Kickboxing – Fight Matrix

The Future of Combat Training Just Hit Kickstarter

Posted on September 16, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Kickstarter has paved the way for big tech and fitness names like Peloton, Oculus, and now Strike Coach. This is a first of its kind consumer robot. It is being introduced into homes and gyms, for fitness and combat training. Fitness equipment today is very static with limited engagement. A vast majority of products that are considered interactive, actually require a monitor screen to be engaged. STRIKECOACH does not have that issue! It truly is interactivity right out of the box. Which is effective and pure genius.

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How Combat Sports Odds Are Priced and Why Rankings Move the Line

Posted on September 14, 2026 by A. J. Riot

A fighter is ranked No. 3. His opponent sits at No. 8. Easy price, right? Not quite.

Combat sports odds look simple on the screen, yet the number beside each fighter is the end product of a much longer argument. Rankings matter, but so do style, recent form, age, pace, weight cuts, five-round experience, injuries, opponent quality and the amount of money entering the market.

That’s why a rankings gap can push a line without deciding it.

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Do you owe taxes on fight betting winnings?

Posted on August 12, 2026 by A. J. Riot

two young men in muay thai sparring session in boxing ring

If you place a bet on a boxing match, UFC bout or another major fight, winning can feel refreshingly simple. You picked a fighter, watched the result go your way, then saw the balance in your betting account rise. Taxation can make the picture more complicated, however, because your winnings are treated differently across the world.

Your country of tax residence generally matters first, while the type of gambling activity and the operator’s jurisdiction can also affect the outcome. A $1,000 fight betting win can therefore leave you with very different tax obligations depending on where you live.

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Falls, Fundamentals, and Family: Chris Lofton’s Interview on the Practical Side of Judo

Posted on August 3, 2026 by Heather

In this episode of the Cage & Ring Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lofton – a brown belt in Judo, and competitor under the United States Judo Federation. He is known for mentoring junior students on the mat. Chris opens up about his Judo journey: how he got started, why proper falling technique matters far beyond the dojo, and the throw he’s become known for. We talk about competition life, training his daughter, and what he believes is the most effective art for real self-defense. We also get into the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight, MMA vs. Judo misconceptions, and the advice Chris would give anyone just starting out. A conversation about mentorship, fundamentals, and what martial arts can teach you both on the mat and off it.

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Heather

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Partnership Marketing and Digital Strategy Lead (Combat Sports)
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for almost three decades. Since 2001, I have enjoyed watching the UFC. I hold an academic background in Gerontology from Madonna University, and spent 25 years working across both clinical and non-clinical healthcare settings. But a lifelong passion for writing and martial arts eventually pulled me toward a new chapter. Today, I write for FightMatrix.com. Additionally, I interview professionals in the Combat Sports sector.

www.fightmatrix.com

The World’s First Portable Punch Bag, Was Born From a Turning Point

Posted on August 3, 2026 by Max Rushton

I don’t usually talk much about my own story, but it’s a big part of why PUNCH TRUNK exists.

When I was 16, I spent a year living in a hostel. It was a turning point in my life. During that time I made a decision that I wanted to build something better for myself and, if I could, help other people do the same.

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Why Combat Sports is Reaching New Highs in 2026

Posted on July 28, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Boxing has been a staple of the top end of professional sports for decades, but now, the popularity of combat sports spreads far beyond the purest of competition. Mixed martial arts has risen to the fore, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the UFC, forever looking to prove itself on the global stage.

Exploring seemingly every opportunity that comes its way, the UFC has helped to grow itself and other combat sports to new highs year after year. Given the restraints to achieve this, as well as how many others have failed to make the most similar opportunities, the success of combat sports today is very impressive.

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20:0 and the K-1 World Champion Title – Azamat Boziev’s Triumph at FCFC 15

Posted on May 28, 2026 by A. J. Riot

At FCFC 15, special attention was drawn to the international championship bout for the K-1 world title featuring undefeated fighter Azamat Boziev, representing Senshi no Kage Beausoleil, a sports club based in the south of France.

Azamat entered the tournament with an impressive professional record: Muay Thai — 4:0, K-1 — 2:0, Kickboxing — 2:0, and MMA — 11:0. He is a champion of the Maximus and GITC MMA promotions, winner of the Irbis K-1 Grand Prix Cup, and also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Following his victory at FCFC 15, Azamat’s overall professional combat sports record now stands at 20:0.

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An Interview with Bareknuckle Fighter, Joshua Whiteside

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Heather

Introduction

Drawing from his background in boxing, MMA, and kickboxing, Joshua Whiteside stands out as a highly adaptable fighter. On March 28, 2026, he made a victorious debut in BKFC by defeating Isaiah Williams (0-1). His greatest strength lies in boxing, where he holds an amateur record of (4-0) and a professional record of (2-0). Since Whiteside’s dynamic fighting style is shaped by rigorous training across multiple disciplines, this enables him to adapt swiftly to different combat scenarios. Now, as he continues his journey in bare knuckle boxing, Whiteside’s versatility and relentless drive promise to make him a contender to watch in the sport.

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

What Are The Most Popular Combat Sports In The World Today

Posted on April 15, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Have you ever asked yourself which combat sports people enjoy the most today, and why so many fans love watching them and learning them?

It is a simple question, but the answer includes skill, culture, fitness, and strong human effort.

Combat sports have been part of human life for many years. People from different countries enjoy these sports in their own way. Some like fast action, some like smart techniques, and some feel inspired by the discipline and control shown by players. These sports are not just about fighting. They are about respect, focus, and personal growth.

If we look at today’s trends, some combat sports clearly stand out. Boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, Muay Thai, and kickboxing are among the most popular choices. Each sport has its own style and rules, but all of them help improve both body and mind.

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How Boxing And Martial Arts Have Evolved Over Time

Posted on March 21, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Have you ever thought about how boxing and martial arts started and how they became so popular today?

It’s quite interesting to see how these practices have changed with time while still keeping their original spirit alive.

Boxing and martial arts are not just about fighting. They are about discipline, focus, respect, and fitness. Over the years, they have grown from simple techniques used for survival into well-organized sports and daily lifestyle practices followed by people everywhere.

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