Former middleweight champion Danny Jacobs is back, and he's hungrier than ever. The 37-year-old boxer returns to the ring on July 6th in Anaheim, California, taking on Shane Mosley Jr. in the co-main event of the highly anticipated bout between MMA stars Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. This fight marks Daniel Jacobs first since a split-decision loss to John Ryder in 2022. However, any ring rust seems nonexistent. "I can't wait to get back in the ring and do what I love most," Jacobs declared to DAZN. "I've been training hard, and I feel rejuvenated and ready to make another run at the top." Jacobs, a former WBO and IBF champion, isn't just aiming for a comeback; he wants a third world title. "This is a great opportunity on a big platform," he emphasizes. "I'm coming to make the most of it. I've got a tough opponent, but don't blink, because I'm preparing to end this fight in style." Facing Off Against a Legacy While Jacobs hasn't stepped into the ring in a while, his opponent, Shane Mosley Jr., is ready to prove himself. The son of boxing legend Shane Mosley, the younger Mosley carries the weight of a storied name. However, he hasn't quite reached his father's heights. Despite a notable win against Gabe Rosado, Jacobs is arguably Mosley Jr.'s toughest opponent yet. Mosley Jr. sees this as a golden opportunity. "I am blessed and grateful for this opportunity," he states. "It means a lot to be fighting on such a big event, and it's even more motivating to be going up against a legend in the sport. I'm thankful to Golden Boy and my whole team for making this possible." A Clash of Generations This July 6th fight promises an exciting clash of generations. Jacobs, a seasoned champion with renewed vigor, seeks to reclaim his throne. Mosley Jr., motivated by family legacy, aims to establish his own name against a formidable foe. The co-main event of Diaz vs. Masvidal is sure to sizzle with anticipation, and Jacobs vs. Mosley Jr. adds another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated fight night.

The 2024 Abu Dhabi World Judo Championships Seniors are set to host an unprecedented number of athletes, making it the largest competition in the event's history. Taking place from May 19-24 at the Mubadala Arena, the championships will feature 682 judokas from 110 countries. Organized by the International Judo Federation and the UAE Judo Federation, the week-long event has seen a flurry of last-minute registrations. A total of 362 men and 320 women will compete across seven weight categories each, contending for a share of the €1 million prize pool. The previous championships in Doha had 657 participants from 99 countries. This year’s Abu Dhabi event surpasses that, with competitors ranging from -48 kg to +100 kg for both men and women. The UAE national team will face strong competition from judokas representing countries such as France, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Algeria, and Tunisia. One of the event's highlights is the participation of French judo legend Teddy Riner. Riner, known for his extraordinary career, was the youngest world champion in 2007 at 18 years old and became the oldest world champion in 2023 at 34 years and 36 days. Other notable world champions competing include Yang Yung-wei of Taiwan (-60kg), Matthias Casse of Belgium (-81kg), and Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan (+100kg). In the women’s categories, Italy’s Assunta Scutto (-48kg), Canada's Christa Deguchi (-57kg) and Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (-48kg), and Croatia’s Barbara Matic (-70kg) are set to participate. Gold medalists will receive $28,300, silver medalists $16,000, and bronze medalists $8,700. The team competition offers a gold medal prize of $98,000, silver $52,200, and bronze $27,200. Mohammed Bin Tha’aloob Saleem Al-Darie, president of the UAE Judo Federation and chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, expressed his excitement about the massive turnout. “The overwhelming response to the registration till the final hours of the deadline reflects the keenness of all countries and players to participate in the competition. Not only have we been able to attract a record 110 countries, we have also managed to have most of the former and current world champions lining up for a slice of the action in Abu Dhabi,” he said. Teams have begun arriving in Abu Dhabi, with national cadres working tirelessly to ensure a smooth build-up to the competition. The draw of lots will take place on May 18, with individual competitions running from May 19-23. The final day, May 24, will be dedicated to the mixed teams competition.

A local athlete from Arlington, Virginia, has made waves on the international stage, securing a bronze medal at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship. Beatrice Jin, a dedicated grappler from the small Kogaion Academy, achieved this remarkable feat while training in a modest one-room studio. Jin, who has been training at Kogaion Academy for over five years, reflects on the relentless nature of the sport. “Every time you think that you’re getting good, someone’s just going to beat you up, and you’re gonna realize that there’s more,” she told WTOP after a noon training session. Most of Jin’s training partners are hobbyists using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a means to stay fit while balancing their 9-to-5 jobs. “My training partners are graduate students, one works for tech, one works for government contracts,” Jin said. Despite this, she took her rigorous training regimen to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship in Anaheim, California, where she clinched bronze in the brown belt division. Victor Ciocoiu, owner of Kogaion Academy, praised Jin’s dedication and resilience. Jin’s achievement is particularly impressive given the limited resources of her training environment compared to larger schools in California, Texas, and Brazil. These institutions often have extensive support systems, including special training programs nutritionists, and students who have been practicing since childhood. Nonetheless, Jin’s twice-a-day workouts, which include drills, sparring, weightlifting, and cardio, have propelled her to success. She has also medaled in several other prestigious BJJ “Grand Slam” tournaments this year. Reflecting on her journey, Jin said, “I really feel like it’s one of those projects in life that just like keeps offering more, the more you put into it.” When competing, Jin aims for early submissions but adapts to the strategic nature of high-level bouts. “I think like the perfect sequence is you sweep them for two points, pass for three points, knee on belly mount. And then take their back,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of positional dominance and strategic gameplay in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Jin’s favorite submission techniques include the kneebar and the armbar, moves that can decisively end a match by forcing an opponent to tap out or risk severe injury. “Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a very individual sport, even if your school has a curriculum, you’re gonna find your own style,” she said. Beatrice Jin’s journey and achievements highlight the dedication and skill required to excel in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, proving that even athletes from smaller schools can achieve greatness on the world stage.

The full fight card for the highly anticipated August 3rd event has been revealed, boasting a star-studded lineup and a last-minute shakeup. Crawford Versus Madrimov Takes Center Stage: Unbeaten welterweight champion Terence Crawford steps into the ring as the main attraction, vying for Israil Madrimov's WBO 154lbs title. This clash promises fireworks as both fighters are known for their aggressive styles. Fight Night Shuffle: Fans anticipating a Deontay Wilder vs. Jared Anderson matchup might be surprised.  Following Wilder's recent loss, the heavyweight division sees a change of plans. Martin Bakole, trained by Scotland's Billy Nelson, will now face Anderson in a heavyweight showdown. Heavyweight Thrillers and Rising Stars: The undercard sizzles with heavyweight excitement. Former world champion Andy Ruiz and the formidable Jarrell Miller are set to clash.  Meanwhile, undefeated Cuban phenom Andy Cruz makes his mark against Antonio Moran, showcasing the future of boxing. Super Middleweight Showdown and Title Defense: Undefeated super middleweight prospect David Morrell takes on Radivoje Kalajdzic, promising a clash of young talent. In the lightweight division, Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz defends his WBA 140lbs title for the first time against Jose Valenzuela. Eminem Joins the Fun: Adding to the night's spectacle, world-renowned rapper Eminem is confirmed as a special guest.  This isn't his first foray into the boxing world, having previously supported Terence Crawford in his last fight and attending major boxing events. A Collaboration of Promoters: This mega-card is a collaborative effort, featuring promotions like Golden Boy Promotions, Top Rank, Matchroom, Salita Promotions, Warriors Boxing, and No Limit Boxing. Interestingly, Martin Bakole is represented by Boxxer, adding another layer to this star-studded event. Get ready for an electrifying night of boxing in Los Angeles, packed with top-tier matchups, rising stars, and a surprise musical performance!

In an unexpected revelation, UFC CEO Dana White has boldly claimed that Power Slap, his controversial pet project, has amassed more views than any Taylor Swift video ever posted. Power Slap has been White’s passion project for the past few years, hosting a series of events under the brand. The sport, which involves competitors slapping each other with full force, has generated considerable buzz online. Many clips have gone viral, captivating audiences who are often bewildered by the concept of this legalized competition. White is no stranger to hyping up his ventures, and Power Slap is no exception. Despite not being as massive as the UFC, White has invested significant resources and attention into the brand, aiming to elevate its status in the sports world. In a recent interview on the FLAGRANT podcast, White shared some staggering statistics about Power Slap’s reach and popularity. “What if I did this, made it an actual sport, got it sanctioned, and put good production value behind it?” White recalled his initial thoughts upon witnessing his first slap match. “The answer is f—kin’ billions of views. Billions of views globally." White elaborated on Power Slap’s digital dominance: “Think about this. We started this thing 15 months ago, right? Right now, on YouTube, we got more subscribers than NHL (National Hockey League), MLS (Major League Soccer), NASCAR (racing), PGA (Professional Golfer’s Association), Barstool Sports. We have over a billion YouTube views. Eight of the top 12 largest YouTube shorts against other major sports are Power Slap. Four of the top five largest YouTube shorts on UFC’s channel. We’re No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 on UFC. When you think about Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, all the big stars, this thing absolutely dominates. We have more followers than every single professional sport. Every professional sports team, we have more followers than them in 15 months. I don’t know about the soccer teams, but I would say yes.” In his most audacious claim, White stated, “We have more viewers than any Taylor Swift video ever posted.” This assertion underscores his confidence in Power Slap’s viral potential and widespread appeal. White’s claims may be met with skepticism, but they highlight the surprising reach and popularity of Power Slap. As the sport continues to grow, it will be interesting to see if it can sustain its momentum and live up to the lofty comparisons set by its founder.

BKFC is set to make a historic move into Japan through a groundbreaking partnership with RIZIN Fighting Federation, beginning this July. This collaboration marks a significant expansion for BKFC, as it brings its unique brand of bare-knuckle fighting to Japanese shores and across Southeast Asia, while RIZIN fighters will have the opportunity to compete in BKFC bouts. BKFC founder and president David Feldman announced the partnership on The MMA Hour, highlighting the fruitful discussions with RIZIN leader Nobuyuki Sakakibara that led to this exciting venture. “Today we get to announce the official partnership with BKFC and RIZIN to produce Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship shows in Japan and all over the southeast Asia region, as well as assist RIZIN with whatever else they need from around the world,” Feldman said. “We’re really super excited about this partnership and to partner with such a legend like Sakakibara.” The collaboration kicks off with RIZIN fighters crossing over to compete in BKFC events, starting with a highly anticipated appearance on July 12 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. This event will feature marquee fights, including Tai Emery versus Charisa Sigala and reigning BKFC flyweight champion John Dodson against a yet-to-be-named RIZIN opponent in a bare-knuckle bout. Dodson, who has previously fought for RIZIN, will bring his experience to this new, hard-hitting format. Sakakibara, renowned for founding PRIDE FC before launching RIZIN in 2015, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the introduction of bare-knuckle fighting to Japanese fans. “We truly feel the potential of BKFC,” Sakakibara said. “I do believe this is happening all over the world in the combat sports industry, is that everything is kind of being still and all the fans are looking for a new movement. They’re looking for new action. Exactly what’s happening in Japan." "They want more excitement. We do believe that BKFC has everything it takes to deliver that new excitement over here.” The partnership doesn’t end with a few crossover events. Feldman revealed plans for a full-fledged BKFC card in Japan, targeted for late 2024 or early 2025. Until then, both organizations will continue their talent exchange and co-promoted events, opening new possibilities for fighters and fans alike. This partnership promises to bring a new level of excitement to combat sports in Japan, with BKFC's intense bare-knuckle bouts and RIZIN's dynamic fighters creating a unique and thrilling spectacle.

This Friday, June 7, ONE Championship is set to deliver an unforgettable night of martial arts action with ONE 167, airing live on Prime Video. Broadcasting from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, the event promises an adrenaline-packed evening with an 11-bout card featuring top-tier talent from around the globe. Main Event: Tawanchai PK Saenchai vs. Jo Nattawut The main event features a thrilling rematch between two of Muay Thai's most feared knockout artists. Tawanchai PK Saenchai will defend his ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title against the No. 3-ranked contender, "Smokin" Jo Nattawut. Their previous encounter under kickboxing rules in October 2023 was a close battle, with Tawanchai narrowly securing the victory. This time, Tawanchai is determined to leave no doubt and prove his dominance in Muay Thai. Rodtang Jitmuangnon's Comeback Fans are also eagerly anticipating the return of Rodtang Jitmuangnon. After a nine-month hiatus, the reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion steps back into the Circle to face Denis Puric in a non-title kickboxing bout. Puric has confidently predicted he will outclass Rodtang, setting the stage for an explosive clash. Kade Ruotolo's MMA Debut Adding to the excitement, ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo will make his MMA debut. Known for his grappling prowess, Ruotolo is expected to showcase his skills in a new arena, bringing another layer of intrigue to the event. Mikey Musumeci Seeks Redemption Meanwhile, Mikey Musumeci, another submission grappling star, will move up a weight class to avenge his only career defeat. This bout is highly anticipated, as Musumeci looks to prove his dominance in a higher-weight division. Other Highlighted Bouts The card also features the return of British Muay Thai star Liam Harrison, who will face Katsuki Kitano. Additionally, Malaysian wunderkind Johan Ghazali is set to compete against Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat in a flyweight Muay Thai showdown. Full Fight Card ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship: Tawanchai PK Saenchai (C) vs. Jo Nattawut Flyweight Kickboxing: Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Denis Puric Bantamweight Submission Grappling: Mikey Musumeci vs. Gabriel Sousa Bantamweight Muay Thai: Liam Harrison vs. Katsuki Kitano Lightweight MMA: Kade Ruotolo vs. Blake Cooper Featherweight Kickboxing: Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong vs. Masaaki Noiri Women’s Atomweight MMA: Denice Zamboanga vs. Noelle Grandjean Lightweight MMA: Adrian Lee vs. Antonio Mammarella Flyweight Muay Thai: Johan Ghazali vs. Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat Women’s Atomweight MMA: Itsuki Hirata vs. Victoria Souza Bantamweight Muay Thai: Johan Estupinan vs. Zafer Sayik

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is eager to rejoin the promotion and take on Sean Strickland. Rockhold, who last fought in the UFC in August 2022, has been a free agent since his decision loss to Paulo Costa. Following his UFC exit, Rockhold competed in BKFC, where he suffered a stoppage loss to Mike Perry but later defeated Joe Schilling in Karate Combat. Rockhold recently made headlines while watching UFC 302 alongside Rampage Jackson, TJ Dillashaw, and Bear Degidio on the Jaxxon podcast. During the broadcast, Rockhold made a passionate plea to UFC President Dana White to bring him back for a fight with Strickland. “If you were Dana White would you ever want this guy fighting back for a title? I can’t stand watching this motherf****r fight. F*****g book me, sign me up Dana. I will f*****g end this kid’s life, I guarantee,” Rockhold exclaimed. The call-out sparked a conversation, with Rampage Jackson asking TJ Dillashaw how he thought Rockhold would fare against Strickland. Dillashaw, a former UFC champion himself, expressed confidence in Rockhold’s chances. “Luke would do good man, Luke’s powerful, he’s got a great southpaw stance, just hold your ground and I think you would be great,” Dillashaw said. “You got to throw combos and you got to feint.” Rockhold, who has previously trained with Strickland, believes he has a significant advantage on the ground. He is confident he can dominate Strickland with his grappling skills and secure a stoppage victory. Despite Rockhold’s enthusiasm, the potential matchup faces hurdles. Strickland is eyeing a title shot following his recent win, and it remains uncertain whether Dana White and the UFC are interested in bringing Rockhold back into the fold. Luke Rockhold boasts an impressive MMA record of 16-6, with notable victories over top fighters such as Chris Weidman, Lyoto Machida, Jacare Souza, and Michael Bisping. As the former UFC middleweight champion, Rockhold’s return to the octagon could add significant intrigue to the middleweight division. Whether or not Rockhold gets his desired fight with Strickland, his willingness to step back into the UFC spotlight demonstrates his enduring passion for the sport and his desire to compete at the highest level.

Excitement is building for the PFL as former Cage Warriors champion and UFC veteran Stevie Ray is set to headline the first PFL card in Scotland against Lewis Long on September 28. The event will take place at the iconic OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow, promising a night of thrilling fights for the Scottish audience. In the co-main event, Scottish lightweight Robert Whiteford will face off against longtime MMA veteran Roger Huerta in a 150-pound bout. This fight marks Huerta's return to the cage after a three-year hiatus. Ray, known as "Braveheart," is eager to break his four-fight losing streak in front of his home crowd. With a professional record of 25-13, Ray has been a notable competitor in the PFL, securing two victories in six appearances under the league's banner, both wins coming against former UFC and WEC champion Anthony Pettis. Ray's opponent, Wales’ Lewis Long, enters his PFL debut with a record of 19-7, boasting three submission victories during his tenure with Bellator between 2019 and 2022. Robert Whiteford (16-5, 1 NC), another Scottish fighter, will make his PFL debut after a stint in Bellator where he went 1-1 with one no-contest. Whiteford's previous UFC career saw him earning victories over Daniel Pineda and Paul Redmond, making him a formidable opponent for Huerta. Roger Huerta (23-13-1, 1 NC) is a seasoned veteran with a career spanning more than two decades. Having competed in major promotions such as UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship, Huerta is known for his memorable wins over fighters like Leonard Garcia and Clay Guida. However, "El Matador" is looking to end a four-fight losing streak that dates back to 2018. His last fight was a loss to Chris Gonzalez in Bellator in April 2021. PFL's decision to bring this exciting card to Scotland underscores the league's commitment to expanding its global footprint and showcasing top-tier MMA talent. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at the OVO Hydro arena as hometown heroes and seasoned veterans clash in what promises to be a memorable night of mixed martial arts action.

Forget courtside seats, a Russian businessman just bought the ultimate MMA fan experience – training with former lightweight king Charles Oliveira... for a cool $95,000! Roman Shpigel wasn't messing around at Neymar Jr.'s charity auction in Brazil. He snatched up this VIP Oliveira experience, which includes a deep dive into the fighter's training camp at the legendary Chute Boxe Diego Lima gym. Shpigel will witness Oliveira's fight week prep up close and even be there fight night for the big event (opponent still TBA). This wasn't Shpigel's only splurge for the night. He also secured a day at Neymar's house for a staggering $190,000, and another six-figure VIP package with Brazilian soccer powerhouse Flamengo. Talk about a night of unforgettable experiences! Oliveira, a Brazilian hero himself, is coming off a loss but remains a global MMA star.  Remember his epic victories over Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje? Shpigel is about to witness the champion's training secrets firsthand. Oliveira's path to the top wasn't always smooth. Early in his UFC career, he faced some tough defeats. But after his daughter's birth, he went on a tear, winning 11 straight fights, including victories over Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee. Shpigel is about to get an unparalleled glimpse into the world of an elite fighter, but let's be honest, most of us wouldn't trade a year's salary for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

A highly anticipated UFC women’s flyweight title eliminator is set to electrify Denver this summer. On July 13, at Ball Arena, top contenders Maycee Barber and Rose Namajunas will face off in a five-round main event at a UFC Fight Night, as announced by promotion CEO Dana White. Ariel Helwani was the first to report the news on X, setting the MMA world abuzz. Maycee Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) is riding high on the most successful stretch of her UFC career. Currently on a six-fight winning streak, Barber has demonstrated remarkable prowess and resilience inside the octagon. Her recent victories over perennial contenders Amanda Ribas, whom she defeated by TKO, and Katlyn Cerminara, who succumbed to a unanimous decision, have solidified her as a formidable force in the division. On the other side of the octagon stands Rose Namajunas(12-6 MMA, 10-5 UFC), a former strawweight champion who transitioned to the flyweight division in 2023. Despite a rocky start with a unanimous decision loss to Manon Fiorot in her divisional debut, Namajunas bounced back with a decisive unanimous decision win over Amanda Ribas in March. This bout against Barber presents a significant opportunity for Namajunas to reassert her dominance and earn a shot at the title. Although unofficially a title eliminator, the stakes couldn't be higher for both fighters. The winner of this bout could earn a coveted chance to challenge the victor of the upcoming championship clash between current champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko. This championship bout is expected to take place in the fall, following the conclusion of the ultimate fighter 32. The anticipation surrounding this fight is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be an explosive showdown between two of the division's top fighters. As Denver prepares to host this monumental event, the MMA community is set to witness a battle that could reshape the landscape of the women’s flyweight division.

Muhammad Ali, "The Greatest," wasn't just a boxer; he was a phenomenon. His career boasted a dazzling array of victories, but some fights transcended the sport, becoming cultural touchstones. Here are 5 of Ali's most legendary bouts: 1. Cassius Clay (Ali) vs. Sonny Liston I (February 25, 1964): A young, brash Cassius Clay, as he was then known, shocked the world by defeating the seemingly invincible Sonny Liston. This upset victory, achieved by a seventh-round knockout, made Ali the youngest heavyweight champion ever at 22. 2. Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II (May 25, 1965): The controversial first fight demanded a rematch. This time, Liston went down even quicker, in a first-round knockout many believed was a staged dive. Regardless, Ali solidified his reign and cemented his reputation as a boxing marvel. 3. Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier I (March 8, 1971):  "The Fight of the Century" lived up to its name. Two undefeated champions, Ali and Frazier, battled for 15 grueling rounds. Frazier emerged victorious in a unanimous decision, handing Ali his first professional loss. 4. Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman (October 30, 1974): Dubbed "The Rumble in the Jungle," this fight in Zaire was epic. Facing the seemingly unstoppable Foreman, Ali defied expectations with his "rope-a-dope" strategy, tiring out his opponent before delivering an eighth-round knockout and reclaiming the heavyweight title. 5. Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III (October 1, 1975): The "Thrilla in Manilla" was a brutal war fought under a scorching Philippine sun. Both fighters pushed each other to the limit in a brutal 14-round slugfest. Ali won by technical knockout, but both boxers emerged battered and forever linked by this testament to their resilience. These five fights represent just a glimpse into Ali's remarkable career. Each showcased his exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and ability to rise to the occasion.  They cemented his place not only as a boxing legend but also as a cultural icon who continues to inspire generations.