One of the Cleanest Knockouts of the Year Went Down at the Weekend When Luan Santiago Smashed Out Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady With a Stunning Spinning Elbow Strike in Jordan…
Brave Combat Federation is one of a number of smaller MMA promotions that have made rapid gains over the past two years. Originating from Bahrain in the Middle East, it has money and a host of international fighters on its roster, including Conor McGregor’s Brooklyn jail cell buddy Cian Cowley.
With so much high-quality MMA available to watch these days, it’s easy to miss some of the best action from the less famous promotions. Brave served up a fantastic one courtesy of its new lightweight champion, Luan Santiago. “Miau” was looking for a chance to regain his lightweight title and boy did he deliver.
Check out his unbelievable spinning back elbow finish that instantly knocked out the hapless Al-Selwady in the footage below.
لوان مياو سانتياجو يفوز بالضربة القاضية وتوج بلقب الوزن الخفيف..
بطولة #BRAVE23 لفنون القتال المختلطة #أبوظبي_الرياضية 4 pic.twitter.com/i1ciYWo0T2— قناة أبوظبي الرياضية (@ADSportsTV) April 19, 2019
Perfect
This is all about the timing. Al-Selwady was fighting in front of a partisan home crowd, who passionately supported the local boy. It was the first time that Santiago had ever been in a situation as volatile as this. Two fights previously he had lost the title to Lucas Martins after injuring his arm. Before that, he had been riding a seven-fight winning streak and was being linked to a move to the likes of ONE and the UFC.
In the very first round of their title fight – one of three on the same card – Santiago finished this with savage efficiency. Al-Selwady pressed forward aggressively but then was smashed in the head with a brutal spinning elbow. He was put out instantly and the referee did well to save him from any further damage, launching himself at Santiago to prevent the ground-and-pound.
Respect
Santiago explained after the fight that he did his best to treat this fight with more focus than he had previously in his career. There were less trash talk and more intensity in his preparation to regain the lightweight title. He explained to media after the fight:
“This fight I tried to not do so much trash talking as I normally do, due to the fact that I consider Al-Selwady to be a great competitor. It was the first time that I fought someone with such immense support. Practically all of Jordan supports him. I’d like everyone to give him a round of applause. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him, he’s done a great job with Brave.”
Home
He also said all the right things in front of the partisan Jordanian crowd. Aware that he had punctured the atmosphere by beating up their favourite fighter, he made it clear that he was honoured to be there.
“I always say that Bahrain (where Brave was founded) is my second home.” Santiago continued.” And now I think I have a third home. From the moment I stepped in Jordan, everyone has been so nice and welcoming, and I’ve been blown away by the support you guys give your fighters. I would like to fight here one day again, but this time I will want you all behind me.”
