Liver shots, whether delivered as punches, kicks, or knees, are considered one of the most dangerous techniques in combat sports due to the extreme pain and damage to the liver, a vital organ in the human body. Landing here is the most dangerous punch or kick you can do to a human body.
Where is the liver?
The liver is located on the right side of the abdomen, just above the lower ribs, and serves as a filter for toxins in the body as well as playing a role in blood circulation.
Why is it so painful?
The reason why liver shots are so dangerous lies in the physiology of the liver. When the liver is struck with a strong force, it releases both toxins and a significant amount of blood, causing a shock to the body. Often when struck it causes a delayed reaction. This can result in the recipient doubling over, losing balance, breath, and ultimately, the fight. Depending on the power of the liver shot, it often results in knockdowns and knockouts.
What’s the technique?
In combat sports like boxing and MMA, liver shots are often executed with the left hand as a hook punch, targeting the area over or just under the 9th and 10th ribs on the right side of the opponent’s body. Liver kicks can also be delivered using the foot or heel, with techniques like the front kick or spinning back kick, which can push the opponent several feet backwards and provide an advantage to the attacker. Liver shots via knees are commonly used in MMA and Muay Thai, delivered as an uppercut-like motion from the ground upwards.
How effective is the liver shot?
There have been numerous examples of liver shots being decisive in matches, recently Ryan Garcia was stopped by Gervonta Davis with a brutal liver punch. This was placed perfectly and Ryan was unable to continue. You can see full highlights and breakdown of the fight below.
Many people say that Ryan quit against Gervonta Davis but as you will now know Ryan is not the first and will not be the last to be stopped by a liver shot. Although it does not look as devastating as a big right hand or left hook which can take you straight to the shadow realm. It is as bad and many people believe it is in fact worse. Many people go on to urinate blood for days after a perfect liver punch / kick.
Garcia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya was stopped in similar fashion by Bernard Hopkins.
Notable examples of liver shots
- Micky Ward knocked out Alfonzo Sanchez with a left hook to the liver
- Ricky Hatton knocked out Jose Luis Castillo with a liver shot.
- Bas Rutten repeatedly knocked down Jason DeLucia with liver punches
- Ernesto Hoost stopped Mirko CroCop with a left hook to the liver
- Bas Rutten knocked out Minoru Suzuki with a knee to the liver.
- Mirko CroCop has three stoppages using liver shots – Heath Herring, Ibragim Magomedov and Josh Barnett
- Antonio Margarito left hooked Kermit Cintron he then collapsed ending the fight
- Chad Mendes landed a liver shot on Cody McKenzie and the referee was forced to stop the fight.
- Alistair Overeem dropped Brock Lesnar with a kick to the liver
- Anthony Pettis stopped Donald Cerrone with a kick to the liver
Liver shots – Final Thoughts
Liver shots are considered one of the most dangerous techniques in combat sports due to their potential to cause extreme pain and damage to the liver, a vital organ in the human body. The physiology of the liver, its role in filtering toxins and blood circulation, and the specific techniques used to deliver liver shots make them a formidable weapon in combat sports. Despite their legality, liver shots are often viewed as risky moves with the potential to end fights quickly and decisively.
What is the most dangerous punch in boxing?
The liver punch seems to be the most dangerous punch in boxing. When the liver is struck with a strong force it causes a shock to the body. This can result in the recipient doubling over, losing balance, breath, and ultimately, the fight.