Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists where we shine a light on fights from across the globe that may have been overlooked in these hectic times where it seems like there’s an MMA show every other day.
Normally when I’m stumping for fighters to Keep The Martial Arts Apart, it’s when I’m watching an MMA fight where a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist is getting lit up on the feet because they’ve decided to kickbox, or the opposite, an elite striker is getting mangled on the ground because they want
to show off their newly earned purple belt. The martial arts just weren’t meant to be mixed, I always say.
But it’s rare that I’ve had to make this complaint while watching a bare-knuckle boxing match. One would think the martial arts have already been firmly separated, there’s nothing to worry about!
I forgot one important thing: Never, ever, underestimate Julian Lane.
(Big thanks as always to @Barrelelapierna for their weekly lists of the best KOs, and to @Grabaka_Hitman for uploading many of the clips you see here. Give them a follow and chip in on Patreon if you can.)
Bryce Henry vs. Julian Lane
That’s right, Julian Lane, “Nitrane,” the man, the meme, the Ultimate Fighter legend, denied himself the chance to bang as he mystifyingly SHOT IN FOR A TAKEDOWN in the fourth round of his BKFC fight with Bryce Henry.
This is going to shock you: He was immediately disqualified.
In classic Lane fashion, he looked bewildered as to why he’d just taken an L. As with everything Julian Lane, I can’t begin to imagine what he was thinking here and you shouldn’t try either.
Asyljan Tasket vs. Alexey Meshkov
Hey, you know what Lane should have tried to do to win instead? Throw a big-ass punch.
That’s what Asyljan Tasket did at Alash Pride 123, just unleashing a left hook with almost no setup. Worked out pretty good! Maybe Tasket should try that whole bare-knuckle thing next.
Veja Hinda vs. Bheki Ngcobo
Jason Mackay vs. Guelor Sondi
We now enter the always enjoyable (well, for most of us) face-plant portion of the evening, beginning with Veja Hinda making Bheki Ngcobo go TIMBERRRRRR at EFC 134.
Ngcobo’s body took a moment to realize that it was in its best interests to fall down.
Jason Mackay’s knockout punch caused a near face-plant, stopped only by Guelor Sondi’s leg getting caught under him and changing his trajectory.
Lucas Rodrigues vs. Krystian Bielski
There was some build-up to this one:
Lucas Rodrigues put all kinds of hands on Krystian Bielski at King’s Arena 3, landing numerous power shots to the head and body before rifling in a pair of right hands. Time to ride the mat.
Duval Pierre vs. Kelly Tate
There’s only thing I gotta say about this Eternal MMA face-plant:
DUVAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL
Alan Salamov vs. Derek Campos
KJ Thomas vs. Jesus Castillo
Also on UFC Fight Pass, we had kind of a downer as Bellator veteran Derek Campos was on the wrong end of a drubbing courtesy of Alan Salamov at Fury FC 120.
Campos was stepping in on short notice for Trukon Carson (who has a truly amazing Tapology profile pic, by the way) and I hope he was well compensated for his troubles because this just wasn’t good. The 38-year-old has now lost seven straight MMA fights and hasn’t had his hand raised since 2019.
At least he fared better than Jesus Castillo.
KJ Thomas improved to 2-1 with his three pro bouts lasting a combined 2:53. Very Terrance McKinney-coded.
Antoine Chaput vs. Fernando Donoso
Also on UFC Fight Pass, Samourai MMA 19 featured Antoine Chaput scoring a knockout after catching a kick in a way I’ve never quite seen before.
It almost looks like his hand reflexively shot up when the weight of the leg was released, adding extra snap to the punch. Or maybe it’s just like he drew it up?
Koki Hirasawa vs. Tokumitsu Takagi
Also on UFC Fight Pass (last one, I swear), we had ourselves a sweet submission at a Pancrase event in Tokyo.
Koki Hirasawa wasn’t letting Tokumitsu Takagi go anywhere, and he kept chipping away at Takagi’s defenses until he could lock in a twister. Always a sick submission and one that’s seemingly hit frequently in JMMA.
Riran Zenidim vs. Freddy Gonzalez
That should do it for this week everyone, take care and… what’s that? One more clip? Well, I guess I can spare eight seconds.
From Fighters Cage 4 in Asuncion, Paraguay.
If you know of a recent fight or event that you think may have been overlooked, or a promotion that could use some attention, please let us know on X — @AlexanderKLee — using the hashtag #MissedFists.
