Brandon Moreno and 4 other UFC fighters who won fights with body shots
Nothing captures the attention of UFC fans around the globe quite like a knockout. Whether it's boxing, kickboxing, or MMA, the sight of a skilled fighter being blasted into the shadow realm of unconsciousness seems to spark the restless need for thrill in spectators like nothing else.
However, as brutal as knockouts are, many fighters cite how crippling body shots are compared to a seismic punch on the shin. A well-timed liver shot or body kick that digs the shin into the midsection as the opponent breathes in can shut down a fighter's resolve to continue in the wake of the agonizing pain that ensues.
In the co-main event of UFC 277, Brandon Moreno overcame Kai Kara-France with a brutal kick to the body to capture the interim flyweight championship. This list looks not only at Moreno's victory but four others that have ended with hard body shots.
#5. José Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens, UFC on Fox 30
In the first of his last three bouts in the UFC featherweight division, José Aldo squared off against Jeremy Stephens. Hoping to bounce back from the first losing streak of his career, the former featherweight champion sought to leave the back-to-back losses he'd suffered to Max Holloway behind him by making a statement against the power-punching Jeremy Stephens.
#UFCCalgaryJeremy Stephens thought he survived Jose Aldo's body shot, then the pain kicked in... 👀
That delayed reaction... 😖 #UFCCalgary https://t.co/U0W2fgeQ8m
When both men clashed at the co-main event of UFC on Fox 30, Aldo needed no more than four minutes to earn a stoppage victory. As he faked a right hook to draw Stephens' guard high, the Brazilian legend dug a vicious uppercut into his foe's exposed midsection.
The blow landed squarely on Stephens' liver, flooring the former UFC fighter before Aldo chased him to the ground, landing follow-up shots for the TKO win.