Larry Wheels vs Vitaly Ends in No Contest After Horror Injury at Brand Risk 15
A highly anticipated heavyweight clash between bodybuilder Larry Wheels and streamer Vitaly ended in disappointment Saturday night at Adin Ross' Brand Risk 15 event in Miami. The fight was ruled a no contest after Wheels suffered a torn muscle just moments into the bout, forcing a doctor's stoppage. The outcome left fans and analysts stunned, as the bout had been billed as a 'pick 'em' despite the fighters weighing in almost 50 pounds apart.
The co-main event began with explosive action, as Wheels dropped Vitaly viciously inside the first 90 seconds. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Wheels appeared to injury himself during the exchange. The referee halted the action, and the Florida Athletic Commission ultimately ruled the fight a no contest after determining Wheels could not continue. Vitaly, who had been on the canvas early, was declared the winner by default in the eyes of many fans, but the official record will show a no contest.
A Heavyweight Clash of Extremes
The matchup was one of the most talked-about bouts on the Brand Risk 15 card, which was held at the promotion's Miami warehouse and streamed free across Kick, Twitch, YouTube, X, and TikTok. Wheels, known for his massive frame and strength content, weighed in at 244 pounds. Vitaly, a controversial streamer and former bodybuilder, tipped the scales at 196.8 pounds — a gap of over 47 pounds that created a fascinating dynamic.
Despite the size disparity, fans were split on the likely winner. Vitaly entered the fight with a 2-0 record in celebrity boxing, while Wheels had minimal combat experience. The bout was originally scheduled as a wrestling match earlier in the week but was switched to boxing, adding another layer of unpredictability to the event.
A Card Full of Chaos and Knockouts
Brand Risk 15 delivered plenty of drama beyond the co-main event. The main event saw Austin McBroom face FaZe Temperrr (Thomas Oliveira) in a cruiserweight showdown. McBroom, who had been losing the early exchanges, landed a devastating punch midway through the first round that put Temperrr to sleep. The knockout was so brutal that Temperrr had trouble getting up, and the referee immediately waved off the fight.
The card also featured a bizarre undercard bout between 'Island Boy' Kodiyakredd and 4'5" Jeremy Smith, as well as a matchup between 6'3" Anthony Proctor and 5'6" Anthony Taylor. Bob Menery returned to the ring after his humiliating loss to Johnny Manziel at the previous Brand Risk event, while internet meme star Supa Hot Fire also made a comeback.
Vitaly's Pre-Fight Drama
The co-main event was nearly derailed before it even began. Earlier in the week, Vitaly was briefly handcuffed and detained by police during a live stream on Kick after a viewer reportedly 'swatted' him. The incident occurred at a cafe, and the entire exchange was broadcast to hundreds of thousands of viewers. Vitaly was released after about 20 minutes and joked about the ordeal, saying, "You guys thought I was going to jail, huh? My second home!"
The Rise of Influencer Boxing and Its Risks
The no contest between Wheels and Vitaly highlights the inherent risks of influencer boxing, where participants often have limited training and fight under conditions that would never be sanctioned in professional boxing. The event, promoted by Adin Ross, has become a major player in the crossover boxing space, drawing millions of viewers across multiple platforms. However, injuries like Wheels' torn muscle are a reminder that even exhibition bouts carry serious dangers.
The Brand Risk series has also blurred the lines between entertainment and sport, with matchups that prioritize spectacle over competitive balance. From a 4'5" fighter facing a much taller opponent to heavyweight clashes with near-50-pound weight gaps, the promotion continues to push boundaries. While this approach has proven popular with viewers, it raises questions about the long-term sustainability of a model that relies on viral moments and controversial figures.
What's Next for the Fighters
For Larry Wheels, the injury is a setback in his fledgling combat sports career. The bodybuilder, who has expressed interest in MMA and wrestling, will need time to recover before his next bout. Vitaly, meanwhile, remains undefeated on paper, albeit with a no contest on his record. The streamer has already hinted at future fights, and with the Brand Risk platform behind him, another high-profile matchup seems likely.
As influencer boxing continues to grow, events like Brand Risk 15 are becoming a fixture of the sports entertainment landscape. Whether fans are watching for the athleticism, the drama, or the sheer unpredictability, the format shows no signs of slowing down. The only question is how many more injuries and controversies will occur before the industry takes a hard look at its safety standards.
For those who missed the action, the full event is available for replay on Kick and other streaming platforms. The next Brand Risk event is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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