Mark your calendars for Friday, January 10, because ONE Championship is set to deliver an electrifying double World Championship night to U.S. primetime on Prime Video with ONE Fight Night 27! Main Event: Tang Kai Faces the Undefeated Akbar Abdullaev in a Featherweight Showdown ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai is ready to defend his crown in a high-stakes clash against the unbeaten Kyrgyz wrecking machine, Akbar Abdullaev. China's first-ever male MMA World Champion has carved his name into the history books, dominating the division and twice dismantling Thanh Le to solidify his reign. But can he withstand the storm Abdullaev is bringing? Abdullaev has been a one-man wrecking crew since joining ONE Championship, finishing all three of his opponents in devastating fashion. In his most recent bout, he handed Halil Amir his first professional loss with a brutal second-round knockout. With both men at the peak of their powers, this featherweight clash promises to be an instant classic. Co-Main Event: Denice Zamboanga and Alyona Rassohyna Clash for Atomweight Gold As reigning champion Stamp Fairtex recovers from injury, the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Championship is up for grabs. Filipino phenom Denice "The Menace" Zamboanga steps into the cage, determined to fulfill her destiny and claim the title she's been chasing. Riding a wave of three stellar victories, Zamboanga is more focused than ever. But standing in her way is Alyona Rassohyna, the Ukrainian submission specialist who shocked the world by defeating Stamp in their first encounter and came razor-close to repeating the feat in their rematch. With gold and a potential unification bout on the line, both women are ready to leave it all in the cage. Don’t miss a second of the action! ONE Fight Night 27 streams live and free on Prime Video on Friday, January 10, for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. The action kicks off at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. Get ready for a night of unforgettable battles!

Deiveson Figueiredo, known as "Deus da Guerra" (God of War), has left a trail of destruction in the UFC’s Flyweight division. With a combination of ferocious power, slick submissions, and an unrelenting fighting spirit, Figueiredo has solidified his position as one of the most feared fighters in MMA. Let's dive into his top finishes that define his legacy. 1. Submission Victory Over Alex Perez (UFC 255) One of Figueiredo’s most iconic finishes came when he defended his Flyweight title against Alex Perez in November 2020. Perez made a tactical error during a scramble, and Figueiredo capitalized with a lightning-fast guillotine choke, forcing a tap at 1:57 of Round 1. This win showcased his ability to turn the tide in an instant with his grappling prowess. 2. Brutal TKO Against Joseph Benavidez (UFC Fight Night 169) Figueiredo’s rivalry with Joseph Benavidez is legendary, but their first meeting set the tone for what was to come. Despite missing weight, Figueiredo landed a devastating right hand that floored Benavidez, followed by ruthless ground-and-pound to seal the TKO victory in Round 2. The fight demonstrated Figueiredo's devastating striking power. 3. Rear-Naked Choke Masterclass Against Joseph Benavidez (UFC Fight Night 172) The rematch with Benavidez was nothing short of a statement. In one of the most dominant performances in Flyweight history, Figueiredo dropped Benavidez multiple times before sinking in a rear-naked choke in the first round. The victory crowned him as the undisputed Flyweight Champion and cemented his place in MMA history. 4. Guillotine Choke Against Tim Elliott (UFC Fight Night 161) In his rise to title contention, Figueiredo faced the always-tough Tim Elliott. Known for his unpredictable style, Elliott fell victim to Figueiredo’s superior grappling. In the first round, Figueiredo secured a tight guillotine choke, forcing Elliott to tap at 3:08. The finish highlighted Figueiredo’s ability to mix aggression with technical brilliance. 5. TKO Win Over John Moraga (UFC Fight Night 135) Facing the durable John Moraga, Figueiredo unleashed a striking clinic. Mixing body shots, head strikes, and relentless pressure, he broke Moraga’s defense and finished him with a flurry of punches in Round 2. The victory marked Figueiredo’s entry into the Flyweight elite. 6. Submission Win Over Brandon Moreno (UFC 270) In the thrilling rivalry with Brandon Moreno, Figueiredo’s grappling shone once again. During the third bout of their quadrilogy, Figueiredo delivered a jaw-dropping rear-naked choke that demonstrated his adaptability and relentless pursuit of victory. This win reclaimed his title and added another legendary finish to his resume. Deiveson Figueiredo’s top finishes exemplify his ability to dominate in every aspect of MMA. His striking power is unmatched in the Flyweight division, while his grappling ensures that no fighter is safe, even on the ground. Each finish has contributed to his legacy as one of the greatest Flyweights in UFC history. Stay tuned for more epic moments from this Flyweight legend!

The Shaw Brothers revolutionized martial arts cinema with jaw-dropping choreography and unforgettable action. Here are seven fights that every martial artist needs to watch: 1. The 3-Section Staff Fight – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin  (1978) After facing multiple losses, Gordon Liu's character San Te creates a new weapon to use in his fight - the three-section staff. With his creation in hand, he quickly dominates in this weapon vs weapon fight scene. 2. Five Styles Showdown – The Five Deadly Venoms  (1978) In the final fight, the five face off in an acrobatic showcase that is—literally—off the walls. It’s pure creative choreography at its best. 3. Fighting the Inn Crowd– Come Drink with Me  (1966) Cheng Pei-pei’s Golden Swallow showcases her agility and grace in this fight against bandits early in the film. 4. Temple Brawl – The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter  (1984) Gordon Liu again delivers a raw and emotional performance as a monk battling for survival with devastating pole techniques. This fight is as intense as it is iconic. 5. A Bad-Ass Entrance – The Kid with the Golden Arm  (1979) Short yet sweet, Lo Mang's character of Golden Arm bursts onto the scene and deftly takes on multiple deadly weapons—with only his bare hands. 6. Defeating the Long-Armed Devil – The One-Armed Swordsman  (1967) The clash between Jimmy Wang Yu’s one-armed hero and his adversary is a study in determination and ingenuity. 7. Final Fight – Crippled Avengers  (1978) The quartet of fighters with differing attributes square off against their tormentor in a sequence that turns limitations into strengths. These scenes are more than fights—they’re cinematic legends that continue to inspire martial artists worldwide.

I haven’t seen Damon Gilbert’s martial arts resume, but it’s got to be among the most diverse in our world. He’s trained and competed since he was 6. He’s been a black belt in kajukenbo — a hybrid system composed of karate, jujitsu, judo, kenpo, and Chinese boxing — since 1991. He’s served as a police officer in Oakland, California, since 1997, and for most of that time, he’s taught defensive tactics. And he’s earned 14 world titles in tournaments, which is why he was named Black Belt’s 2017 Competitor of the Year. What does all this add up to? Some sage advice on practically any martial arts topic. We delved into several such topics in our February/March 2018 issue. Here, we concentrate on weapons. — Editor For self-defense, are there any tools or weapons you recommend people carry? Let’s exclude guns because of all the laws that need to be followed. I recommend all the usual weapons — a knife, a kubotan, pepper spray, a tactical flashlight — but you have to get training. Basically, carry anything that’s legal and that you can get training with. All tools are decent when you have the opportunity to use them at the right moment. It can go bad when you pull out a tool you haven’t trained with and it ends up being used on you. For a tool to work, operator manipulation has to be there. Often, when a tool doesn’t work, it’s because of the operator, not because of the tool itself. When it’s legal, there’s nothing wrong with pepper spray. There’s nothing wrong with using your car keys. There’s nothing wrong with a kubotan. But you have to get training in how to use them, as well as how to retain them in case someone tries to take them away from you. You shouldn’t think an altercation involving a weapon will always be one-dimensional. Do you also advise people not to think that deploying or using a weapon will end the confrontation? Yes. I was recently lecturing a police academy class, and I told them that until they invent a Taser that also deploys handcuffs, they will still have to get into hand-to-hand range. They will still have to grab the person and effect the arrest. It’s the same with civilians. Not everything works the way it’s supposed to. One example is pepper spray. Not every form of it works on every person, just as not every control hold works on every person. There are guys who rush you and finish their takedown after being sprayed with pepper spray. We actually train our people in the academy to do that. We spray them and make them do 25 push-ups and 10 baton strikes on the bag, after which they must take the role-player into custody. Only then do we let them flush their eyes out with water. We want them to learn the limitations of particular tools, which in this case is pepper spray. Some people immediately scream bloody murder. Some people get in punches as long as they can stand it. You have to understand the pros and cons of any tool before you start carrying it. Why do so few people recommend using a stun gun for self-defense? When I first got hired [at the Oakland Police Department], we would receive lots of reports in which law enforcement officers used a stun gun and it was effective. I think they came into question because they didn’t give you that distance you want. OC [gas], on the other hand, does give you distance. With a stun gun, you have to be in punching range and maybe grappling range to use it. So if it’s not effective or the clothing doesn’t permit it to be effective, you’re in a fistfight and the other guy might be bigger and nastier than you. How important is training in weapons defense? I believe I’m alive today because of the training I’ve had in kajukenbo and law-enforcement defensive tactics. Training is the No. 1 key to surviving a violent encounter. It always goes back to the training and how practical and realistic it is — and how open you are to everything. I’ve been shot at, had knives pulled on me, and been in hand-to-hand combat, and I’m lucky to be here, and it’s because of the reflex development that comes from regular training. Remember that it’s a perishable skill. The thing about martial arts is, once you stop caring about her, she’ll treat you the same way. Do you want the techniques to be instinctive and work under pressure? Then you have to give her the attention she deserves. If your techniques don’t work, don’t be mad at her because she wasn’t around. You weren’t around for her. Just how prevalent are weapons on the street these days? They’re very prevalent. When we look at FBI studies from the 1960s and ’70s, we see a higher incidence of clubs and knives being used. Since the ’80s, it’s gotten progressively worse. Now we see a lot more firearms. Weapons are more common than some people want to know. Sometimes it’s drug related, and sometimes it’s not. A lot of crimes that involve weapons occur in areas where there’s a turf war. They also occur when people feel they need a weapon because of the trade they’re in. When an altercation is unfolding, should martial artists tell themselves that every adversary has a weapon even if they don’t see one — just so they’re ready? What I tell myself and my students is that the hands kill. If you keep part of your awareness on your adversary’s hands, that will cover the possibility that he has a knife, a gun, or any other weapon. That’s something I preach. Some people in the traditional martial arts community think their styles are best for weapons defense — particularly if the user has had success in competition. Meanwhile, some people in the MMA community claim MMA is better because it’s more effective overall. What are your thoughts? No sport is tougher than any other sport because none is even close to what goes on in a street fight. You can’t tell me that your UFC title will prepare you any better for times when somebody pulls out a weapon to use against you than my 14 point-fighting titles do. None of the martial arts sports address multiple attackers, impact weapons, edged weapons, or survival during live fire. That has to be covered in training, not competition. Instead, I really push stress-inoculation training — getting your stress level up and still being able to function. You want to make your training as realistic as possible. For police officers, that could mean using paintball rounds and protective gear or doing knife defense with knives that give you an electric shock. That makes everything a little different, but it teaches things like, Did you get off the line of fire when you did your gun defense? Did you control the knife during your disarm? This is the only practical way to train when you have to put yourself in positions where weapons are likely to be involved. What advice do you have for martial artists who are worried about becoming a victim of a mass shooting? In the end, you have to live your life. You can’t just live in fear all the time. In law enforcement, we always tell people, “You can train for a lot of things, but the one you can’t prepare for is the ambush.” By definition, that means you didn’t see it coming. You should, however, be alert. You have to think about the kinds of situations you’re putting yourself into and then try to expect the unexpected whenever possible. Where are the exits? What around you could be used as cover or concealment — in other words, what will stop a bullet and what will just mask your presence? There are other things, of course, like watching the hands of any stranger you’re talking to, but it’s a thin line between making yourself alert and ready and making yourself paranoid.

Given the proliferation of social media in the martial arts community, one sees all sorts of posts nowadays related to Japanese budo and the “warrior spirit.” There are blogs devoted to the way of the peaceful warrior and the depiction of enlightened samurai following a path of peace. One even has a pair of sparrows resting quietly on the hilt of a katana. It seems the internet is overflowing with inspirational aphorisms and insights about overcoming conflict. Sometimes this can make it sound as though the samurai were New Age “pathseekers” on a quest for inner harmony and cosmic consciousness. It’s lovely to think so. And it’s flattering to imagine ourselves as inheritors of a tradition of seeking a noble, spiritual truth, of pursuing the path of self-perfection, of dedicating ourselves to becoming pure. It’s like Gandalf meets Mr. Miyagi. We can almost convince ourselves that the instrument that was on the samurai’s hip was a magic talisman, meant to cut through discord and bind the universe in a big, beautiful knot of love. But it wasn’t. It was a sword. The Japanese katana was designed to, among other things, cut in a way that slashed flesh and muscle but also opened gaping wounds that could not heal. Even a shallow cut could become infected and cause a slow, horribly painful death. That is the awful reality of the way of the warrior in feudal Japan — and the reality of all warriors. Yes, you can argue that the killing was done in the name of good. Perhaps so. That didn’t make the suffering of those who died — and those who did the killing — any less difficult to endure. Or any less difficult for those who had no choice but to accept it. I recently saw a social media post that featured a quote from Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi (1584-1645) is, for many, an example of the ultimate samurai warrior, an iconoclast, a philosopher and all-around romantic figure, undefeated in battle (even if there is that inconvenient fact that in the only real battle in which he participated, he was forced to limp off the field after scrambling up a slope and having a rock dislodge and hit his leg). “The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them,” was the quote on the post. It has a nice sound. It is, however, lifted from a text Musashi wrote and taken somewhat out of context. Musashi was writing about the various strategies to be employed against enemies. In the original Japanese, the quote conveys a different thought than the peace-and-love sentiments it has in English. It makes the point that one can be sufficiently intimidating in posture and attitude that an opponent is frightened, disturbed, thrown off his game and therefore more easily slaughtered or beaten before physical contact is even commenced. Musashi wasn’t talking about harmony with the universe. He was laying out a strategy for overcoming an enemy, for consolidating or expanding the power of one’s lord. That is a key element in understanding the samurai. “Samurai” means “to serve.” The samurai were servants. Martial servants, as well as, given their level of education compared to the populace, servants who ran the bureaucracies of the fiefs. Their job was not to cultivate inner or world peace, but to make their clans and their lords more powerful. Japanese feudalism was often cruel; it could be stifling and coercive. The way of the warrior, at least in that age, meant that your life belonged to your lord and that your own feelings, dreams and plans were always second to that. When I think of Musashi, I often reflect on Mikinosuke, one of his adopted sons. Musashi came across Mikinosuke when the boy was working at a stable. He saw some quality in the boy that he liked. Mikinosuke at first declined Musashi’s offer of adoption; he had parents who depended on his earnings. Musashi arranged payment, however, and Mikinosuke became a protégé. In time, Mikinosuke became a samurai in the employ of Honda Tadatoki in what’s now Hyogo prefecture. (Scenes from the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice  were filmed at Honda’s castle.) Honda died in 1626 of tuberculosis. On hearing of his death, Musashi is supposed to have said, “Mikinosuke will soon be visiting me.” He was correct. Musashi’s adopted son appeared; the two shared a dinner, with lots of sake. At the end of the evening, Mikinosuke raised a glass to his father and said, “Let’s drink to my farewell.” Musashi understood. He had understood what was going to happen as soon as he’d heard of Honda’s death. Although it was not as common as once it had been, many samurai still, on the death of their lord, committed junshi, ritual suicide meant to demonstrate loyalty. Within a few days, word came that Mikinosuke had killed himself. To us, such behavior seems bizarre. We have no context for it — which is my point. It’s very difficult for us to understand the world of the samurai. It’s easy to romanticize the way of the warrior, to glorify the bravery and stoicism and gallantry of what many regard as the Japanese version of European knights and all their wonderful chivalry. This episode from the life of Miyamoto Musashi, however, shows what the way of the warrior was often about. It was about a man watching his son walk away, knowing that he would never see him again. This is what the samurai faced again and again during this era. Are you sure you want to follow the real, historical way of the warrior? If so, you’d better be ready to put yourself in the place of Musashi, standing at the gate and watching as his son disappeared forever in the distance. Dave Lowry has written Karate Way  since 1986. For more information about his articles and books, type his name in the search box.

In a groundbreaking move that bridges the world of judo and mixed martial arts (MMA), Indian judo champion Suchika Taryal  has officially signed with BRAVE Combat Federation (BRAVE CF). Known for her dominance on the judo mats, Taryal is now set to make her mark in the global MMA scene, representing India on one of the most prestigious platforms for emerging and elite fighters. The Rise of Suchika Taryal in Judo Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, India , Suchika Taryal has been a household name in Indian judo. A decorated athlete, Taryal has represented India on numerous international stages, earning accolades in events such as the Asian Judo Championships , Commonwealth Judo Championships , and multiple national tournaments. Her technical prowess, especially her expertise in executing throws like Uchi-mata and Seoi-nage , and her relentless ground control have made her one of the most feared competitors in her weight class. Taryal's judo career is marked by her resilience and adaptability. Despite facing the challenges of limited resources and training facilities in her early days, she persevered, rising to prominence as a role model for young athletes across India. Her achievements include: Gold  in the National Judo Championships. Bronze  at the Asian Judo Championships. A consistent podium finisher in various international judo tournaments. Beyond the medals, Taryal has been an advocate for women's empowerment in sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes. The Transition to MMA Taryal’s decision to transition from judo to MMA stems from her desire to test her skills in a more dynamic combat environment. Judo’s emphasis on grappling and submissions provides a strong foundation for MMA, and Taryal’s adaptability is expected to make her a formidable opponent in the cage. Her initial exposure to MMA came through cross-training sessions with prominent Indian MMA gyms, where her ability to transition seamlessly from throws to ground control impressed coaches and peers. Recognizing the potential to showcase her skills on a global platform, she made the bold choice to join BRAVE CF. Signing with BRAVE CF The announcement of Taryal’s signing with BRAVE Combat Federation marks a historic moment for Indian MMA. BRAVE CF, headquartered in Bahrain, has built a reputation for nurturing talent from around the globe and giving athletes a stage to showcase their abilities. Taryal’s signing aligns with the promotion’s commitment to diversity and its focus on developing MMA in emerging markets like India. Speaking about the signing, BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid  said, "Suchika Taryal is a phenomenal athlete with a champion's mindset. Her judo credentials are unmatched, and we believe she has all the tools to succeed in MMA. BRAVE CF is excited to help her transition and grow as a fighter on the global stage." Taryal’s MMA Journey Begins Taryal is expected to compete in the Women’s Flyweight Division , where her judo background could give her a unique edge over opponents. Her ability to dictate fights through clinches, takedowns, and ground control, coupled with her improving striking skills, could make her a serious contender in the division. In her own words, Taryal expressed excitement about the new chapter: "Judo has taught me discipline, strength, and the art of combat. I am thrilled to join BRAVE CF and explore the world of MMA. This is not just about fighting; it's about representing my country on a new platform and proving that Indian athletes can compete and excel globally." Impact on Indian MMA Suchika Taryal’s signing is a significant milestone for Indian MMA. With athletes like Ritu Phogat  paving the way for wrestlers in MMA, Taryal’s entry highlights the potential of judo practitioners in the sport. Her journey is expected to inspire more judokas and martial artists in India to explore opportunities in MMA. As BRAVE CF continues to expand its reach in South Asia, Taryal’s presence in the promotion could boost the visibility of Indian fighters and bring more attention to the rapidly growing MMA scene in the country. While her MMA debut date is yet to be announced, Taryal has already begun intensive training under renowned MMA coaches, focusing on striking, wrestling defense, and cage tactics to complement her judo expertise. Fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see how her skills translate into the octagon and how she fares against seasoned MMA fighters.

This Saturday, November 23rd, the UFC returns to Macau with a fight card that's sure to ignite the Galaxy Arena. While the main event features a thrilling 5 rounder between Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo , the Road to UFC Season 3 Finals are stealing the spotlight. Three weight classes will crown their champions, each earning a coveted UFC contract and a chance to climb the ranks of MMA's elite. Let's break down these exciting matchups: Bantamweight Finale: Baergeng Jieleyisi (🇨🇳) vs. SuYoung You (🇰🇷) This battle pits two seasoned warriors with contrasting styles. Jieleyisi, a Chinese powerhouse, brings a tenacious grappling and relentless pressure. He's riding high after a dominant decision win in the semifinals. You, a South Korean striker, boasts a slick kickboxing arsenal and precision counter-striking. He's shown incredible composure in his split decision victories. Expect fireworks as these two clash – will Jieleyisi's grappling overwhelm You, or will You's striking keep Jieleyisi at bay? Flyweight Finale: Kiru Singh Sahota (🇬🇧) vs. DongHun Choi (🇰🇷) A classic striker vs. grappler matchup with a twist. Sahota, representing the UK, is an anomaly at flyweight with his towering 5'10" frame and 73" reach. He'll look to utilize his length to keep Choi at a distance. Choi, the undefeated South Korean champion, is a grappling specialist with a knack for grinding out wins. He'll need to close the distance and neutralize Sahota's reach advantage. Can Sahota dictate the range and pick Choi apart, or will Choi drag him into a grappling war? Strawweight Finale: Shi Ming (🇨🇳) vs. Feng Xiaocan (🇨🇳) An all-Chinese clash between two rising stars. Shi, a veteran of the Chinese MMA scene, is a well-rounded fighter with a knack for winning close decisions. She's shown incredible resilience and fight IQ throughout the tournament. Feng, at just 22 years old, is a phenom with explosive striking and a killer instinct. She's riding an eight-fight win streak and has finished her last two opponents. Will Shi's experience and composure prevail, or will Feng's youthful aggression be too much to handle? The Road to UFC has consistently delivered thrilling fights and unearthed future UFC contenders. These finals are no exception. Each fight offers unique stylistic matchups and high stakes, with a UFC contract hanging in the balance. Tune in to witness the next generation of MMA stars emerge! Don't Miss A Moment Of UFC Fight Night: Yan vs Figueiredo, Live From Galaxy Arena In Macau, China On November 23, 2024. Prelims start at 3am ET/12am PT, while the main card kicks off live on ESPN+ at 6am ET/3am PT.

Chequina Noso Pedro is set to make waves once again as he headlines BRAVE CF 90 in Austria, facing off against the formidable Muslim Danaev. The historic event, held at the Multiverse Schwechat in Vienna on November 23, promises to showcase the Dutch superstar’s meteoric rise in the Super Welterweight division. With two consecutive victories in BRAVE CF, Pedro is just one win away from cementing his place as a top contender in one of the promotion’s most competitive divisions. But Pedro’s journey to this pivotal moment has been anything but smooth. From War-Torn Angola to Dutch Soil Born in Angola, Pedro’s family fled the horrors of civil war when he was just four years old, seeking refuge in the Netherlands. Growing up in a foreign land, Pedro harbored dreams of becoming a professional footballer. However, he soon grew frustrated with the team-dependent nature of the sport and began searching for a more individualistic pursuit. That search led him to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where he fell in love with the sport during his very first session. A Meteoric Rise in MMA Pedro’s dedication to MMA quickly paid off. In 2018, he made his amateur debut, delivering an electrifying first-round finish. By 2020, he had turned professional, racking up an impressive five-fight win streak. Notably, his victories over Selim Topuz and Marko Kisič—teammates of his upcoming opponent Muslim Danaev—highlighted his ability to overcome top-tier competition. The BRAVE CF Breakthrough Pedro’s star truly began to rise on the global stage with his standout performances in BRAVE CF. At BRAVE CF 79, he announced his arrival with a decisive victory over Dzhokhar Duraev. He followed that with another dominant display at BRAVE CF 83, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting prospects in the Super Welterweight division. The Stakes at BRAVE CF 90 As Pedro steps into the cage to headline Austria’s biggest MMA event, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A third consecutive victory in BRAVE CF would keep his undefeated streak alive and catapult him into title contention. For Pedro, the fight against Danaev is more than just a matchup; it’s a chance to prove that his journey—from fleeing a war-torn homeland to standing at the pinnacle of MMA—is only just beginning. BRAVE CF 90, organized in association with Sparta CF, is poised to deliver a night of unforgettable action, and Pedro’s story promises to be one of its most compelling highlights.

Anatoly Malykhin, once hailed as the undefeated titan of ONE Championship with three division titles under his belt, faced the unthinkable at ONE 169. In a grueling five-round battle, Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane dethroned the Russian star to claim the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship, delivering one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. Despite meticulous preparation, Malykhin admitted his performance fell short on the night it mattered most. “The training camp was solid. We trained well and did everything as planned, but on the day of the fight, I just didn’t feel physically at 100 percent,” Malykhin confessed. “Sometimes it’s hard to explain, but my body just wasn’t right that morning. It was his day. He’s a strong guy, and he did his job well.” Kane’s incredible power and persistence proved to be too much for the formerly unstoppable “Sladkiy.” Malykhin struggled with heavy arms, depleted stamina, and failed takedown attempts as he battled the Senegalese juggernaut. “My hands and arms felt too heavy. I ran out of steam. I tried to take him down, but it didn’t work out,” he added. “My body just didn’t respond the way I wanted it to. He won, so I’ll take that as a signal to train harder.” The defeat marked the first blemish on Malykhin’s previously unbroken record in ONE Championship. After dominating across three weight classes, the toll of moving divisions finally caught up with him. However, the Russian powerhouse isn’t dwelling on the loss. Instead, he’s strategizing for a stronger comeback. “I’m starting again [now]. I’ll be doing wrestling, boxing, and definitely adding some strength training. My legs feel weaker from moving up and down between weight classes, so I need to work on that,” Malykhin revealed. “I think I need to focus more on wrestling, too. I’m planning to go to Southern Ossetia to train with some heavyweight freestyle wrestlers. There are a lot of top-tier athletes there, and I think it’ll help me sharpen my skills.” As he reflects on his performance, Malykhin is determined to learn from his mistakes. A rematch with Kane looms on the horizon, though nothing is confirmed. “I hope [the rematch] happens soon, but it isn’t confirmed yet. It’s still about 50-50,” he said. The animosity between the two remains professional but intense. While there’s mutual respect as athletes, the rivalry is far from over. “It’s all about the sport, and our relationship is purely professional. His hand got raised that night, but we both still want to be ONE World Champions. We’re both aiming to be at the top, so we definitely didn’t become friends,” Malykhin commented. Fans eagerly await Malykhin’s next move as he vows to rise stronger, ready to reclaim his throne in ONE Championship. Will this setback be the spark that ignites his greatest comeback yet? Stay tuned!

Cage Warriors 180  delivered an electrifying night of MMA action in London last Friday, leaving fans with plenty to talk about. From rapid-fire knockouts to spectacular submissions, the event showcased some of the best talents in mixed martial arts today. Here’s your complete Cage Warriors 180 Results.. Main Card Highlights James Webb def. Andrew Clamp   (via TKO - punches, 4:51 of Round 3) Webb secured the Middleweight Championship  in an intense battle, finishing Clamp with precision striking in the final moments of the third round. Nik Bagley def. Jordy Bakkes   (via Rear-Naked Choke, 4:16 of Round 1) Bagley wasted no time, locking in a textbook submission to claim a quick victory. Paddy McCorry def. Tye Palmer   (via KO - punch, 0:46 of Round 1) McCorry’s explosive right hand delivered one of the fastest and most brutal knockouts of the night. Weslley Maia def. Alexander Lööf   (via Rear-Naked Choke, 4:19 of Round 1) Maia demonstrated his grappling prowess, earning a decisive submission win. Giovanni Fernandez def. Jimmy Quinn   (via Rear-Naked Choke, 1:31 of Round 2) Fernandez’s ground game overwhelmed Quinn, leading to a dominant finish. Yusuf Nazokatov def. Cameron Stewart   (via unanimous decision, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Nazokatov’s striking and control edged out Stewart in a closely contested bout. Preliminary Card Highlights Tariq Pell def. Danny Blundell   (via KO - front kick to the body, 3:57 of Round 1) Pell delivered a showstopping finish with a devastating front kick to the body. Jawany Scott def. Davide Scarano   (via unanimous decision, 30-26, 30-26, 29-27) Scott dominated with superior striking and control to earn a lopsided decision. Richard Kallos def. Tommy Brunning   (via verbal submission - armbar, 1:25 of Round 1) Kallos forced Brunning to tap with a perfectly executed armbar. Joshua Onwordi def. Joe Ambler   (via unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Onwordi displayed impeccable technique and control throughout the fight. Callum Haughian def. Marko Sarasjärvi   (via Guillotine Choke, 0:34 of Round 2) Haughian capitalized on a mistake to lock in a fight-ending guillotine. The excitement continues next Saturday, November 23rd , as Cage Warriors heads to Newcastle's Vertu Motors Arena . Mark your calendars for another action-packed night of MMA!

The May 1972 issue of Karate Illustrated  showcased a legend on its cover: Jim Kelly facing off in a sparring match, giving a glimpse of the future superstar he would become. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The UFC, in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) of the Kingdom, has announced today that the UFC returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, February 1 at The Venue, Riyadh. Featuring a yet-to-be-revealed fight card, the upcoming event will witness numerous highly skilled athletes from the sport competing in the Octagon for an electrifying night. This event signifies the UFC's second appearance in Riyadh, following its momentous debut earlier this year. Having taken place at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena last June, the inaugural event showcased a headline fight between the No.4 ranked middleweight, Robert Whittaker, and the emerging talent, Ikram Aliskerov. Whittaker demonstrated his expertise by defeating the highly regarded Aliskerov, who had been on an undefeated streak in the UFC. UFC FIGHT NIGHT RIYADH will be part of Riyadh Season , an annual major entertainment event in the winter season that attracts visitors from around the globe to enjoy a plethora of concerts, sports activities, and cultural events in Saudi Arabia's capital. Since its inception in 2019, Riyadh Season has been a platform for a diverse range of events, including the groundbreaking UFC 306 event held at Sphere, the innovative entertainment venue in Las Vegas, which was supported by Riyadh Season. UFC 306 at RIYADH SEASON NOCHE UFC made a significant impact on the sports world, breaking records as the highest-grossing UFC event in history. UFC FIGHT NIGHT RIYADH will mark the first UFC event hosted at The Venue, a cutting-edge arena equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, adaptable staging design, and top-notch sound systems. The Venue is set to be a premier choice for hosting various global and exclusive events, promising an unforgettable experience for performers and attendees alike.