Welcome to the newest version of Missed Fists the place we shine a lightweight on fights from throughout the globe which will have been missed in these hectic occasions the place it looks like there’s an MMA present each different day.
UFC 303 got here and went with a bang final weekend, even when the finalized lineup wasn’t precisely as marketed. Such is the chaos of fight sports activities, which describes this weekend as nicely with Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz set to sq. off as they go from the octagon to the squared circle. Wild occasions.
So wild that we are inclined to let sure oddities fall by the cracks, a mistake that we intend to rectify for one week at the very least. So be a part of us as we hop within the Missed Fists time machine and leap again just a little farther than normal.
(Huge thanks as at all times to @Barrelelapierna for his or her weekly lists of one of the best KOs and submissions, and to @Grabaka_Hitman for importing lots of the clips you see right here. Give them a comply with and chip in on Patreon in case you can.)
Armored MMA
Due to Matysek’s at all times eye-raising Twitter feed, I lastly caught on to the Armored MMA promotion that’s just lately been working reveals in Nashville, Tenn.
Should you’re questioning what Armored MMA is, try the battle royale clip beneath for an excellent instance:
If that whet your urge for food, the complete combat is on the market right here:
Fairly bizarre, proper? And one hundred pc protected, I’m certain.
Frankly, this resembles BattleBots than it does our beloved MMA, however there’s no denying that there’s a automotive crash enchantment to it, with the vehicles being human beings crammed into semi-functional fits of knight armor.
That multi-knight match involves us from a present again in February, however Armored MMA’s most up-to-date occasion was on June 8 and it’s also possible to watch that without spending a dime on their YouTube channel. And hey, in case you dwell in Nashville or are planning to go to subsequent month, you will get tickets for the Aug. 24 now. What have you ever bought to lose in addition to just a little extra of your sanity?
Josias Musasa vs. Marven Malunes
Demba Seck vs. Mohamed Abdel Fattah
As uncommon as it’s to see medieval women and men swinging metal in right this moment’s age, it’s much more uncommon that we take a go to to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for our MMA repair. Affect Championship 3 went down at Batiment Hypnose in Lubumbashi, and headlining act Josias “The Ok.O. Wizard” Musasa didn’t disappoint.
Musasa clipped a reeling Marven Malunes with a flying knee to enhance to 7-0, with six first-round knockouts and the opposite coming in Spherical 2. It’s one factor to have a improbable nickname, it’s one other to dwell as much as it.
Should you keep in mind, Musasa graced this characteristic 18 months in the past in simply his second professional bout, and it’s been all uphill since. I suppose that is the place we’re supposed to invest on if it’s time for Musasa to get a step up in competitors, but when he retains reeling off highlight-reel finishes near house, you may’t hate on that.
Whereas we’re right here, let’s present some like to Demba Seck, who spammed his proper hand to place away Mohamed Abdel Fattah in just a little over a minute.
I’m no Eric Nicksick, but when I might supply some recommendation to Fattah: look ahead to the fitting!
Catch a free replay of Affect Championship 3 on YouTube.
Benjamin Hajijan vs. Eli Elias
Benjamin Hajijan used some trickery to land his energy punch at an Allstars Struggle Night time occasion in Solna, Sweden.
At first, I assumed it was a primary 1-2, however in case you watch it again you may see he truly retracts the lead hand after which shortly rifles in the fitting. He additionally set it up by going right-left within the alternate simply earlier than he scored the knockout. Fundamental, however intelligent work from a 22-year-old making his professional debut.
Isaac Gabarri vs. Dario Monreal
A proper wasn’t fairly sufficient to seal a win for Isaac Gabarri, however he made up for it with some actually nasty ground-and-pound.
From a WAR MMA present in Alicante, Spain:
Dario Monreal was defending himself simply sufficient after being knocked all the way down to justify the combat persevering with, although he in all probability regrets it after having his head reshaped by Gabarri’s knuckles.
Edgar Delgado vs. Jose Quinonez
Alexander Bastida vs. Victor Nunez
Lastly, zipping over to Zacatecas, Mexico, Lux Struggle League featured Edgar Delgado and UFC veteran Jose Quinonez in the principle occasion. “El Teco” has seen combined outcomes since parting methods with the UFC in 2020, however nonetheless ranks as the most important win of Delgado’s 20-fight profession.
Particularly because it got here through a slick first-round heel hook submission.
There’s nothing fairly like a fighter zeroing in on a limb and going hell-or-high water in pursuit of the faucet. Typically, it doesn’t work, however when it does, it’s so candy. I simply hope Quinonez tapped out in time earlier than he misplaced a ligament.
The very best end of the night time belonged to Alexander Bastida although, as a result of seven seconds into the Spherical 2, he did this:
Pure response. Pure reflexes. Pure destruction.
Lux Struggle League 43 is on the market for replay on UFC Struggle Move.
If you already know of a current combat or occasion that you just suppose could have been missed, or a promotion that might use some consideration, please tell us on X — @AlexanderKLee — utilizing the hashtag #MissedFists.