Gene LeBell: The Godfather of Grappling
Gene LeBell (1932-2022) was “The Toughest Man Alive” — a two-time national Judo champion, 10th degree red belt, professional wrestler, and Hollywood legend with over 1,000 film credits. He competed in the first televised MMA fight in America (1963), trained Bruce Lee in grappling, allegedly choked out Steven Seagal, and mentored Ronda Rousey. This is the complete story of the man who connected Judo, catch wrestling, pro wrestling, and MMA.
The Art of the Finish: Top 10 Chokes That Define Modern MMA
Unlock the secrets of the top 10 MMA chokes every fighter needs to know. From the legendary Rear Naked Choke to the intricate Gogoplata, we break down the mechanics, strategies, and defenses for each submission. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey, mastering these chokes will give you a decisive edge over your opponents. Discover how to control, dominate, and finish fights with precision and power.
What is the Judo Belt Ranking System?
Embark on a journey through the colorful world of judo belts! This comprehensive guide delves into the significance of each rank, from the humble white belt of the beginner to the coveted black belt of the master. Discover the intricate system of kyū and dan grades, the role of sparring and competitions, and how the pursuit of judo mastery fosters personal growth and cultivates a vibrant community. Unravel the rich tapestry of tradition, discipline, and self-improvement woven into every judo belt.
Mark Smith ACL Tear: UFC Referee Finishes Fight, Gets Carried Out
Mark Smith tore his ACL during UFC 324 while refereeing Gautier vs Pulyaev. The 52-year-old veteran finished all 15 minutes on a blown knee, then was carried out of T-Mobile Arena. Dana White compared it to Bruce Buffer’s 2011 injury—the only other non-fighter ACL tear he’s witnessed in UFC history.
De La Hoya vs Dana White: The Corporate War That Could Destroy Boxing’s Fighter Pay
Oscar De La Hoya’s public attacks on Dana White go deeper than the Crawford-Canelo result. He’s calling out TKO’s push to amend the Muhammad Ali Act—legislation that protects boxers from the exact promotional monopoly tactics UFC perfected. This isn’t sour grapes. It’s a fight for boxing’s soul.
UFC 324 Preview: Why Paddy Pimblett Will End Justin Gaethje’s Career This Saturday
When Trevor Whitman says this is Justin Gaethje’s “last ride,” you know the stakes are real. At 37 years old, the former BMF champion faces the hungry 31-year-old Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324—and all three Ringside Report analysts are picking against him. Dave Simon sees a TKO finish reminiscent of the Chandler destruction. Fred Garcia likes a decision grind. AJ D’Alesio predicts another submission loss for Gaethje, adding to his Khabib and Oliveira defeats. Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley’s concerning embedded performance has Dave staying away from Sugar entirely. We break down every main card fight, deliver three different parlays, and discuss why Canadians are getting screwed with $100 pay-per-views while Americans pay $9 a month for Paramount+
Seth Rollins Says Pro Wrestling vs MMA Isn’t Close—Here’s Why He’s Right
Seth Rollins compared pro wrestling to Broadway and stand-up comedy, calling it a complete performance art requiring more diverse skills than pure combat sports. Before the keyboard warriors start typing about “fake fighting,” his argument deserves more than reflexive dismissal.
Judo vs Muay Thai in MMA: Why Grapplers Dominate Strikers
The casual MMA narrative loves telling you Muay Thai strikers are the ultimate stand-up weapons. It’s safe, it sounds smart, and it’s completely wrong when the cage door closes. The data is clear: in direct striker vs grappler matchups, judo practitioners hold massive advantages. Those throws become twice as dangerous on hard cage mats. That vicious Thai clinch crumbles the moment an elite grappler closes distance. We’re breaking down the psychology, the technical reality, and making a bold prediction about MMA’s grappling renaissance. If you think striking dominates this sport, you’re watching the wrong fights.
Makhachev Della Maddalena Breakdown: Nick Diaz Exposes the Leverage Problem
Everyone’s talking about Makhachev’s dominant 50-45 decision over Della Maddalena at UFC 322 like it was inevitable. But Nick Diaz’s technical breakdown on Jake Shields’ podcast tells the real story: “The knee is the leverage.” Della Maddalena failed to implement fundamental grappling principles under championship pressure.
McGregor Contract Claim Exposes UFC’s $7.7B Problem
Conor McGregor just made the most significant contract claim in UFC history. Speaking on January 18-19, 2026, he stated his deal is “essentially void” because the UFC’s $7.7 billion Paramount streaming deal fundamentally changed the revenue model his contract was built on. This isn’t just McGregor negotiating for more money—it’s a structural argument about what happens when a company eliminates the compensation basis (PPV buys) that existing contracts depend on. The UFC’s unusual silence speaks volumes. Dana White addressed the White House card speculation but dodged the contract question entirely. February negotiations will reveal whether McGregor has genuine leverage or the best poker face in combat sports. If he succeeds, it creates precedent for every fighter signed before the Paramount deal. This deserves attention not because McGregor needs more money, but because it exposes structural imbalances in how UFC contracts work.