Hey, sports junkies! Welcome to the freshest episode of Unseen Punches, the space where we spotlight those lesser-known but absolutely thrilling fights from all corners of the globe. Because let’s face it, with the MMA scene cranking out events like a kid spits out veggies, some bouts are bound to slip through the cracks.
It’s time for a reality check. Fighters aren’t sucked into a black hole once they bid farewell to the UFC. Our first couple of highlights show heavyweights tasting the highs and lows of life after the octagon.
(Massive shoutout to @Barrelelapierna for regularly compiling those knockout and submission gems, and a nod to @Grabaka_Hitman for sharing a heap of those clips. Show them some love, folks, and toss ’em a few bucks on Patreon if you’re feeling generous.)
Aleksei Oleinik vs. Tagir Dzoblaev
Hold onto your seats. Aleksei Oleinik has grappled his way through 79 MMA matches, including a stint of 17 bouts with the UFC. But instead of hitting the big 8-0, this Ezekiel choke whiz strapped on boxing gloves and entered the squared circle for the first time since his fighting career kicked off in ’96.
Spoiler Alert: He killed it!
Last time we saw Oleinik, who’s 46 but looks like he could still bench-press a minivan, he was on the receiving end of a gnarly KO by Oli Thompson at a regional Russian event. That marked his fifth loss in his last six outings, including a string of defeats in the twilight of his UFC career.
Well, Oleinik’s boxing debut was a redemption arc if I’ve ever seen one. It took the man a mere 34 seconds to lay waste to Tagir Dzoblaev, and he added a ferocious staredown for a cherry on top. Oleinik’s resume boasts 47 submission wins, but maybe he should’ve been throwing hands this whole time? Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
After that showing, if there’s a Fury-Ngannou showdown, Oleinik better be first in line for a crack at the winner.
Chuck Campbell vs. Jared Vanderaa
And speaking of UFC vets, Jared Vanderaa might be wondering if a little downtime wouldn’t have been such a bad idea. At a Lights Out Xtreme Fighting gig in Pauma Valley, California, Vanderaa literally ran into Chuck Campbell’s fists and ended up snoozing on the mat. Let’s just say Vanderaa had a rude awakening.
Vanderaa’s UFC tenure was nothing short of perplexing—a 1-6 record that featured defeats by a Who’s Who of heavy hitters like Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Alexandr Romanov. And let’s not forget our man Oleinik.
Campbell, on the other hand, now sits at a respectable 6-3 (1 NC) pro record and has graced the rings of Bellator, the PFL, and Cage Warriors. Heavyweight MMA: It’s weird, it’s wacky, and it’s totally unpredictable.
And if you’re a fan of watching these brawls unfold, get yourself a fuboTV subscription to relive LXF 10.
Luis Escudero vs. Juan Campos
Who here loves improv? You know, those stage shows that usually start out quirky, ask for audience suggestions, and sometimes crash and burn with cringe-worthy Borat impressions? Well, sometimes improv works like a charm.
At an Ultimate Warrior Challenge event in Tijuana, Luis Escudero turned a snafu into brilliance when Juan Campos caught his kick. Most people would consider a flying armbar to be a reckless move, but for Escudero, it was the golden ticket to a superb submission win.
Don’t let Campos’ less-than-stellar record of 10-17 cloud your judgment; this was a moment worth savoring. You can catch a replay on UFC Fight Pass.
Zewang vs. Yedeli Wulazibieke
If style points were a thing, Zewang would be racking them up. This Chinese warrior executed a near-perfect “body kick to high kick” sequence that had Yedeli Wulazibieke wondering where his hands had gone. It’s a classic move, but when done right, it’s pure poetry in motion.
You can catch this fight, co-promoted by World Kings Glory & M-1 Global, on YouTube for the lovely price of nada.
The Week’s Other Jaw-Droppers
But wait, there’s more! From a front-kick KO in South Korea to sending souls on celestial journeys in Tokyo, this week had it all. Not to be outdone, Sweden brought us a beautiful triangle-armbar combo, and a Moroccan showed us how a right hand can be a work of art.
Poll Time
What had you jumping off your couch this week?
- Aleksei Oleinik’s fists of fury
- Luis Escudero’s improv genius
- Zewang’s kick wizardry
- Daiki Mine’s astral knockout
- Something else? (Comment away!)
Sound off on Twitter at @AlexanderKLee with the hashtag #UnseenPunches if you’ve got a sleeper fight or event we should be talking about.
Until next time, fight fans!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Missed Fists
What is the main theme of this article?
The main theme of this article is to highlight lesser-known but compelling moments in recent combat sports events. It focuses on fighters who have moved on from the UFC and their new endeavors, whether in boxing, MMA, or other promotions.
Who is Aleksei Oleinik and why is he mentioned?
Aleksei Oleinik is a veteran MMA fighter with 79 professional fights to his name. He’s highlighted in this edition of “Missed Fists” because he made a successful boxing debut, scoring a knockout in just 34 seconds.
What other fighters and events are covered in this edition of “Missed Fists”?
Besides Aleksei Oleinik, the article covers various fighters like Jared Vanderaa, Luis Escudero, Zewang, and many more. Events include Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, Ultimate Warrior Challenge, and Allstars Fight Night, among others.
What are “Missed Fists”?
“Missed Fists” is a recurring column that showcases noteworthy fights and fighters from across the globe, which might have been overlooked due to the plethora of events happening in the world of combat sports.
Is there a way to watch replays of the fights mentioned?
Yes, the article provides information on where replays of certain fights can be viewed. For example, LXF 10 can be watched with a subscription to fuboTV, and UWC 47 is available for replay with a subscription to UFC Fight Pass.
Who should read this article?
This article is aimed at combat sports enthusiasts who want to stay in the loop about emerging talents, remarkable fights, and spectacular moments that might not make mainstream headlines.
Are there social media accounts or hashtags to follow for more information?
Yes, the article suggests following @AlexanderKLee on Twitter and using the hashtag #MissedFists to stay updated or to suggest events that might have been overlooked.
What’s the significance of the term “post-octagon lives”?
The term “post-octagon lives” refers to the career trajectories of fighters after they have parted ways with the UFC. The article aims to show that these athletes continue to compete and make headlines, even if they’re not in the UFC anymore.
Is there a voting poll in the article?
Yes, there’s a poll at the end of the article where readers can vote for the most memorable “Missed Fists” moment of the week.
What’s the tone of the article?
The tone of the article is informative yet casual, targeting a younger, possibly geeky audience that is passionate about combat sports but might not follow every single event.
More about Missed Fists
- Aleksei Oleinik’s Career Stats
- What is UFC Fight Pass?
- Overview of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting
- Ultimate Warrior Challenge Official Website
- Allstars Fight Night Event Details
- fuboTV Subscription Information
- Follow @AlexanderKLee on Twitter
- How to Participate in Twitter Polls
- Introduction to Combat Sports Terminology
- What is the Ezekiel Choke?
10 comments
id pay to see Oleinik vs. Fury, no joke. Get this man a title shot already.
Man, Oleinik’s a beast! 34 seconds? guy’s like wine, getting better with age!
luis escudero’s flying armbar tho! I mean come on, that’s some movie stuff right there.
Did they film any of these KOs in 4K? I wanna see em on my new OLED. The details gotta be insane.
Zewang and that high kick setup? Whew! Now thats what I call a technique.
Nyamjargal Tumendemberel is definitely someone to keep an eye on. UFC contract soon? Bet on it!
Maraoune Bellagouit’s hand speed is lit. Anyone else think he could be a drummer too? so quick!
The article is awesome, but can we talk about how 79 MMA fights is just nuts? Oleinik is a walking legend.
Seriously, this article’s better than most action films. Chuck Norris who? Oleinik’s the real deal.
lol Jared Vanderaa what happened, dude? Needs to rethink strategy or maybe take up knitting.