Welcome to a look at some overlooked MMA fights from around the world, in a time filled with constant MMA action.
2025 has already delivered a wealth of exciting MMA, especially outside of the major promotions. There`s a strong argument to be made that the best knockouts are happening outside of the most well-known stages.
For example, Jaron Lathrop, in his professional debut, landed a spinning back kick knockout at XFC 52 that was reminiscent of Joaquin Buckley`s famous KO.
Then, there was Thiago Goularte`s spinning technique at a Thunder Fight event in Sao Paulo.
Take a look and appreciate the sheer unpredictability.
Thiago Goularte seemed to dominate Leonardo Mesquita early in their fight, overwhelming him with strikes and putting him on the defensive. Mesquita was covering up and turning away, in a manner that often leads to fight stoppages. However, the fight continued, and Mesquita began to respond, landing significant punches.
Suddenly, Goularte was on the back foot, possibly tired from his initial attack. But it was a ruse. From seemingly nowhere, he unleashed an incredible spinning back elbow.
Goularte even fell to the ground as he threw the elbow. It seemed unlikely to land with any force, let alone enough to knock Mesquita out cold and require a stretcher. Yet, it did.
This knockout might be a contender not just for Knockout of the Year, but possibly Fight of the Year. And incredibly, it wasn`t even the most unexpected finish of the night.
In the main event, undefeated heavyweight Mario Piazzon (8-0) was expected to win the vacant heavyweight title against veteran Alex Junius (15-39). The fight`s conclusion was likely not what was anticipated.
Piazzon might be remembered for a lackluster Contender Series appearance in 2023 against Alexander Soldatkin, where Piazzon won by disqualification due to an illegal knee. His chances of a UFC call-up were already slim, and after this mishap, they`ve likely vanished.
On a brighter note, Milena Galvao won a striking battle against Isabel Oliveira.
Both fighters displayed powerful kicks, but Galvao landed a head kick that caught Oliveira on the face. The reaction was immediate, and Galvao showed restraint by not following up.
At Hexagone MMA 25 in France, there were examples of both excellent and less refined striking.
Levy Carriel landed a powerful right hand on Raphael Mebenga, needing only one more punch to finish the fight. The entire sequence lasted just five seconds.
Timing and precision were absent in the bout between Adama Diop and Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze.
Boxing coaches probably won`t be using this fight as instructional material, but the result is undeniable.
Pablo Gutierrez ended his fight quickly, and his opponent Kevin Hernandez seemed equally uninterested in a long fight, failing to avoid a flying knee that travelled a considerable distance.
Gutierrez launched the flying knee from a distance in San Miguelito, and Hernandez still didn`t see it coming in Panama City.
Now, here`s an example of setting up a flying attack with finesse.
Sung Hwan Jung swiftly went airborne, delivering a smooth switch kick that stunned Tomoya Omura. The fight could have been stopped there, and few would have argued.
Let`s conclude with a couple of submissions.
Delmar Silva executed a kneebar variation that may be unfamiliar to some. The human body is both incredibly strong and surprisingly vulnerable, a fact Silva exploited with a leglock from an unexpected position.
Perhaps it`s a common technique to jiu-jitsu experts. It`s worth considering how often this technique is seen.
In the main event of Lux Fight League 51 in Mexico City, Luis Ivan Rodriguez secured an interim flyweight title with a well-executed rear-naked choke, though perhaps less flashy.
With a body triangle and one arm controlled, the choke was applied directly under the chin. Rodriguez (25, 9-1) claimed his first title, suggesting bigger opportunities are ahead for this Mexican fighter.
