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UFC 293: Main Event Review

UFC 293 was one of the most anticipated events of the year, as it featured a middleweight title clash between two of the best in the sport: Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. The fight took place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on September 10th, 2023, and it delivered beyond doubt some shocking scenes that shook up the entire division. Adesanya entered the fight as the two-time reigning middleweight champion, having defended his belt against Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori in dominant fashion. He was widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and rightly so as he boasted of an unbeaten record of 22-0 in MMA and 11-0 in the UFC. Adesanya is well known by all UFC fans for his flashy and precise striking, his high fight IQ, and his charismatic personality. Strickland on the other hand, was a relatively unknown contender who has quietly climbed up the rankings with a six-fight winning streak. He has a record of 26-3 in MMA and 13-3 in the UFC, with 12 of his wins coming by knockout. He is a gritty and aggressive fighter who relies on his fine boxing skills, his pressure, and his insane endurance. The fight was expected to be a striking showcase, with reigning champion Adesanya having the edge in speed, technique, and creativity, whilst Strickland had the advantage in power, volume, and toughness. However, what unfolded in the Octagon was a one-sided beatdown by Strickland, who stunned Adesanya with his relentless pace, his crisp combinations, and his tight defence. It was a tough day at the office for former champion Adesanya, as Strickland outstruck him in every round. The scenes were astounding as Strickland landed more than twice as many significant strikes (184 to 89). He also scored two takedowns and controlled Adesanya on the ground for over six minutes. The badass American never let Adesanya get comfortable or find his rhythm, constantly walking him down and cutting off his angles. He also absorbed Adesanya’s best shots without flinching, while rocking him several times with his own punches. After five interminable rounds of action, Strickland was declared the winner by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46), becoming the new UFC middleweight champion and handing Adesanya his first loss in MMA. It was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history as Strickland was a +400 underdog according to most betting sites. If you are interested in betting on UFC in Switzerland or other sports events, take the time to read reviews of different Swiss bookmakers on sites such as SchweizerSportswetten to make informed decisions, tips on how to make smart bets, and news on various sports events. Choose an operator that suits your needs and preferences. Betting on UFC can be fun, but always remember to gamble responsibly. The co-main event of UFC 293 featured a heavyweight bout between Alexander Volkov and Tai Tuivasa, two fighters who were looking to make a statement in the division. Volkov, a former Bellator champion who had won six of his eight fights in UFC, was out to prove a point. Standing at 6’7” and having amassed an impressive 22 knockout wins Volkov was bent on getting back to winning ways thanks to his reach (80 inches) and his technical striking. Tuivisa was a former rugby player who had transitioned to MMA and made a name for himself with his knockout power and his entertaining personality. He had a record of 14-3 in MMA and 7-3 in the UFC, with all his wins equally coming by knockout. He is known for his heavy hands, sharp kicks, and epic post-fight celebration of drinking beer from a shoe (a.k.a “shoey”). The fight was expected to be a standup war, with Volkov having the edge in range and accuracy, and Tuivasa having the advantage in power and speed. However, Volkov made a show with a dazzling display of grappling as he took Tuivasa down in the second round and submitted him with a perfectly executed “Ezekiel Choke”. It was Volkov’s first submission win in the UFC and only his third in his career. The towering Russian showed that he had improved his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills, as he easily took down local boy Tuivasa with a grapple that forced the latter to tap out at 4:37. UFC is one of the most popular sports for betting, as it offers exciting action and unpredictable outcomes. You can bet on different aspects of a fight, such as who will win, how they will win, what round they will win, and more. You can also bet on the entire event, such as how many fights will end by knockout, submission, or decision.

The Martial Arts Phenomenon: Exploring the Intersection with Online Betting Sites

The Martial Arts Phenomenon: Exploring the Intersection with Online Betting Sites Introduction The world of martial arts and the realm of online betting sites may seem distinct at first glance, but a closer examination reveals a captivating intersection that has taken the digital entertainment landscape by storm. This article delves into the dynamic synergy between the global passion for martial arts and the convenience of new betting sites, exploring how these two domains intertwine to create an exhilarating and immersive experience for enthusiasts and bettors alike. Martial Arts: A Global Passion Martial arts, with its rich history and diverse range of disciplines, has transcended cultural boundaries to become a global passion. From the ancient traditions of kung fu and karate to the modern spectacle of mixed martial arts (MMA), martial arts have captivated audiences with their combination of physical prowess, discipline, and artistry. Practiced for self-defense, spiritual growth, and even as a form of entertainment, martial arts have garnered a dedicated following that spans continents. Enthusiasts admire the dedication and skill required to master these disciplines, while also appreciating the values of respect, honor, and perseverance that martial arts embody. Rise of Online Betting Sites Simultaneously, the rise of online betting sites has revolutionized the way people engage with sports, entertainment, and games of chance. Online betting platforms provide a convenient and accessible avenue for individuals to place bets, test their predictions, and experience the thrill of anticipation. These digital platforms offer an extensive array of betting options, ranging from traditional sports like football and basketball to unconventional offerings such as esports and reality TV shows. The convenience of betting from the comfort of one’s home or on-the-go through mobile devices has contributed to the widespread popularity of online betting. Martial Arts and Betting Convergence The convergence of martial arts and online betting sites represents an innovative marriage of two distinct forms of entertainment. Betting platforms have recognized the appeal of martial arts events and have seamlessly integrated them into their offerings, catering to the interests of fans who are eager to engage in both the physical and analytical aspects of combat sports. Enthusiasts of martial arts can now go beyond being passive spectators and actively participate by placing bets on their favorite fighters, predicting match outcomes, and immersing themselves in the excitement of live events. This convergence extends beyond traditional sports, providing a new dimension of engagement and entertainment. Betting Markets and Odds for Martial Arts Online betting sites have introduced a diverse range of betting markets for martial arts events, enhancing the experience for both casual observers and dedicated fans. Bettors can explore various options, such as predicting the winner of a match, the method of victory (knockout, submission, decision), or even the round in which a fight will conclude. Calculating odds for martial arts events involves a careful analysis of factors such as fighters’ records, styles, and recent performances. Bookmakers utilize their expertise to assign odds that reflect the perceived likelihood of different outcomes, enabling bettors to make informed decisions based on the available information. Betting Markets and Odds for Martial Arts (Continued) What sets martial arts betting apart is the depth of analysis that enthusiasts can engage in before placing their bets. Bettors can delve into fighters’ training camps, historical performances, fighting styles, and even their psychological mindsets. This level of engagement not only enhances the betting experience but also fosters a deeper connection with the martial arts world. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of martial arts competitions contributes to an unpredictable environment where underdogs can triumph against all odds. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement to betting, as enthusiasts anticipate the potential for upsets and dramatic moments. Interactive Betting Experiences Online betting sites have embraced technological advancements to create interactive and engaging experiences for users during martial arts events. Live streaming of matches allows bettors to watch the action in real-time, enabling them to make informed in-play bets as the fight unfolds. In-play betting, also known as live betting, enables enthusiasts to place bets during the course of a match, adjusting their predictions based on the fighters’ performances. This real-time engagement adds a layer of strategy and excitement, as bettors analyze the evolving dynamics of the fight and make split-second decisions. Additionally, online betting sites provide real-time updates, statistics, and analysis to assist bettors in making informed decisions. The combination of live streaming, in-play betting, and comprehensive data enhances the overall experience, making martial arts events an immersive and thrilling affair for both casual fans and serious bettors. Martial Arts Legends and Betting Frenzy Throughout the history of martial arts, certain fighters have achieved legendary status, captivating the imagination of fans and bettors alike. These martial arts icons become focal points of intense betting activity whenever they step into the arena. Legends like Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali, and more recently, Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, have not only left an indelible mark on their respective disciplines but have also transcended their sports to become cultural icons. Betting frenzy ensues whenever these legends are scheduled to compete, with bettors eager to support their favorites and witness history in the making. Furthermore, highly anticipated matchups between skilled fighters generate significant betting interest. The clash of different styles, the narrative of rivalry, and the uncertainty of outcomes contribute to heightened excitement and increased betting activity. Responsible Betting and Ethical Considerations As the convergence of martial arts and online betting continues to captivate enthusiasts, responsible betting practices remain paramount. Online betting sites and regulatory authorities emphasize the importance of informed decision-making, moderation, and self-control. Betting on human competitions, including martial arts events, raises ethical considerations that both bettors and betting platforms must address. Ensuring that the focus remains on respectful and responsible engagement is essential to maintaining the integrity of both the martial arts and betting industries. Regulation and Security in Martial Arts Betting The integration of martial arts events into online betting platforms introduces regulatory challenges that require careful attention. Regulatory authorities and betting sites collaborate to ensure that betting practices adhere to established guidelines and legal frameworks. Security measures, including age verification and safeguards against fraudulent activities, are integral to maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment for bettors. Additionally, transparent reporting and compliance mechanisms contribute to the overall integrity of martial arts betting.

This is What You Need to Know Before You Bet on Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts, known to most as MMA, is a sport that goes back all the way to 648 BC. Nowadays, it has become one of the popular sports in the world and it owes its popularity to the Gracie family as they were the ones who brought Brazilian Jiujitsu to the United States in the 90s. To give you an idea as to how much it has grown in popularity, in 1993 the UFC got an estimated 86,000 pay-per-view customers per fight, and when McGregor took on Khabib a few years ago 2.4 million people paid to watch it. The best part about the UFC is there are always exciting fights for betting all year round. Below we will have a look at how to bet on MMA. The Rules of the Cage First of all, if you are curious as to why this sport has become so popular, we recommend that you head on over to this website. Here all of your queries will be answered. In MMA, two fighters will step into the cage and only one of them will leave it a winner, unless the fight is a draw. There will be three judges, and each fight has a 10-point scoring system. The fighter that wins each round will be awarded 10 points, while the losing fighter will get 9 or less. A 10-9 round is one where things were pretty even, while a 10-8 round is one where the winning fighter dominated. There are a number of things judges have to take into account, and this includes the likes of striking, effective grappling, dominance, aggressiveness, and defense. Takedowns are a big part of this sport as they show to the judges that one fighter is dominant. For instance, Khabib, who is one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, is known for his ability to takedown an opponent and strike them with multiple heavy blows to the head and limbs. Once he gets an opponent in a chokehold they have to tap out or lose consciousness – this is what McGregor had to do in their famous fight. Know the Fighters There are many websites out there that provide information on the strengths and weakness of fighters. When you are thinking about betting on a fighter, you need to take things into consideration such as knockdowns landed, strikes landed per minute, takedowns landed, and their defensive capabilities. Knowing the stance that your fighter uses when in the ring is very important when placing a bet on a combat sport, and MMA is no different. For instance, the Orthodox stance is when a fighter stands with their left foot in front of them and use their right hand to land the power blows. The opposite stance to this is called the Southpaw stance, which is when a fighter stands with their right foot in front of them and use their left hand for the power blows. The orthodox stance is the one that you will see the most, while the Southpaw one is a lot trickier for fighters to defend. There are some fighters that have the ability to switch between both stances and still be mightily effective such as Anderson Silva. You should also watch the weigh-ins as these can give you a solid idea about the size difference between the fighters (if any) and if one fighter seems a lot more nervous than the other one. Any bit of information that you can find will be of great use when you are betting on MMA. Different MMA Bets Below we have listed some of the popular MMA betting markets that you will find at online bookies: : Moneyline: With this type of bet you are betting on the fighter that you think will win. Method of victory: There are plenty of ways that an MMA fighter can win a fight and with this type of bet you are simply trying to predict how a fight will be won. Will the winner win by decision, knockout, submission, or technical knockout? Under or over round betting: With this kind of bet you are simply betting on whether there will be under or over a specific number of rounds in a particular fight. How You Can Find the Best Sites for MMA Betting There are plenty of sportsbooks out there and most will offer their players plenty of markets for MMA. However, there are some sports betting sites that are a lot better than the rest, but how can you find these ones when you have over 500 that you can choose from? Well, luckily for you, there are many bookie comparisons sites out there who are run by sports betting experts. These experts spend their days analysing all parts of a sports betting site and if they deem them to be very good, they will recommend them to their readers. In our opinion, one of the best comparison sites out there at the moment is mybettingsite.uk, and if you listen to what they have to tell you, then you will be going a long way to ensuring that you have a fantastic sports betting experience. Source: https://bettinginsiderjournal.com/how-to-bet-on-mma-ultimate-strategy-guide/

Types of African Martial Arts That People Overlook – We Bet You Have Not Heard of Them

When people think about martial arts, we are certain that they think about Asian people fighting each other. When you watch martial arts movies, it does seem pretty obvious that Asia has a stranglehold on the market, mostly with disciplines such as aikido, ninjutsu, karate, kung fu, and taekwondo. Some might also think about bare-knuckle boxing and krav maga in Europe, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu in South America. However, not many people will think about Africa when thinking about martial arts. Here I will discuss some awesome African martial arts that people often overlook. Dambe Dambe was created by the Nigerian Hausa people and it has become one of the more popular forms of fighting in North Africa. It is a brutal style of martial arts and each fight takes place in a sandpit. Before a fight starts, fighters have a “magic” herb mixed into any incisions as this is believed to increase their strength. Rope cords are then wrapped around their dominant hand and the two fighters then step into the ring and trade blows to any part of their opponent’s body that they manage. Fighters are allowed to use their arms, legs, and heads to inflict damage. The Nigeria Traditional Boxing League Association is trying to increase the popularity of this sport and make it global. Laamb This is a form of wrestling that originates from Senegal in West Africa. This sport first started out as a hobby for fishermen and farmers that were exchanging goods. However, it has since evolved, and it is not a much-anticipated event that even has sponsorships. Before a fight, the ring is sprinkled with a powder that they believe wards of black magic and the fighters take a bath in a liquid that they believe repels negative energy. There are timed sessions and the fighters punch and grapple each other until there is a winner. The loser of the fight has to present the winner with a gift as a show of good sportsmanship. Zulu Stick Fighting This African form of fighting is exclusive to a tribe that originates from South Africa’s Bantu people. It has been used in battle, ceremonies (such as weddings), self-defense, and recreation. When it is used for recreation, the fighters set the tone for good sportsmanship by tapping their opponent’s shield before the fight starts and not aiming for the head when the sparring begins. However, when this is used in battle, all restrictions are off and everything goes. Other Types of Fighting Styles There are plenty of other African martial arts that are practiced throughout the continent. Below I will talk briefly about some that are worth talking about. Tahtib: This comes from Egypt and it is another type of stick-fighting that was traditionally used by soldiers that were cross-training in archery and wrestling. Istunka: This is another fighting style that uses sticks and it originated in Somalia. It was was once very popular due to its use of lethal weapons and armour. Sudanese wrestling: There are no prizes for guessing the African country where this originated from. It is also known as Nuba wrestling and it takes place when farming festivals are in full swing. The matches are usually a community event that is passed down by previous champions. Musangwe: This is a brutal and ruthless type of fighting that is popular in a lot of countries across Africa. The aim of this sport is to be the fighter that draws first blood as the fight is over whenever blood has been spilled. There are no gloves involved and the fighters can use any means to draw blood or to get their opponent to surrender. Evolution of Martial Arts While the majority of martial arts can be traced back to ancient times, many have evolved in such a way to fit the popular demands of today’s modern world. Dambe as well as other forms of African martial arts may not be as popular as martial arts from Asia, but the techniques and styles that you practice while fighting can help you to become a better all-rounded martial artist. Even today’s popular martial arts such as Muay Thai and karate were unknown as one point in their history. So, maybe in a decade or two you will be able to practice some Dambe or Laamb at the martial arts school near you. Sources: https://www.sport-betting.ng/ ; https://medium.com/@nicolecoop/african-martial-arts-6fcba9aa35b2

Seven Reasons Why You Should Contemplate Taking up a Type of Martial Arts

When I was 18, I went back-packing to Thailand and had planned to stay there for just 6 months. However, I loved the country so much that I ended up staying there for ten years and found myself a beautiful Thai wife. During my stay there, I took up Muay Thai and I have now opened up a Muay Thai school back in the UK. Learning Muay Thai is Thailand was one of the best things I have ever done and below I am going to explain why you should consider taking up a form of martial arts. Great for Self-Defense This is one of the main reasons why people take up martial arts. It really does not matter which type of martial arts you study because you can use any of them to defend yourself better. Martial arts do not only show you the techniques needed to defend yourself, but they also teach you to think about how to defend yourself, which can help you to avoid any potential dangers. Training in a form of martial arts is also great for improving your reflexes, which are vital when you are trying to defend yourself against an attacker. Will Improve Your Confidence As you get betting in the martial arts that you have chosen to train in, you will find that your confidence will start to grow. Confidence is great in many situations outside of a martial arts lesson. For me, learning Muay Thai has made me a lot happier about myself as well as more comfortable when I find myself in potentially dangerous situations. Will Improve Your Discipline Practice makes perfect is a common expression and it is one that almost certainly applies to any form of martial arts. In a traditional martial arts lesson, you will have to execute certain movements over and over again. This is something that will teach you that progression is something that only happens during slight improvements in stamina and technique. In order to become perfect in whatever martial arts you are learning, you need to be committed and determined and go to your lessons even when you do not feel like it. Being disciplined and humble is what all martial arts are about. There is Gender Equality One great thing, in my opinion, about martial arts is that anyone can do it – it does not matter what age you are (obviously the elderly should give it a miss) or whether you are a man or a woman. Martial arts are one of the few sports out there when girls and boys can play together. Martial arts also give siblings a chance to practice against each other and learn from each other too. Help You to Stay Healthy and Lose Weight Most martial arts lessons will include warm-ups, guidance from instructors and practicing some moves. The move advanced lessons will also include other physical activities as well as sparring. The technical drills and the warm-up will take up most of the time, while ending cardio and stretches will come towards the end of the lesson. Obviously, this is just a rough idea as things can change depending on the martial arts you are studying and your instructor. At the end of the day, there really is no such thing as a real martial arts workout. When compared to other sports such as football or basketball, martial arts are more intense as it includes your “fight or flight” responses. Furthermore, there are many sports where you do not have to use all of your body parts, but this is not the case with martial arts. Take up some type of martial arts and your body will appreciate it in the future. They Are Not Seasonal Many team sports, such as soccer or cricket, are seasonal. This means that there will be a chunk of the year where you will not be able to partake in your favourite sport. However, this is definitely not the case with martial arts as they take place inside. This constant availability allows you to build on your skills and your discipline. Furthermore, the fact that you can partake in martial arts throughout the year means that kids can improve at much faster speeds than they can when participating in team sports. You Can Learn Important Values and Life Skills Life skills are very important, especially for children. Martial arts are a great way to shape your behaviours and values such as fairness, focus, tolerance, discipline, and humbleness. If you have all these values, then you will certainly go far in life. Learning Muay Thai has taught me a lot about life that I never knew. Not only is it a great way to keep fit, but the mental strength needed is very humbling. I never really thought that I would have grown so much as a person by learning Muay Thai, so I am really glad that I made the decision to start practicing it when I was living in Thailand. It is safe to say that without Muay Thai, my heart would not be as full as it is.

Here Are 6 of the Greatest Fighters to Ever Grace Mixed Martial Arts

With any sport, fans and experts always disagree with who they feel deserves to be on the greatest of all-time list. MMA is no exception to this. In fact, in my opinion, it is the constant debates and differences of opinion that makes sports worth watching. Imagine how boring sports would be if we all had the same opinion. Below is my list of the best MMA fighters ever, please feel free to disagree. Anderson Silva For six years between 2006 and 2012 Silva mauled everyone that he came up against. During this time frame he had 17 fights and he won all of them – he knocked 14 of his opponents out cold. During his early years (he started fighting in 1997), he defeated fighters such as Carlos Newtown, Hayato Sakurai, Lee Murray, Jeremy Horn, and Jorge Rivera. These were all great fighters in their own right. Dana White, the UFC President, once called Silva the best MMA fighter ever, and there are probably not many who would disagree. Fedor Emelianenko From 2001 until 2009, Emelianenko had 28 fights and he won them all. He was not just fighting nobodies during this time either – he defeated some of the greatest heavyweights that MMA has to offer such as Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Mirko Flipovic. When it comes to heavyweight fighters, Emelianenko is considered to be one of the best to grace the sport. He only lost 4 fights in his whole MMA career. Georges St. Pierre His last fight was back in 2017, but over his MMA career he only lost two fights. The first loss was to Matt Hughes who made him submit, while the second was to Matt Serra by a technical knockout. While it might seem that his kryptonite is fighters that have the first name Matt, he beat Hughes on two other occasions and Serra on the other occasion that they thought. Serra’s win over St. Pierre is still one of the biggest MMA upsets ever. St. Pierre also defeated talented fighters such as Jason Miller, Jon Fitch, Jake Shields, and Carlos Condit. He was one of the most popular fighters to grace the sport. Royce Gracie From 1993 until 1995, Gracie won 3 UFC competitions, which is the most that any fighter has ever won in that time frame. What is more impressive though is that he defeated 11 opponents using submission. The fight that most people will remember him for though is the fight against his big rival Dan Severn. Severn held a ninety-pound weight advantage over Gracie, but the latter proved his skill and mettle by toughing it out with him for 16 minutes before winning the fight thanks to a triangle choke. Bas Rutten Between 1995 and 1999, Bas Rutten and 21 fights and he won every one of the apart from one. During this period, he was crowned the heavyweight champion of the world thanks to a split-decision victory over Kevin Randleman. It was a controversial decision, but Bas Rutten cared not. During his career he also defeated talented MMA fighters such as Frank Shamrock, Maurice Smith, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, and Minoru Suzuki. Chuck Liddell From 1999 until 2006, Liddell had 20 fights and he won all but two of them. During this time, he became the light heavyweight champion of the world and defeated talented fighters such as Tito Ortiz, Jeff Monson, Kevin Randleman, Vernon White, and Alistair Overeem. Before he retired, he lost five of his last six bouts, but this should not take away from the amazing MMA career that he had. Conclusion That concludes my list of the best fighters to grace the UFC. Unfortunately, these fighters no longer participate in the UFC, and it’s up to newer fighters to fill in their gaps. Thankfully, there are many promising fighters in the UFC that might be able to take their place, or at least make up for the retirement of the above fighters. At the same time, there are plenty of underrated fighters that seem to always fly under the radar, despite how good they actually are. It would be a crying shame if these fighters remain unnoticed forever. However, all in all I can happily say that the world of UFC is filled to the brim with amazing fighters, even if some of my favourites no longer participate, which is always good news.