Jonathan Di Bella, a maestro in the ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion circle, doesn’t merely fight for the pride of his Italian and Canadian roots. Beyond the tapestry of personal and cultural honor, he steps into the arena with a deeper mission – catapulting kickboxing into the limelight on a global spectrum, especially across the Western Hemisphere.

Di Bella’s New York Crucible: Forging a Western Hemisphere Kickboxing Legacy

Fighting out of the bustling heart of New York City, Di Bella doesn’t merely throw punches and execute kicks; he endeavors to etch kickboxing into the sporting consciousness of a potentially massive yet still largely untapped Western market. Despite the sport’s electrifying aura, its spark has yet to truly catch in this hemisphere. Di Bella, however, might just be the catalyst needed for this ignition.

Riveting Beginnings: Di Bella’s Electric ONE Championship Debut

The 27-year-old prodigy has already garnered appreciative gazes and roars from the crowd, particularly with his debut in the ONE Championship against Zhang Peimian. Jonathan Di Bella doesn’t just fight; he crafts an engaging spectacle, as was lucidly witnessed in a duel that was more than worthy of a “fight-of-the-year” nomination.

High Stakes in Bangkok: Di Bella Defends Title in Eagerly Awaited Match-Up

Come ONE Fight Night 15, the world will bear witness to Di Bella defending his title for the first time, locking horns with Danial Williams on October 6, within the storied confines of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s not merely about personal accolades or title defenses; it’s about continually elevating the sport and his profile, symbiotically elevating each other in a grand spectacle.

A Partnership for Progress: ONE Championship and Amazon Prime Video Amplify Reach

In a heartfelt interaction with Karyn Bryant, Di Bella underscored ONE Championship’s burgeoning presence in the United States, thanks to a pivotal partnership with Amazon Prime Video. This coalition does not only magnify Di Bella’s platform but also knits kickboxing tighter into the American and global sports narrative. “I hope that I’ll be fighting more on Prime…” he shared, expressing optimism that this would augment North American exposure and appreciation for kickboxing.

Lighting the Fuse for North American Kickboxing Explosion

The champ candidly believes that his impending battle against Danial Williams could serve as a crucial ignition point for kickboxing in the West. The clash is not merely an athletic contest but a potential cornerstone moment that could propel kickboxing into unprecedented popularity in North America and potentially globally. His message to fans is potent and clear: “…it will shock all MMA fans and all the martial arts fans around the world especially in North America.”

Di Bella isn’t merely a champion; he’s an ambassador, leveraging every punch, kick, and spotlight moment to elevate kickboxing on a global stage, particularly in the pulsating sports market of the Western Hemisphere. His battles are not only against his in-ring adversaries but against the cultural and market forces that have yet to fully embrace kickboxing. And in this dual battlefield, every fight is a statement, every win a step forward in his lofty mission.

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While Muay Thai has been an integral part of Thailand’s cultural tapestry, its champions often remained unsung heroes on the international stage. However, that narrative is changing, thanks to the Singapore-based martial arts behemoth, ONE Championship. Broadcasting events into over 190 countries, ONE Championship showcases the prowess of Muay Thai’s finest. Their ONE Friday Fights series, a weekly event, offers fighters a chance to win a lucrative US$100,000 contract, offering them a chance at prosperity unheard of in the sport’s history.

Champions Speak: Personal Testimonies from Muay Thai Elites

• Celest Hansen: This Australian fighter, once a carnival worker, now a Muay Thai star, gained recognition after clinching the Road to ONE: Thailand tournament. She lauds ONE Championship for breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, emphasizing their equal opportunities approach.
• Seksan Or Kwanmuang: Known as “The Man Who Yields to No One”, this four-time Muay Thai world champion, now in his thirties, believed international fame was out of reach. However, after clinching five memorable victories with ONE Championship, he acknowledges the transformative impact it has had on his life and family’s well-being.
• ‘The Queen’ Phetjeeja: This young sensation made waves with her powerful performances, leading to an early contract award. Her journey showcases the rapid rise talented athletes can experience on this platform.
• Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon: The first to secure a contract through ONE Friday Fights, Rambolek’s success story underscores the transformative power of the platform, with an increase in fan following and enhanced financial stability.
• Thongpoon PK Saenchai: After bagging two impressive wins and a subsequent contract, Thongpoon’s journey epitomizes the dreams many Thai fighters harbor – to achieve global recognition and support their families.

Conclusion: ONE Championship’s Pioneering Journey

ONE Championship’s efforts are not just about showcasing martial arts; they are reshaping the global perception of Muay Thai, offering its athletes unmatched earning potential

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Fabricio Andrade robustly denied Jonathan Haggerty’s claims that the postponement of their awaited ONE Championship bout is due to him. Earlier, the British “General” insinuated that the Brazilian might have needed more preparation time. Originally scheduled for ONE Fight Night 15 in Bangkok during October, the battle for the vacant bantamweight kickboxing title has been shifted to headline ONE Fight Night 16 on November 4.

Bantamweight Muay Thai champion, Haggerty, aged 27, was already gearing up in Koh Samui when he learned of the delay. Nonetheless, a defiant Andrade, stationed in Phuket, quickly refuted these accusations on Instagram, jesting about Haggerty’s past defeats and even challenging him to a confrontation in Samui.

Rise and Dynamics of the Bantamweight Division

After a troubled 2022 with weight issues, Haggerty triumphantly rose to bantamweight, sealing a first-round KO victory over Nong-O Hama in April. The victory made him the center of attention, attracting challenges from ex-title contender Liam Harrison and second-ranked Felipe Lobo, Andrade’s teammate. Even Rodtang has shown interest in a third fight with Haggerty for another Muay Thai title. However, with the current focus on Andrade vs. Haggerty, the division seems to be momentarily stalled.

The bantamweight MMA landscape, where Andrade reigns supreme, is also in a lull. Former champion John Lineker and second-ranked Stephen Loman are set to clash for the opportunity to face him. The division experienced further turbulence when Petchtanong Petchfergus was stripped of his title and suspended after failing a drug test.

Matchmaking Concerns in the Spotlight

While the Andrade-Haggerty super fight is eagerly awaited, it hasn’t been without its criticisms. Asa Ten Pow, a Muay Thai contender, pointed out concerns about Haggerty bypassing divisions for a title shot. Pow, set to face Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon on September 30, expressed that fighters with a more established kickboxing history should get title opportunities. He believes fighters should consistently compete in the division to earn their title shot.

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ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion, Rodtang, is a name that resonates with dominance in the martial arts world. Boasting a remarkable record of 14 wins against a single defeat in the world’s premier martial arts organization, his only blemish came at the hands of Demetrious Johnson in a unique mixed-rules super-fight. However, in the realms of Muay Thai and kickboxing, ‘The Iron Man’s’ record remains unblemished, sealing his status not only as the reigning flyweight division monarch but also as a crowd magnet.

Fans are drawn to Rodtang’s exceptional fighting style characterized by his unyielding aggression, persistent pressure, and exquisite technical prowess. Even though he has recorded only two knockouts amidst his victories – largely decisions – his raw power often becomes a subject of debate among the fans. A recent video posted by ONE Championship put these doubts to rest, reminding everyone of the Thai superstar’s might.

2. The Rodtang-Smith Showdown: A Reminder of Raw Power

The video, a glimpse from Rodtang’s clash with Jacob Smith during their Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Quarter Final at ONE 157 in May 2022, reverberated with fans worldwide. The deafening sound of Rodtang’s strikes landing on Smith with surgical precision garnered massive admiration from fans, evident from the outpouring of affection in the comments section.

3. Upcoming Mega Fight: Rodtang vs. Superlek

As the combat sports world buzzes with excitement, Rodtang is gearing up for arguably the most crucial battle of his illustrious career. The Jitmunagon Gym prodigy is set to defend his ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title against top contender Superlek Kiatmoo9. This main event, slated for September 22 at ONE Friday Fights 32, will be hosted in the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Touted as one of the most eagerly awaited duels in ONE Championship’s annals, this matchup promises to be a feast for fight aficionados, likely bringing forth a spectacle of unparalleled intensity inside the ring.

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As part of her advocacy efforts, Angela is participating in a suicide prevention charity walk on Oahu, her home island in Hawaii. The event is part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Out of the Darkness” campaign. On her Instagram, Angela emphasized the significance of the month, “Hi everyone, September is suicide awareness and prevention month… Register today and help bring hope to those affected by suicide.”

The Lee Siblings’ Martial Arts Legacy and Future Endeavors
The martial arts world has closely followed the Lee family, with multiple members achieving significant success in ONE Championship. Angela’s brother, Christian Lee, holds titles in both the lightweight and welterweight MMA divisions. He’s confirmed to return to the ring next year. Simultaneously, their youngest sibling, Adrian Lee, is gearing up for an amateur fight, with great anticipation from ONE’s CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, for his professional debut.

Angela, meanwhile, is set to attend ONE Fight Night 14 in Singapore next month, where speculation surrounds her future in the sport, especially after setting up Fightstory.

Fightstory: A Beacon of Hope in the Fight for Mental Health
The core essence of Fightstory is about sharing, supporting, and uplifting those who feel isolated in their struggles. Angela’s heartfelt words on her charity reflect its depth and vision, “Everyone you know is fighting a battle you know nothing about… Fightstory exists to let people know that it’s OK to talk about your mental health… We are fighting the good fight for mental health and we are just getting started.”

For those battling suicidal thoughts, help is accessible and available. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Note: For immediate assistance, contact The Samaritans at +852 2896 0000 or the Suicide Prevention Services at +852 2382 0000 in Hong Kong. In the US, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 988lifeline.org.

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Rousey’s Current Path:
Having recently graced the WWE’s SummerSlam event, Ronda Rousey seems to be on a trajectory towards lesser commitments with the WWE, according to an insider source who spoke to the Daily Mail. The ultimate goal? Rousey might be setting her sights on one final showdown at UFC 300.

Top Contenders for Rousey’s Return Match:
The betting sphere is already abuzz with predictions. Leading oddsmakers at BetOnline.ag have earmarked former 135-pound titleholder Julianna Pena, also known as the “Venezuelan Vixen”, as a prime contender—possibly due to the past verbal confrontations between the two fighters. Here’s a look at the odds for Rousey’s potential opponents:

• Julianna Pena: 5/4 (+125)
• Raquel Pennington: 3/1 (+300)
• Macy Chiasson: 4/1 (+400)
• Holly Holm: 5/1 (+500)
• Norma Dumont: 6/1 (+600)
• Chelsea Chandler: 8/1 (+800)
• Irene Aldana: 10/1 (+1000)

It’s crucial to note the bantamweight division currently lacks a reigning champion.

Rousey’s Legacy in UFC:
At 36, Rousey opted to leave the UFC after two consecutive knockout losses, specifically to Holly Holm (UFC 193) and Amanda Nunes (UFC 207). She shared a brief, intense rivalry with Pena in the years 2021 and 2022, culminating in her retirement post a double championship win in June.

Interestingly, Miesha Tate, Rousey’s long-term adversary, isn’t featured on the list of potential opponents. Tracing Rousey’s beginnings, she clinched a bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics, marking her as the first American woman to secure an Olympic medal in judo. Her MMA journey commenced with King of the Cage in 2011, swiftly moving to Strikeforce and eventually to UFC. With a record of most UFC title defenses by a female (6), her reign was surpassed only by Valentina Shevchenko in 2022. Rousey bid adieu to MMA in 2016, sealing her legacy with an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.

Stay tuned for further updates on Ronda Rousey’s potential UFC 300 appearance.

The post Ronda Rousey’s Potential UFC Return: What We Know So Far appeared first on unleashed mma.

A Rocky UFC Journey: The 37-year-old exited the UFC following a challenging period where he failed to secure a win in nine consecutive matches. This drought, which began in September 2018, had Alvey recording 0-8-1, with two sets of four-fight losing streaks and a split draw against Da Un Jung.

Smile’n Sam’s Struggles and Triumphs: Alvey, fondly known as “Smile’n Sam”, showcased resilience in the UFC, lasting until his release in August 2022. His departure came on the heels of a TKO loss to Michal Oleksieczuk. However, not one to be kept down, Alvey made a triumphant return this past May by delivering a third-round knockout against Cameron Graham at a B2 Fighting Series event in Columbus, Ga. With this win, he improved his professional record to 34-18-1 (1 NC).

Karate Combat Debut: Fans of “Smile’n Sam” won’t have to wait long to see him in action again. Alvey is scheduled to make his Karate Combat debut on September 16 in the Dominican Republic.

Stay tuned for updates on Alvey’s journey in Karate Combat and how he hopes to redefine his combat career.

The post From UFC to Karate Combat Comeback: Smile’n Sam Alvey’s joins karate combat! appeared first on unleashed mma.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, famed for his unparalleled 29-0 record, surprised the MMA community by announcing his retirement post his victory against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Many fans and analysts had anticipated his pursuit for the 30-0 career mark, making this announcement unexpected. The passing of his father, Abdulmanap, in July 2020 deeply affected him, leading him to respect his mother’s wish for him to step away from the sport. Despite his retreat from the cage, Nurmagomedov remains influential in the MMA circuit, participating as a promoter and coach, but there’s no sign of a fighting return.

Georges St-Pierre’s Comeback and the $5 Million Grappling Match Tease

The MMA world lit up with the news of Georges St-Pierre’s impending return for a UFC Fight Pass Invitational grappling match slated for December 2023. Rumors flew about possible opponents, and naturally, Nurmagomedov’s name surfaced. Craig Jones, a previous participant in the Fight Pass Invitational, revealed that Nurmagomedov might have been considering a return, albeit for a steep $5 million price tag. While many are speculating about this potential high-profile match, nothing has been officially declared.

Reflecting on St-Pierre’s Legacy and His Last Octagon Appearance

Georges St-Pierre’s legacy in the UFC is unmatched, and his last appearance at UFC 217 only solidified his standing. There, he defeated Michael Bisping with a third-round rear-naked choke, acquiring the Middleweight champion title. As the MMA community awaits more details about his comeback, fans can’t help but wonder about the dream match that might have been — Nurmagomedov vs. St-Pierre.

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Check us out over on UNLEASHED main channel for an exclusive interview.

Muay Thai Fighter’s Inspiring Journey: From Bullying to Champion | Exclusive Interview with Stamp Fairtex

Join host William Christopher Ford as he sits down with the incredible Muay Thai fighter and mixed martial artist, Stamp Fairtex, in an exclusive interview filled with inspiration, advice, and captivating stories.

Stamp Fairtex shares her philosophy on martial arts, her journey from being bullied to becoming a champion, and her experiences in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. Discover how she conquered challenges, found her passion, and rose to the top of the fighting world.

In this interview:

Learn about Stamp's discovery by the Fairtex gym and her journey to fame.
Hear how Stamp's unique fighting style adapts to various rule sets.
Gain insights into her training, mindset, and strategies for success.
Explore her favorite opponents, unforgettable matches, and future ambitions.
Get a glimpse of her life outside the ring, including her pets and travel aspirations.

Don’t miss this candid conversation that unveils the heart and determination of a true fighter. Stamp Fairtex’s wisdom and advice are invaluable for aspiring fighters, martial arts enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration to overcome challenges.

Mark your calendars for Stamp Fairtex’s upcoming fight on September 2nd in Bangkok!

Make sure to follow Stamp on Instagram: @stamp_fairtex
Stay connected with Martial Arts Unleashed: @martialartsunleashed

If you enjoyed this interview, hit the Subscribe button, Like, and Share with fellow fight fans! Leave your thoughts and comments below – we love hearing from you.

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Embracing the Gi and Its Intricacies
While Johnson’s grappling excellence has been on full display under the ONE Championship banner, the fighter is pushing his boundaries further. The end of his MMA career sees him delving deep into the art of submission grappling, with a special focus on understanding and adapting to the rules when competing in a gi. Fascinated by the myriad of strategies and techniques the gi introduces, Johnson has been wholly consumed by this new aspect of combat sport. As a testament to his dedication, the ‘Mighty Mouse’ admitted to sidelining MMA training since his last stint at ONE Fight Night 10.

Johnson’s Thoughts and Upcoming Challenge
During a candid conversation with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Johnson shed light on his passion for the gi. He expressed, “The complexity of what the gi brings to the game is intriguing. In no-gi, I rely heavily on my athleticism. But the gi? It’s a different ball game altogether.” As Johnson steps into the competitive realm of the brown belt Master 2 featherweight division, he’s poised to compete in one of the event’s densest brackets, aiming to leave an indelible mark in pro submission grappling.

As fans and experts keenly await Johnson’s performance, one thing is clear: ‘Mighty Mouse’ is unafraid of reinvention, and his journey from the MMA octagon to the grappling mat promises to be a spectacle.

The post Shocking Move: ‘Mighty Mouse’ Swaps MMA Cage for Grappling Gi – What’s Next? appeared first on unleashed mma.