Israel Adesanya is preparing for his return to the Octagon but took a brief moment to put his power on display outside of it. Ahead of his fight against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia the former middleweight champion gave fitness influencer Sam McCarthy a taste of his striking skills with a brutal liver shot that left him gasping for air.
McCarthy known for his health and fitness content wanted to test his toughness by taking a clean body shot from Adesanya. The UFC star did not hold back launching a sharp left uppercut to McCarthy’s midsection. The impact made a sickening sound and left McCarthy hunched over struggling to catch his breath.
“Energy travel” Adesanya said after landing the shot seemingly entertained by the reaction. Though McCarthy wasn’t seriously hurt he admitted that the punch left him “definitely winded.”
Solid Sam! pic.twitter.com/ppRYaxENRG
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) January 30, 2025
UFC Fighters and the Growing Body Shot Challenge Trend
Body shot challenges have been gaining traction among influencers and professional fighters with many stepping up to take powerful strikes for viral content. Adesanya’s former rival Alex Pereira recently knocked down a YouTuber dressed in a bunny suit with a single punch in a similar viral clip. While these moments make for entertaining footage they also serve as a reminder of the skill and power difference between elite fighters and everyday athletes.
For Adesanya this challenge comes just days before an important fight where he looks to end his losing streak and get back in the title conversation. With his last two opponents Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis set to headline UFC 312 Adesanya knows a big win against Imavov could push him closer to another title shot.
Adesanya Makes Big Changes to His Training Camp
Adesanya has taken a different approach to training for this fight even bringing in former rival Robert Whittaker to his camp. After facing each other twice in the Octagon the two middleweights have put their past competition aside to work together a move that has caught the attention of MMA fans.
As fight night approaches Adesanya seems in high spirits while McCarthy might have second thoughts about ever taking a body shot from a UFC star again.
