Tag: Karate Combat 43

Karate Combat president Asim Zaidi reveals ‘long list of giant names’ he’s eying, including ex-UFC champs

New Karate Combat president Asim Zaidi is morphing the brand for UFC fans – and he’s already talking to multiple former champs.

LAS VEGAS – Karate Combat is under new management and its recently hired president Asim Zaidi is looking to catch your attention.

Whether it’s the big-named free agents or twerking aliens, Zaidi is obsessed with making karate something different, new and improved.

“The president before me was a very traditional karate guy, didn’t so much have the combat sports fans with him and didn’t know too much in that space,” Zaidi said at World Market Center after Karate Combat 43, the first event under his watch. “The idea was we wanted to break into the combat sports world. We wanted to shake it up and get those guys over here. When I got involved, that was my objective.”

Seven weeks ago, Zaidi was hired – with an important Las Vegas debut already on the books. He entered the promotion as the head coach of viral (and controversial) fight team Goat Shed and is already feeling the criticism of some karate traditionalists. But the interest attracted from the MMA community by an Anthony Pettis vs. Benson Henderson main event showed Zaidi early that he was on the right track.

“This company has been around for six years now,” Zaidi said. “That’s a decent amount of time. I entered to take it to that next level. But of course, I’ve been doing this sport since I was three years old. I got my black belt from Royce Gracie. I started jiu-jitsu when I was 10. This is my life. I know this industry. I know this industry too well. I know how to take this to the next level. Again, seven weeks is what you’ve got. Give me two months. Give me a full two months. Give me a full three months. It’s going to be bigger than ever. I’m telling you. We’re doing it, man.”

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With Karate Combat 43 in the books, Zaidi is already focused on the future. He’d like to keep the ball rolling with more notable signings. Talks have already begun with some prospective targets, Zaidi revealed.

“I was already dealing with this. I was already getting in contact with these big names. I have a long list of giant names. … I’m talking to Jose Aldo. I was talking to Lyoto Machida, Darren Till, Luke Rockhold. I’m talking to… I don’t want to release that one. But that’s the level of names we’re speaking of. Tyrone Spong, I can say also. That’s the level of names we’re talking to. Everyone on that level you can imagine, yes, I’m speaking to them. I’m interested in having them.

“We’re changing the brand a whole lot. This was the debut of what I’m trying to change, the new direction. In 2024, you’re going to see something insane. You will continue seeing these big names and you’ll continue seeing a show that’s so different.”

Anthony Pettis doesn’t want to fight ‘no-name guys,’ intrigued by potential PFL bout vs. Cedric Doumbe

With a world of options at his fingertips, former UFC champ Anthony Pettis only wants to fight against opponents that get him excited.

LAS VEGAS – Former UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] has a lot of opportunities on the table at this stage of his combat sports career, but only wants to test himself against the best available opponents.

Pettis, who defeated Benson Henderson at Karate Combat 43 in their third career matchup, can choose from several avenues. Whether it be in striking battles with Karate Combat, non-season MMA fights with PFL or traditional boxing, “Showtime” has options.

However, the opponent has to be someone who will get him motivated to be at his best. PFL’s Cedric Doumbe is a name that fits that bill, and it helps that the two are under the same banner.

“A guy like that gets me excited, bro,” Pettis told MMA Junkie and other reporters during a post-fight scrum. “I know how good he is. I’ve seen his kickboxing career. Like, I would have to train my ass off to fight that guy.

“So, I feel like those are the kind of fights I want. I don’t want these like – I’m not talking sh*t, but no-name guys that just would have never fought in the UFC, all of a sudden I’m fighting them in the PFL tournament. I wasn’t excited for that.”

Since competing in the PFL’s regular season format, Pettis discovered that it is not an ideal situation for him. Cutting weight multiple times and working through injuries in a short period just to reach the next round is not something Pettis is looking for at this point in his career, but he would love to compete in the PFL’s pay-per-view model beginning in 2024.

Pettis said he is returning to the boxing ring in February, but could not reveal the name of the opponent or promoter. Prior to the karate fight against Henderson, Pettis won a majority decision against boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round bout at Gamebred Boxing 4 in April.

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Karate Combat 43 results: Anthony Pettis scores third victory vs. Benson Henderson in close decision

It took a sudden victory round, but Anthony Pettis secured another combat sports win over Benson Henderson at Karate Combat 43.

Thirteen years after their first meeting, former UFC champions [autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] and [autotag]Benson Henderson[/autotag] faced each other for the third time in combat sports.

While the first two meetings took place in a cage under MMA rules, the trilogy bout would go down in a wide-open pit with ramped walls at Karate Combat 43. The 170-pound catchweight fight was scheduled for five rounds, but would need a sixth to settle the decision. Ultimately, Pettis would deny Henderson again after winning a decision after a sudden victory round.

The familiar foes started out measuring the range with a few early kicks, with Pettis offering a flashier variety of techniques. Perhaps playing on memories of their first matchup, Pettis teased using the ramp to propel himself forward. Henderson landed a few nice punches, including a hard right to the body. Pettis finished the round looking for a back heel sweep kick.

Henderson attacked with low leg kicks early in Round 2, but Pettis answered with a well-timed side kick followed by a punch. Later in the round, Henderson would charge forward with a nice combination of punches, pushing Pettis into the ramp.

The third round was closely contested, until Pettis began building momentum after a kick to the body followed by a right hand.

Henderson started Round 4 with big power kicks, sending Pettis into the wall twice before a low blow paused the action. When the action resumed, Pettis went back to his kick-punch combos as he looked to reestablish his offense.

Henderson shucked Pettis into the wall and to the ground in an aggressive start to the fifth round. Pettis would respond with combinations upstairs while attempting a few crowd-pleasing techniques.

The fight would go to a sudden victory sixth round, and both came out firing hard. Henderson connected with a front kick to the face and landed well to the body with a punch. Quick jabs and hard right hands found the mark for both as they tried to put a stamp on the fight.

Judges determined Pettis was the winner of the sudden victory round, which according to the Karate Combat rules, the better fighter in that frame is declared the winner.

Pettis entered the trilogy bout with Henderson as the leader in their series. Pettis won a unanimous decision at WEC 53 to take the lightweight title from Henderson. It was the bout where Pettis created one of the most viral highlights in MMA history by landing the “Showtime kick.”

The second meeting came at UFC 164, where once again, Pettis took a lightweight title from Henderson in highlight fashion. Pettis cranked on a slick armbar in the final minute of the first round to get the tap.

After 42 pro fights, Henderson retired from MMA competition following a first-round loss to Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 292 in March.

On the other hand, Pettis has been active in combat sports as recently as April, when he laced up the boxing gloves against legend Roy Jones Jr. Pettis won a majority decision after eight rounds of action.

You can watch a replay of the fight in the video above.

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Karate Combat 43: Anthony Pettis vs. Benson Henderson live stream

Watch two former UFC champions Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson fight at Karate Combat – live and free.

LAS VEGAS – Karate Combat 43 features two of the most recognizable lightweights in UFC history as they fight for the third time – but this time, in a different combat sport.

[autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] and [autotag]Benson Henderson[/autotag] collide Friday and the entire event is live and free on MMA Junkie. UFC Hall of Famers [autotag]Georges St-Pierre[/autotag] and [autotag]Bas Rutten[/autotag] will be on commentary. The stream begins at 9 p.m. ET.

Also set to compete at the event, former UFC fighter [autotag]Sam Alvey[/autotag] challenges champion Ross Levine, kickboxing legend Raymond Daniels competes, and a handful of other UFC alumni test their skills on the mat – with striking only and no takedowns.

Check out the full lineup below:

  • Anthony Pettis def. Benson Henderson via unanimous decision
  • Sam Alvey def. Ross Levine via unanimous decision – for vacant heavyweight title
  • Raymond Daniels def. Bruno Souza via unanimous decision
  • Brandon Jenkins def. Gorjan Slaveski via TKO – Round 1
  • Melinda Fabian def. Omaira Molina via TKO – Round 3, 3:00
  • Batgerel Danaa def. Freddy Masabo via knockout – Round 2
  • Omar Morales def. Armus Guyton via unanimous decision
  • Shahzaib Khan def. Federico Avella via knockout (head kick) – Round 1
  • Chinzo Machida def. Shannon Hudson via unanimous decision
  • Saidyokub Kakhramonov def. Gabriel Stankunas via TKO – Round 3
  • Elijah Everill def. Javier Arteaga via unanimous decision
  • Loxbey Montalvan def. Gabriel Diaz via unanimous decision
  • Jordan Lee Barker def. Damian Villa via unanimous decision

With Karate Combat, UFC veteran Sam Alvey no longer worries about ‘sissies’ turning down fights

Sam Alvey aims to bring more eyes to Karate Combat as he prepares for his first title shot with the promotion.

UFC veteran [autotag]Sam Alvey[/autotag] has made a smooth transition from MMA to karate competition, and is days away from his first title shot.

At Karate Combat 43, Alvey enters his second fight with the promotion, which will be for the vacant heavyweight title (205 pounds) against Ross Levine. While Alvey’s run in the UFC ended with a rough skid of losses, he has rejuvenated his combat sports career in an all-striking sport that is steadily gaining more attention.

“I have been able to go into a promotion and impress them so much in one fight that they offered me a title shot, and against a reigning champion a weight lower,” Alvey told MMA Junkie Radio. “It means the world to me. I’m going to go out there, and I’m going to win this belt. I’m going to do everything I can to give back to Karate Combate. I’m going to make sure Karate Combat is the next biggest combat sport in the world.

“… It is the most fun I’ve ever had fighting, and I’ve only had one fight with them so far. I am looking forward to this so much, and when I get that gold belt, I’m going to wear it everywhere.”

Following his exit from the UFC after 24 fights, Alvey had a successful MMA bout in the heavyweight division, where he weighed in at 230 pounds, before making the transition to karate. Since then, Alvey says he has honed his focus on training to be a true 205-pound competitor, and he gets to test himself regularly with Team Quest in Temecula, Calif.

So far, so good for Alvey, who won his karate debut in September by brutally stopping Adam Rosa in under two minutes.

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Although Alvey’s run under the UFC banner ended with nine straight fights without a win, he’s not done with MMA, or any particular combat sports discipline. He’s willing to throw down anywhere and everywhere.

“I mean, at the end of the day, I’m a fighter,” Alvey said. “I want to fight. I will fight anyone, anywhere, at any time. The whole reason I ended up with Karate Combat is because the fighters in BKFC are a bunch of sissies. The fighters in MMA in general are a bunch of sissies. It is not what it used to be.

“When I started fighting, if a fight was offered, you say yes. I mean, before you know who it is. Now, I have said yes this last year to 10 different fights in five different promotions, and they all say no. They’re all intimidated.”

Alvey is relieved to have found a home in Karate Combat where he doesn’t have to worry about opponents turning down fights. He believes the promotion will ensure he gets to compete regularly “without hesitation.”

KC 43 takes place Dec. 15 at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by the third combat sports meeting between former UFC champions Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson, and airs live on YouTube at 10 p.m. ET.

Anthony Pettis excited to ‘jump off’ Karate Combat pit vs. Benson Henderson

Anthony Pettis will try and recreate his infamous “Showtime Kick” when he makes his Karate Combat debut.

[autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] will try and recreate his infamous “Showtime Kick” when he makes his Karate Combat debut.

Pettis meets familiar foe [autotag]Benson Henderson[/autotag] in the main event of Karate Combat 43 on Dec. 15 at the Expo at World Trade Market in Las Vegas, marking their third combat sports encounter.

Pettis defeated Henderson twice in title fights – once in WEC where he landed the “Showtime Kick,” and the other by submission to capture the UFC lightweight title.

“He’s not an easy opponent, bro,” Pettis told MMA Junkie. “We fought twice already. The first fight was such a close fight. Even standing, striking. The ground portion was a very close fight. Second fight I obviously had my success with the body kicks, but Ben’s a competitor. Nothing but respect for that dude. We’ve been doing this for 10-years-plus now each, and he’s still competing at the highest level.

“I know he’s coming to bring it. Obviously he has something to prove. Every time that ‘Showtime’ Kick – they basically made that promo off the ‘Showtime’ Kick. I heard the pit was designed off that, the Karate Combat pit. So I’m sure Ben is going to try to go out there and even the score up. So I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”

Pettis also used the cage to his advantage when he became the first man to knock out Stephen Thompson, landing a perfect Superman punch to shut his lights out.

“I feel like offensively I’m going to be able to use it to my advantage,” Pettis said. “I’ll be able to jump off that thing. I’ll be able to climb up it, move around it. So I’m going to be able to have some fun with that.”

With the Karate Combat ruleset involving striking only, Pettis expects to shine against Henderson.

“I am a lifelong martial artist,” Pettis said. “This is something I’ve done forever. I come from a point sparring background, so I feel like this favors me definitely. Having the ability to throw any strike I want without having to worry about getting taken down or getting pressed against the fence. If you watch our first couple fights, a lot of his success came from that.

“Pushing me against the fence, holding me on the fence. Doing some moves I’ve never seen before on the fence, but he won’t have that opportunity this one round. That’s why I said yes to this. It plays well into what I’ve done my whole life.” I think he definitely wants to win and with these rule set, we’ve got three-minute rounds. I’ve just got to be on my game the whole time.”

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Ex-UFC champs Benson Henderson, Anthony Pettis set to headline Karate Combat 43

Benson Henderson, Anthony Pettis set to meet a third time, but under Karate Combat rules.

[autotag]Benson Henderson[/autotag] and [autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] are headed to Karate Combat.

The two former UFC lightweight champions will meet for a third time in combat sports in the main event of Karate Combat 43 on Dec. 15 at the Expo at World Trade Market in Las Vegas. They will compete in a 170-pound contest.

The news was confirmed by the promotion on Tuesday following an initial report by MMA Fighting.

Henderson and Pettis have fought twice before under MMA rules.

The first time they met was in 2010 at WEC 53, where Pettis defeated Henderson in an all-out war to win the promotion’s lightweight title. It was also the birth of Pettis’ famous “Showtime kick.” The second time was three years later in 2013 at UFC 164. That night, Pettis submitted Henderson with an armbar to crown himself UFC lightweight champion.

Pettis was recently seen fighting in MMA under the PFL banner. He signed with the promotion in 2021 and fought for them five times, going 1-4. The 36-year-old last fought in August 2022, losing a decision to former UFC fighter Stevie Ray.

Meanwhile, Henderson retired from MMA in March after losing by first-round submission to Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title. Prior to that, he was on a two-fight winning streak.

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