Welcome to a special segment showcasing overlooked fights from across the world. In today`s fast-paced MMA scene, some amazing moments might be missed. We`re here to bring those to light.
For dedicated fans of combat sports, streaming services offer immense value. Beyond vast libraries of past events, they provide access to incredible regional and international MMA action.
Despite the mainstream appeal of major organizations, true fight enthusiasts can find raw and exciting matchups on these platforms. This past week was particularly rich with such events.
This week, top honors go to Miguel Sanson for his unique mid-fight tribute to wrestling icon, The Rock.
Yes, you saw that right – a perfect `People`s Elbow` in the middle of a fight.
While Sanson`s version might not have had the same showmanship as Dwayne Johnson`s, his intent to entertain the audience with this unexpected ground-and-pound technique was clear.
It should be noted that the elbow itself didn`t end the fight, much like The Rock`s move wasn`t always a guaranteed finisher. However, Sanson`s opponent, Chris Johnson, was clearly weakened. A powerful slam and follow-up strikes secured a memorable victory.
This win marks the 25-year-old bantamweight`s third consecutive victory, boosting his professional record to 7-2. Hopefully, Sanson will achieve greater success than the previous fighter who attempted a Rock-inspired move.
Earlier in the event, amateur featherweight Taezhon Mason delivered a stunning head kick knockout.
It seems knockouts were the theme that day, with fighters being decisively finished in various ways.
Marcus Nash displayed brutal power against Felipe Rocha, who clearly wanted no more after a devastating uppercut.
Rocha`s defensive posture indicated the fight could have been stopped sooner, potentially preventing further damage.
Artur Minev landed a lightning-fast strike against Shane Keefe, leaving no time for reaction.
Thinking you were safe at range? Think again.
Then there was Nico Echeverry’s knockout of Devon Dixon, a truly definitive finish in the cage.
Fighters at another event also experienced brutal finishes.
An Tuan Ho needed only 16 seconds to defeat Jimi Natividad.
A strong head kick initiated the knockout sequence, followed by a front kick that seemed to break Natividad`s will. The final strikes were a mere formality.
In another fight, Dylan Mantello landed a precise combination against Ednilson Santos, causing Santos to stumble in a knockout.
A veteran fighter, Joe Giannetti, returned to the win column with a skillful triangle choke, securing a TKO from a bottom position.
Giannetti has been working hard since his appearance on a reality show in 2018. Could a return to a major promotion be on the horizon? He recently expressed his readiness for another opportunity.
At an event in Rio de Janeiro, Mateus Rodrigues spun his opponent, Diogo Ferreira, with a perfectly placed right hand to the temple.
When a strike turns your opponent away on impact, it`s a clear sign of a fight-ending blow.
A fighter received a disqualification for an illegal stomp.
While controversial tactics exist in fighting, getting caught results in penalties. Illegal actions only work if they don`t cost you the fight!
Another event featured incredibly violent striking matches.
These striking matches are essentially kickboxing with MMA gloves, leading to intense moments.
One fighter endured a brutal standing count after a knockdown, only to return and face even more punishment.
Sofia Montenegro dominated her opponent, leading to a clear “no mas” moment.
When an opponent is collapsing against the cage from strikes, it`s a strong indication the fight is over.
As demonstrated in another knockout.
Gustavo Navarrete caught his opponent`s kick and countered with a decisive right hand for a one-punch knockout.
In another instance, a fighter delivered a devastating spinning body kick, ending the fight immediately.
Stop the count and call for medical assistance!
If you are aware of any recent, overlooked fights or promotions that deserve attention, please share the information.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely