ONE Championship kicked off its November 8 doubleheader in electrifying style, with ONE Friday Fights 86 delivering jaw-dropping moments and thrilling matchups at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. Packed with intense showdowns, this event set the bar high with 12 bouts that left fans on the edge of their seats. In the main event, Chartpayak Saksatoon and Kompet Fairtex went toe-to-toe for nine fierce minutes. Chartpayak’s relentless aggression earned him a hard-fought majority decision, pushing Kompet back and sealing a narrow victory. Egor Bikrev made quick work of the returning Gingsanglek Tor Laksong, landing a powerful right hook that ended the bout in the first round. Meanwhile, Nueaphet Kelasport’s knockdown in the second round only fueled Chatpichit Sor Sor Toipadriew’s fury. Chatpichit retaliated, securing a knockout in the third round to close out a heart-pounding fight. Mahesuan Aekmuangnon displayed utter dominance, sending Panlam Sor Sommai to the canvas three times in the first round for a TKO win. Nontachai Jitmuangnon came back from behind, landing a crushing right hand on Dmitrii Kovtun in the second round for a KO finish. Carlos Alvarez showcased his superior grappling, overwhelming Mirza Aliev with relentless ground-and-pound until the referee stepped in. Alvarez’s pressure was unstoppable, earning him a TKO victory. Didn’t catch the action live? You can watch all the explosive moments from ONE Friday Fights 86 on demand on ONE’s official YouTube channel. ONE Friday Fights 86 Full Results: Chartpayak Saksatoon def. Kompet Fairtex by majority decision Petlampun Muadablampang def. Nuapet Tded99 by unanimous decision Egor Bikrev def. Gingsanglek Tor Laksong by TKO at 1:45 of the first round Yodseksan Rodsuayjajed def. Jaipet Singha Mawynn by split decision Chatpichit Sor Sor Toipadriew def. Nueaphet Kelasport by knockout at 1:42 of the third round Mahesuan Aekmuangnon def. Panlam Sor Sommai by TKO at 2:36 of the first round Nontachai Jitmuangnon def. Dmitrii Kovtun by knockout at 2:39 of the second round Koki Osaki def. Huo Xiaolong by unanimous decision Islay Erika Bomogao def. Fuu by unanimous decision Moa Carlsson def. Celest Hansen by unanimous decision Carlos Alvarez def. Mirza Aliev by TKO at 4:22 of the second round Fritz Biagtan def. Seyedali Asli by unanimous decision Prepare for more hard-hitting action as ONE Championship continues its thrilling journey!

Welcome to the Black Belt Hall of Fame 2024! This premier event took place on October 10th at the Avalon in Hollywood, celebrating the remarkable contributions of martial artists from around the globe. The night was a star-studded affair, with notable attendees such as Randy Couture and Michael Jai White, who remarked, "It felt like being at the Oscars, but for martial arts legends." The awards presentation was both efficient and engaging, completing in just 49 minutes, showcasing a new standard for martial arts events. In case you had to miss the fun, we made sure to capture the highlights of the event on film. Sit back, enjoy, and let’s honor the legends of the Black Belt Hall of Fame 2024!

The biggest kickboxing spectacle of the year, GLORY COLLISION 7, is set to ignite the GelreDome soccer stadium in Arnhem, the Netherlands, on December 7! This stacked card promises a night of thrilling clashes with twelve unmissable bouts featuring the world’s best. In the highly anticipated main event, the "King of Kickboxing" Rico Verhoeven (64-10, 21 KO) will defend his GLORY heavyweight world title against the "Prince of Kickboxing" Levi Rigters (19-2, 9 KO) in a fierce rematch. Bad blood, titles, and trilogy drama define the co-main event as GLORY light heavyweight champion Tarik Khbabez (51-11-1, 28 KO) takes on grand prix champion Donegi Abena (30-10, 10 KO) in a heated rubber match to settle their rivalry once and for all. The main card is packed with thrilling matchups featuring seven of the top ten light heavyweights today. Fan-favorite Bahram Rajabzadeh (69-4, 61 KO) returns to face newcomer Daniel Stefanovski (34-5, 25 KO), former champ Sergej Maslobojev (39-7, 24 KO) takes on the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ Stefan Latescu (17-4, 8 KO), and KO machine Cem Caceres (17-1, 14 KO) faces French star Pascal Toure (20-7, 7 KO). Mory Kromah (30-2-1, 18 KO) will also battle with Milos Cvjeticanin (11-2, 8 KO) in another must-watch showdown, while heavyweights Ionut Iancu (30-9, 12 KO) and Sofian Laidouni (36-4-1, 18 KO) complete the main lineup. Even the free preliminary card, streaming on the GLORY YouTube channel, is action-packed. Longtime rivals Tayfun Ozcan (87-10-1, 28 KO) and Younes Smaili (41-3, 19 KO) will finally settle their score in a fiery catchweight bout. The lineup includes top-ranked middleweight Serkan Ozcaglayan (46-10, 36 KO) facing Ramy Deghir (7-1, 1 KO), former welterweight champ Endy Semeleer (36-3, 18 KO) versus ‘The Matrix’ Jay Overmeer (30-7, 16 KO), and heavyweight titans Oleh Pryimachov (15-5, 5 KO) and Barkouch (2-1, 1 KO) locking horns. Tickets for GLORY COLLISION 7 are available on GLORYKickboxing.com , and fans worldwide can tune in via Videoland, Bally Live & Stadium, and DAZN. Don’t miss the action on December 7 – this is kickboxing’s night of reckoning!

The cover of the August 2006 issue of Black Belt  featured the incredible Dan Henderson , a true powerhouse of MMA. Known for his devastating knockout ability and exceptional wrestling foundation, Henderson earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most dynamic and respected fighters, thrilling fans with his fierce battles against the world’s best. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Here are some Updates to UFC Fight Night: Magny vs Prates - Nicolas Dalby has had to withdraw from his welterweight fight against Elizeu dos Santos due to an injury. Stepping in for Dalby is Zach Scroggin, a UFC newcomer with an unblemished 7-0 record. The bantamweight fight between Cody Garbrandt and Miles Johns has been called off, leading to its cancellation from the upcoming weekend event. UFC FIGHT NIGHT: MAGNY vs PRATES is scheduled for this Saturday, November 9 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Make sure not to miss any of the action at UFC Fight Night: Magny vs Prates , broadcasting live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 12, 2024. The prelims start at 4pm ET/1pm PT, with the main card going live on ESPN+ at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

Things are already heated between the headliners of ONE 169. O NE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin and "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane had to be separated at the athlete hotel in Bangkok prior to their collision on Friday, November 8. In the video posted by ONE Championship, things first appeared to be light-hearted. The challenger was being filmed when Malykhin walked into the frame and told the camera what he planned to do in the ONE 169 main event. "This one shot, head shot. Three days. One shot. This guy, sleep. One shot," Malykhin professed. "Reug Reug" took the words in stride, smiling, and only responded by saying, "You're going to see." As the two then faced each other, their demeanors changed. The intensity between the heavyweights ramped up, and Malykhin put his fist to Kane's chest and pushed the Senegalese star backward a step. At that point, Kane responded with his own shove, and members of his team stepped in to separate the two hulking heavyweights. The encounter showed that there is a growing heat between the two talented athletes ahead of their World Championship matchup. With so much on the line, both men are on edge and looking for a big showing on a massive platform. Hopefully, the ring inside Lumpinee Stadium will be reinforced as these two behemoths prepare for a thunderous showdown at ONE 169. ONE 169 airs live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on Friday, November 8.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1977, Demian Maia was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in his early teens. This discipline wasn’t just a sport for Maia; it was a way of life. Rooted in respect, patience, and technique, BJJ became the foundation of his skillset and mindset. Maia trained under the tutelage of Fabio Gurgel, an esteemed black belt and multiple-time world champion, who instilled the importance of humility and the warrior ethos in Maia. Bridging Traditional and Modern Martial Arts in the UFC When Maia joined the UFC, he brought with him a unique style that emphasized submission grappling over striking—a rarity in the increasingly hybrid world of MMA. His approach honored the traditional values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: achieving victory through control, precision, and respect for one’s opponent. Maia's adherence to these principles earned him admiration and respect within the UFC community, despite the sport's ever-evolving nature. In a world where most fighters focus on knockout power and aggressive stand-up tactics, Maia’s commitment to ground fighting exemplified his loyalty to his martial roots. His fights were showcases of grappling mastery, often highlighting his willingness to win by submission rather than brute force. A Gentle Warrior: Maia’s Philosophy and Influence Maia has frequently spoken about martial arts as a discipline beyond mere combat. He believes in embodying the "gentle art" philosophy of BJJ, which promotes self-control, discipline, and respect. For Maia, martial arts extend beyond the octagon and into daily life—a philosophy that resonates with many traditional martial artists worldwide. This approach has inspired younger fighters and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to consider a more grounded path within MMA. Maia’s influence is evident as many modern fighters now include Jiu-Jitsu in their training, recognizing the importance of grappling skills to round out their game. Celebrating Maia’s Legacy on His Birthday Today, as Maia marks another year, fans celebrate not just a fighter but a martial artist who upheld the values of discipline, respect, and honor. His commitment to traditional martial arts principles has ensured that his influence will persist even after his official UFC tenure. In reflecting on his career, Maia’s connection with traditional martial arts remains an inspiration for those who believe in the core philosophies of martial arts. His legacy in the UFC is not just about his impressive record but also about how he honored his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu roots and showed that traditional martial values still hold a vital place in modern combat sports. His story is a testament to how martial arts, when practiced with integrity and respect, can transcend sport and become a way of life. Happy Birthday, Demian Maia! Thank you for reminding us of the strength in humility and the art in combat!!

The UFC Apex is set to witness an intense welterweight showdown this Saturday as veteran Neil Magny faces off against the rising force of Carlos Prates. The main event of UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates promises a dynamic clash of experience versus hunger, with both fighters eager to make their mark in one of the UFC's most competitive divisions. Here’s a deep dive into the lead-up to the fight, the fighters' preparations, and what fans can expect from this electrifying welterweight face-off. The Build-Up to UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates Neil Magny, known for his durability and unyielding spirit, has long been a staple in the welterweight division. His journey to the top has been filled with battles against some of the division’s best, solidifying his status as a seasoned contender. After recent setbacks, Magny sees this fight as a crucial opportunity to prove he’s still a top contender. Facing the challenge of Carlos Prates, a hungry, younger fighter eager to rise in the ranks, Magny finds himself in the perfect setting to remind fans of his prowess. Carlos Prates, on the other hand, has built a reputation for his explosive finishes and aggressive fighting style. His road to this main event has been nothing short of remarkable, with a string of impressive wins that have catapulted him into the UFC spotlight. Known for his knockout power, Prates has consistently showcased his skill set and ability to dominate in the cage, making this matchup a potential stepping stone to bigger bouts. Fighter Preparations and Training Camps Both Magny and Prates have shown a level of dedication and preparation that reflects the high stakes of this fight. Magny’s camp has focused on conditioning and technical precision, aiming to outlast Prates if the fight goes into the later rounds. His extensive grappling experience and reach advantage could prove crucial in controlling the pace, giving him the edge over a more power-reliant opponent. Prates, however, has been sharpening his striking and takedown defense, anticipating Magny’s strategic attempts to take control of the fight. His focus on power and explosiveness has made him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division, and with a solid ground game to back his striking, Prates is prepared to handle whatever Magny throws his way. Where They Stand: Road to the Main Event Magny’s standing in the UFC welterweight division speaks to his experience, with notable wins over elite fighters. His reputation as a relentless competitor makes him a challenging test for anyone. However, recent performances have called his durability and speed into question, and he enters this fight with the pressure to remind fans and the UFC brass of his skills. Prates stands on the brink of a potential breakthrough, with his current momentum putting him in a strong position to capitalize on the opportunity. While he may lack the veteran experience of Magny, Prates’ trajectory shows a fighter on the rise, aiming to establish himself as a contender by toppling a seasoned opponent. Possible Outcomes: How Will It Unfold? Magny Controls the Distance: If Magny can effectively utilize his reach advantage and control the fight’s tempo, he has a chance to neutralize Prates’ power strikes. With patience and strategic movement, Magny could grind out a decision win, adding another impressive name to his resume. Prates Unleashes the Power: Prates is known for his knockout ability, and if he manages to close the distance and connect with Magny, he could end the fight early. This outcome would mark a significant leap forward in Prates’ career, potentially setting him up for more high-profile matchups. A Ground Battle: Should the fight move to the ground, Magny’s grappling could be the deciding factor. He may look for submissions or attempt to tire Prates out. However, if Prates showcases strong takedown defense, he could remain dangerous, even on the mat. UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates is a classic battle of youth versus experience, of power versus precision. Don’t miss regular updates on www.blackbeltmag.com

The most updated UFC rankings are now out. Discover the movements following UFC Edmonton and what's at stake at UFC Fight Night: Magny vs Prates. Seven divisions, including women’s pound-for-pound, flyweight, bantamweight, welterweight, heavyweight, women’s flyweight, and women’s bantamweight, witnessed changes. **Women’s Pound-For-Pound** Erin Blanchfield climbs to No. 6 after defeating Rose Namajunas in the co-main event, while Namajunas drops to No. 8. Kayla Harrison moves up to No. 7. Former champion Raquel Pennington shares the No. 8 spot with Namajunas. Jessica Andrade and Natalia Silva swap places, with Silva now at No. 14. **Flyweight** Brandon Moreno defended his No. 2 ranking against Amir Albazi, keeping their positions. Steve Erceg takes No. 8 from Manel Kape, who falls to No. 9. Tim Elliott, Tagir Ulanbekov, and Bruno Silva all move up one spot. Charles Johnson rises to No. 13, and Matt Schnell re-enters at No. 15. **Bantamweight** Mario Bautista drops to No. 10 from No. 9. **Welterweight** Sean Brady ties at No. 4 with Jack Della Maddalena. **Heavyweight** Jairzinho Rozenstruik falls to No. 10. Marcos Rogerio De Lima advances to No. 13, while Waldo Cortes Acosta and Mick Parkin enter the rankings at No. 14 and No. 15, respectively. **Women’s Flyweight** Blanchfield maintains her No. 3 spot. Natalia Silva and Rose Namajunas switch places, with Namajunas now at No. 6. Jasmine Jasudavicius rises to No. 13, and Ariane da Silva drops to No. 14. **Women’s Bantamweight** Norma Dumont ties at No. 4 with Macy Chiasson. Ailin Perez and Chelsea Chandler move up to Nos. 13 and 14. Jacqueline Cavalcanti debuts at No. 15. **Previewing UFC Fight Night: Magny vs Prates** The upcoming fight card at the UFC APEX on Saturday includes three bouts with ranking implications. In the main event, Neil Magny faces Carlos Prates, who is on a hot streak. Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Denise Gomes could open up the No. 15 spot. Luana Pinheiro vs. Gillian Robertson is set to kick off the main card.

As UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates approaches, anticipation builds for the high-stakes matchup between Gillian Robertson and Luana Pinheiro. Robertson, known as “The Savage,” has cemented herself as one of the most feared submission specialists in the UFC women’s divisions. With eight wins by submission, Robertson's ground game has become her calling card. Let’s dive into the most jaw-dropping submissions that have defined her career, showcasing her technique, patience, and relentless pursuit of victory on the mat. 1. The Rear-Naked Choke Against Molly McCann (2018) Robertson’s rear-naked choke against Molly McCann was a masterclass in opportunistic grappling. Facing a tough opponent known for her striking, Robertson waited patiently, taking advantage of a scramble to secure McCann’s back. Her transition was seamless, and once she locked in the choke, McCann had no escape. This victory not only highlighted her grappling prowess but also proved she could submit highly skilled opponents under pressure. 2. The Armbar Finish Over Veronica Macedo (2019) In her 2019 bout with Veronica Macedo, Robertson showcased her ability to adapt and apply a textbook armbar. As soon as the fight hit the ground, Robertson immediately positioned herself to isolate Macedo’s arm. Within moments, she found her opening and expertly extended the arm to force a tap. The swiftness of her execution demonstrated her precision and deep understanding of arm submissions, a technique she’s continued to utilize in her MMA career. 3. Triangle Armbar Against Courtney Casey (2020) Robertson’s bout with Courtney Casey was a showcase of endurance and calculated aggression. Known for her resilience on the mat, Casey proved to be a challenge, but Robertson’s patience paid off. After a relentless grappling exchange, Robertson secured a triangle position and transitioned into an armbar. The submission showcased her flexibility in mixing techniques, seamlessly chaining moves until Casey was forced to tap. 4. Submission Win Over Poliana Botelho (2020) One of the most notable aspects of Robertson’s submission game is her willingness to take risks for rewards. Against Poliana Botelho, she demonstrated her superior ground control and conditioning. The fight saw Robertson maintaining dominant positions and relentlessly searching for the finish. Ultimately, she outmaneuvered Botelho with positional control, leading to an eventual stoppage. Though not officially a submission finish, the fight underscored her ground dominance and ability to keep opponents under control. 5. Rear-Naked Choke Against Priscila Cachoeira (2021) Robertson’s submission win over Priscila Cachoeira is perhaps her most talked-about victory, primarily due to its intensity. After a series of ground exchanges, Robertson locked in a rear-naked choke with undeniable ferocity. The choke was tight, and while Cachoeira attempted to fight it off, Robertson’s relentless pressure led to a dramatic tap. This fight emphasized her resilience and marked another feather in her cap as a submission artist. What’s Next Against Luana Pinheiro? As Robertson prepares to face Luana Pinheiro, she brings with her the lessons and techniques from these memorable victories. Pinheiro is known for her aggression and striking, but Robertson’s expertise on the ground could serve as the ultimate equalizer. Fans can expect Robertson to attempt to bring the fight to the mat early, where her vast submission arsenal awaits. Will Robertson add another highlight to her submission reel this Saturday? With her track record of dominant finishes and ability to find chokes, armbars, and even triangle locks from almost any position, she remains a formidable threat. For fans of technical grappling and finishes, Robertson's bout against Pinheiro promises to deliver an edge-of-your-seat showdown at UFC Fight Night: Mangy vs. Prates.

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao returns to action on Friday, November 8, at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug. The Thailand superstar meets Zhang Peimian in an important strawweight kickboxing collision. The matchup is not a passing of the torch. Sam-A has every intention of winning and continuing to pursue gold at the highest level. The former multiple-time ONE Championship World Champion is not ready to go softly into the night. “I will keep fighting until my body can’t take it anymore,” Sam-A bluntly said to ONE. Beyond the chase for gold, Sam-A is motivated by his family. He knows he has a tremendous support system at home as he chases his dreams, and the strawweight hopeful hopes to continue to utilize his skills to provide as a father. “I have two motivation sources. The first is from my family, from my children. I think I still have the strength to fight to earn some money for my children’s education,” the Thai legend stated. “The second source is from my wife because she always motivates and pushes me. She says she will always be by my side.” Although Sam-A’s stature as an all-time great means he is close to a title shot, he does not believe he is just one fight away. Regardless, he knows he will have to oust “The Fighting Rooster” in a three-round war in Bangkok to get where he wants to go. “I want to get back to being a ONE World Champion before I retire. However, I think winning this fight is too early for me to have a shot at gold,” Sam-A remarked. “Everyone is doubting how long an old dog like me can stay in this game, but winning this kickboxing match will boost my confidence and prove that I can still fight.” Sam-A is under no illusion that he is a spring chicken. The Thai star knows he will have to use his veteran savvy to conquer the younger athlete. “This fight should be a challenge because he’s younger than me and he’s a tough fighter. This fight is a test of my body,” the strawweight contender said. With the understanding that he must exploit his opponent’s weaknesses, Sam-A has been working hard to identify Zhang’s flaws. The Thai athlete believes he has the right game plan to secure a major victory inside Lumpinee Stadium. “I discovered many weaknesses in him, such as when he punches, he leaves windows open. My main advantage in this fight is probably my experience. I’ve fought many different styles of fighters, and he’s not new,” the 41-year-old detailed. Even with a 26-year age gap, Sam-A has an unwavering belief that he will get the job done. The electric strawweight kickboxing battle is part of a massive lineup at ONE 169, and Sam-A is ready to steal the show to make his move back into title contention. “This fight should be fun because I will definitely give it my all. Let’s see who will attack more between me and him, or what game plans we will have. I’m confident, 100 percent,” Sam-A said. ONE 169 airs live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST to all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada on Friday, November 8.

Chuck Norris has worn many hats over the years. Beyond being a world-famous karate champion, he has appeared as a version of himself in cartoons, Marvel comic books, and video games. However, no role has become more synonymous with his legacy than that of Cordell Walker in the iconic 90s series Walker, Texas Ranger . Airing from 1993 to 2001, Walker, Texas Ranger is not only a staple of pop culture but also a significant catalyst for martial arts enthusiasts, inspiring many to take up training. Norris, a black belt in multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, truly helped bring authentic martial arts techniques to mainstream television. A prime example of this lasting impact is Chuck Norris's relationship with the now-renowned Machado brothers—Carlos, John, Jean-Jacques, Rigan, and Roger. After they crossed paths in 1988, Norris began training with them. Initially, their sessions took place in the brothers' garage, but Norris later offered a dedicated space to establish their own academy. The Machado brothers would go on to appear on the Walker, Texas Ranger , helping to popularize Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) across the U.S. and beyond. Their contributions—both on the show and in subsequent years—played an extremely vital role in spreading the art of BJJ to a wider audience. Himself a dedicated martial artist, Chuck Norris' character on the show embodies the warrior spirit: someone who fights not for personal gain but to protect and serve. Norris' portrayal highlighted not only his impressive fighting skills but also the importance of discipline, respect, and perseverance—core tenets of martial arts training. Similar to the 1972 series Kung Fu , the show promoted the idea that martial arts is more than just physical combat; it’s a way of life that emphasizes integrity and self-defense. Walker, Texas Ranger's impact is still felt today, with many martial artists citing the show as a source of inspiration. It helped pave the way for future martial arts films and television series, solidifying the genre's place in popular culture. Walker's journey serves as a lasting reminder of the true spirit of a martial artist: to fight for what is right, with honor and respect.