​Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists, where we spotlight fights from around the world that might have slipped through the cracks in these busy times when it seems like an MMA show is on every other day. I’ve long championed safety first in combat sports. That might be an extreme stance given the nature of the game we’re committed to, but you’ll rarely hear me complain about an early stoppage, and I’ll never fault a fighter for tapping to strikes—credit the referee for showing up in the moment. Yet at a recent Lions Fight event in Manaus, Brazil, we witnessed a tap-out of epic proportions, and I’m still processing what it means. A big shout-out, as always, to @Barrelelapierna for curating the weekly KO lists and to @Grabaka_Hitman for uploading many of the clips you’ll see here. If you can, follow them and consider chipping in on Patreon.
Matheus Kokama vs. Michel Pantoja
WhatTheFuck??? Following a proper round of intros and a glove tap, Michel Pantoja stunned everyone by kneeling and immediately tapping the canvas to end his fight with Matheus Kokama. The referee, Dioclemar Neto, didn’t acknowledge the tap right away, so Tapology lists the stoppage at seven seconds, but let’s be honest—that’s effectively a one-second fight. TMZ Sports later reported that Pantoja explained his bizarre move as stemming from injuries from a recent motorcycle accident. I’ve never seen anything like this before: at a regional MMA event, one fighter taps out immediately after the opening bell, citing a prior motorcycle accident. Maybe next time just say so upfront. Don’t force everyone to pretend this is normal, because you’re too proud to withdraw. It’s hard to fault a fighter for a paycheck, but if you’re the promotion, you shouldn’t be bound to a contract under such conditions. I don’t want to curse a fighter’s earnings, but not when they’re clearly unprepared to compete. I’m not accusing Pantoja of ill intent, but this felt like a raw deal for Kokama, who earned a win under highly dubious circumstances and likely feels his time was wasted.
Brock Adams vs. Cameron Stephen
A one-second finish, followed by an eight-second knockout—this one still defies expectations. At a Fierce FC event in Price, Utah, amateur lightweight Brock Adams kept his plan simple, repeatedly throwing his right hand until he found his moment. Adams delivered instant payoff as he hammered Cameron Stephen to a stoppage in record time.
Ryder Volz vs. Devon Younkin
In an amateur bout at BCM: Braw for Better SEO