Tag: Combat

UFC 307 is approaching quickly, and the main card presents some interesting betting opportunities, especially in the main event, where two knockout artists, Alexi Pereira and Khalil Rountree, are set to collide.

Here’s our complete UFC 307 betting odds breakdown to get you prepared to lay some bets down on the fights. 

Alex Pereira(-500) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.(+450)

Out of all of the MMA odds on the UFC 307 card, there is no other more interesting than the main event. Light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira is going for his 3rd title defense against Khalil Rountree.

Two of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC who always look to finish the fight quickly. Pereira is currently the betting favorite at around -500, while Rountree is at an enticing +450.

That +450 odds on Khalil is really tempting as he’s won his 5 fights by KO. He has the tools to shock Poatan, so a lot of fight fans are willing to gamble on these odds. 

One thing that you can almost guarantee is that this fight won’t go to a decision and somebody is going down.

Raquel Pennington(-150) vs. Julianna Pena(+150)

In the co-main event of UFC, women’s bantamweight champ Raquel Pennington goes against the former champion Julianna Pena. Both UFC veterans are known for their grinding styles, which usually take the fight to the scorecards.

Most Vegas oddsmakers have the odds rather close, with Pennington at -150 and Pena at +150. This fight will most likely be a toss-up, as either fighter could grind out a win.

Casual fans will probably take a break from this fight to get ready for the main event. However, if you want to bet on this fight, the odds are high that this fight will go to a decision.

Jose Aldo(+150) vs. Mario Bautista(-175)

On the undercard, the legend Jose Aldo is back on his comeback tour to face a rising star in Mario Bautista.  Aldo won his comeback fight by decision, while Bautista is on a 6-fight win streak with 3 wins by submission.

Bautista, the 11th-ranked bantamweight, will look to get a career-defining win against the UFC legend in Aldo. However, Aldo looked good in his comeback win and hasn’t lost a step.

This will be another pick’em, which will likely go to a decision, but the +150 on Aldo is an enticing bet. 

Ketlen Vieira(+550) vs. Kayla Harrison(-800)

In the biggest odds of the night at UFC 307, we have Ketlen Vieira vs. Kayla Harrison. The Olympic gold medalist Harrison claims she is the uncrowned champion and the world’s best female fighter.

She has made easy work of her opponents and taken them down at will. Harrison has huge odds in her favor at -800, while Vieira is at around +550.

This is a title fight eliminator, with just about every expert picking Kayla Harrison to dominate. However, the +550 odds on Vieira will net a huge payday if Ketlen’s able to have the performance of her career.

Dana White’s MMA promotion is set to return to Manchester for the first time in eight years this weekend.

Co-headliners Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall are getting the lion’s share of attention as they prepare to defend their respective belts at UFC 304 on Saturday night. 

However, there’s a stacked undercard full of talented British fighters, including Nathaniel Wood and ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann, that deserves some love too

Join LowKickMMA as we break down five preliminary bouts and the UFC odds before offering you an official prediction on how they will all play out.

Modestas Bukauskas vs Marcin Prachnio

Bukauskas being a -150 favorite doesn’t really sit well with us. 

It’ll be a competitive fight with Prachnio, who is the +125 underdog despite having a much more impressive record, which includes a win over Khalil Rountree Jr. 

The American infamously destroyed Bukauskas’ knee when they fought, but the London-based Lithuanian has done well to get back to full fitness and earn a second shot in the UFC.

Sadly, he’s a bit too hittable to ever mount a title challenge and we are backing him to lose in front of his home crowd when he takes on Prachnio this weekend.

Sam Patterson vs Kiefer Crosbie

Once again, we think the odds are slightly off for this fight. 

Patterson is the favorite, and we are backing him to win but to only get -333 on a 1-1 UFC fighter who was knocked out in his promotion debut is a bit wild. 

However, he is a level above Crosbie and will ultimately prove that to be true.

The +250 underdog won’t go down easy. He’ll be tough, durable and maybe go the distance before slumping to his second consecutive UFC defeat against Patterson.

Mick Parkin vs ?ukasz Brzeski

Parkin is one of our surest picks of the entire UFC 304 fight card.

Tom Aspinall’s sparring partner hasn’t set the world alight since joining the UFC, but he’s picked up three wins and done so relatively easily.  

The -200 favorite should really be advancing towards the rankings. For some reason, he’s facing an opponent we’d consider a drop-down in level in his fourth Octagon outing.

With a 1-3 UFC record, Brzeski finds himself in a position where he is being used to launch a potential new star, but anything can happen in heavyweight MMA and that’s why he’s priced at +170.

Molly McCann vs Bruna Brasil

McCann appears to have found her fighting home at strawweight. 

‘Meatball’ put on one of her career-best performances in her divisional debut and one look at her social media tells you she’s been training hard for UFC 304. 

The shredded scouser is -300 to get the job done and we can’t see her clash with Brasil going any other way. That’s not to say that the -240 is a bad MMA fighter. 

McCann is just better, and it will ultimately show when they meet. 

Nathaniel Wood vs Daniel Pineda

Wood is one of the biggest favorites on the card at -500.

We think it’s because he’s much slicker than his opponent, Pineda, who has had an exciting four-fight run in the UFC but hasn’t shown he’s quite on the level of ‘The Prospect’. 

Some may fancy him pulling off an upset at +380. Not us. Wood is capable of making a run at the featherweight ranking and will show that in Manchester. 

You may need to decide if he’ll get it done by finish or decision to get worthwhile odds out of backing him. Maybe it’s best to just add Wood to a parlay like us.

In over 30 years of UFC history, fans have been treated to numerous incredible submission wins. Submissions that were beautiful, unique, and made for some of the sport’s greatest moments.

Here is a list of the five best submission wins in UFC history. Check out the list below and see how these sub wins turned fighters into legends.

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg(Flying Suplex/Armbar)

First up on the list of best submission wins in UFC history is Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg. This performance by Mighty Mouse is the greatest of his career and arguably an all-time great submission win. 

In Johnson’s fight with Borg, he pulled off a move that had never been seen before. As Demetrious threw Ray on a suplex, he was able to alternate directions and throw up a flying armbar.

The crowd went wild when they saw Mighty Mouse pull off one of the greatest submissions of all time. 

The Korean Zombie vs. Leonard Garcia(The Twister)

Early in Chan Sung Jung’s UFC run, he made history by hitting one of the best submission wins in UFC history. The Korean Zombie faced off against Leonard Garcia in a war that he was dominating on the feet.

However, when the fight hit the ground, UFC fans were amazed by Jung’s grappling skills. He was able to lock in the first ever twister submission in UFC history. 

A move famously created by BJJ legend Eddie Bravo. If you went to any casino roulette sites and wagered a win by twister, you’d be very rich right now.

Frank Mir vs. Minotauro Nogueira II(Kimura) 

UFC fans were excited to see this highly anticipated rematch between Frank Mir and Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira. Mir won the first fight and Minotauro was looking to even the score.

Early on in the fight, it looked like Nogueira would get his revenge against Mir and he rocked him with strikes. However, Mir showcased his elite grappling skills and was able to counter and trap Minotauro in a kimura.

The former Pride champion didn’t tap and Mir broke his arm in one of the best submission wins in UFC history.

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen I(Triangle/Armbar) 

During the early 2010s, Anderson Silva was the greatest fighter on the planet. However, master trash talker Chael Sonnen earned his title shot and believed he had the answer to beat Silva.

For 99% of the fight, Chael was correct as he took The Spider down at will and pummeled him with strikes. Going into the fifth round, Anderson needed a hail mary finish or he was going to lose his belt.

He somehow pulled off one of the best submission wins in UFC history by hitting a triangle choke out of nowhere. Sonnen was forced to tap and Silva shocked the world with his last minute sub win.

Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor I(RNC)

In 2016, Conor McGregor was the biggest star in the UFC and looked like he couldn’t be stopped. Nate Diaz stepped in as a last minute replacement against the Irishman and showed no fear or respect.

The two fought in front of a record breaking crowd full of Conor fans who assumed their fighter would easily win. Veteran fans and experts on the other hand knew Diaz had the answer to beat Conor.

McGregor ended up gassed after a barrage of strikes failed to stop Diaz. The fight went to the ground and Diaz made the crowd erupt as he locked in the now famous RNC.

Guest post by Evolve MMA, Asia’s premier championship brand for martial arts with the most number of World Champions on the planet. Named as the #1 ranked martial arts organization in Asia by CNN, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, and more, Evolve MMA is the best gym to learn MMA in Singapore.

There are no shortcuts that will get you to the top of the mixed martial arts world. You’ll need discipline, grit, hard work, and determination to reach the sport’s pinnacle. Taking supplements won’t magically teach you how to escape triangle chokes or take your cardiovascular endurance to the next level, but they can help to train harder and recover faster. 

The harder and more often you train – without putting your body at risk of overtraining – the faster you’ll pick up new skills. This leads to significant improvements over time as you’ll be able to get more training sessions in than your counterparts who don’t take any supplements. This article takes a detailed look at some of the best supplements for mixed martial artists. 

Eight Supplements That Allow MMA Fighters to Get More Out of Their Training

Ready to find out what the best supplements for mixed martial arts are? Let’s jump right into our list:

1) Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine is a naturally-existing compound that supplies your muscles with energy. It has been proven to help increase muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle endurance. Creatine also promotes brain health, improving your cognitive abilities. 

Creatine is an amino acid that helps create a steady supply of energy in your muscles so you can keep going. In other words, it allows you to work out harder and for longer periods. About half of the creatine in a person’s body comes from protein-rich food like milk, seafood, and red meat, while the rest is produced in the pancreas, kidneys, and liver. About 95 percent of the creatine produced in the body is sent to the skeletal muscles to be used during physical activities. The rest goes to organs like your brain and heart. 

Creatine being a naturally occurring amino acid makes it safe for most people. However, people with liver disease, diabetes, and kidney disease should talk to a healthcare provider before taking creatine supplements. The same applies to pregnant women. 

Another huge benefit of creatine supplementation is faster recovery times. You’ll need fewer rest days than you normally would when you start taking it. It’s the most popular supplement with athletes, including mixed martial arts. Most athletic governing bodies allow athletes to take creatine. 

2) Casein And Whey Protein

Your body needs protein to rebuild tissues and muscles damaged by your hard training sessions. All the training in the world won’t lead to significant gains if your body doesn’t have the essential building blocks it needs to repair itself. 

Whey protein is very popular with athletes since it’s the easiest type of protein to digest, meaning it gets to your muscles quicker than other types of protein. Casein does the opposite, it takes longer to digest giving you a slow release of amino acids. Casein gives your body the protein it needs to repair muscles during long periods without meals like while you’re asleep. 

Most quality protein shakes contain whey and casein, but you’ll need to take a look at the label to ensure whatever brand you choose contains both types. Protein shakes should be taken immediately after workouts. 

3) Caffeine 

Caffeine is often used by athletes as a vasodilator to help improve blood flow to their muscles. It can give you a little bit of an energy boost when training or competing. The increased blood flow caused by caffeine leads to nutrients and glycogen getting to your muscles faster than they normally would.

The best time to take a caffeine supplement is right before training. You can take about 100 to 200mg of a caffeine supplement or down a few cups of coffee. 

4) Vitamin B Complex

MMA fighters often have to make weight for their fights, which typically involves losing water weight. This drains their bodies of essential B vitamins that help regulate energy levels and metabolism. The best time to take B vitamins is early in the morning with a meal to enjoy the benefits later in the day when you train. Some of the most essential B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, pantothenic acids, and niacin. 

5) Arginine

Arginine is typically the main ingredient in nitric oxide supplements. It’s a powerful amino acid with unique abilities. It acts as a vasodilator, increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to muscles during physical activities. It often works best when combined with caffeine to create a synergistic effect.  

Arginine is most effective when taking about half an hour before training with or without caffeine and after your workouts. Stick to the dosage recommended by the manufacturer of whatever product you choose. 

6) Glutamine

Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids and it can significantly improve your ability to recover from workouts while strengthening your immune system. While it does not provide any acute benefits, glutamine helps to protect your body from the stress hard training sessions place on it. 

Glutamine should be taken after training sessions and right before going to bed. You notice yourself experiencing less soreness after your workouts. 

7) Fish Oil

Fish oil provides various benefits to MMA fighters like allowing them to train harder and more frequently. Fish oil is one of the most popular supplements in the world due to the many benefits the essential fatty acids in it provide. You should consider supplementing with fish oil even if you’re not a mixed martial artist or athlete. 

Some of the benefits associated with fish oil include increased energy production, improved joint health, increased brain function, improved blood circulation, and reduced inflammation. If you don’t consume oily fish like tuna and salmon a few times a week, you should seriously consider taking fish oil supplements. 

8) Branched Chain Amino Acids

Branched-chain Amino Acids are also popular with MMA fighters and athletes engaged in moderate to intense physical activities. These supplements contain essential amino acids your body needs to function properly like L-Valine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Leucine. 

BCAAs give you extra energy to power through workouts and help repair muscle fibres damaged during training. They are typically taken before or during training sessions to maintain energy levels.

Guest post by Evolve MMA, Asia’s premier championship brand for martial arts with the most number of World Champions on the planet. Named as the #1 ranked martial arts organization in Asia by CNN, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, and more, Evolve MMA is the best gym to learn MMA in Singapore.

Fighters often find themselves in the overtie position in mixed martial arts and grappling-based fighting styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling. Two combatants are in the overtie position when both fighters have one hand on the back of their opponent’s neck on the same side.

The overtie is generally viewed as a 50/50 position, but you can make it an advantageous position by learning a handful of attacks you can execute from it. You’re going to find yourself clinched up in the overtie position from time to time in mixed martial arts, so you might as well get comfortable with it.

Ten Effective Attacks You Can Launch From The Overtie Position In Mixed Martial Arts

Ready to improve your ability to fight out of the overtie position? Let’s go over some effective techniques you should consider adding to your fighting arsenal:

1) Overtie To Single-Leg Takedown

Here’s an easy way to transition from the overtie to a single-leg takedown. From the overtie, slide backward and pull your opponent’s head downward to disrupt their balance, then clear their hand off your shoulder as you shoot in for a single leg on the same side. Finish the single leg like you would normally do by pivoting and using your head to drive your opponent to the canvas.

2) Overtie Slide-By

The overtie slide-by is an effective technique when you’re dealing with an aggressive opponent in the overtie who’s constantly pushing on you. As was the case with the single leg, the first thing you want to do is break your opponent’s posture by pulling down on their neck.

You then drag your opponent forward by pulling on them, while sliding back behind their back simultaneously. Make sure you control the hand your opponent has on your neck while doing this by grabbing it above the elbow. This prevents your opponent from getting you with a single leg while you execute the technique.

When done properly, you end up taking your opponent’s back, a significantly more advantageous position.

3) Overtie To Double Leg Takedown

Executing a double leg from the overtie requires you to get your opponent to raise their head so you’re in a position to shoot for the takedown. A simple way to do this is by constantly pulling down on their neck to get their head down with your collar tie. This often leads to your opponent raising their posture to prevent you from lowering their head. That’s when you shoot in for the double-leg takedown.

You won’t be executing a traditional double leg from this position, instead, you grab their ankle with your near hand, while you attack their leg with your other hand. You then drive forward and around your opponent’s far leg to finish the takedown. If you fail, you can always go for a low single leg.

4) Overtie Arm Drag

You can take your opponent’s back from the overtie position by dragging their attacking arm across their chest and sliding behind to take their back. From there, you can look for the back mount and attack with submissions like the rear naked choke or drag your opponent to the canvas to take the top position.

If your opponent manages to spin with you as you attempt to take their back, you can follow up with a low-single.

5) Overtie To Ankle Pick

The overtie position also puts you in place to pick your opponent’s far foot. From the overtie, grab your opponent’s free arm with your free hand and control it. Switch stances so your far foot is your lead foot and drop down to your far knee as you snap your opponent down.

Let go of your opponent’s free hand once you’re on your knee and grab the back of their ankle. Pull their ankle toward you while pushing them back with your other hand to complete the takedown.

6) Overtie To Near-Foot Sweep

Here’s another effective takedown you can execute from the overtie position. The first thing you want to do is to establish a grip so grip which supports your overtie hand that is on your opponent’s neck.

Step outside as you pull your opponent with both arms and sweep their near-foot with your far leg to get them on the canvas. You don’t use much energy when this technique is executed properly.

7) Overtie Slide-By To High Crotch

From the overtie position, pull your opponent diagonally toward your near side and immediately shoot in for the high crotch. You can make things easier for yourself by getting your opponent to move toward your near side by pushing them in the opposite direction.

Shoot as deep as you can when going for the high crotch and finish it as you normally would. When done properly, your opponent doesn’t have any choice but to go for a ride.

8) Overtie Snap To Low Single

This technique involves dragging your opponent’s right hand to open up offensive options. If your opponent reacts poorly to your attack, you might have an opportunity to take their back. If your opponent defends against the arm drag correctly and turns around to face you, shoot in for a low single leg and grab a hold of the back of their ankles.

9) Overtie To Fireman’s Carry

Try to establish a collar tie, have your hands on your opponent’s neck, and keep your head on their shoulder. Next, drop his head with your hand that is on his neck and level change. Grab his thigh and have him in the fireman carry position. From there, you can finish the fireman’s carry by dumping them over your shoulders.

10) Reverse Arm Drag From Overtie

Here’s a nice technique to have in your tool kit if your opponent keeps defending effectively against your arm drags from the overtie position. Grab your opponent’s near wrist with your near hand, and use your other hard to swim underneath and hook the top part of the arm you’re grabbing. Follow up by pivoting to the outside while dragging your opponent with your far arm to take their back.

Guest post by Evolve MMA, Asia’s premier championship brand for martial arts with the most number of World Champions on the planet. Named as the #1 ranked martial arts organization in Asia by CNN, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, and more, Evolve MMA is the best gym to learn MMA in Singapore.

Have you ever wondered why many top CEOs and celebrities are drawn to martial arts? What could these high-profile individuals, with their packed schedules and myriad of responsibilities find in the disciplined and demanding world of martial arts?

This article delves deep into the reasons behind this intriguing phenomenon, exploring the various benefits and motivations that drive these successful people towards martial arts training.

The Attraction Of Martial Arts: More Than Just Physical Fitness

Some of the reasons why a growing number of high-profile executives and celebrities choose martial arts training to balance out their grueling work schedules include:

1) A Unique Form Of Stress Relief

Imagine the high-pressure environments CEOs and celebrities navigate daily. For them, martial arts offer a unique form of stress relief; a way to disconnect from their hectic lives and focus on the present. Training sessions provide a mental break, allowing them to shed their stress in a physically engaging way.

2) Discipline And Focus

Martial arts are not just about physical prowess; they are deeply rooted in discipline and focus. High achievers are often drawn to these aspects, finding parallels between the dedication required in martial arts and their professional lives. Training consistently and diligently hones their focus and determination, traits that are invaluable in their careers.

3) Self-Defense And Empowerment

In a world where personal security is a growing concern, many CEOs and celebrities turn to martial arts for self-defense skills. The ability to protect oneself and loved ones is empowering, particularly for individuals who are often in the public eye. This empowerment transcends physical defense, instilling a sense of confidence that permeates all areas of life.

Celebrities And CEOs 

Some of the most notable celebrities and CEOs who have dedicated themselves to martial arts training include:

1) Chatri Sityodtong

Most people these days know Chatri as the CEO of ONE Championship, but don’t let the fancy suits fool you. Before starting one of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organizations, Chatri was a dedicated martial artist who started training Muay Thai during his childhood, and little did he know that training would end up defining his life.

His Muay Thai skills allowed him to pay his way through college when he moved to the United States and allowed him to make a name for himself. Chatri also credits his Muay Thai training as the reason he was able to face the challenges he faced as a homesick immigrant in the U.S. It provided an escape and allowed him to reconnect with his Thai roots.

Chatri Sityodtong promoted to brown belt in BJJ.

Now 52, martial arts training is still a huge part of Chatri’s life and he’s also been training BJJ for a few decades.

“Over 30+ years later, I still train Muay Thai almost every day,” Chatri explained during an interview. “I have also picked up a little bit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over the years too. For me, the most unexpected thing is that this crazy love for martial arts also ended up giving birth to some of my favorite companies like ONE Championship, Evolve MMA, Evolve University, Evolve Vacation, and Evolve Fight Gear.  Sometimes I wonder what would have happened to my life if I had never walked into Sityodtong Gym that day so long ago.”

Many other martial artists feel the same way about their lives. Martial arts training tends to open doors you don’t even see at first.

2) Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during the pandemic and he seems to have been bitten by the BJJ bug. He’s been dedicated to his training ever since he started, and he’s even won a few medals competing at tournaments.

Zuckerberg has also shown an interest in mixed martial arts and he’s been seen working his striking techniques as well. The Meta CEO got into a spat with SpaceX founder Elon Musk earlier in the year, and both men hinted at the possibility between the two.

That likely won’t occur given how much more time Zuckerberg has had training. Ironically, the same attributes that turned Zuckerberg into one of the youngest billionaires in the world have also helped him tremendously on the mat: his willingness to fail. He feels that’s what holds most people back from accomplishing their dreams.

“Part of learning is failing,” Zuckerberg elaborated about his training. “People who train jiujitsu — you need to not have pride.”

That’s a sentiment that’s quite popular in BJJ spaces. It’s virtually impossible to master the fighting style if you have a massive ego. You’re going to get tapped out a lot when you start training BJJ. Take each loss as a learning experience and you’ll be the one tapping others out in a few months if you stick with it.

That’s the same mentality that can make you a billionaire CEO someday.

3) Tom Hardy

Hardy won an Oscar for his fantastic performance in the MMA movie “Warrior,” and he’s now one of the leading names in Hollywood. Hardy started training BJJ because of the movie and he immediately fell in love with the sport.

He eventually started signing up for tournaments and has enjoyed lots of success on the mat. He won gold medals at his weight division in the No-Gi and Gi ReOrg Open Championships in 2022.

4) Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan is a lifelong martial artist who holds black belts in taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The long-time UFC commentator credits martial arts for where he is today, from landing a job with the UFC and becoming the most recognized commentator in mixed martial arts and his highly successful podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.”

Rogan’s understanding of mixed martial arts allowed him to give valuable insights on mixed martial arts fights, giving him a substantial advantage over most of the sport’s early commentators, many of whom barely knew what basic things like underhooks were.

Rogan’s martial arts expertise is so respected that mixed martial arts legends like Georges St. Pierre trained with him and learned techniques from him. GSP credits Rogan for the smooth spinning back kicks that ended up being one of his signature moves.

5) Jason Statham

Jason Statham, a name synonymous with high-octane action films, has a martial arts journey that is as compelling as his on-screen persona. His foray into the world of martial arts began long before he became a Hollywood star, shaping not only his physical abilities but also his approach to life and acting.

Statham’s introduction to martial arts started with Wing Chun, a form of Kung Fu, during his early years. This style, known for its close-range combat techniques, laid the foundation for his martial arts skills. However, it was his exploration into various other forms, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, and Kickboxing, that truly diversified his abilities. Statham’s dedication to BJJ, in particular, stands out. He has been seen training rigorously in this discipline, which focuses on ground fighting and grappling, a stark contrast to the stand-up striking techniques of Wing Chun.

The integration of these martial arts disciplines not only equipped Statham with a wide range of combat skills but also instilled in him a sense of discipline, focus, and resilience. These traits have been essential in his acting career, especially in roles that demand intense physical performance. Statham’s training in martial arts has also influenced his approach to performing stunts. Known for performing his stunts in films, his martial arts background has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to execute complex and dangerous sequences with precision and safety.

Statham’s journey in martial arts is reflective of his dedication to constant improvement and versatility. Unlike many actors who might learn martial arts solely for a role, Statham’s commitment to martial arts has been a lifelong pursuit, integral to both his personal and professional life. His proficiency in multiple martial arts forms not only enhances his credibility as an action star but also demonstrates the depth of his commitment to the craft.

6) Mario Lopez

Mario Lopez’s journey in martial arts is a testament to his dedication to fitness and personal discipline. Best known for his role as A.C. Slater on the popular television show “Saved by the Bell,” Lopez has been an avid practitioner of martial arts, an interest that he developed at a young age and has continued to pursue throughout his life.

Lopez’s martial arts training began when he was just three years old, starting with karate. His passion for martial arts grew as he matured, eventually earning a black belt. His early start in karate laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to physical fitness and the discipline that martial arts require. Lopez didn’t stop at karate; he expanded his martial arts repertoire to include boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). His involvement in boxing is well-documented and he once had a celebrity boxing match against Oscar De La Hoya.

7) Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher’s martial arts journey is particularly noteworthy for its depth and intensity, especially in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Unlike many celebrities who take up martial arts as a hobby or for a movie role, Kutcher has delved deeply into BJJ, showing a level of dedication that goes beyond casual practice.

Kutcher began his BJJ training under the tutelage of Rigan Machado, a renowned figure in the martial arts world. Machado, a coral belt in BJJ, is known for training various celebrities, but Kutcher’s commitment has set him apart. Under Machado’s guidance, Kutcher has progressed rapidly in the sport, demonstrating both a natural aptitude and a serious dedication to his training. He’s currently a brown belt.

8) Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen’s martial arts journey is a story of legacy, innovation, and mastery, deeply interwoven with the evolution of martial arts cinema. Born to a martial artist mother and a newspaper editor father, Yen’s exposure to martial arts began at a very young age, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable career both in martial arts and on screen.

Yen’s mother, Bow-sim Mark, a well-respected Tai Chi and Wushu master, was his first martial arts teacher. Under her guidance, he developed a solid foundation in traditional Chinese martial arts, particularly in Wushu, which emphasizes grace, agility, and technique. His early training was rigorous and disciplined, instilling in him not just physical skills, but also an appreciation for the cultural and philosophical aspects of martial arts.

Perhaps most notable in Yen’s martial arts journey is his role in popularizing Wing Chun, a style he learned in preparation for his role as Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun master and teacher of Bruce Lee. Yen’s portrayal of Ip Man brought renewed interest and respect to Wing Chun, showcasing its effectiveness and philosophical depth.

9) Russell Brand

Russell Brand’s martial arts journey is an intriguing aspect of his eclectic and multifaceted life. Known primarily for his work as a comedian, actor, and author, Brand’s exploration into martial arts is less about physical prowess and more about mental and spiritual well-being.

Brand’s interest in martial arts aligns closely with his pursuit of personal development and spiritual growth. He has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and mental health, and his turn towards martial arts appears to be part of a broader quest for inner peace and stability. In this context, martial arts are not just a form of physical exercise for Brand, but a discipline that offers a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Russell Brand’s approach to martial arts is reflective of his unique path in life. It underscores how martial arts can be adapted to serve diverse personal goals – in his case, as a tool for personal transformation and healing.

10) Elon Musk

Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and CEO known for leading companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has a lesser-known aspect to his diverse range of interests: a connection to martial arts. While Musk is not widely recognized for his martial arts prowess like some celebrities or professional athletes, he recently claimed to have trained in Taekwondo and Kyokushin Karate as a child during an interview with Joe Rogan. Musk also said that he had recently done some BJJ training, probably to avoid getting tapped out by Mark Zuckerberg if the two ever get into a brawl.

Zuckerberg would likely be the favorite if the two ever square off inside a cage, given the fact he has recent competition experience and success, but Musk seems to be building a genuine attraction to the martial ways.