Latest news with #BrazilianJiu-Jitsu
What's On
05-08-2025
- Sport
- What's On
Heavyweight title to headline UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi this October
The Octagon is set to return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. UFC®, the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation, is bringing another blockbuster card to the capital with UFC 321, headlined by a heavyweight title showdown between reigning champ Tom Aspinall and French phenom Ciryl Gane. Mark your calendars, the event takes place on Saturday, October 25 at Etihad Arena, promising an action-packed evening of elite MMA. How to get tickets Tickets are now on sale for UFC 321 and are available via Ticket Master and Etihad Arena but don't wait around, they're expected to sell fast. Want the VIP treatment? Premium experience packages are also available, offering exclusive extras like ringside seats, fighter meet-and-greets, VIP weigh-in access, and more. The main event: Aspinall vs Gane After a knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich, heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall (15-3) is back to defend his title for the first time. With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and crisp boxing skills, the Manchester native is out to make a statement. Facing him is former interim champ Ciryl Gane (13-2), making his 2025 debut. The French striker is known for his speed, technique, and sharp footwork, and he's hungry to reclaim UFC gold. The fight card (so far) In true Abu Dhabi style, UFC 321 is stacked with top-tier talent. Here's a look at the confirmed bouts: Aleksandar Rakic vs Azamat Murzakanov (Light Heavyweight) Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida (Heavyweight) Azat Maksum vs Mitch Raposo (Flyweight) Ikram Aliskerov vs JunYong Park (Middleweight) Hamdy Abdelwahab vs Chris Barnett (Heavyweight) A fight night legacy in Abu Dhabi UFC 321 marks the second UFC event in Abu Dhabi this year, further cementing the capital's reputation as a fight night hub. From Khabib's legendary title defense at UFC® 242 to Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway at UFC 308, and recently last month UFC fight night where Reinier de Ridder won his first main event fight over former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker, the city continues to deliver unforgettable MMA moments. Stay tuned for more fight week announcements and fan activations as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. Details at a glance Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island Date: Saturday, October 25 Tickets:: On sale via and Image: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who Is Aaron 'Tex' Johnson? The MMA Fighter Removed From Plane After Chaotic Outburst
Images via TMZ and Elite Sports: Aaron "Tex" Johnson It is safe to say that air travel hasn't been smooth for MMA fighters lately. Earlier this year, Khabib Nurmagomedov made headlines after being removed from a Fly Frontier flight following a dispute with a flight attendant. Now, another fighter, Aaron 'Tex' Johnson is in the spotlight for a similar incident. Aaron 'Tex' Johnson Kicked off a Plane After a Luggage-Related Issue Johnson was recently escorted off a Southwest Airlines flight at LaGuardia Airport after a heated outburst. A viral video from the scene shows him shouting at airline staff, calling them 'losers' and 'pieces of sh*t.' While the exact cause of his meltdown remains unclear, it reportedly stemmed from a baggage-related issue after boarding. It is being said that the BJJ fighter even got into an argument with fellow passengers and threatened to beat them up. WATCH: Pro MMA Fighter Kicked Off Flight After Threatening Black Man In UNHINGED Meltdown The flight staff later spoke with TMZ and told them that the 39-year-old's behavior was 'belligerent and unruly,' which they did not tolerate. Even after being removed from the plane, Johnson continued to cause a scene. He was later seen inside the airport, restrained on a stretcher, claiming he was mistreated by airline staff. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo He could be seen using more choice words like 'bulls*it' and even gave a racial touch to the incident, saying that he was treated like a black person. Port Authority Police escorted him to a local hospital for evaluation and issued a disorderly conduct summons. All of this took place on Monday, while Johnson spoke about it on Friday to one of his followers and confirmed that the chaos took place because of a bag. All About the Fighting Career of Aaron 'Tex' Johnson Aaron Michael Johnson was born on 1 April 1986 in Bedford, Ohio. Due to his father's military service, Johnson moved frequently and lived in various parts of the U.S. His interest in martial arts was sparked early, thanks to his family, and he began training in taekwondo as a child. In high school, after relocating from Texas to Georgia, he joined the football team and quickly earned the nickname 'Texas,' which later evolved into 'Tex.' He also spent a year competing as a heavyweight wrestler for Douglasville High School in Georgia, further building the foundation for his future in combat sports. Johnson is a well-known name in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) world. A black belt under Philip Smith and Murilo Santana, Johnson made his mark as a three-time IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion, according to BJJ Heroes. His overall BJJ record stands at 87 wins, 70 losses, and one draw. Kaynan Duarte VS Aaron "Tex" Johnson / Pan NoGi Championship 2020 Known for his aggressive, submission-heavy style, Tex has taken down some big names in the sport, including Davi Ramos and Jackson Sousa. BJJ Heroes describes his approach as 'aggressive and submission-oriented,' which helped him become one of the top grapplers of his era. Johnson also dipped his toes into MMA, competing for promotions like Bellator. According to he concluded his professional career with a record of 13 wins and 10 losses, retiring in 2015 after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Eric Spicely. But Tex's career hasn't been without controversy. In 2018, he was reportedly kicked out of his BJJ gym in Charlotte, North Carolina, for training at a rival gym and being 'too aggressive during rolling,' a claim acknowledged by Johnson himself. Also read: WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan dies at 71 after reported cardiac arrest For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Web Release
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
TOM ASPINALL AND CIRYL GANE HEADLINE UFC® 321 IN ABU DHABI FOR EPIC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
UFC®, the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation, returns to the UAE capital in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) for the highly anticipated UFC® 321. Taking place on Saturday, October 25 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the event will feature an electrifying showdown between UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and no.1 contender Ciryl Gane . UFC® 321 tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. GST on Friday, July 25 via . Early access to tickets will be available from 1 p.m. GST on Thursday, July 24, for those who registered their interest. VIP Experience packages will be available via On Location, UFC's Official VIP Experience Provider. Fans can enjoy exclusive access with premium seating, VIP weigh-in access, all-inclusive hospitality, athlete meet-and-greets and more. For full package details, visit . UFC® 321 is the second UFC event scheduled in Abu Dhabi this year. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has hosted some of the highest-calibre UFC bouts, featuring world champions, rising stars, and unforgettable moments. From Khabib Nurmagomedov's dominant title defense at UFC® 242 to the thrilling showdown between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at UFC® 308, the city has further cemented its status as a global stage for world-class MMA action. Heavyweight champion Aspinall (15-3, fighting out of Manchester, England) returns to the Octagon® looking to cement his legacy in the heavyweight division. A well-rounded finisher with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aspinall secured his title with a stunning first-round KO of Sergei Pavlovich. He also boasts dominant wins over Alexander Volkov, Curtis Blaydes, and Andrei Arlovski, and now aims to defend his belt for the first time as the undisputed heavyweight king. Former interim champion Gane (13-2, fighting out of Paris, France) looks to make history in his first appearance of 2025. Known for his elite footwork and striking finesse, Gane rose through the heavyweight ranks with impressive victories over Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and Alexander Volkov. The French star now sets his sights on another statement win as he attempts to reclaim UFC gold.
Focus Malaysia
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Focus Malaysia
Tony Lim's viral fight sparks debate on self-defence, anger management
IT wasn't just a fight on the streets that threw viral MMA fighter Tony Lim Zhe Hong into the limelight. It was his defense for an elderly man that made his action worthy of a Hollywood movie. The instant fame has since befuddled Lim, who wondered about the popularity of the video. But apparently, there is a different side of him too, as seen in a recent video on X. 'A life lesson that I learned is that self defense is very important. If I don't know how to defend myself, in this situation maybe I am the one who fell to the ground,' said the 22-year old Lim in the video interview. At one time in his life, Lim wanted to play badminton but was provoked by his friend, claiming that the sport was for transvestites. Sorry to all the badminton fans out there. The ending is chef kiss — @ (@anthraxxxx) July 18, 2025 Contrary to the brawn displayed in the video, Lim studies psychology and is a part time tuition teacher. However, it appears his action has also attracted some haters on the cyberspace. Netizen @Alhaqim01 said they needed the story from the point of view of the Malay man who got beaten up by Lim. Some even threatened to beat him up. According to @taro_liam, Lim was safe because the Malay man did not die on the scene. Safe to say, the viral fight would not have occurred if the combatants were able to control their anger. Fascinatingly, martial arts, while playing a huge role in ending the fight, would have played an even bigger role in ensuring that it did not start in the first place. According to the website Evolve Daily, martial arts is a well-rounded practice that can effectively support anger management and guide individuals toward greater emotional balance and happiness. While each martial arts discipline involves different movements and techniques, all styles share a physically active foundation. Participants are required to move, sweat, and engage their bodies—activities known to help diffuse anger. Physical exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers, which can improve overall emotional outlook and promote a more positive mindset. Beyond the physical benefits, martial arts offers a unique mental focus. When individuals experience rising anger, training can help redirect their attention. Whether sparring with a partner, executing striking combinations in a Muay Thai session, or drilling positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, practitioners must concentrate on their movements, their training partners, and the objectives of the session. This mindfulness helps calm the mind and fosters mental clarity. In essence, martial arts provides both a physical and psychological outlet, helping practitioners process emotions constructively while building discipline, awareness, and resilience. —July 20, 2025 Main image: @anthraxxxx (X)
NZ Herald
17-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Boxing: Floyd Masson ready to take on John Parker in ‘statement' fight
'Make sure you bring your best John Parker in that ring that night.' Masson said he didn't know much about Parker's fighting style as a pro, however, he remembered him as an amateur. 'I remember [Parker] was brawling a lot back then, and it was a bit of a brawl-type fight back in the amateurs.' Masson doesn't usually watch a lot of his opponents' fights, saying he left it to his coaching team who came up with a game plan for the fight. If he did join his team, they would have a look at the fighter and the style, size and 'how he likes to fight'. 'Then we kind of work around that.' However, Masson said during 'fight camp' his team would focus more on his skills rather than on what the opponent does. Masson began his career as an amateur boxer in New Zealand before moving to Western Australia for his boxing career in hope to score more lucrative fights. Former Waikato boxer Floyd Masson will take on John Parker in Australia. When many boxers struggled during the Covid-18 pandemic, Australian promoter Angelo Di Carlo took on Masson. Di Carlo initially brought him out to spar with world title contender Mark Flanagan, but now, Masson lives in Queensland and works with Di Carlo boxing promoter Ace Boxing Group. During his time as world champion, Masson trained in Las Vegas, but decided to move back to this side of the world as his family was slowly growing. However, with one door closing, another door opened, and he quickly found a new coach, Blair Studley. Studley, owner of Nitro Boxing Fitness Centre in Chermside, trained many excellent boxers, including former Australian Super Welterweight champion Dan Hill, Australian Heavyweight champion Stevan Ivić, Jeremiah Tupai and Issac Hardman. Studley himself has 30 years of experience in boxing and martial arts. He previously held the Queensland Light Heavyweight Boxing and Queensland Light Heavyweight Kickboxing titles, and he has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Karate. Masson highly praised his coach, saying he wished he had met Studley earlier in his boxing career. 'He works what's best for his boxers and not what is best for the trainer.' The Floyd Masson vs John Parker fight for the IBF Pan Pacific Cruiserweight title will take place on July 30 at Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm, Queensland, Australia. Benjamin Watt is a retired boxing judge and New Zealand boxing writer with a decade of experience. Watt has also been BoxRec's New Zealand record-keeper since 2014.
