This episode breaks down a historic week in combat sports, featuring David Benavidez's dominant cruiserweight debut, Naoya Inoue's undisputed title defense, and a night of massive upsets at UFC Perth.

• • Boxing Politics and Power: We dive into David "The Mexican Monster" Benavidez's clinical performance as he shredded Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez to claim the unified cruiserweight titles via a sixth-round TKO. Benavidez became the first person to ever stop Ramirez and the first boxer to win world titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight, and cruiserweight. We also discuss his post-fight call-out of Canelo Alvarez.
  • The Biggest Fight in Japanese History: Naoya "The Monster" Inoue turned away the challenge of Junto Nakatani to retain his undisputed junior featherweight crown in Tokyo. We analyze the scorecards (116-112, 115-113, 116-112) and how Inoue navigated dangerous waters in the second half of the fight after a clash of heads.
  • UFC Perth Shockers: The Octagon returned to Western Australia for a night filled with local heartbreaks and rising stars. We break down Carlos Prates’ stunning third-round TKO of Jack Della Maddalena and Quillan Salkilld’s massive first-round upset over veteran Beneil Dariush. Plus, we look at Louie Sutherland's dominant decision win over Tai Tuivasa.
  • ONE SAMURAI 1 Blockbuster: Japan’s new era of combat sports kicked off with a storybook ending as Takeru Segawa retired after a legendary knockout win over Rodtang Jitmuangnon. We also celebrate Avazbek Kholmirzaev, who became the first Uzbekistan MMA World Champion in history with a spinning back elbow finish.
  • PFL Preview: A look ahead to PFL Sioux Falls, where hometown hero Logan Storley faces 2024 PFL Europe champion Florim Zendeli.

Whether you are here for the official scorecards, tactical breakdowns, or the latest news on Zuffa Boxing, this episode covers every angle of the fight game

From the dojo to the octagon—this is Budocast, your source for the latest in martial arts news, culture, and competition. In this episode, we break down a massive weekend in combat sports, ranging from the amateur ranks in the Midwest to elite-level professional clashes in Las Vegas and Bangkok.

Inside this episode:

• • Sterling’s Dominance: We dive into the full results of UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal, where Aljamain Sterling secured a dominant unanimous decision (49-45 across the board) over Youssef Zalal at the Meta APEX. We also discuss standout performances from the card, including Ryan Spann’s second-round knockout of Marcus Buchecha.
  • Olympic Dreams in Wichita: Discover why Wichita, Kansas, has been named the "Best Sports-Event Host City" as it prepares to welcome back the 2026 USA Boxing National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival. We explore the economic and cultural impact of hosting over a week of high-level amateur boxing.
  • ONE Friday Fights 152 Preview: We look ahead to the world's largest martial arts organization’s return to Lumpinee Stadium. Get the breakdown on the main event between Muay Thai powerhouse Kongklai Sor Sommai and Brazilian clinch specialist Julio Lobo, as athletes compete for a life-changing $100,000 contract.
  • Martial Arts Headlines: Quick hits on Dana White’s search for Gable Steveson’s debut opponent and the UFC’s new multi-year partnership with the Baku City Circuit.

• • Elite Sports: Leaders in premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Gear up at EliteSports.com.
  • Lotus by Open Black Belt: The ultimate management software for your dojo. Start your free trial at OpenBlackBelt.com.

Special thanks to our sponsors:Train hard, stay humble.

From the dojo to the octagon—this is Budocast. In this episode, we break down the high-stakes action and emotional milestones currently shaping the martial arts world.We start with the results from UFC Winnipeg, where Canadian Mike Malott secured a massive TKO victory, leading to the legendary Gilbert Burns announcing his retirement after over a decade in the Octagon.

We also analyze the "culmination of everything" for Japanese megastar Takeru Segawa, who heads into ONE SAMURAI 1 for a high-stakes retirement rematch against Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Additionally, we look at BRAVE CF’s announced return to Bulgaria for another historic night at the Burgas Arena. Finally, we discuss the importance of academy culture and student safety as martial arts leader Cris Rodriguez joins the Board of Directors at Academy Safe.

This episode is brought to you by:

• • Elite Sports: Leaders in premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Whether you’re rolling or striking, they’ve got gear built to move with you. Check them out at EliteSports.com.
  • Lotus by Open Black Belt: The ultimate management software for tracking ranks, attendance, and billing. Streamline your business so you can spend more time on the mats. Visit OpenBlackBelt.com to start your free trial today.