MMA History Made as Fighter Drops Dwayne Johnson’s Iconic ‘People’s Elbow’—Fans Are Losing It!

In a moment that left MMA fans stunned and social media buzzing, bantamweight fighter Miguel Sanson delivered a jaw-dropping finish with none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s signature move—the People’s Elbow—during his fight against Chris Johnson at APFC 16 in Wisconsin last night. This move, long associated with the WWE, was never before seen inside the MMA cage, making it one of the most electrifying moments in combat sports history.

A Moment for the History Books

The American Predator Fighting Championship (APFC), a promotion founded by former UFC champion Anthony Pettis, witnessed a moment that transcended the usual brutal finishes associated with MMA. After taking his opponent, Chris Johnson, to the mat, Sanson rose to his feet and dropped the People’s Elbow on his stunned adversary, sealing the win in a shocking, unorthodox fashion. The iconic wrestling maneuver, made famous by The Rock during the 90s Attitude Era of WWE, had never been executed in an MMA fight—until now.

The move quickly went viral, with Happy Punch sharing the clip on X, captioned: “MMA fighter just finished his opponent with The Rock’s iconic People’s Elbow.” The post generated significant buzz, sparking debate across the MMA community. While the People’s Elbow isn’t explicitly banned in MMA, its use in a real fight was previously unheard of, leaving fans in awe and questioning the line between scripted entertainment and unscripted violence.

A Step Outside Tradition

The MMA world is known for its strict regulations and emphasis on raw, real combat, but promotions like the APFC are willing to experiment and push the envelope. Over the years, various MMA organizations have strayed from tradition, with controversial matchups and rule-breaking moments, such as a previous male vs. female fight and a bizarre situation in which a referee knocked out a fighter during a match. The APFC’s willingness to embrace the unexpected is becoming part of their identity, and last night’s finish was just the latest example of their desire to create memorable, unconventional moments.

The People’s Elbow’s execution at APFC 16 has reignited a discussion about the evolution of MMA. Last November, the New York Commission lifted the long-standing ban on the 12-6 elbow strike, a rule that once marred UFC star Jon Jones’ record. This move opened the door for further experimentation with striking techniques, and fans were quick to imagine what could be next. For some, the People’s Elbow was the logical next step, with several fans enthusiastically endorsing the idea on social media.

Social Media Reactions: Cheers and Concerns

As expected, the finish sparked mixed reactions across the MMA community. Many fans were thrilled by the unexpected spectacle, drawing comparisons between MMA and professional wrestling. One fan tweeted, “From the Octagon to the squared circle! This man just turned MMA into WWE—legendary finish!” Others, particularly those on X, called for Sanson to be signed to the UFC immediately, with one fan writing, “@ufc Give this guy a contract ASAP.”

However, not everyone was impressed. Some fans expressed concern about the nature of the move, particularly given the dangers associated with combat sports like MMA. One critical commenter labeled the fighter a “dirty thug” and demanded that Sanson be banned from MMA, highlighting the risks inherent in performing such a theatrical maneuver in a real fight. These concerns underscore the broader debate within combat sports about maintaining respect for the sport while pushing boundaries.

A Turning Point for MMA?

While the People’s Elbow may have seemed like an outlandish move to many, it reflects the growing overlap between different combat sports and the evolution of MMA as a global phenomenon. WWE and MMA, though fundamentally different in nature—WWE being scripted entertainment and MMA an unscripted competition—share a common thread: they both demand intense athleticism, skill, and a deep understanding of combat. Fighters like former WWE star Brock Lesnar have proven that transitions between the two worlds are not only possible but also successful, adding a new layer of intrigue to the debate.

As the fight game continues to evolve, last night’s finish by Miguel Sanson serves as a testament to how MMA is still capable of shocking the world. Whether you loved it or hated it, the moment has undeniably left its mark on the sport, with fans now eagerly awaiting what could come next in the ever-changing world of mixed martial arts.

MMA fighter just finished his opponent with The Rock’s iconic People’s Elbow 😭 pic.twitter.com/SFNvZs4Lte

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 24, 2025