Tag: Global MMA

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.

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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.

Exclusive | Aaron Aby on facing UFC’s Zhalgas Zhumagulov: Ready to Exploit “Weaknesses”

aaron aby vs Zhalgas ZhumagulovAt Oktagon 63 upcoming on November 9, the Welsh-born Aaron Aby is set to face former UFC fighter Zhalgas…

aaron aby vs Zhalgas Zhumagulov

At Oktagon 63 upcoming on November 9, the Welsh-born Aaron Aby is set to face former UFC fighter Zhalgas Zhumagulov. The MMA veteran Aby explained that he is well-prepared for this matchup and has done his homework.

Aaron Aby vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov

Zhalgas Zhumagulov is a veteran MMA fighter originally from Kazakhstan. He had close matchups in the UFC and has since picked up multiple wins since walking away from the organization. With a win against Aby, it is highly likely he would compete for gold in Oktagon.

Aaron Aby is a cancer survivor and was born with Cystic Fibrosis. After a decade of competing in MMA, he is ready to take on one of the toughest tests of his career as he soon will face Zhalgas Zhumagulov.

Zhalgas Zhumagulov

In an interview with LowKickMMA, Aaron Aby discussed his match against Zhalgas Zhumagulov and said:

“I do watch tape; I’m also a coach at my own gym, so I’m always studying opponents. I’ve watched him, studied his weaknesses, and I’ve identified areas where I think I’ll have the advantage.”

Aby is ready to leave an impact on the MMA world. He added:

“I haven’t had time off from the gym, and I feel like I’m improving every day. I’m getting older, but I’m still progressing. This fight’s a tough one, but I feel like I’m ready.“

Zhalgas Zhumagulov is set to make his debut on November 9 in Oktagon, but the former Welsh footballer Aby is coming to spoil his introduction to the organization.