Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists, where we shine a light on fights from around the world that may have gone overlooked in a hectic era where it seems like an MMA show is happening every other day.
I was thinking last week that one of the reasons I'm unlikely to take part in an amateur fight is the entirely legitimate fear of being the recipient of a highlight reel knockout. I don't consider myself a very self-conscious person, but appearing in a viral KO video isn't on my bucket list.
After watching some recent boxing highlights, consider my doubts doubled when it comes to the sweet science.
(I am always grateful for your help Valera Pierna A weekly list of the best KOs and submissions, and Grabaka Hitman Thanks to everyone who uploaded many of the clips you see here, please follow them and donate on Patreon if you can.
Osri Iglesias vs. Evgeny Shvedenko
Folks, knockout reactions have never been more worrisome.
That's scary!
26-year-old Cuban Osry Iglesias improved to 11-0, 10 KOs with a frightening KO win over 16-1-1 Evgeny Shvedenko in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/BpxDtTHuoc
— Tokker (@ATokkers5) June 7, 2024
At a boxing event in Montreal, Quebec, Osry Iglesias landed a perfect right hook, sending Evgeny Shvedenko to the canvas. But Shvedenko didn't stay down there. He immediately began to convulse, with his limbs sticking out in all directions, before regaining his composure with a completely blank look in his eyes. Luckily, Shvedenko received prompt medical attention and was able to get back to his feet soon after.
While we tend to make light of even the most brutal knockouts (I'm looking at you, Ray Rod!), this one is so horrifying anyway that I'm not going to make it into a meme, but on the other hand, we're the same community that still laughs when we think of Brendan Schaub chasing a butterfly, so I'm in no position to judge.
Highlight finishes are no stranger to Cuba's Iglesias, who is currently 10-0 but has only one pro bout that lasted a full round.
Vladimir Hernandez vs. Guido Schramm
While we're soaking up boxing's outrageous knockouts (speaking of which, did you see what Zhang Zhilei did to Deontay Wilder?), head over to Plant City, Florida, and watch Vladimir Hernandez slam Guido Schramm face-first into the mat (that's exactly what happened).
Hernandez did a great job in the center of the ring, forcing Schramm to attack on his terms, then slammed him with a left hand on the button when the time was right. I don't think we need to start a count here. Call the doctor.
You can rewatch this Wednesday Night Fights event for free on YouTube.
Joseph Magro vs. Renaud Guillier
Hey, don't forget MMA fighters can fall on their faces too!
At The King of Fighters event in Brest, France, Joseph Magro slipped through Renaud Guillier's defense and landed a right hand that ended the bout just over 90 seconds into the first round. Magro looked a little perky as he walked away, but that was no surprise.
Watch how he attacks Guillier's guard with a left before unleashing a right. Guillier couldn't adjust and Magro made him pay the price.
Nikola Joksovic vs. Stefan Negcic
There are a ton of ways to lose consciousness in a fight, as Nikola Jocsovic reminded us when he choked out Stefan Negucic with an arm triangle choke at Fight Nation Championship 17 in Belgrade, Serbia.
The moment Joksuvic released his grip on Negučić's opposite wrist, the match was over (no pun intended) – Joksuvic had already got Negučić in a tight chokehold, so it was only a matter of time before Negučić lost.
The 29-year-old Negusic is the rising star of the FNC Welterweight Champion line-up, and with a 15-0 record and 13 finishes, it's only a matter of time before a bigger organization calls.
Christophe Piton vs. Mateusz Dominiak
Joksovic's arm triangle was impressive, but the award for most tenacious submission this week has to go to Christophe Piton.
From Babylon MMA 45 in Nowy Targ, Poland:
Once Piton got the hang of Mateusz Dominiak's legs he didn't let go no matter what. We've seen fighters get pummeled and knocked unconscious on the ground because they were too stubborn to release the submission, and in this case it worked!
Piton's tenacity paid off as he finally rolled into position and locked the ankle, forcing Dominiak to tap in. This was the pro debut for both men, so we probably won't see that kind of exchange again, but it was still a fun fight to watch.
Rounding out this week's submissions section are two familiar names: Big Show veterans Dan Moret and Raush Manfio!
Extreme Fighting Championship has done a great job of hosting former UFC, Bellator and PFL fighters, and last Friday's event in Detroit was no exception. Moretto, who went 1-5 in Bellator and UFC, defeated Manfio that day, making him tap out in 59 seconds and becoming the first fighter to defeat the Brazilian slugger inside the distance.
This was Manfio’s first fight since his highly controversial decision loss to his good friend Nathan Schulte and it’s a performance he’ll want to forget. It was a real downfall for the 2021 PFL lightweight champion, but he’s only 32 and there are better days ahead.
And congratulations to Moret on his first win since June 2022!
Watch pay-per-view replays of the latest XFC events on TrillerTV.
Abe Alsagir vs. Jimmy Sandlin
Let's give credit to Abe Alsagir, the 22-year-old lightweight who stayed in Michigan, traveled to Wayne and won the vacant Lights Out Championship belt with a relentless ground attack that stopped Jimmy Sandlin in the bout.
Alsagheer has been busy since making his debut in April 2023, winning five straight bouts following an unbeaten amateur career. To be honest, Alsagheer has been reaching out to me and other members of the media to keep me updated on his progress and frankly, I encourage it.
To all you up and coming fighters, tell us about your struggles. do it! As my good friend Mike Heck likes to say:
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If you know of any recent matches or events that you think we've missed, or any promotions that are worth noting, please let us know by clicking X. Alexander K. Lee —Using the hashtag “#MissedFists.”