position in the rankings makes him a target. But with years of battle-tested experience under his belt, he believes he holds the upper hand in this high-stakes encounter. “Shadow has power and endurance, no doubt,” Sitthichai admitted. “But I’m faster, and my experience gives me the edge. I’ve faced countless opponents over the years, and that has prepared me for moments like this.” With the unforgiving nature of four-ounce gloves, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But Sitthichai is no stranger to the art of eight limbs. Though he’s spent much of his recent career dominating in kickboxing, the 32-year-old remains deeply rooted in Muay Thai and plans to bring the best of both worlds into this fight. “Some people think I’m just a kickboxer, but Muay Thai has been my foundation my entire life,” Sitthichai explained. “I’ve adapted to kickboxing rules in the past, but Muay Thai will always be in my veins. I’m ready to show fans a fusion of both styles.” The atmosphere at Lumpinee Stadium is set to be electric as Sitthichai looks to deliver a standout performance and gift fans an unforgettable night of martial arts action. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Muay Thai or kickboxing—I’m ready,” Sitthichai declared. “This fight will be my gift to the fans. Let’s make it a night to remember.” Catch all the action live and free on ONE Championship’s official YouTube channel this Friday, December 20, at 7:30 a.m. EST/4:30 a.m. PST. Don’t miss it!

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), has unveiled the electrifying undercard for the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. This event isn’t just another fight night—it’s a revolution in MMA, bringing global talent and local heroes to the forefront on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai’s City Walk. The Fights to Watch: Dubai's Stars and Global Warriors Tarek Suleiman vs. Ahmed “Lee” Samy Kickstarting the night, Tarek Suleiman (13-8) faces Egypt’s Ahmed “Lee” Samy (11-4) in a clash destined for fireworks. These seasoned warriors will bring their A-game to prove who reigns supreme in the SmartCage. Hadi Omar Al Hussaini’s Redemption Arc Dubai’s own Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) is ready to reclaim his winning streak after a disappointing loss in July. Fighting in front of a passionate home crowd, he’ll square off against Ruel “Bagsik” Pañales (5-2), a former RSF champion with dangerous striking skills. Yakub Sulimanov vs. Jarrah “Jordanian Lion” Al-Selawe In a fight that screams don’t blink , Dubai-based undefeated phenom Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) takes on Jordan’s MMA veteran Jarrah “Jordanian Lion” Al-Selawe (20-7). Can Sulimanov hold onto his perfect record, or will the lion roar in Dubai? Ireland’s John Mitchell vs. Algeria’s Souhil Tairi Representing Dubai’s 971 Academy, five-time Irish MMA champ John Mitchell (9-2) will test his grit against PFL MENA’s Algerian powerhouse Souhil Tairi (7-5-1) in a battle that promises high stakes and high drama. More Local Heroes and Rising Stars Emirati favorite Youssef Al Housani (4-1) takes on Egypt’s unbeaten Assem Ghanem (4-0) in a fight to establish supremacy in the region. Saudi Arabia’s Mostafa Nada (9-3), riding an epic five-fight win streak, faces the British-Pakistani PFL debutant Haider “Darth” Khan (8-1), who has stormed through his last four opponents. Undefeated Mirafzal “Mirko” Akhtamov (7-0-1) from Uzbekistan locks horns with England’s KO artist Mike “Lefty” Thompson (7-2) in what could be the sleeper hit of the night. Headliner Showdown: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes The Road to Dubai  culminates in a jaw-dropping main event featuring “The Pride of Dagestan,” Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0), defending his lightweight title against Ireland’s surging star, Paul “Big News” Hughes (13-1). Fresh off his career-defining victory over AJ McKee, Hughes is determined to end Nurmagomedov’s perfect streak. Can he pull off the upset, or will Nurmagomedov continue his reign of terror? This groundbreaking event marks the first Road to Dubai  under the PFL’s multi-year partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council (DSC). This collaboration not only cements Dubai as a global MMA hub but also paves the way for Emirati fighters to rise to PFL stardom. Future Champions Series events will build toward epic finales in Dubai, the sport’s newest fight capital. Don’t miss history in the making! The Road to Dubai Champions Series  promises unforgettable battles, electric energy, and the brightest stars in MMA. Be there on January 25, 2025, as Dubai transforms into the ultimate destination for fight fans worldwide.

Former BRAVE CF two-division champion Mohammad Fakhreddine is back—and he’s making waves. At BRAVE CF 92, Fakhreddine delivered a show-stopping performance, dismantling Algerian knockout artist Abdel Rahmane Driai in the main event. But while his electrifying TKO earned headlines, it was his fiery post-fight declaration that left the MMA world buzzing. With the crowd still roaring from his victory, Fakhreddine called out Light Heavyweight champion Erko Jun, accepting Jun’s previous challenge for a Middleweight showdown. And he didn’t mince words. Fakhreddine vs. Erko Jun is building up.. “I know Erko is looking to become a double-weight champion and be the second man to hold two titles at the same time in BRAVE CF, but Erko, I’m going to have to spoil the plan for you, brother,” Fakhreddine declared, igniting what could be the promotion's most heated rivalry yet. Erko Jun wasted no time responding. In a spirited video shared on social media, Jun shouted “Let’s go!” repeatedly, brimming with excitement at the challenge. The undefeated Light Heavyweight champion, who captured his belt earlier this year at BRAVE CF 88, now has his eyes set on making history as a two-division champion. But Fakhreddine, a former king of both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions, is determined to stand in his way. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Not only is the vacant Middleweight title on the line, but this fight promises to cement one fighter’s legacy as the face of BRAVE CF. With Fakhreddine aiming to reclaim his throne and Jun looking to carve his name into the history books, the stage is set for an epic clash. BRAVE CF 92 was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable 2024 for the promotion. But with Fakhreddine vs. Jun looming on the horizon, BRAVE Combat Federation is already shaping up for an explosive 2025. Buckle up, fight fans—this is going to be one for the ages!

The flyweight kickboxing super-fight of the century is officially set! Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 23, as the Saitama Super Arena in Japan plays host to ONE 172, headlined by the electrifying showdown between Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon. This is the battle fans have been clamoring for, and the wait is finally over. Initially planned for early 2024, this epic clash was delayed due to an injury suffered by the Thai sensation, Rodtang. But now, with both fighters back to full health and riding high on recent victories, the stage is set for a collision of striking legends at their peak. Takeru’s Road to Redemption Takeru Segawa bounced back in style after a gritty debut against Superlek Kiatmoo9. At ONE Friday Fights 81, he showcased his trademark speed and razor-sharp striking in a masterclass performance against Thant Zin. The Lumpinee Stadium crowd erupted as Takeru delivered a jaw-dropping second-round knockout, proving he’s more than ready to take on “The Iron Man.” Rodtang’s Relentless Dominance Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the indomitable Thai superstar, has been unstoppable in 2024. With back-to-back wins under his belt, he first dismantled Denis Puric at ONE 167, then followed it up with a clinical decision victory over Jacob Smith at ONE 169. His relentless pace and iron-clad willpower have set the stage for this monumental showdown with Takeru. Fans can expect nothing less than fireworks when these two striking maestros go toe-to-toe in a five-round kickboxing extravaganza. But That’s Not All! ONE 172 isn’t just about Takeru and Rodtang. The event will also feature a blockbuster bout for the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship. Top contenders Adriano Moraes and Yuya Wakamatsu are set to lock horns in a thrilling rematch. Moraes, the #1-ranked contender, earned his spot with a spectacular submission victory over Danny Kingad at ONE 169. Meanwhile, Wakamatsu secured his chance by defeating Gilbert Nakatani at ONE Fight Night 26. This isn’t their first meeting. At ONE X, Moraes defended his championship by submitting Wakamatsu in the third round. But Wakamatsu is a different beast now, determined to prove his evolution as a fighter and claim his first World Championship. On the other hand, Moraes is laser-focused on reclaiming the throne he once ruled for years. ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang promises to be an unforgettable night of combat sports, airing live on Sunday, March 23, from the iconic Saitama Super Arena. Stay tuned for more fight announcements and updates as we count down to this historic event!

In addition to karate, I teach traditional Japanese swordsmanship, usually with a bokken. When contact is to be made, however, we switch to ActionFlex padded swords. Not surprisingly, it can be difficult to find a volunteer to go full force with a sword-wielding student who’s trying to improve his or her skills. Enter the BOB. Kenjutsu Sword Drills The student with the sword squares off against BOB and draws a padded sword. Two people are required to back up the striking dummy — one to push and the other to reach around the torso and swing a sword, using one hand, as if the blade belonged to a live opponent. The second person also can help stabilize the unit. When BOB attacks, the student nullifies the strike by blasting it in the head, the neck, or any other target that’s available. The student can practice all his or her techniques — including the stab, the downward cut, the downward-angle cut, the upward-angle cut, and the horizontal cut — while moving into and out of the appropriate stances. All this must be accomplished while avoiding BOB’s slashing and stabbing padded blade. Of course, there are many other methods for using BOB in sword training. The first time I did any of this was when I attended Dana Abbott’s three-day workshop in Phoenix. We used a regular BOB, and Abbott had us whack it with a shinai in all manner of ways. That training inspired me to devise my own BOB exercises for my sword students, one of which is described earlier. Regular BOB Regular BOB is what we call the Body Opponent Bag when the base is full of water. This configuration offers so many possibilities that it’s impossible to list them all. Certainly, one of the best involves, as I mentioned in Part 1, boxing. Because BOB has a realistic head and torso, you can have your students practice all their head shots — including the jab, cross, hook, uppercut, and overhand punch — as well as their body shots. If you want to give them a really good workout, have them add some kicks. Because regular BOB is a stand-alone training partner, students can do this on their own. Another training method involves having your students practice their precision. Instruct them to execute a specific set of self-defense techniques that require them to aim for specific vital areas, which is what BOB seemingly was designed for. For example, students can do eye gouges with their thumbs, throat strikes with their open hands, and ear strikes with their palms, all using full force. Most kicks and knee strikes can be done on BOB with full force as well. You can even let your students add headlocks and chokes to their self-defense sequences because of the ease with which the dummy’s head and neck can be squeezed. Full-Power Weapon Strikes When your students are ready to practice full-power weapon strikes on BOB, you’ll want to shield it with whatever protective gear you deem necessary based on the weapons and the targets. After all, the Body Opponent Bag is way too valuable to take a chance on damaging. I’ve found that BOB can absorb strikes from wooden weapons like the bokken, the tonfa, and the nunchaku. However, I always tell my students to avoid using a real sword, as well as a sai or kama. If they’re disappointed, I console them by saying they can go all-out with ActionFlex padded weapons. When no one else is in the dojo, that’s what I do. But don’t tell my students. It’s easy to confuse serious training with having fun. BOB is available from   centurymartialarts.com . Part 1 of this column on novel ways to use a Century Body Opponent Bag (aka BOB) for martial art training drills to improve the skills and learning experience of your students can be found HERE .

The Spring 2023 issue of Black Belt Magazine  spotlighted Claressa Shields , the undisputed world champion in both boxing and MMA. Her rapid rise through combat sports showcases her unmatched skill and determination. Shields' journey is redefining the possibilities for women in martial arts, inspiring fighters worldwide with her fearless pursuit of excellence. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com