Introduction to Missed Fists
Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists, where we highlight fights from around the world that may have slipped under the radar in the midst of the constant barrage of MMA events. It’s a good reminder that the sport isn’t just about the big names and high-profile bouts; there’s a wealth of exciting and dramatic action happening in smaller promotions and lesser-known venues. This week, we have a mix of humorous moments, jaw-dropping knockouts, and a few unfortunate accidents to share.
Marcin Wrzosek’s Twist of Fate
If Marcin Wrzosek’s name sounds familiar, it might be because he’s been a part of some memorable events in the MMA world, including The Ultimate Fighter 22 and a brief UFC stint. However, his luck seems to be as spotty as it gets, and the recent Fame MMA event in Warsaw, Poland, certainly didn’t help. Wrzosek won his one-round bout with modified MMA rules, defeating Pawel Tyburski by decision. In what was supposed to be a playful post-fight celebration, Pawel’s twin brother Piotr Roughly translated from a writeup by Przegląd Sportowy, Piotr tried to throw Wrzosek down, but the maneuver went awry, resulting in Wrzosek falling in an excruciatingly awkward position. The injury was severe enough to knock Wrzosek out of a one-night tournament and potentially sideline him for the rest of 2025. He has since mentioned on social media that he has torn ligaments in his knee. It’s a tough break, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of unfortunate coincidence given that Wrzosek also broke his arm at a Fame MMA event almost two years ago. Despite the setbacks, here’s hoping he can make a full recovery and get back to doing what he loves.
Angel Rodriguez’s Spectacular Wheel Kick
While Marcin Wrzosek’s week was marred by misfortune, Angel Rodriguez’s performance at a Supreme Fight Night event in Guadalajara, Mexico, was a highlight. Rodriguez, known for his previous 15-15 record, managed to pull off a sensational wheel kick knockout against the 9-1 Andres Farrera. The kick landed with pinpoint accuracy, striking Farrera on the side of his temple and instantly putting him out. The follow-up hammerfist was a bit unnecessary, but it’s understandable given the adrenaline of the moment. This win was particularly significant as it was for a vacant featherweight title, and Rodriguez’s previous four fights had ended in finishes against him. His ability to turn the tables so dramatically speaks volumes about his resilience and skill. If you missed it, you can catch more free fights from this event on YouTube.
Head Kick Fever at Arena Elite Championship
The Arena Elite Championship 12 in Laval, France, was a hotbed of head kicks. Movsar Ibragimov’s leg kicked routine was especially noteworthy. He landed a powerful shot on Thomas Bryan that left Bryan nearly impaling himself on the canvas. Despite the brutal impact, Bryan was seen back on a stool shortly after, in relatively good condition. Another amateur bout saw Nessim Akhdim delivering a slapping head kick to Qudrat Safi. While the referee was a bit slow to stop the action, Safi also appeared to be okay afterward. These moments underscore the dynamic nature of MMA, where a fight can turn on a dime, and highlight the importance of proper refereeing to ensure the safety of the fighters.
Katsuyoshi Takahashi’s Devastating Combo
At a Pancrase Blood event in Tokyo, Katsuyoshi Takahashi delivered one of the most precise and devastating 1-2 combos you’re likely to see. Hideya Narumi was out cold before he even hit the ground. Takahashi, in a moment of excitement, threw an additional punch as the referee moved in to stop the fight. The punch connected with a defenseless Narumi, making it a tough and uncomfortable moment to watch. MMA is a brutal sport, and while such moments are part of the game, they also serve as a reminder of the risks involved. Takahashi’s knockout was a clear demonstration of his striking prowess and the potential he holds in the featherweight division.
Ragners Dzhigurs: The Happy Warrior
Not every fight ends in misfortune or brutality. At a King of Kings event in Riga, Latvia, Ragners Dzhigurs showcased a unique blend of grit and good humor. After getting hit by Tomas Markus, Dzhigurs surprisingly broke into a grin, much to the astonishment of those watching. Instead of backing down, he charged Markus into the corner and unleashed a flurry of strikes with ten times the force. Dzhigurs’ ability to stay composed and even find amusement in the heat of battle is a rare and endearing quality. His performance not only won the fight but also endeared him to fans, proving that sometimes a positive attitude can be just as infectious as a well-placed strike.
Fury FC 101: A Night of Knockouts and Submissions
The Fury FC 101 event in Dallas was a feast for MMA enthusiasts, featuring multiple head kicks and a standout submission. Strawweight prospect Anna Crutchfield delivered a beautiful combination of a high kick followed by a powerful right hand, leaving Blanca Medina frozen on the mat. Cody Freeman’s submission of Shane Torres was equally impressive, with Freeman compacting Torres’ body in a choke so tight, it seemed almost impossible to escape. Freeman’s technique was on full display, demonstrating his prowess in both striking and grappling. Lastly, Steven Orozco capped off the night with another stunning wheel kick, adding to the week’s theme of spinning and winning. These fights not only entertained but also showcased the rising talent in the MMA world, making Fury FC 101 a must-watch for anyone interested in the sport.
Brazil’s Best and the Future of MMA
Wrapping up our week, we head to LFA 201 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where Marcos Degli’s left hand sent Lincoln Santos into a near-split on the canvas. The impact was so severe that it left Santos’ legs flying in opposite directions, a truly memorable and slightly comical moment. However, the real star of the show was Lany Silva, who delivered an incredible knockout of Rose Conceicao in the LFA strawweight championship main event. At just 22 years old, Silva’s win was a statement of her potential and determination. She has already spoken to our own Guilherme Cruz about her plans to capitalize on this viral knockout, aiming for a Contender Series spot or, better yet, a fast-track ticket to the UFC. Her performance and ambition are a testament to the future of MMA, and we look forward to seeing more from her.
If you have any recent fights or events that you think deserve attention, feel free to share them on X — @AlexanderKLee — using the hashtag #MissedFists. Stay tuned for more exciting and overlooked moments from the world of MMA.
