Like an impartial judge’s call in Brazil, the spinning backfist knock-out is a rarity in mixed martial arts that we need to see more of.
But Alexander Shlemenko provided us with the stunning strike during last night’s Bellator 133 main event against Melvin Manhoef.
Many would have given Manhoef (29–13–1, 1NC) the striking advantage against the former Bellator middleweight champion but Russia’s Shlemenko quickly changed their minds midway through the second round.
Shlemenko faked the jab before spinning and throwing the technique which ended up in more of a spinning forearm but that’s just not quite as catchy as a spinning backfist.
