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Actualité

An explosive night in Orlando blending MMA, boxing, and kickboxing under the Kia Center spotlight
Actualité

Published 45 days ago

An explosive night in Orlando blending MMA, boxing, and kickboxing under the Kia Center spotlight

The Kia Center in Orlando came alive this Saturday night for Duel Arena 2026, where hybrid fights blending MMA, boxing, and kickboxing captivated the audience. Headlining the event, Brandon Jenkins surprised as a late replacement for Dillon Danis against Mike Perry, while Jimi Manuwa dominated Chase Sherman in a technical boxing duel.

To remember:

  • Brandon Jenkins, a grappling specialist, impressed against Mike Perry despite the short notice.
  • Jimi Manuwa demonstrated surgical precision against Chase Sherman’s aggression in boxing.
  • The event showcased hybrid fights, blending MMA, boxing, and kickboxing at the Kia Center.

A hybrid event under the Orlando spotlight

The Kia Center in Orlando was the stage for a memorable evening this Saturday, where Duel Arena 2026 brought together explosive fights across MMA, boxing, and kickboxing. Broadcast on PPV starting at 8 PM, the event captured the attention of combat sports fans with bold matchups and standout performances.
Headlining the card was the long-awaited clash between Mike Perry and Brandon Jenkins, which delivered on all its promises. Jenkins, called in as a late replacement for Dillon Danis, put on a performance that left a lasting impression. A grappling specialist with a 12-4 record, he held his own against Perry, a BKFC star and MMA veteran with 16 wins.

Manuwa dominates Sherman in a technical boxing duel

The undercard was no less impressive. Among the standout bouts was the boxing match between Jimi Manuwa and Chase Sherman, which particularly captivated the crowd. A former UFC light heavyweight, Manuwa displayed surgical precision, exploiting Sherman’s weaknesses with ruthless efficiency. Despite Sherman’s aggression, Manuwa controlled the pace of the fight, evoking the golden age of the sweet science.
This duel highlighted the richness of the matchups on offer during the evening, where each discipline had its moment to shine.

Performances that redefine expectations

Jenkins’ performance against Perry surprised more than a few spectators. Despite the short notice, he managed to stand toe-to-toe with a BKFC legend, proving that grappling can be a major asset against a more high-profile opponent. Meanwhile, Manuwa confirmed his status as a master technician, delivering a display of precision and strategy.
These hybrid fights not only entertained but also redefined fan expectations, showing that the boundaries between disciplines can be pushed.

Duel Arena 2026 at the Kia Center confirmed its status as a must-see event for combat sports fans. With surprises, technical performances, and hybrid fights, the evening delivered a varied and captivating spectacle. Fans can already look ahead to future editions, eager to discover new talent and even bolder matchups.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Ah, Orlando and its nights that smell of popcorn and sweat mixed with the scent of the nearby KFC—because even in MMA, we need comfort food. Jenkins vs Perry was the kind of fight that makes you dream: a guy who steps in on short notice like a B-movie hero ("Watch out, the villain’s back!"), and fights like a grappling demon. Perry, meanwhile, had to remember that even legends have weaknesses, and sometimes, you just shouldn’t get tossed out of the ring like a deflated balloon. Manuwa vs Sherman was pure theater: an old UFC lion boxing like a 19th-century gentleman, while Sherman tried to shove a jackhammer down his throat. The result? A fight that proved technique, like fine wine, only gets better with age—even if it stings a little. In short, a night that proved hybrid MMA is like a good genre mashup: it can be weird, but if it’s done right, it makes you want to come back for more. And above all, it reminds us that in this sport, surprises are the only certainty. "Why do it simple when you can do it spectacular?"—a quote from a certain OSS 117, still spot-on.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

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