This edition of our combat sports highlights series shines a light on interesting fights from various promotions that might have flown under the radar. While innovation in combat sports often focuses on rules or gimmicks, less attention is typically given to changing the actual gear competitors wear. Everyone knows gi and no-gi grappling, but what about grappling in full suits?
Introducing the John Wick Invitational
Indeed, the John Wick Invitational is a unique grappling event. This was the second iteration of the competition, featuring jiu-jitsu matches conducted entirely while wearing full business suits. The concept is designed to evoke the intense, close-quarters combat seen in the Keanu Reeves `John Wick` movie franchise. It`s seen as both a clever and somewhat absurd concept, adding a distinct visual and physical challenge.
The most talked-about element of the John Wick Invitational involves the final minute of a match. If a submission does not occur within the initial four minutes, a coin flip determines whether a prop gun or a prop knife is introduced into the fighting area. The last minute then becomes a wild scramble to secure the chosen weapon and `win` the round with a mock shot or stab. This delightfully over-the-top rule adds a layer of dramatic absurdity, almost making it feel disappointing when a fight ends early via a standard submission before the `weapon` phase is reached.
Other Notable Fights You Might Have Missed
Moving on from the unique grappling format, this week also featured several impressive finishes across the MMA landscape. Let`s highlight a notable submission: the calf slicer. This leglock technique is always impressive, particularly when skillfully applied to break a stalemate on the ground. At Fusion FC 89 in Lima, Peru, Gennier Rojas executed a clean calf slicer against Gabriel Diaz, forcing a definitive tap. While visually satisfying for the viewer, it was undoubtedly painful for the recipient.
We also saw some spectacular knockouts. At LFA 207, Landry Ward delivered a perfectly timed right hand that caught Bryce Logan as he advanced, leaving him momentarily unconscious. Upon recovering slightly, Logan was clearly disoriented, attempting a takedown on the referee, which affirmed the necessity of the stoppage.
In Glasgow, Scotland, at Cage Warriors 187, Jordan Stronge secured a stylish finish against Chris Hayes. For viewers who prefer fighters not to immediately pursue ground-and-pound on a hurt opponent, Stronge`s approach was ideal; he reset to assess Hayes` condition. Finding Hayes unable to continue effectively, Stronge ended the fight with a spectacular jumping knee.
Looking to rebound from a debut loss 11 months prior, Hurshed Nazarov made a strong impression in his second Brave CF outing. He secured his first finish since 2021 with remarkable speed. Prioritizing the finish over time, Nazarov landed a decisive blow just 17 seconds in, knocking out Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti and leaving him in a dramatic, crumpled state.
Finally, at a DEEP event in Aichi, Japan, we saw what many consider the knockout of the week. In an amateur bantamweight contest, Taiki Kono landed a brutal, lights-out head kick on Toshikazu Hirayama. It was a truly decisive and memorable finish.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely