This edition of Missed Fists highlights notable combat sports action from around the world that might have been overlooked.
The pursuit of innovation in combat sports often involves rule changes or unusual gimmicks, but less attention is given to how different gear could impact the competition. While gi and no-gi grappling are familiar, have you heard of full suit grappling?
We introduce the John Wick Invitational.
This event, the second John Wick Invitational (JWI-2), recently came to our attention. The name might be slightly modified to avoid potential legal issues.
Participants compete in jiu-jitsu while wearing full suits, evoking the intense action scenes from the Keanu Reeves movie series. This format is both innovative and entertaining, particularly as matches approach their conclusion.
This is when simulated weapons are introduced.
If a match reaches four minutes without a submission, a coin toss decides whether a prop gun or knife enters the arena. The final minute turns into a chaotic dash to secure the weapon and “win” by simulated shot or stab. This unique gimmick adds fun, sometimes making quick submission finishes almost anticlimactic.
Speaking of grappling, we`d like to highlight a notable submission: the calf slicer.
This effective leglock is particularly impressive when applied from a seemingly stuck ground position. At Fusion FC 89 in Lima, Peru, Gennier Rojas successfully applied a calf slicer against Gabriel Diaz.
It was a remarkable sight (though likely painful for the opponent).
Also featured are impressive knockouts from LFA 207 and Cage Warriors 187.
At LFA 207, Landry Ward landed a powerful right hand as Bryce Logan moved forward, causing a momentary knockout.
Logan was visibly disoriented afterward, attempting to grapple the referee, indicating a justified stoppage.
In Glasgow, Scotland, Jordan Stronge delivered a stylish finish against Chris Hayes. This knockout exemplifies letting a hurt opponent recover on their feet rather than following them to the ground.
Stronge allowed Hayes to stand up, assessed his condition, and then secured the win with a well-timed jumping knee.
After a loss in his Brave CF debut, Hurshed Nazarov was motivated for his second appearance and achieved his first finish since 2021.
Nazarov sought a quick victory, securing a knockout against Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti in just 17 seconds with a clean shot to the chin.
A contender for the week`s best knockout occurred at a DEEP event in Aichi, Japan.
In an amateur bantamweight bout, Taiki Kono landed a devastating head kick knockout on Toshikazu Hirayama.
The visual of the knockout speaks for itself.
