Tag: Global MMA

Exclusive | Tessa De Kom: “A Girl Can Kick Your Ass” – The Rise of Kickboxing’s Next Big Star

Tessa De Kom A Girl Can Kick Your Ass The Rise of Kickboxings Next Big Star 2Tessa De Kom has already carved out a name for herself as one of the most promising kickboxers in…

Tessa De Kom A Girl Can Kick Your Ass The Rise of Kickboxings Next Big Star 2

Tessa De Kom has already carved out a name for herself as one of the most promising kickboxers in the world. The Dutch fighter, who holds both the Enfusion Women’s Strawweight and RISE Women’s Flyweight titles, is preparing for a showdown at RISE 184 in Tokyo on December 15, 2024, where she will defend her Flyweight title against the dangerous knockout striker Arina Kobayashi.

Tessa De Kom vs. Arina Kobayashi

For Tessa De Kom, this fight is of years of hard work and dedication. “I think this is my biggest fight so far, so I’m really looking forward to it. And yeah, it’s a really good opponent—she’s very strong, aggressive. It’s going to be a very tough and hard fight,” De Kom says. However, despite the tough challenge ahead, she’s never felt more confident in her abilities. “I trained really, really hard for it, but I’ve never felt so good about a fight before. So, yeah, I think I will be at my best,” she adds.

The preparations for this title defense have been intense. Tessa De Kom’s training camp may have been shorter than usual, but she’s made every session count. “It’s a short preparation, but I think, because of the preparation before, it doesn’t matter. The ideal schedule is a training camp of six to eight weeks, I think. But yeah, when there’s a chance like this, I can’t say no—I have to go.”

Tessa de Kom GLORY Kickboxing

“A Girl Can Kick Your Ass”

In a sport dominated by men, Tessa De Kom explains her attitude. “Well, don’t be scared that they’ll look at you differently or say, ‘Yeah, you’re a girl; you punch like a girl.’ Just say, ‘Yeah, I punch like a girl, and a girl can kick your ass!’ Every girl can do that. If you want to go to kickboxing, you should really do it. You’ll feel great about yourself.”

And her confidence isn’t just limited to her words—she’s also put in the work to back them up. Her professional record stands at an impressive 14-3, capturing both the Enfusion Women’s Strawweight and RISE Women’s Flyweight titles along the way. In fact, when asked about her recent success, Tessa De Kom notes, “I feel really good. But, there are always some points that need to be better, so we need to work on that. But overall, I feel happy that everything went so well. Yeah, I think it was like a dream.”

Tessa De Kom Kicboxing RISE

But it’s not all about the fight. De Kom is balancing her demanding training schedule with her education, as she’s currently in finishing her final year of studying sports marketing and management at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. “Yeah, it’s a lot, but both are important. If I had to choose right now, I’d say the fight is more important to me. But I told that to my teacher yesterday, and he wasn’t so happy about it,” she admits with a laugh.

Sleeping with the Belt

The champion keeps her RISE title close, even if it means a bit of discomfort. “At first, I had it just next to me in my bed. Yeah, I slept with it. But then I realized the material was very cold, so when I’d turn around and feel it at night, I’d wake up. That wasn’t the best place for it. So, I put it in the gym where everyone can see it. I hope it motivates people. It also motivates me during training when it gets tough—I just push harder.”

Tessa De Kom

Her next fight will be in Japan, a place that holds a special place in De Kom’s heart. “It was really good. The people were very nice and helped me with everything. It’s a shame I couldn’t stay longer, but this time I will, so I can see more of the country and visit different cities.” The trip is also a reminder of how far she’s come since her early days in kickboxing. “When I first heard about this opportunity, I felt like, ‘Huh? Did I hear that right?’ But yeah, it was really cool.”

As for the future, De Kom is focused on defending her title and continuing to prove that she belongs at the top of the kickboxing world. “My game plan is to win, of course. But I don’t want to say too much about it. I will be more powerful, and I won’t back down,” she says, her confidence unwavering.

When her hand is raised in victory at RISE 184, it will be just another chapter in a story that is only getting started for Tessa De Kom.

Tessa De Kom Kicboxing

UFC Champion Ilia Topuria Backs Georgian Protesters “This is not freedom.”

Ilia Topuria Backs Georgian ProtestersUFC champion Ilia Topuria has publicly voiced his approval for the ongoing protests in Georgia, which erupted following the…

Ilia Topuria Backs Georgian Protesters

UFC champion Ilia Topuria has publicly voiced his approval for the ongoing protests in Georgia, which erupted following the government’s decision to suspend its efforts to join the European Union. Topuria, who is of Georgian descent, expressed his opposition to this decision on Instagram.

Ilia Topuria Backs Georgian Protesters

The protests began on November 28, 2024, after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced that it would halt EU accession talks until at least 2028. This decision has been met with widespread disapproval from many Georgians who view EU membership as a crucial step for the country’s development and alignment with Western values.

The demonstrations have been marked by significant unrest, with protesters clashing with police forces using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Reports indicate that over 200 people have been arrested, and many have been injured during these confrontations.

ilia 2

The situation in Georgia is a reflection of broader political tensions. Critics are accusing the government of drifting towards authoritarianism and closer ties with Russia, contrary to the pro-European aspirations of many citizens. The protests have drawn international attention and condemnation, particularly regarding the aggressive police response.

On an Instagram story, Ilia Topuria said:

“My clear support for those protesters who defend our rights. I oppose the decision to suspend our accession negotiations to the European Union. It is shameful to see how the children of Georgia are being treated. This is not freedom. We want the best future for our country. It is necessary to continue our path towards Europe because this is an opportunity for progress for all citizens. Together, we must fight for a democratic and free Georgia.”

Earlier this year, the undefeated Ilia Topuria captured the UFC featherweight title with a knockout over the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter Alexander Volkanovski. ‘El Matador’ then defended his title against all-time great Max Holloway via knockout.

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Double Life Unveiled: Doctor by Day, MMA Fighter by Night—Shi Ming’s Family Stunned by Secret

Double Life Unveiled: Doctor by Day, MMA Fighter by Night—Shi Ming’s Family Stunned by SecretShi Ming’s secret is now out, her family knows she is an MMA fighter. The Chinese-born athlete became a…

Double Life Unveiled: Doctor by Day, MMA Fighter by Night—Shi Ming’s Family Stunned by Secret

Shi Ming’s secret is now out, her family knows she is an MMA fighter. The Chinese-born athlete became a doctor and kept her martial arts career a secret. But, having a stunning head-kick knockout win in the UFC changed all that. Her family’s reaction can be seen below.

Shi Ming

China’s Shi Ming is known for her dual career as a fighter and a medical professional. She has a base in freestyle wrestling and most recently won the Road to UFC tournament with a head-kick knockout. Shi’s journey into martial arts began with taekwondo training at the age of 13, and she transitioned to MMA in her 20s. Her skills were on full display during the UFC Fight Night 248 in Macau, where she delivered a spectacular head-kick knockout against Xiaocan Feng, securing the strawweight championship in the Road to UFC Season 3 tournament.

Shi Ming
MACAU, CHINA – NOVEMBER 23: (L-R) Shi Ming of China punches Feng Xiaocan of China in their Women’s Strawweight RTU Tournament Final fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Galaxy Arena on November 23, 2024 in Macau, China. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Outside the octagon, Shi Ming is a full-time doctor specializing in acupuncture and physical therapy. She graduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and works in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Her medical background has earned her the nickname “Doctor Sleep.”

Shi has kept her MMA career a secret from her parents, who believe she participates only in traditional martial arts. Michael Bisping explained:

“She’s a doctor—a full-on doctor by day. You know, like a real, respectable doctor. And then in the evening, she goes and trains MMA … I asked her, “You’re on TV in China, competing tonight. Where do your parents think you are?” She told them she was off doing some tournament, doing katas or breaking bricks or something. Meanwhile, she’s here knocking out people in the UFC.”

Her family watched the knockout and their reaction can be seen below:

Fighter’s Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, Alberta

Fighter's Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, AlbertaA tragic incident occurred at a charity MMA event in Enoch, Alberta, just outside Edmonton, on Saturday, November 25,…

Fighter's Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, Alberta

A tragic incident occurred at a charity MMA event in Enoch, Alberta, just outside Edmonton, on Saturday, November 25, 2024. A 33-year-old amateur fighter from Edmonton died following his participation in the event.

MMA Fighter Death in Enoch, Alberta

The Enoch event was organized by Ultra MMA, a UK-based company that offers novice fighters the opportunity to compete after two months of free training. The company claims to provide the same level of medical care and regulation as professional events.

The fighter collapsed after his bout and was carried out of the ring. The remaining fights for the evening were canceled. RCMP were informed of the death on Monday morning and are now investigating the circumstances.

Concerns have been raised about the event’s organization and safety measures. Some participants felt the two-month training period was insufficient preparation for cage fighting. Questions have arisen about the level of medical supervision and fight regulation.

This incident has sparked discussions about the regulation of combative sports in Alberta where there is no provincial oversight instead athletic commissions are run at the jurisdiction level. Interestingly, this tragedy follows the recent release of a fatality inquiry report into the 2017 death of fighter Tim Hague, which called for significant changes to Alberta’s combative sports regulations.

The event’s organizer, Ultra MMA, has expressed condolences to the fighter’s family and stated that the event was sanctioned by a municipal combative sports commission from central Alberta.

Fighter’s Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, Alberta

Fighter's Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, AlbertaA tragic incident occurred at a charity MMA event in Enoch, Alberta, just outside Edmonton, on Saturday, November 25,…

Fighter's Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, Alberta

A tragic incident occurred at a charity MMA event in Enoch, Alberta, just outside Edmonton, on Saturday, November 25, 2024. A 33-year-old amateur fighter from Edmonton died following his participation in the event.

MMA Fighter Death in Enoch, Alberta

The Enoch event was organized by Ultra MMA, a UK-based company that offers novice fighters the opportunity to compete after two months of free training. The company claims to provide the same level of medical care and regulation as professional events.

The fighter collapsed after his bout and was carried out of the ring. The remaining fights for the evening were canceled. RCMP were informed of the death on Monday morning and are now investigating the circumstances.

Concerns have been raised about the event’s organization and safety measures. Some participants felt the two-month training period was insufficient preparation for cage fighting. Questions have arisen about the level of medical supervision and fight regulation.

This incident has sparked discussions about the regulation of combative sports in Alberta where there is no provincial oversight instead athletic commissions are run at the jurisdiction level. Interestingly, this tragedy follows the recent release of a fatality inquiry report into the 2017 death of fighter Tim Hague, which called for significant changes to Alberta’s combative sports regulations.

The event’s organizer, Ultra MMA, has expressed condolences to the fighter’s family and stated that the event was sanctioned by a municipal combative sports commission from central Alberta.

Fighter’s Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, Alberta

Fighter's Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, AlbertaA tragic incident occurred at a charity MMA event in Enoch, Alberta, just outside Edmonton, on Saturday, November 25,…

Fighter's Death at MMA Event Sparks Calls for Regulatory Reform in Enoch, Alberta

A tragic incident occurred at a charity MMA event in Enoch, Alberta, just outside Edmonton, on Saturday, November 25, 2024. A 33-year-old amateur fighter from Edmonton died following his participation in the event.

MMA Fighter Death in Enoch, Alberta

The Enoch event was organized by Ultra MMA, a UK-based company that offers novice fighters the opportunity to compete after two months of free training. The company claims to provide the same level of medical care and regulation as professional events.

The fighter collapsed after his bout and was carried out of the ring. The remaining fights for the evening were canceled. RCMP were informed of the death on Monday morning and are now investigating the circumstances.

Concerns have been raised about the event’s organization and safety measures. Some participants felt the two-month training period was insufficient preparation for cage fighting. Questions have arisen about the level of medical supervision and fight regulation.

This incident has sparked discussions about the regulation of combative sports in Alberta where there is no provincial oversight instead athletic commissions are run at the jurisdiction level. Interestingly, this tragedy follows the recent release of a fatality inquiry report into the 2017 death of fighter Tim Hague, which called for significant changes to Alberta’s combative sports regulations.

The event’s organizer, Ultra MMA, has expressed condolences to the fighter’s family and stated that the event was sanctioned by a municipal combative sports commission from central Alberta.