It`s time for Missed Fists, your weekly dose of amazing and perhaps overlooked MMA moments from around the world. With MMA events happening almost daily, we`re here to make sure you don`t miss the truly spectacular action.
As a dedicated fan of The Ultimate Fighter and UFC Fight Pass, I feel it`s my duty to remind you of the value of this streaming service. It`s not just about the vast library of past fights; it`s also your gateway to incredible coverage of regional and international MMA scenes.
Despite criticisms of the UFC`s dominance, Fight Pass offers a wealth of pure, unadulterated cage fighting, especially this past week. If you`re looking for raw MMA action, Fight Pass is the place to be.
This week, the spotlight shines on Miguel Sanson, who delivered an amazing mid-fight tribute to The Rock.
Yes, you saw that right – a perfect `People`s Elbow` in the middle of a fight!
While Sanson`s version might not have had the same level of showmanship as Dwayne Johnson`s, his intent to entertain the global audience with this unique ground-and-pound technique was clear.
Here`s a side-by-side comparison for those who might have missed it:
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It`s worth noting that the elbow didn`t immediately end the fight, much like The Rock`s signature move wasn`t always a guaranteed finisher. However, Sanson`s opponent, Chris Johnson, was clearly on the verge of defeat. A powerful slam and follow-up ground strikes sealed a memorable victory.
This win marks the 25-year-old bantamweight`s third straight, boosting his professional record to 7-2. Let`s hope Sanson achieves greater success than the last fighter who tried to imitate The Rock in the cage.
Other Knockout Highlights
Earlier on the same card, amateur featherweight Taezhon Mason delivered a stunning head kick knockout that, while not accompanied by “Sweet Chin Music,” was impressive nonetheless.
Something must have been in the air in Houston that Sunday, as fighters were getting knocked out in spectacular fashion.
Marcus Nash displayed brutal power against Felipe Rocha, who quickly regretted engaging. Nash`s devastating uppercut made it clear why Rocha wanted out.
Rocha`s desperate attempts to defend himself might have justified a referee stoppage then and there, potentially saving him a trip to the hospital.
Artur Minev wasted no time against Shane Keefe, launching a lightning-fast strike from a distance (like a 102 mph fastball – baseball is back!).
Thinking you were safe at range? Think again.
And then there was Nico Echeverry`s finish of Devon Dixon.
It was a knockout so clean, it looked like a chalk outline in the Fury FC cage.
Fighters at LFA 204 in Mashantucket, Connecticut, didn`t fare much better.
An Tuan Ho needed only 16 seconds to dispatch Jimi Natividad.
A strong head kick initiated the knockout sequence, and a front kick to the midsection seemed to extinguish Natividad`s fighting spirit. The finishing strikes were a mere formality.
In the co-main event, Dylan Mantello landed a crisp combination on Ednilson Santos, causing Santos to stumble with a classic “stanky leg.”
Rashad Evans might be proud, or perhaps reliving some embarrassing memories. It`s hard to say.
MMA veteran Joe Giannetti returned to the win column with a slick triangle choke, securing a TKO from bottom position.
Giannetti has been working hard since his appearance on TUF 27 Finale in 2018. Is it time for the UFC to give him another chance? He recently mentioned his readiness for another opportunity in the octagon.
At Shooto Brasil 128 in Rio de Janeiro, Mateus Rodrigues spun Diogo Ferreira around with a precise right hand to the temple.
When a strike leaves you facing away from your opponent on the ground, it`s definitely a good time to stop the fight.
Finger of Shame
A “Finger of Shame” goes to Lucas Caldas for an illegal stomp that led to his disqualification.
While we at MMA Fighting sometimes joke about the virtues of cheating, we always stress the importance of not getting caught. This infraction was blatant. Cheating only works if you get away with it!
Violent Striking in Mexico
Budo Sento Championship in Mexico City (alongside some other smaller event) showcased unbelievably violent striking matches on Thursday.
BSC striking matches are essentially kickboxing with MMA gloves, leading to moments like this:
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The first knockdown likely would have been a finish for Jair Perez in a regular MMA fight. Instead, we saw a standing eight-count, and Marco Reynoso, proving his toughness, continued, only to endure even more punishment.
Sofia Montenegro dominated Jhovanna Ruiz, resulting in a clear “no más” moment.
When your opponent is slowly collapsing against the cage, it`s a strong indication the fight is over.
As was this:
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Gustavo Navarrete caught Raymundo Olvera`s kick and countered with a right hand down the middle for a one-punch KO.
In another “no need for a count” moment, Carlos Perez twisted Miguel Calderon with a spinning body kick.
Stop the count and call for medical assistance!
If you know of a recent fight or event that deserves attention, please let us know using #MissedFists.
