Taekwondo Life Magazine's Podcast

Usman Nurmagomedov Retains Bellator Lightweight World Title in Epic Main Event Bout Against Paul Hughes.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (January 25, 2025) - Usman Nurmagomedov versus Paul Hughes delivered on all the hype and anticipation surrounding the World Title Fight since it was announced. The main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series saw a 25-minute battle between the prides of Dagestan and Ireland, with Nurmagomedov remaining unbeaten after receiving the nod from two of the three judges sitting outside the SmartCage (47-47, 48-46, 48-46). After the majority decision win, Nurmagomedov had nothing but respect for his opponent. “This is for you guys, Paul Hughes, you are the man, brother you’re tough, I underestimated this guy,” Usman Nurmagomedov said. “But I’m still undefeated, undisputed Bellator Lightweight Champion.” After his incredible performance, Hughes made it clear he would love a rematch in Belfast, “It played out how I expected, I’m so gutted and disappointed I lost. I thought I won the fight, I probably left some in the tank, I need to leave everything behind next time. I really thought I was going to win,” Paul Hughes said. “The PFL believed in me and I believe in the PFL. We have to do the rematch in Belfast, it has to be in Belfast, I think I’ve earned this.” PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series is the inaugural “Road to Dubai” event following the signing of a groundbreaking multi-year partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Sports Council (DSC), and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

On November 19, 2022 Jason David Frank, better known as White/Green Power Ranger Tommy Oliver, passed away at the age of 49. Later news reports would reveal his death a suicide. Frank was a talented martial artist, have black belts in multiple styles, including Taekwondo. He was, in addition to being a television actor, was an MMA fighter and Martial arts school owner.

Jason David Frank, apparently, was a strong influence on worldwide martial arts' student enrollment.

He seems to have suffered mental health issues and depression.

He leaves behind a wife and four children.

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In this episode Taekwondo Life Magazine Host and Editor, Marc Zirogiannis, gives a first hand account of the road to becoming a Taekwondo Sabumnim. This episode is a follow up to Episode 181, which was an account of the 91st Kukkiwon International Masters' Course held in NYC this past Summer.

This episode introduces the Taekwondo Life audience to Master Marc Zirogiannis for the first time, following the second part of the physical Masters' Exam, which took place this past weekend.

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Taekwondo Life Magazine's Marc Zirogiannis talks with Joe Corley - CEO, Jeff Smith - President, Sports Operations, Rick Roufus - Global Director of Fighter Development from PKA Worldwide about the exciting rebranding and changes coming to this historic Combat Sports League.

About PKA Worldwide-

Once a staple of televised combat sports in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, and a precursor to today’s modern hybrid styles of fighting, PKA and its’ CEO Joe Corley are often credited as one of the founding fathers of modern-day MMA. Corley first introduced professional kickboxing to the public nearly 50 years ago with an “Americanized” style in which opponents are allowed to hit each other with punches and kicks above the waist. However, elbows, knees, clinch fighting and grappling are all forbidden.

Launched in 1974, the PKA went on to garner huge national audiences on ABC, CBS and NBC, and formed long-time broadcast partnerships with cable giants ESPN and SHOWTIME while producing over 1,000 hours of unforgettable televised action.

Now, PKA WORLDWIDE returns with the search for the sport’s greatest striker as they seek to crown new PKA WORLDWIDE World Champions.

For more information, please visit http://www.PKAWorldwide.com, follow on Facebook or social media @PKA_Worldwide (Twitter and Instagram).

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Master Marc Zirogiannis talks when and where to Watch Taekwondo in the Olympics in Paris 2024.

From USA Taekwondo's Facebook page:

WATCH LIVE AS TEAM USA TAEKWONDO ATHLETES FIGHT THEIR WAY TO THE TOP OF THE PODIUM

AUGUST 8:
FAITH DILLON - F-57KG

AUGUST 9:
CJ NICKOLAS - M-80KG
KRISTINA TEACHOUT - F-67KG

AUGUST 10:
JONATHAN HEALY - M+80KG

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHEDULE AND LIVE LINKS:

https://www.teamusa.com/paris-2024/olympics/sports/taekwondo?_gl=11v7rl04_gaMTg3MTIwODg3NS4xNzE3NTA4MDk5_ga_XEXDBYM8E5*MTcyMjUxNDE1NC43NS4xLjE3MjI1MTU3OTAuMC4wLjA.

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