Abdullah Al-Qahtani made history on November 29, 2024, by winning the PFL MENA Featherweight Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia….
Abdullah Al-Qahtani made history on November 29, 2024, by winning the PFL MENA Featherweight Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 26-year-old fighter defeated Marouane Bellagouit by TKO in the first round, securing his place as one of the top names in MMA. With this victory, Al-Qahtani improved his professional record to 10-2, earning both the championship belt and a $100,000 prize.
Abdullah Al-Qahtani
This PFL MENA title was the culmination of years of hard work. “Oh, it’s perfect,” Abdullah Al-Qahtani told me in a conversation. “I worked for this, and now I got my belt. This is what I wanted from the beginning of my journey. I wanted something big.”
Badr Hari
Raised in Saudi Arabia with Moroccan roots, Al-Qahtani was inspired by the legendary kickboxer Badr Hari, a household name in Morocco. As a child, he would watch Hari on YouTube and TV, marveling at his knockout power. “When I saw Badr Hari, I thought, ‘This guy is huge!’” Al-Qahtani said. “I wanted to be like him.” What Badr Hari did for combat sports in Morocco, Al-Qahtani is looking to do the same in Saudi Arabia alongside the PFL.
Looking ahead, Al-Qahtani is already planning his next steps. He’s excited for the future and eager to represent Saudi Arabia on the global stage. “I don’t just want to be a normal fighter,” he said. “I want to be someone people look up to.”
The Olympics, the UFC, and now Karate Combat get to experience Robelis Despaigne. Starting his journey in taekwondo at…
The Olympics, the UFC, and now Karate Combat get to experience Robelis Despaigne. Starting his journey in taekwondo at just nine years old, Despaigne dedicated 15 years to Cuba’s national team. His career highlight came at the 2012 London Olympics, where he secured a bronze medal in the +80 kg category.
Robelis Despaigne
Despite his Olympic success, Robelis Despaigne grew disillusioned with the state of sports in Cuba and pivoted to mixed martial arts in 2019. Seeking greater opportunities, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 2022. It didn’t take long for the heavyweight to make waves in MMA—he won his first five professional bouts via first-round knockouts, establishing himself as a rising star.
The UFC took notice, signing him in December 2023. Robelis Despaigne’s promotional debut at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024, was nothing short of spectacular: an 18-second knockout of Josh Parisian earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. However, his UFC tenure proved brief. Subsequent losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in May 2024 and Austen Lane in October 2024 led to his release.
Undeterred, Despaigne quickly transitioned to Karate Combat, signing with the promotion in November 2024. Karate Combat appears to be a natural fit for the former Olympic medalist as he embarks on the next chapter of his career. In an exclusive interview with Robelis Despaigne, we discuss his career and Karate Combat. He will be making his debut on Thursday, December 19 at Karate Combat 51, live on YouTube at 6pm ET.
.@thebigboyufc aka Robelis Despaigne is getting ready for his debut fight inside the Karate Combat pit at KC51.
Don’t miss it when Robelis debuts at KC51 in Miami!
What initially drew you to Taekwondo, and how did it shape your early life in Cuba?
I really love practicing taekwondo because I like martial arts movies.
Winning an Olympic bronze medal is an incredible achievement. What do you remember most about that experience in London 2012?
It was something unforgettable, very dreamed of and very worked on. I remember feeling it as the greatest dream of every athlete.
After such a long and successful Taekwondo career, what motivated you to transition to MMA, and how challenging was it to adapt to the new discipline?
It was quite a challenge to adapt, especially because of the floor work, but I really like it and I’m willing to work hard to become the biggest heavyweight in the world.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your UFC stint, both in victories and in defeats?
I learned that all the work is little compared to how hard an MMA fighter must work and I am willing to work even harder and achieve my return to UFC.
How did the UFC experience prepare you for the next phase of your combat sports career in Karate Combat?
I think having had the privilege of being in the UFC, which is such a big company, prepares you for any scenario. I’m ready for a great show. I thank Karate Combat for this opportunity and I’m here for my belt.
Karate Combat has a unique rule set and presentation. How have you adjusted your training to fit this style?
I love this style of fighting. I am very excited to be here at Karate Combat. I always followed these events and said I would like to fight here. God’s plan is perfect and I am going all out for my first KO in Karate Combat.
What are your goals in Karate Combat, both short-term and long-term?
To be the Super Heavyweight Champion.
As someone who has competed in multiple disciplines, what advice would you give to young martial artists looking to transition between sports?
Don’t be afraid of change, in the end it’s a fight all the same. And the challenge is fun.
Cuban athletes often face unique challenges when competing internationally. What has your experience been, and what message would you share with aspiring Cuban athletes?
I hope you enjoy the process and continue working hard to raise the name of Cuba.
Let’s build the perfect fighter. In your mind who has the best kicks? The Best Punches? Best Speed? And the best power?
The best kicks: Robelis Despaigne The Best Punches: Alex Pereira. Best Speed: Ryan Garcia. The best power: Francis Ngannou.
Tessa De Kom has already carved out a name for herself as one of the most promising kickboxers in…
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.”
“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.”
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.”
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.
GLORY Collision 7 is fast approaching, and Rico Verhoeven, the reigning GLORY Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, has taken a…
GLORY Collision 7 is fast approaching, and Rico Verhoeven, the reigning GLORY Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, has taken a moment to blend inspiration with imagination. In a candid discussion, Verhoeven built his perfect fighter combining the best attributes from combat sports icons like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou, and Peter Aerts.
Rico Verhoeven Builds the Perfect Fighter
Peter Aerts and Glaube Feitosa
For kicking technique, Verhoeven chose the left leg of Glaube Feitosa, known for his question mark kick. Complementing this, he selected the right leg of kickboxing legend Peter Aerts, who has devastating power.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua
When it came to punching, Verhoeven picked the right hand of Anthony Joshua, famous for its knockout power. Adding to this arsenal, he opted for Tyson Fury’s jab, celebrated for its accuracy and length.
Rico Verhoeven
Unsurprisingly, Verhoeven nominated himself for cardio, highlighting the stamina that has kept him at the top of the kickboxing world for years. Earlier this year he defeated three heavyweight opponents in one night to capture Grand Prix gold.
Francis Ngannou
For raw, overall strength, Verhoeven pointed to Francis Ngannou, whose reputation as one of the hardest hitters in MMA history is well-deserved. Rounding out the fighter, Verhoeven emphasized Ngannou’s dominance in the clinch and grappling exchanges.
GLORY Collision 7promises to be a show as he looks to defeat Levi Rigters who nearly knocked him out earlier this year. The heavyweight kickboxing match is booked for December 7.
GLORY Collision 7 is fast approaching, and Rico Verhoeven, the reigning GLORY Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, has taken a…
GLORY Collision 7 is fast approaching, and Rico Verhoeven, the reigning GLORY Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, has taken a moment to blend inspiration with imagination. In a candid discussion, Verhoeven built his perfect fighter combining the best attributes from combat sports icons like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou, and Peter Aerts.
Rico Verhoeven Builds the Perfect Fighter
Peter Aerts and Glaube Feitosa
For kicking technique, Verhoeven chose the left leg of Glaube Feitosa, known for his question mark kick. Complementing this, he selected the right leg of kickboxing legend Peter Aerts, who has devastating power.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua
When it came to punching, Verhoeven picked the right hand of Anthony Joshua, famous for its knockout power. Adding to this arsenal, he opted for Tyson Fury’s jab, celebrated for its accuracy and length.
Rico Verhoeven
Unsurprisingly, Verhoeven nominated himself for cardio, highlighting the stamina that has kept him at the top of the kickboxing world for years. Earlier this year he defeated three heavyweight opponents in one night to capture Grand Prix gold.
Francis Ngannou
For raw, overall strength, Verhoeven pointed to Francis Ngannou, whose reputation as one of the hardest hitters in MMA history is well-deserved. Rounding out the fighter, Verhoeven emphasized Ngannou’s dominance in the clinch and grappling exchanges.
GLORY Collision 7promises to be a show as he looks to defeat Levi Rigters who nearly knocked him out earlier this year. The heavyweight kickboxing match is booked for December 7.
The Surinamese-Dutch kickboxing world champion Donegi Abena is looking to destroy celebrity boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul. The top-ranked…
The Surinamese-Dutch kickboxing world champion Donegi Abena is looking to destroy celebrity boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul. The top-ranked Abena has spent time training alongside Tommy Fury and sees the Mike Tyson fight as just plain silly.
Donegi Abena Calls Out Jake Paul
Donegi Abena is the number one ranked light heavyweight in the world in kickboxing after a stellar 2024. The 26-year-old faced three opponents in a single evening to capture the 2024 Glory Light Heavyweight Grand Prix title, stopping all three opponents by way of knockout.
This weekend, Abena takes on his career rival Tarik Khbabez with the light heavyweight division title on the line in their third meeting. The Surinamese-Dutch athlete is looking to make a statement with a decisive victory in the trilogy match against the Moroccan striker. The two are set to battle at Glory Collision 7 on December 7.
Abena has spent some time training his sharp hands with the Fury family and was a sparring partner for Tommy Fury, a former opponent of celebrity boxer Jake Paul. On a potential Jake Paul matchup, the kickboxing champion did not leave any doubt, in an interview with me, he said:
“I would smash him. I would smash him. And that’s the reason why he takes guys who are 60, or guys who aren’t used to only boxing … He’s a smart businessman. He’s making millions of dollars, and he’s fighting people with names. But they’re either old, or they’re from a different sport. Jake Paul, he’s fighting old guys and not boxers. If he wants it, he can get it as well.”
Jake Paul was a social media influencer who transitioned to a career in professional boxing but has taken criticism for not facing ranked fighters, instead opting for blockbuster matches. In his career, he’s defeated former UFC fighters such as Ben Askren, Nate Diaz, and Anderson Silva, among others. Most recently, Jake Paul had a heavyweight boxing match against 58-year-old Mike Tyson. According to betting lines, Tommy Fury may be a future opponent for ‘The Problem Child’ but for a bigger challenge the kickboxing king Donegi Abena is ready for a showdown.
The Olympics, the UFC, and now Karate Combat get to experience Robelis Despaigne. Starting his journey in taekwondo at…
Tessa De Kom has already carved out a name for herself as one of the most promising kickboxers in…
GLORY Collision 7 is fast approaching, and Rico Verhoeven, the reigning GLORY Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, has taken a…
The Surinamese-Dutch kickboxing world champion Donegi Abena is looking to destroy celebrity boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul. The top-ranked…
