Missed Fists: Dong Guk Shin triumphs in most insane brawl of 2026

Vertex MMA's Missed Fists column highlights overlooked fights from around the world, and this week features some of 2026's most explosive action.

Dong Guk Shin emerged victorious in what may be the craziest brawl of the year at Road FC 78 in South Korea. Shin and Hyeon Bin Park traded knockdowns within the opening fifteen seconds, with Park scoring a second knockdown around the one-minute mark. Yet somehow Shin outlasted his opponent, relying on pure aggression and punching power despite poor fundamentals—throwing hooks with his head down for much of the fight. By the final bell, Shin had more left in the tank, winning a decision in a bout that prioritized heart over technique. The fight epitomizes South Korea's reputation for producing wild, high-output slugfests.

Elsewhere, Vadim Rolich suffered a brutal knockout at BetCity Fight Nights 140 in Minsk, Belarus, after desperately chasing a takedown that was never there. Islam Zhangorazov capitalized by lifting his knee into Rolich's face for a fight-ending strike.

On the amateur side, Sean Polk, 19, extended his undefeated run to 5–0 at Fusion Fight League by landing a perfectly-timed head kick against Edgar Mixan in the second round. Polk, from Missoula, Montana, holds FFL titles at welterweight and middleweight.

Submission highlights included Chuy Rodriguez's slick arm-guillotine choke finish over Jarred Gonzales at LFA 240, and Ranna Cortez's dominant display capped by a forearm choke against Raissa Pacheco at Shooto Brasil 139.

One-punch knockouts rounded out the column: Emil Kuzmich's overhand right at Ural FC: Governor's Cup in Perm Krai, Russia; Wayne Godfrey's brutal walkdown KO over Antonio Serafin; Andrew Alvara's inventive finish—stepping on Julian Perez's foot before landing the knockout blow at Anthony Pettis FC 25 in Albuquerque; and Armando Gutierrez Jr.'s sudden right hand over Clark Ginn. Jeandrick Croes capped the night with a gnarly choke submission against Jared McLoughlin.