Introduction to Missed Fists
Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists, where we highlight fights from around the globe that might have flown under the radar. In the world of MMA, where events seem to pop up almost daily, it’s easy to miss some of the most thrilling and bizarre moments. This week, we have a mix of controversy, unexpected submissions, and powerful knockouts to share. From Germany to India, let’s dive into the action.
The Homberg Brothers Scandal
On Saturday in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, a scandal erupted at a German MMA Championship show involving twin brothers Joshua and Jeremias Homberg. Joshua was set to participate in a four-man tournament, but suspicions arose when it was believed that Jeremias replaced him in the final. The news first broke when the promotion, German MMA Championship (GMC), released a video detailing the alleged deceit. According to MMA veteran Attila Korkmaz, who provided an English translation, Joshua fought Nenad Grujic in the semifinal and appeared to be suffering from a leg injury. Despite his condition, Joshua (or was it Jeremias?) looked remarkably fresh for his second fight of the night. One key piece of evidence was the sudden appearance of matching tattoos on the chest and forearm of the fighter, which were not visible before the final. The tournament ended with a head kick victory, but the triumph was quickly marred by fans noticing the discrepancies and calling out the brothers. Whether this was a publicity stunt or a genuine attempt to win, it’s certainly one of the more bizarre incidents in recent MMA history.
Martin Stapleton’s Unforgettable TKO
At a Full Contact Contender event in Bolton, England, veteran lightweight Martin Stapleton added another win to his record in a manner that was both forgettable and strangely memorable. His TKO victory over Leandro Lima seemed standard at first glance, but it soon became apparent that it wasn’t Stapleton’s fists that did the job. Instead, Lima overextended with his punches, injuring his own arm in the process. Sometimes, the best defense really is to let your opponent do the work for you. It’s moments like these that remind us of the unpredictable nature of combat sports and the importance of strategy over brute force.
Jake Pilla’s Swift Kneebar
In Wilmington, Massachusetts, Jake Pilla continued to cement his reputation as one of the most exciting and unpredictable fighters on the regional scene. At Combat FC 9, Pilla needed less than a minute to secure a kneebar from Shawn Johnson’s back. Johnson seemed unaware of the danger until the pressure suddenly ramped up, forcing a quick tap. This submission is a testament to Pilla’s versatility and opportunistic striking. As an amateur, Pilla has already shown his flair for the dramatic with a handstand kick and several memorable sub-30-second finishes. His professional record speaks for itself, with none of his eight bouts going past the opening round. It’s a thrilling watch, and one that you don’t want to miss.
Damian Nelson’s Featherweight Knockout
The main event at Combat FC 9 featured Damian Nelson defending his featherweight title in spectacular fashion. Nelson faced Travis Demko and delivered a thunderous knockout that left the crowd in awe. The fight was a showcase of Nelson’s power and precision, as he capitalized on a moment of vulnerability to end the contest with a single, decisive blow. It’s moments like these that highlight the explosive nature of MMA and the importance of timing and technique. Nelson’s victory was a testament to his skill and the excitement he brings to the cage.
Jose Sandoval’s Comeback Heel Hook
In Las Vegas, ahead of UFC 313, Jose Sandoval scored a remarkable comeback heel hook against Aupuni Pagaoa at an LFA event. Pagaoa had Sandoval on the ropes early, landing several solid right hands and delivering serious ground-and-pound. Despite the adversity, Sandoval remained calm and began attacking Pagaoa’s leg. His persistence paid off as he maneuvered Pagaoa into a brutal leg lock, securing the win and improving his record. This fight demonstrated Sandoval’s resilience and his ability to turn the tide in a split second, making him a promising talent to watch.
Brutal Force and Sneaky Striking
In Salt Lake City, John Poppie delivered a powerful slam to Mike Jones at a Fierce FC show, sending Jones crashing to the mat in a move that could only be described as "Hulk Smash!" The promotion assured fans that Jones was okay, but the landing was undoubtedly one of the roughest seen inside the cage. Moving to California, Jason Jones, sporting a magnificent skullet, overcame adversity to secure a knockout win over Sevak Hakobyan at Up Next Fighting 23. Jones weathered an onslaught of jabs and leg kicks before catching Hakobyan with a quick right hand, ending the fight in dramatic fashion. In India, Matrix Fight Night continued to make waves with Digamber Singh Rawat and Aminder Bisht each delivering quick, devastating strikes. Rawat’s third straight first-round knockout and Bisht’s one-hitter quitter were both highlights of the event. Over in Kazakhstan, Nurkhan Zhumagazy and Asyljan Tasket also showcased their striking prowess with sneaky lefts that ended their opponents’ nights instantly. These moments highlight the global reach and dynamic nature of MMA, offering a wide array of exciting techniques and strategies.
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.
