When people think of knockouts in Muay Thai, they usually picture a punch, an Elbow, or a Head Kick. But a well-placed Round Kick to the body can be just as devastating.
A powerful Round Kick to the ribs can bring even the toughest fighter to the canvas. And unlike a Head Kick, you don’t have to kick very high to do serious damage.
That’s exactly what happened in this body kick knockout at GLORY 110.
The Body Kick Knockout at GLORY 110
At GLORY 110 in Antwerp, Belgium, on October 17, 2026, Nidal Bchiri fought Nordine Mahieddine.
Late in Round 1, Bchiri threw a Rear Round Kick at Mahieddine’s ribs as Mahieddine was throwing punches.
Mahieddine is a tough fighter, and he showed real heart. He tried to stay on his feet, but the kick took his breath away and he went down to a knee. He couldn’t beat the count.
Official Result: Nidal Bchiri def. Nordine Mahieddine, KO (Rear Round Kick to the body), Round 1, 2:59.
Watch: Round Kick to the Body KO
Video: GLORY Kickboxing YouTube channel.
The knockout is right at the start of the video.
Watch the slow-motion replay: 0:47
What Makes the Muay Thai Round Kick So Powerful?
The power of a Muay Thai Round Kick comes from the entire body working together.
By pivoting on the supporting foot, rotating the hips, and driving the shin through the target, a fighter can generate tremendous force.
That’s why in Muay Thai you are taught to kick with the shin, not the foot.
A clean kick to the body can knock the wind out of an opponent or damage the ribs.
It can stop a fighter, even if he’s determined to keep fighting. Sometimes he feels it a second later, and then his body makes the choice for him.
Not Every Body Kick Needs to Knock Him Out
Repeated kicks to the arms, ribs, and midsection can wear an opponent down throughout a fight. Each kick makes the next one harder to absorb.
My Advice: Form First, Then Speed and Power
When I teach the Muay Thai Round Kick, I always focus on proper technique before speed and power. A powerful kick means very little if you can’t land it correctly.
Start by developing your balance, hip rotation, timing, and accuracy. As your technique improves, speed and power will follow.
Don’t forget your defense, either. Keep your opposite hand up to protect your head while throwing the kick. Even a strong body kick can leave you open to a counterattack.
Bchiri’s knockout is a great example of why timing and accuracy matter. He didn’t just throw a hard kick. He landed the right kick at the right moment, in the right spot.
Want to improve your Round Kick? Check out my guide: Muay Thai Round Kick: How to Throw It in 6 Steps.
For more on how the pros throw it, see these Muay Thai Round Kicks from ONE Championship.
For more powerful Round Kicks in action, check out some of Buakaw Banchamek’s best fights and watch how the Muay Thai legend uses his kicks to dominate his opponents.
Build a Better Round Kick in Portland
Watching professional fighters like Bchiri is a great way to see what’s possible with the Muay Thai Round Kick. But understanding how to throw one yourself takes practice.
In my one-on-one Muay Thai private lessons, I help students develop their skills through hands-on instruction, padwork, and drills tailored to their experience level. Whether you’re a beginner or have trained for years, there’s always something to improve.
Interested in training with me in Portland, Oregon? Reach out through the contact form on TrainWithSean.com to learn more about private lessons.
