Sherdog’s Top 10Sherdog’s Top 10: Body Blows
No. 6
Sergei Kharitonov has long been known as one of MMA’s heaviest
hitters. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
6. Sergei Kharitonov vs. Murilo Rua
Pride “Total Elimination 2004”
April 25, 2004 | Saitama, Japan
While the finishing blows to this matchup came to the head, Kharitonov set up almost everything with nasty punches to Rua’s midsection. Never known for his stamina, the undersized “Ninja” waged a terrific war with his Russian counterpart, until the body shots finally wore him down.
Kharitonov kept the Brazilian at bay with his long reach but crippled him with right hooks to the body. An already-gassed Rua stumbled forward gasping for air, but it was too late. The body blows had done so much damage that “Ninja” could not recover. More importantly, he was in too much pain to defend himself. Kharitonov showed no mercy, clobbering him with lefts and rights to the head while leaving the Brazilian unconscious.
Number 5 » Rampage on Ice
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