Welcome to Missed Fists, highlighting exciting fights from around the world that you might have missed.
For dedicated fans of combat sports, streaming services offer great value, showcasing not only major events but also the vibrant regional and international MMA scene.
Despite the dominance of big promotions, there`s still a wealth of thrilling cage fighting available if you explore platforms dedicated to the sport, especially this past week.
This week`s top spot goes to Miguel Sanson, who paid homage to wrestling icon The Rock mid-fight.
Yes, you saw that right – a perfect `People`s Elbow`!
While Sanson`s version might not have had the same theatrics as Dwayne Johnson`s, his intention to entertain was clear with this surprising ground-and-pound technique.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
The elbow didn`t end the fight immediately, similar to how The Rock`s finisher sometimes wasn`t decisive. However, Sanson`s opponent, Chris Johnson, was clearly weakened. A powerful slam and follow-up strikes secured a memorable win.
This victory marks the 25-year-old bantamweight`s third straight win, improving his record to 7-2. Hopefully, Sanson will achieve greater success than the previous fighter who attempted a Rock impersonation.
Earlier in the event, amateur featherweight Taezhon Mason delivered a stunning head kick knockout.
It seemed knockouts were happening in various ways that Sunday.
Marcus Nash overwhelmed Felipe Rocha with brutal strikes. Rocha clearly wanted no more after a devastating uppercut from Nash.
Once Rocha put his hands up defensively, the referee could have stopped the fight to prevent further damage.
Artur Minev landed a lightning-fast strike on Shane Keefe before Keefe could react.
Thinking you were safe? Think again.
And then there was Nico Echeverry`s finish of Devon Dixon.
A truly decisive knockout in the cage.
Fighters at LFA 204 also faced tough nights.
An Tuan Ho quickly defeated Jimi Natividad in just 16 seconds.
A strong head kick initiated the knockout, and a front kick seemed to break Natividad`s will. The finishing strikes were straightforward from there.
In another fight, Dylan Mantello landed a clean combination on Ednilson Santos, causing Santos to stumble badly.
MMA veteran Joe Giannetti returned to the win column, using a triangle choke to secure a TKO from a bottom position.
Giannetti has been working hard since his appearance on TUF 27 in 2018. Could the UFC call him back? He recently expressed his readiness for another opportunity in the octagon.
At Shooto Brasil 128, Mateus Rodrigues spun Diogo Ferreira with a precise right temple strike.
When a strike puts your opponent on the ground facing away from you, it’s definitely a fight-ending blow.
Lucas Caldas received a `Finger of Shame` for an illegal stomp, resulting in disqualification.
While some believe in bending the rules in fighting, getting caught is unacceptable. Cheating only works if it doesn`t cost you the fight!
Budo Sento Championship in Mexico City featured incredibly violent striking matches.
BSC striking matches are essentially kickboxing with MMA gloves, leading to intense moments like this:
The first knockdown likely would have been a finish in MMA, but in this format, Marco Reynoso, despite his toughness, endured more punishment after getting back up.
Sofia Montenegro dominated Jhovanna Ruiz, forcing a clear “no más” moment.
An opponent slumping against the cage is a strong indication that the fight should be stopped.
As demonstrated here:
Gustavo Navarrete countered Raymundo Olvera`s kick with a direct right hand for a one-punch knockout.
In another unnecessary count, Carlos Perez devastated Miguel Calderon with a spinning body kick.
Stop the count and call for medical assistance!
If you know of a recent overlooked fight or promotion that deserves attention, share it using the hashtag #MissedFists.
