Missed Fists: Fighter taps out 1 second into fight, blames motorcycle injury

A roundup of overlooked MMA fights from promotions across the globe showcases the wild variety of finishes—and non-finishes—happening outside the mainstream spotlight.

At Lions Fight in Manaus, Brazil, Michel Pantoja submitted to Matheus Kokama in just one second, kneeling down and tapping the canvas without throwing a punch. According to reports, Pantoja blamed injuries from a recent motorcycle accident for his inability to compete, though he did not withdraw beforehand. The result left Kokama with a victory under highly dubious circumstances.

Brock Adams of Fierce FC in Price, Utah, needed only eight seconds to knock out Cameron Stephen at amateur lightweight with repeated right-hand strikes. In Ontario, Ohio, Ryder Volz landed a devastating uppercut that sent Devon Younkin face-first into the mat in their amateur bout. Dinesh Nain, competing at Shooto in Fukuoka, Japan, improved to 7-2 with a McGregor-style knockout of 43-year-old Yoshiteru Kubomura.

At Jue Cheng King Fight Night 120 in China, Bilali Yizibula landed a clean spinning backfist, while Zi Hao put down Wuxiheng Muhamaitibai decisively. Moses Mokhar of EFC 135 in South Africa finished Bryn Gwavava with a right hand followed by a controversial follow-up punch. Diego Sanchez scored an impressive knockout at Real Fight League in Mexico when Luis Martinez walked into a left hook after eating a body kick.

Yusuf Esembaev, a 22-year-old welterweight prospect, finished Troy Green in 24 seconds at Urijah Faber's A1 Combat promotion, improving to 5-0 with all wins by first-round finish. Jonathan Hanes impressed with a well-timed counter right against Dupree Stewart. On the Fury Challengers Series, Dimitri Jioev finished Bellator veteran John De Jesus with a brutal flurry, while Justice Torres closed the card with an emphatic slam. ONE Championship delivered Paul Elliott's head kick knockout of Regan Upshaw in six seconds—a finish so impactful both fighters crashed to the canvas.