Fighters Only

Issue 207

July 2024

Fighters Only’s social media editor, Ryan Burnyeat, picks out his highlights from the past month on MMA social media.

THIS CAN’T BE REAL

Leon Edwards has divided UFC fans with a viral trick shot that's sparked both amazement and skepticism. Just days away from his highly anticipated rematch with Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester, the welterweight champion took a moment to showcase his surprising basketball skills. During a morning jog, Edwards and his manager, Tim Simpson, ran past a local group of lads playing basketball. A man called out to Edwards using his catchphrase, “Headshot. Dead.” Instead of mimicking NBA icon Steph Curry, Edwards volleyed the ball with a kick that sailed across the court and went straight into the hoop. The incredible shot was captured on video and has since gone viral, leaving viewers in awe. Whether real or staged, Edwards' trick shot has undoubtedly added a playful twist to his fight week, keeping fans entertained and guessing.

https://x.com/ufcontnt/status/1815507848828244142

KICKING IT UP A NOTCH

Pedaalauto has taken the fight world by storm with a hilarious and skillful display of kicks, culminating in a perfectly timed water bottle return. In the latest viral sensation, Pedaalauto channels his inner MMA star, performing a series of impressive kicks against his autoshop backdrop. The video blends MMA, soccer, and auto shop elements, creating a crossover mashup that’s got something for everyone. Fans love the combination of humor and skill, with comments like “This is the content I signed up for” and “How do I get Pedaalauto to return my Amazon packages like this?” flooding the post. The video has quickly gone viral, proving that sometimes, all you need is a bit of creativity and a well-placed kick to captivate the internet.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7dohLqouSp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Leon Edwards shocked the world with his last-minute knockout of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, but new behind-the-scenes footage shows it was anything but a fluke. The clip, shared by BT Sport, reveals Edwards practicing the very head kick that would make him the UFC welterweight champion. Edwards and his team noticed Usman’s tendency to dip his head when throwing punches. Like a true strategist, Edwards drilled the left high kick to perfection. Come fight night, he delivered the knockout blow, silencing critics who called it a lucky shot. The viral clip captures Edwards' coach saying, “If he starts throwing some shots and dipping his head away, that’s when we are looking for the head kick.” And just like that, Usman’s chin met Edwards’ foot in glorious harmony. One thing’s for sure: Edwards’ victory was no accident. It was a masterclass in preparation and precision. Can he repeat the magic? Stay tuned!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9vG0jwpldv

HANDS DOWN, THE WINNER

Jean Silva proved he’s made of something else at UFC Denver, delivering one of the most jaw-dropping performances of 2024. In a fight against Drew Dober, Silva didn’t just win; he did it with both hands broken. Silva revealed that after breaking his hands, his corner urged him to keep fighting using knees and elbows. Silva’s third-round TKO victory came after opening a gruesome cut over Dober’s eye. The win marks Silva’s third in the UFC and his second in just two weeks. He’s now set for a well-deserved break to recover from his injuries. Fans were blown away by Silva’s tenacity, with one commenting, “He’s like the Terminator with those elbows!” and another saying, “Give this man a medal and some new hands!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9khdl3pXEv/?img_index=1

ELEVATOR SHOWDOWN

Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad nearly turned an elevator ride into an early UFC 304 main event. In a twist of fate, the two welterweight rivals ended up in the same lift at their hotel in Manchester, and things got heated fast. The awkward encounter, captured on the latest episode of 'UFC Embedded,' shows Edwards and Muhammad locking eyes as soon as the doors close. Muhammad tried to intimidate Edwards, but 'Rocky' just laughed it off and asked for his floor. However, things escalated when Edwards’ brother, Fabian, got involved, leading to a staredown that could melt steel. Edwards couldn’t resist throwing a verbal jab, which prompted Muhammad to call out one of Edwards’ coaches in a rather colorful manner. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed before it turned into a full-blown brawl. Both fighters later downplayed the incident, but the pre-fight tension is real.