In the realm of combat sports, where events happen constantly, this edition of Missed Fists brings attention to notable fights and moments you might have missed from various promotions around the globe.
While discussing combat sports innovation often revolves around refining rules or introducing novel formats, less attention is typically given to how changes in attire could impact the competition. We`re all familiar with gi and no-gi grappling, but have you considered grappling in a full suit?
Enter the John Wick Invitational.
This marks the second installment of the John Wick Invitational. The event features competitors engaging in jiu-jitsu matches while wearing full suits. This unique concept strongly evokes the action-packed style seen in the Keanu Reeves film series. It`s a truly inventive and entertaining twist, particularly as the matches enter their final stages.
And that`s when things get even more interesting, as simulated weapons are introduced.
If a match hasn`t ended by submission within four minutes, a coin flip determines whether a prop gun or prop knife is thrown into the competition area. The final minute becomes a frantic scramble: grab the gun for a simulated shot or secure the knife for a hypothetical finish. It`s a delightfully absurd addition that almost makes you wish every match went the distance to see it happen.
It`s highly recommended to take some time and watch a few of the matches from JWI-2. The unique format provides plenty of memorable moments.
Shifting focus back to grappling, it`s impossible to pass up an opportunity to highlight one of the most brutal submissions: the calf slicer.
A truly nasty technique under any circumstances, the calf slicer is particularly satisfying when pulled off from a seemingly stalled position on the ground. At Fusion FC 89 in Lima, Peru, Gennier Rojas caught a surprised Gabriel Diaz in the hold, executing the technique perfectly.
Definitely a joy for viewers to watch, though certainly not for the competitor caught in it.
Beyond grappling, this edition also features a couple of incredible knockouts from recent LFA and Cage Warriors events.
At LFA 207, Landry Ward delivered a stunning knockout. Stepping back slightly as Bryce Logan advanced, Ward uncorked a perfectly timed right hand that immediately stiffened his opponent.
Upon regaining consciousness, Logan was disoriented and attempted to wrestle the referee – a clear sign that the stoppage was absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, at Cage Warriors 187 in Glasgow, Scotland, Jordan Stronge secured a finish against Chris Hayes in impressive fashion. For anyone who has yelled “just let him up!” at their screen when a fighter hurts an opponent but follows them to the ground, this finish is for you.
Instead of pursuing on the ground, Stronge wisely reset, assessing Hayes` condition. Seeing that Hayes was clearly hurt, Stronge sealed the victory with a spectacular jumping knee.
Hurshed Nazarov aimed to make a statement in his second Brave CF appearance after falling short 11 months prior, securing his first finish since 2021.
Ignoring the clock, Nazarov aggressively pursued a quick finish. He found it in just 17 seconds, landing a clean shot on Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti`s chin, leaving him prone in a position often likened to the brace position during an emergency.
Finally, at a DEEP event held in Aichi, Japan, we witnessed what could arguably be considered the best knockout of the week.
In an amateur bantamweight contest, Taiki Kono delivered a devastating knockout to Toshikazu Hirayama with a truly brutal head kick.
Some knockouts leave you speechless, and this was one of them.
