Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists where we shine a light on fights from across the globe that may have been overlooked in these hectic times where it seems like there’s an MMA show every other day.
Apologies, but I’m going to need all of you to put your UFC Vegas 100 party planning aside for a moment so you can check out this week’s latest randomness from the fighting world, namely Yatcha Club being at it again.
(Big thanks as always to @Barrelelapierna for their weekly lists of the best KOs and submissions, and to @Grabaka_Hitman for uploading many of the clips you see here. Give them a follow and chip in on Patreon if you can.)
If you’re not familiar with Yatcha Club, its whole gimmick is putting on fights in the most off-beat places you can imagine. Children’s play areas, underground tunnels, parking garages, you name it, the club has probably thrown two dudes in it to punch and kick each other.
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In their latest experiment, fighters Chung Soo Lee and Kris Kirsch made their way over to a wading pool to do battle and the results are just about what you’d expect.
Going for a takedown in this setting is incredibly smart. If you’re the one being taken down, doing anything besides immediately trying to get up off your back is incredibly not smart. Because of, you know, the whole being submerged in water thing.
Once Kirsch is down, Lee doesn’t even have to do much other than sloppily grapple as his opponent tries not to swallow a gallon of water. The only strategy to even consider in this fight is making sure you’re on top and then pushing the other guy down until they tap or drown. Like, bro, why are you even going for ground-and-pound there?
Let’s toss this concept in the “never again” pile.
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Watch the whole fight below and more from Yatcha Club on their YouTube channel.
Damien Anderson vs. Gabriel Wanderley Richard Mayol vs. Dallas Dodd Artur Minev vs. Cristobal Ibanez
With whatever that was out of the way, let’s retreat to the comfy confines of UFC Fight Pass, where human beings were KO’ing and submitting each other the old-fashioned way.
At Fury FC 98 in Houston, Damien Anderson scored a heel hook submission that would make Ryan Hall proud, winning a tangle of limbs to force the tap from Gabriel Wanderley.
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Not going to lie, this may have just been an excuse to mention Ryan Hall. Get well and fight again soon, sir.
Richard Mayol (not to be confused with British comedy legend and Drop Dead Fred star Rik Mayall, may he rest in peace) kicks off a cavalcade of right hand knockouts with this precision shot to the temple of Dallas Dodd.
You can pinpoint the exact moment where Dodd’s body shuts down and were it not for the cage wall stopping him, he would have fallen flat back into a nice nap instead of having to absorb that extra shot.
Earlier on the card, Artur Minev needed just 28 seconds to queue up his right hand to blister Cristobal Ibanez.
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Stuffs the shot, immediately corners his opponent, and then ends him. Cold efficiency from the Ukrainian lightweight, who improves to 4-0 as a pro.
Stefano Paterno vs. Jorge Bueno Konstantinos Ntelis vs. Simone Patrizi
Over at Cage Warriors 179 in Rome, the top 2 fights of the night delivered with-you guessed it-a pair of powerful right hand knockouts.
Stefano Paterno continued his recent hot streak, cracking Jorge Bueno for a stylish walk-off finish.
That’s six straight wins for Paterno, including three wins inside the distance since returning to Cage Warriors. At 29, the Italian’s best days are still ahead of him.
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Greece’s Konstantinos Ntelis made sure it was a short night at the office as he caught an advancing Simone Patrizi with an absolute hammer that Patrizi stepped directly into.
There’s your “When Your Legs Don’t Work Like They Used To Before” KO of the Week.
Mauricio Partida vs. Brandon Uruchurtu
Zipping over to Lux Fight League 47 in Mexico City, we go from lower limb shutdown to total body shutdown.
Mauricio Partida refused to let Brandon Uruchurtu just chill against the fence, so when he saw an opening to strike, he took it and then some. That’s a monster knee up the middle and Uruchurtu doesn’t just go down in pain, he appears to freeze up completely. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if he cracked a rib there.
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Emily Ducote vs. Yulia Ostroverkhova Victoria Leonardo vs. Amanda Torres Shanna Young vs. Pamela Boveda Magdalena Czaban vs. Jessica Hope Holmes
Hopefully you tuned in live on CBS, but in case you didn’t, Invicta FC has you covered with all the highlights from its latest show in Kansas City, Kan. It was a big night for recently released UFC vets, with Emily Ducote, Victoria Leonardo, and Shanna Young all picking up impressive finishes.
Of the three, I’m happiest for Leonardo, who was coming off of two rough knockout losses to Wang Cong and Natalia Silva. During her UFC run, Leonardo developed a reputation for being on the wrong end of spectacular highlights, so for her to get back in the win column and score her first finish since 2020, that’s got to be sweet.
Just two fights into her pro career, atomweight Magdalena Czaban has a submission win she can crow about after locking in this nasty guillotine.
If the UFC ever gets serious about implementing the 115-pound division, Czaban is one to keep an eye on.
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Emin Huseynov vs. Olzhas Zhakypbekuly
Let’s end today’s globe-trotting in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where Olzhas Zhakypbekuly ended up with his face in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever Emin Huseynov had done prior to this, he had Zhakypbekuly biting hard on a fake before launching into his spin kick. Zhakypbekuly gets low, gets his hands up, and still ends up eating all of that one. That can’t feel good.
Full Alash Pride fights are available to watch for free on their YouTube channel.
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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.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that his side doesn’t “need a reset” despite only picking up one point from their past three Premier League matches.
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC Fight Night 247 main event between Neil Magny and Carlos Prates.
Supplemental info:
+ All-Army combatives champion
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt
+ 8 KO victories
+ 4 submission wins
+ 6 first-round finishes
+ Consistent pace and pressure
^ High-volume striker
+ Long and accurate jab
+ Improved wrestling ability
^ Works well from bodylock
+ Solid transitional grappler
^ Scrambles and floats well
+/- 7-4 against UFC-level southpaws
Supplemental info:
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ Multiple muay Thai and kickboxing titles
+ 15 KO victories
+ 3 submission wins
+ 8 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Accurate shot selection
^ Good proprioception and eyes in exchanges
+ Dangerous left crosses and kicks
+ Solid takedown defense against the fence
+ Strong inside the clinch
^ Hard knees and good frames
+ Good transitional grappler
Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates point of interest: Striking with a southpaw
China’s Li Jingliang (in red) and Brazil’s Carlos Prates fight in their men’s welterweight division event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 at the Perth Arena in Perth on August 18, 2024. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images)
The main event in Las Vegas features a showdown between two long welterweights who operate out of opposite stances.
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An orthodox fighter with a winning record in open-stance affairs, Neil Magny’s game doesn’t really diverge off of his preferred path when having to strike with southpaws.
Consistently circling and moving, Magny utilizes all 80 inches of his reach while working behind his long and accurate jab (something many orthodox fighters mistakenly stop doing opposite southpaws).
Often doubling up with his lead, Magny keeps his opponent’s eyes occupied while looking to set up his next shot. Magny is also a more aggressive kicker in open-stance matchups and will sneakily counter-balance said kicks with straight shots down the centerline.
Nevertheless, I’m not sure how much Magny will want to be exchanging kicks with a fighter like Carlos Prates.
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A savvy southpaw who spent multiple years fighting in Thailand, Prates has an undeniable swagger to his striking style.
Although I wish he were a little more active with his lead hand, Prates does well at quietly keeping the temperature high with lead-handed prods coming forward and check hook looks off the counter. And once Prates finds his range, the Brazilian wields the threat of crushing kicks and crosses in conjunction, providing multiple examples of what many of us analysts refer to as ‘the southpaw double-attack.’
Whether Prates is counter-balancing knees with straight shots or is utilizing crosses to disguise kicks off the same side, the lung-dart-loving 31-year-old can serve as a death dealer with multiple weapons at his disposal.
Prates is also an avid leg kicker who doesn’t discriminate when it comes to picking his targets in open-stance affairs (as he isn’t beyond attacking the rear leg a la Sittichai Sangkhachot).
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Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates breakdown: Potential grappling threats
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Neil Magny (red glove) fights Mike Malott (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Between the smaller octagon of the Apex and Magny’s propensity to push clinching agendas, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a decent amount of grappling in this fight.
Diligently working his wrestling and jiu-jitsu with the Elevation Fight Team, Magny has quietly become a menace to tangle with in close quarters.
From Magny’s ability to stay with scrambles to his sticky sensibilities from the bodylock position, the former “TUF” contestant has come a long way when it comes to sharpening his technique and weaponizing his cardio.
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Although Magny is a fairly flexible takedown artist, he primarily does his best work when chaining attacks or hitting shuck-bys from the clinch. That said, Magny could get more than he bargains for if he’s not careful about how he ties up with a muay Thai stylist like Prates.
Not only can Prates operate well with the collar ties that you would associate with a striker of his background, but the Brazilian also displays solid wrestling fundamentals as far as defense goes.
Whether Prates hoisting his opponent’s arms off of his hips with high and tight whizzers or is working off of solid forearm frames, the Fighting Nerds product demonstrates solid fight I.Q. when forced to defend takedowns along the fence. And in the open, Prates appears to have some deceptively strong hips that assist his already stellar reaction times when it comes to shutting down shots at his legs.
When taken down, Prates is good about keeping his composure while seeking out solutions that prioritize stand-ups and sweeps over submissions. Prates showed a glimpse of his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt savvy with a sweet butterfly sweep he hit against Charles Radtke, but Magny should prove a more stern test if he’s able to get some positive positions in this fight.
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Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates odds
The oddsmakers and the public are heavily favoring the Brazilian newcomer, listing Prates -900 and Magny +520 via FanDuel.
Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates prediction, pick
Carlos Prates
Although these odds are getting a bit out of hand for my liking, I can’t say that I’m surprised to see such a wide spread in this spot.
Aside from Prates being ‘the new hotness in town,’ there’s nothing MMA gamblers love more than fading aging fighters.
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Magny, to his credit, has managed to hang around as the most winningest welterweight in UFC history. The flip side to that coin, however, is that Magny also has the most in-octagon miles among his contemporaries – – something that I believe has started to show itself more and more in recent years.
Moreover, the book on how to beat Magny has been firmly written at this point of his career.
Whether we’re talking about tactics like leg kicks or the undeniable trends that cage positioning plays in Magny’s strikes-absorbed stats, there are plenty of trends that favor Prates going into this fight.
Add in the fact that specialists make up a disproportionate amount of Magny’s losses, and I can’t help but like Prates’ chances despite his lack of high-level sample sizes (something I typically am more critical than most about).
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Even though I can admit my fandom of Prates’ style and swagger, his team, Fighting Nerds, prides themselves on their ability to game plan and this seems like a fairly straightforward assignment.
I’ll officially pick Prates to knock Magny out along the fence by the end of Round 2.
Prediction: Prates inside the distance
Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates start time, where to watch
As the main event, Magny and Prates are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 9:45 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on ESPN+.
It is not known if Nascimento and Machado were released or if, like Romanov, their current contracts came to an end and they were not offered new contracts.
Nascimento finds himself a free agent just two fights removed from headlining UFC St. Louis opposite Derrick Lewis this past May. The dreary decision loss to Romanov was Nascimento’s second straight setback, capping off an octagon run that saw Nascimento compile a 4-3 (1 NC) record.
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A drop to 205 pounds couldn’t turn break Machado out of a slump as the Contender Series signing went winless in three UFC appearances. After two losses at heavyweight, Machado came out on the wrong end of a split decision against Brendson Ribeiro on the UFC Edmonton main card in a light heavyweight bout that failed to generate sparks.
Nickal was impressed with the finish, but thinks “Bullet” is an easy stylistic matchup for him.
“I would like to fight him, but it’s not a tough fight, and I would have to go to Abu Dhabi,” Nickal said of Magomedov on his YouTube channel. “I would have to go to Saudi (Arabia), which – I would do it, but I think it’s not a tough fight.
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“And also, the UFC probably doesn’t want that right now. Maybe they would. Maybe they don’t give a crap: Go over to Saudi, make a quick check, 90 seconds, call it a day, fly back.”
However, based on Magomedov’s opposition in the UFC so far, standout wrestler Nickal doesn’t see them crossing paths.
“I don’t know. It would be fun though,” Nickal continued. “I think they’re just going to keep putting him against strikers, but we’ll see.”
Nickal (6-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) returns to action Nov. 16 when he takes on Paul Craig (17-8-1 MMA, 9-8-1 UFC) in a middleweight bout on the UFC 309 main card at Madison Square Garden. He is once again a massive betting favorite, this time -1000 according to DraftKings.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 309.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
As the NFL regular season reaches the midpoint, it is time to review the All-22 coaches’ tape to see which players are playing at an elite level. With All-Pro recognition viewed as the ultimate compliment in the locker room, it is the perfect time to release my midseason All-22 team. Here is my squad:
The two-time MVP could win the award in back-to-back years if he maintains a torrid pace that could lead him to shatter his career bests in completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns and passer rating. Though nine games, Jackson completes 68.2% of his passes with a 20:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He leads the league with a 120.7 passer rating, adding 505 rushing yards and scores to his resume. Considering how opponents have been unable to slow down the Ravens’ offensive attack with Jackson teaming with Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews and new addition Diontae Johnson, the league is ready to etch Jackson’s name onto the MVP Award for the third time in his seven-year career.
The former NFL rushing champion is on the verge of claiming his third crown with 1,000-plus rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in half a season. Henry has five 100-yard games and a robust 6.3 yards per rush attempt average, reflecting his dominance as an RB1 for the Ravens. With the team poised to shift to a more run-centric approach with the playoffs on the horizon, the 30-year-old runner could top the 2,000-yard mark for the second time in his career.
The backward hurdling specialist has been as good as advertised as a multifaceted playmaker for the Eagles. Barkley has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in eight games, displaying the big-play potential as a runner and receiver on the perimeter. Given his strong production and jaw-dropping highlights, the Eagles’ RB1 slides into the FLEX position on the midseason All-22 list.
The spectacular route runner operates like Picasso on the grass, creating masterpieces on the way toward snagging passes from Sam Darnold. With Kevin O’Connell willing to showcase Jefferson’s unique skills in a creative passing game that enables the All-Pro to paint outside the lines, it is not surprising to see the Vikings’ No. 1 receiver at the top of the list in big plays (15 catches of 20 yards or more) and receiving yards (783) in just eight games.
The Bengals’ WR1 bullies defenders on the perimeter with a rugged playing style that showcases his superior strength and power. Operating as a “one-man show” with Tee Higgins sidelined with an injury, Chase has posted impressive numbers despite facing cloud coverage and double-team tactics at every turn. Given his consistency amid the team’s struggles, the fourth-year pro deserves a spot on this list.
Rookies are not supposed to dominate the league from Day 1, but Bowers is the exception to the rule. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder leads tight ends in receptions (57), receiving yards (580) and yards after catch (300), exhibiting soft hands and explosive running skills on the perimeter. Moreover, Bowers has emerged as the Raiders’ clutch offensive performer, as evidenced by his 28 first downs as the team’s No. 1 option in the passing game.
The perennial All-Pro continues to bully edge rushers at his advanced age (36) while showing no signs of slowing down as a blue-chip player. Williams’ toughness, tenacity and technique make him the gold standard for edge blockers around the league.
Despite the Chiefs’ offensive struggles, the offensive line has played well in front of Patrick Mahomes. The Pro Bowler has done his part with stellar protection (88.0 pass-blocking grade, per PFF) at the line of scrimmage, with zero penalties and sacks allowed through eight games.
As the key to the Lions’ punishing running game, Ragnow earns high marks for his dominance at the point of attack. The relentless mauler mashes defenders in the run game, displaying the violence and finishing skills that reflect the gritty playing style demanded by Dan Campbell and the Lions’ coaching staff.
The fourth-year pro is part of a unit that keeps Patrick Mahomes protected in a bubble within the pocket. Smith is a bodyguard at the point of attack, utilizing his size, strength, and power to stonewall pass rushers in their tracks. Though his technique is not always pretty or textbook, the rugged interior blocker does the job with minimal mistakes in crucial moments.
The superstar mauler of the Lions deserves a spot on the list after easily pummeling edge defenders for eight straight games. Sewell’s dominance on the edges enables the Lions’ running backs to scoot around the corner on off-tackle runs against light boxes. With the heavy-handed boxer delivering punishing body blows to pass rushers racing around the corner, Jared Goff has performed at an MVP level for the NFC’s top heavyweight.
The Bengals’ designated defensive playmaker is a fanatical pass rusher with a nonstop motor and polished technique. Hendrickson has finished with at least ten sacks in four of his last five seasons, with 11 in 2024 through nine games. As the eighth-year pro continues to come up with counters to the complex tactics opponents attempt to throw at him to neutralize his impact, the football world gains a greater appreciation for his disruptive dominance off the edge.
The extra-extra-large defensive tackle has emerged as one of the league’s best pass rushers. Despite being cast as a run-stopping nose tackle, Lawrence is on the verge of surpassing double-digit sacks for the first time in his career, displaying an unstoppable pass-rush approach that blends finesse and physicality to overwhelm blockers at the line of scrimmage. As a 340-pound pass rusher with impressive skill, the Giants’ interior pass rusher is a game-changer.
Do not be fooled by the All-Pro’s meager production at the season’s midpoint. Jones remains a destructive force in the middle of a Chiefs’ defense that has keyed their three-peat run. Though the monstrous defense can align anywhere on the frontline to exploit a vulnerable blocker, the Chiefs are at their best when Jones wreaks havoc from his traditional defensive tackle spot.
No one impacts the game more than Watt from the edges. The All-Pro is at it again in 2024 with 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries through eight games. Watt’s uncanny knack for delivering a game-changing play earned him the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award, leading to a second trophy at season’s end if he maintains his current playmaking pace.
Warner’s midseason highlight reel features four forced fumbles, two interceptions, three tackles for loss and a sack to complement his 66 tackles as the 49ers’ designated defensive playmaker. The All-Pro is a big play specialist with the instincts, awareness, and range to dominate the game as a sideline-to-sideline defender. With defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen building the game plan around Warner’s disruptive talents, the 49ers’ star linebacker has entered the discussion as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
The six-time All-Pro is no longer the dominant playmaker he once was in Seattle, but he deserves a spot on this list due to his ability to change the Commanders’ culture as a leader and big-play specialist. Wagner leads the team with 76 tackles with two sacks, six tackles for loss, and an interception, displaying superb instincts and awareness as a “see ball, get ball” defender. As the Commanders continue to climb the ranks as an emerging title contender, Wagner should get more attention as the seasoned leader of the league’s hottest team.
The playmaking veteran has re-emerged as a ball-hawking specialist for the Ravens. Despite the unit’s failures, Humphrey has impressed on the island with four interceptions and nine defensed through eight games. The eighth-year pro’s instincts, awareness, and ball skills continue to stand out as he thrives as a versatile secondary defender. As the Ravens work to fix their defensive woes, the team can rely on Humphrey to make big plays when the situation arises.
Despite taking on more responsibilities as the Chiefs’ No. 1 corner, McDuffie has continued to flourish in coverage. The third-year pro has routinely blanketed receivers on the perimeter with sticky coverage in the Chiefs’ man-heavy scheme. Though McDuffie lacks an interception on his 2024 stat sheet, the versatile coverage specialist has excelled as the team’s CB1.
The playmaking cover corner remains one of the best in the business on the island. Surtain challenges receivers utilizing various techniques to maintain proper leverage down the field. With defensive coordinator Vance Joseph willing to dial up exotic pressures from anywhere on the field, the Broncos’ CB1 deserves extra credit for his work as a one-on-one specialist on the perimeter.
Every defensive coordinator in the league is looking for a deep safety with centerfielder-like range and ball skills. McKinney fits the bill as a ball-hawking defender with the skills to make Jeff Hafley Xs and Os come to life. With six interceptions in nine games, the sticky-fingered defender, the ultra-aggressive play caller, needed to spark the turnover obsession in Green Bay.
The NFL’s co-leader in interceptions (6) has helped the Lions’ defense ascend to an elite level. Joseph’s ball-hawking ways have enhanced the man-heavy tactics employed by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. As the Lions’ perimeter corners force more tight window throws, the third-year pro has feasted on tipped passes and overthrows in his area.
Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
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Jon Jones is set to wear his first pair of custom fight shorts when he returns to the octagon.
Jones defends the UFC heavyweight title for the first time in the main event of UFC 309 against former champ Stipe Miocic. The event is set for Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Ahead of Jones’ first octagon appearance in nearly two years, “Bones” is preparing to wear new custom fight shorts, courtesy of Venum, the UFC’s official fight kit and fight week apparel partner. Check out photos of the shorts below.
Jones’ shorts feature a pair of lions, as well as the lettering of Jones’ Philippians 4:13 tattoo.
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The two-division title winner adds his name to the growing list of fighters to receive special custom fight shorts, which includes Alex Pereira, Dustin Poirier, and Max Holloway.
The 37-year-old captured the heavyweight championship with a quick guillotine submission win against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Now he defends his belt against Miocic, who is returning to action for the first time since 2021.
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