Welcome to Missed Fists: Uncovering the Overlooked Battles
Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists, where we highlight fights from around the world that might have flown under your radar amidst the constant barrage of MMA events. It’s 2025, and the landscape of combat sports continues to evolve, but some things remain constant—like the occasional bizarre incident that leaves fans scratching their heads.
The Peril Within the Cage: Jorge Carico vs. Yohan Gamero
Jorge Carico and Yohan Gamero faced off in a thrilling contest at Inka FC in Lima, Peru. Carico was the aggressor early on, nearly locking in a rear-naked choke in the first round. However, the real drama unfolded in the second when Carico attempted a bodylock, leading both fighters to tumble out of the cage. The landing was brutal, with Gamero suffering the worst of it and unable to continue. Instead of the bout being called off, the judges awarded Carico the win, much to everyone’s surprise. It’s a peculiar outcome, especially since the second round barely began when the incident occurred. The referee’s lack of reaction adds to the mystery, as if the chaos was just another day in the cage. You can revisit this peculiar moment on Kick for free.
Lima’s Intense Clashes: Sayani Gutierrez vs. Joaquin Lopez
Shifting gears to Fusion FC in Lima, another local promotion that has been gaining attention, we witnessed a fierce exchange between Sayani Gutierrez and Joaquin Lopez. This bout, which took place under modified Muay Thai rules, was a testament to Gutierrez’s precision and power. The two fighters engaged in a tight, phone-booth-like battle, but Gutierrez managed to land two devastating body kicks. The strikes were so precise and powerful that they left Lopez reeling. The combination of relentless pressure and accurate kicks made for a memorable finish. Fusion FC’s fights are available on UFC Fight Pass, so don’t miss out on these intense exchanges.
Parisian Viciousness: Aboubakar Younousov vs. Maycon Alcino
While Lima provided its share of excitement, Paris took the cake with Aboubakar Younousov’s performance at Ares FC 29. Younousov, an undefeated bantamweight prospect, once again showcased his extraordinary skills with a spinning elbow knockout. This is not the first time he has been highlighted in Missed Fists; his spinning elbow knockout in 2023 and a 27-second armbar were equally impressive. There’s no denying his potential; he is a maniac in the cage and could very well find himself on the UFC roster within the next year and a half. The sheer beauty of his finishes is something to behold—watch the clip, and you won’t be disappointed.
Mexican Melee: Diego Garcia and Alfredo Ruelas
Mexico City’s Budo Sento Championship was another hotbed of action. Diego Garcia made a statement in his pro debut, landing a precise left hook that ended the fight in just 34 seconds. While the stoppage seemed premature, Emmanuel Blancas was clearly out of it afterward, and the referee made the right call to halt the bout. No need to risk further damage.
In another notable match, Alfredo Ruelas demonstrated his prowess with a dirty clinch knee to Devair Ribeiro’s chin. The knee was so filthy that it left Ribeiro visibly shaken. The blow was so forceful that it’s safe to say Ribeiro will be sticking to a liquid diet for a while. These moments highlight the raw talent and intensity in local promotions, where fighters often showcase their skills in the hope of making it to bigger stages. Both bouts are available on UFC Fight Pass.
British Bash: Yahya Kamaran vs. Tyrone Grant
Elite Combat Championship in Bolton, England, saw Yahya Kamaran deliver a memorable finish in an amateur bout against Tyrone Grant. Kamaran’s head kick was well-timed and executed with precision, earning him a knockout win. The kicker? (pun intended) He walked off with a triumphant swagger, leaving no doubt about his dominance. The promotion’s YouTube channel offers free replays, so you can relive this thrilling moment.
Family Affair: Leon Shahbazyan vs. Aieron Tavarres
Finally, we circle back to the renowned Shahbazyan family. While Edmen Shahbazyan’s victory over Dylan Budka at UFC Vegas 102 was widely discussed, his older brother Leon also had an impressive showing at Tuff-N-Uff 141 in Las Vegas, just a day earlier. Leon, who hasn’t been as active since his 2019 appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he lost to Phil Rowe, secured a victory against Aieron Tavarres. Despite a rocky start to his career after the Contender Series, Leon’s 29th year brings renewed promise. With a 2-2 record since then, including a loss to future Ultimate Fighter 32 winner Ryan Loder, Leon still has the potential to join his brother in the UFC. Catch his performance on UFC Fight Pass to see the family talent in action.
If you have any recent fights or events that you think deserve more attention, please share them with us on X (@AlexanderKLee) using the hashtag #MissedFists. We’re always eager to bring more overlooked moments to the forefront!
