Kickboxing has re-entered the mixed martial arts scene.
PKA Worldwide, the pioneer of the original American-style kickboxing league in the 1970s-90s, has relaunched the league under CEO Joe Corley.
And now it has its first fighter.
Julio Cesar Carlos, a six-time Taekwondo world champion and Queens native, became the first fighter to ink a contract with the new PKA Worldwide on Tuesday.
“It’s an honor to be chosen for this opportunity,” Carlos said in a statement. “I’m going to prove to everyone that PKA Worldwide made the right choice. Joe Corley and his team know talent. Once they saw me doing what I do in the ring, they knew that I was on another level. This is a privilege, but it’s also exactly where I belong.”
The 31-year-old Carlos recently fought at Madison Square Garden, impressing PKA Worldwide executives before participating in an open tryout for the league.
Julio Cesar Carlos officially signed with PKA WORLDWIDE Screengrab/ Instagram @juliotkdAfter dominating Taekwondo since he was four years old, Carlos was ready for a new chapter.
“I’ve dominated the lightweight division for years, but there came a moment during the pandemic where my coach and I realized that we’ve done everything we could in Taekwondo,” Carlos said. “We were looking for the next challenge and kickboxing came knocking on my door. Now I’m ready to prove myself against the best and show everyone what I’m capable of accomplishing.”
Originally launched in 1974, PKA Worldwide was broadcast on ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN and Showtime.
The league, and Corley, who was a kickboxer himself, have long been credited for setting the foundation for the rise in mixed martial arts’ popularity in the country. Specifically, Corley introduced Americanized kickboxing, which allows fighters to strike opponents above the waist.
Corley and the league’s legacy can still be felt amid the UFC’s growing influence.
“Julio Cesar Carlos is world class both inside and outside the ring and is the epitome of what PKA Worldwide is all about,” Corley said in a statement. “We are thrilled to make him our first signing as we make out grand reentry into the combat sports arena. I was blown away watching him compete and inspired by the work he’s put in to reach this level. Most importantly, we know that fans are going to love the action he brings to the PKA striking cage.”
