Packed with title fights, undefeated showdowns and spicy grappler-vs-striker matchups, these under-the-radar events promise to be the perfect palate cleanser before (or after) the big meal. From cages in the Midwest to brawls in Pennsylvania, here’s our round-up of the best martial arts fights to catch around Thanksgiving and the weekend, all starting on November 26.
1. MCC 74: Thanksgiving Throwdown – Clive, Iowa (8:30 PM ET)
If you have a hankering for tag titles and are experienced on a holiday budget, look no further than the Midwest Cage Championship’s annual Thanksgiving Throwdown. This 12-match card at the Horizon Center isn’t just filler, it’s a showcase of regional talent with national potential, culminating in a lightweight scrap that could steal the show.
Main Event: Michael “Mr. Can’t Fight” Boylan vs. Mike Lindquist (Lightweight)
Boylan, a relentless pressure fighter with a knack for turning attacks into wars, faces Lindquist, a WEC veteran whose experience could fuel the hype. Expect a grappler-vs-striker clinic, with Lindquist’s submission game testing Boylan’s chin early. This has ‘Fight of the Night’ written on it.
Co-starring: Jake Bower vs. Micah Washington (welterweight title)
Bower’s knockout power meets Washington’s smooth grappling in a leash on the line – perfect for fans who like decisions that feel like knockouts.
Undercard Highlight: Jaya Buban vs. [Opponent] (bantamweight title)
A women’s title fight rounds out the hardware, Buban brings Muay Thai elbows that could cut through Thanksgiving pie.
Stream it live on WKO (limited free access) or watch the replay: ideal for after-dinner digestion. With predictions that rely heavily on finishes (87% KO/TKO for some bouts), this card has the volatility to make your holiday unforgettable.
2. Bayfront Brawl 18 – Erie, Pennsylvania (6:00 PM ET)
Bayfront Brawl 18 from Bizzarro Promotions at the Bayfront Convention Center combines MMA and boxing for a true combat sports morgasbord and feels like a fight holiday: 12 MMA fights and 2 boxing gems, all under one roof. It’s raw, regional and packed with Erie region favorites ready to defend their home court.
Featured MMA: Mataeo “Top Ape” Garner vs. [TBD] (Heavyweight)
Garner, known for his physics-defying gorilla press slams, headlines the MMA side in a weight class where one punch (or takedown) ends dreams. This could be the viral clip your feed needs in the midst of turkey selfies.
Boxing Showcase: Anthony “Pretty Boy” Bizzarro vs. Marko Szalai (Super Welterweight)
Promoter Ernie Bizzarro himself steps into the ring for a hometown brawl against Szalai’s technical jab work. It’s promoter pride on the line: expect fireworks and maybe a pie toss after the fight.
With a total of 14 fights, the diversity of this event makes it a gateway for casual fans looking to dip their toes into the chaos of the holiday season. Tune in via Combat Sports Now for $29.99, or purchase tickets at the door for that live roar.
3. BCM Promotions Fight Night 23: Brawl at the Mall 2 – Ontario, Ohio (8:00 PM ET)
Nothing exudes ‘holiday feeling’ as much as the chaos in a shopping center. BCM’s Fight Night 23 returns to the Ontario Center (Richland Mall) with 16 all-MMA fights, turning Black Friday Eve into a bloodbath. Undefeated prospects and local legends come together in a card that is equal parts prospect hunting and pure adrenaline.
Main Event: Robert “Bodybags” Smith vs. Jimmy Phadphom (Featherweight)
Two undefeated players collide: Smith’s highlight-reel KOs versus Phadphom’s elusive footwork. With a predicted KO rate of 91% for the card’s top picks, this featherweight thriller could deliver the most ferocious finish of the night – think guillotine choke over food court echoes.
Undercard Gem: Tackett vs. Harris (middleweight)
A wrestler’s delight, with Tackett preferring to fight his way to victory in a fight that screamed for ground-and-pound glory.
Hosted in a mall for that uniquely American atmosphere, this is a $29.99 PPV on Combat Sports Now. Pro tip: Pair it with leftover cranberry sauce for the ultimate couch-fighting experience.
4. Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular – Haverhill, Massachusetts (7:00 PM ET)
For purists who crave leather and footwork, Boston Boxing Promotions’ Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular at Haverhill High School serves up six sharp fights in a no-nonsense, high-skills package. It’s New England badass distilled – think Rocky meets a Nor’easter.
Main Event: Nicky Tejada vs. Aelio Mesquita (Super Lightweight)
Tejada’s power punches meet Mesquita’s counter sniping in a lead role that could go the distance or explode in round three. With seven announced bouts already underway, this headliner promises the kind of back-and-forth that will have you screaming at the screen (and the family members).
Co-feature: Nicholas Molina vs. [Opponent] (Lightweight, 6 rounds)
Molina’s pressure could turn this professional debut into a statement victory.
Live for $24.99 on Combat Sports. Now this is the boxing solution for East Coast fans looking to avoid the holiday traffic.
Why these fights are the holiday MVPs
In a year when major league cards like UFC 323 loom in December, these Thanksgiving tilts shine as the “best” for their intimacy and intensity: raw talent without the hype machine. No multi-million dollar purses here, just fighters hungry for glory amid the pumpkin pie. They’re accessible (usually streaming for under $30), unpredictable, and perfectly timed to stoke (or settle) family rivalries.
Grab your streams, fill the fridge and raise a glass (or a guard) to combat the enduring gift of sport: moments that make you forget about the calories. Happy Thanksgiving, Fight Fans – may you finish early and your naps deep. What’s your must-watch fight? Put it in the comments.
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