Portuguese Star Defeats Spain’s Anaitz Olaeta by Unanimous Decision in Front of a National Television Audience
LISBON, Portugal — October 9, 2026 — Portugal celebrated a new European champion as Rudi Mendes defeated Spain’s Anaitz Olaeta to capture the ISKA European Light-Middleweight Kickboxing Championship at NEVER GIVE UP VI, staged at the spectacular Sagres Campo Pequeno in Lisbon.
Presented by Academia Kol Machine, the event brought international championship kickboxing to one of Portugal’s most iconic venues, with the action broadcast live on Sport TV, giving fans across the country the opportunity to witness the European title showdown.
Competing for the ISKA European Light-Middleweight Championship at 72.5kg under Unified Kickboxing Rules (UKB), Mendes faced a determined Spanish opponent in a contest that went the distance.
The Portuguese fighter delivered a championship-winning performance, earning a unanimous decision victory from the judges to secure the prestigious ISKA European title.
The victory marked a significant achievement for Mendes, who claimed continental honors on home soil while showcasing Portuguese kickboxing on a nationally televised stage.
From Lisbon to the European throne — Rudi Mendes is the new ISKA European Light-Middleweight Champion!