The UFC heads to Tampa on Saturday for its final card of 2024, but I’m willing to bet none of the fighters on the intriguing card will score a more inspiring KO than Marney Maxx did on Friday in Shooto.
Maxx, a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has only one fully developed arm, scored an amazing KO win over Esterferson Da Silva in a clip sure to go viral over the weekend. In case you missed it, take a look at the clip posted by Happy Punch.
Maxx set up the KO with a hard left high kick that rocked Da Silva before closing in for the finish. In case you’re wondering, the win pushed Maxx’s record to 6-4, and this was not his first win by finish.
Maxx defeated Gustavo Javier Mercado by heel hook in March 2022. He defeated Deivid Costa by head kick in January 2022 and Charles Nogueira in August 2019 with punches.
Maxx’s age isn’t listed on Tapology, but based on what we can see in the video, it’s doubtful he’s a UFC prospect. Nonetheless, his courage, ferociousness as a fighter, and willingness to embrace and overcome his physical challenges should be highlighted.
Friday Was a Big Day For Memorable Finishes in MMA
Cage Warriors 182 featured a number of solid prospects with an opportunity to find their way to Dana White’s Contender Series, or perhaps as replacements for injured fighters on an upcoming UFC card.
Anthony Orozco moved to 5-0 on Friday with an impressive TKO win over Dominico Salas. He’s seen by many as a future UFC competitor at 170 pounds.
Johnny Robles destroyed James Settle in just 20 seconds with a hellacious right cross. Here is a look at the finish:
The win pushed Robles’ record to 8-3, and that makes it four wins in a row for the 28-year-old bantamweight. Robles’ issue is his height and weight class. He’s listed at just 5-foot-4, which would be short for flyweight. It’s even smaller for bantamweight.
If Robles can healthily make flyweight, he has a chance to make a run at the next level.
On Saturday: UFC Tampa
The UFC wraps up its 2024 schedule with a solid card headlined by Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley. The winner of the fight will move themselves closer to a title shot in the welterweight division.
In the co-main event, Cub Swanson takes on Billy Quarantillo in a scrap that could earn Fight of the Night honors. Here is a look at the entire card:
- Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley (Welterweight)
- Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo (Featherweight)
- Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva (Flyweight)
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Vitor Petrino (Light Heavyweight)
- Daniel Marcos vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamweight)
- Navajo Stirling vs. Tuco Tokkos (Light Heavyweight)
- Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar (Lightweight)
- Drakkar Klose vs. Joel Alvarez (Lightweight)
- Sean Woodson vs. Fernando Padilla (Featherweight)
- Miles Johns vs. Felipe Lima (Featherweight)
- Miranda Maverick vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (Flyweight)
- Davey Grant vs. Ramon Taveras (Bantamweight)
- Piera Rodriguez vs. Joseline Knutsson (Strawweight)
