MMA fans have witnessed some pretty unusual techniques inside the cage over the years, but one fighter has taken things to an entirely different level with a move that has left viewers wondering what on earth they just watched.
South African fighter Slade Shadowshot has gone viral after footage emerged of him repeatedly thrusting his groin into his opponent’s head during a fight.
And while mixed martial arts is known for its brutal submissions and unconventional grappling techniques, this particular manoeuvre certainly wasn’t something you’d expect to see in a training manual.
The incident occurred during Shadowshot’s September bout against Kevin Nsiona in South Africa, which eventually ended with Shadowshot securing a third-round submission victory.
However, it wasn’t the result that had everyone talking.
During a grappling exchange on the canvas, Shadowshot managed to gain control of Nsiona, leaving his opponent in a vulnerable position.
Rather than simply maintaining control or attempting a conventional submission, Shadowshot began repeatedly driving his groin towards Nsiona’s face.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The bizarre sequence was captured on camera, with footage showing Shadowshot continuing the unusual movement while his opponent struggled beneath him.
And the reaction from those watching ringside was almost as memorable as the move itself.
The camera cut to three ring girls, who were seen laughing hysterically at what was unfolding in front of them.
Things took another turn when the siren sounded to signal the end of the round.
Shadowshot turned towards Nsiona and raised his middle finger while laughing, adding another layer of controversy to an already extraordinary exchange.
Although the fight took place in September, footage of the incident has since resurfaced on social media, where it has sparked a mixture of disbelief, laughter and criticism.
Some viewers questioned whether the technique should even be permitted under MMA rules, while others simply couldn’t believe someone had attempted it in a professional fight.
Reacting to the footage, one fan wrote: “Bro won, but at what cost?”
Another admitted: “That’s… unorthodox.”
A third was considerably more dramatic, commenting: “Nope. Nope. Nope. Someone has to leave the earth after that.”
Meanwhile, another viewer summed up the humiliation with: “The level of disrespect.”
And one person simply declared: “No coming back from that.”
The reactions didn’t stop there. MMA commentator Ben Davis was among those left stunned by the footage, writing: “This is by far the most diabolical thing I’ve ever seen done in an MMA fight.”
Another viewer, Dino Nuggets, found a rather creative way to describe the questionable technique.
They joked: “Shots to the groin are illegal, but no one said anything about shots from the groin.”
Blue Shack Comics was equally surprised, commenting: “I’ve seen 10,000 live fights. I have never seen that. Respect.”
However, not everyone found the incident amusing.
One viewer, Marco Calia, argued that the manoeuvre should not be allowed, saying: “It should be banned. It’s disgusting. That’s a tapping move as soon as it starts.”
Another, Jasper Jenkins, simply asked: “What the hell is that?”
And one fan named Fatigued appeared unable to decide whether Shadowshot deserved recognition or punishment.
They wrote: “Can’t tell if he should get a bonus or a fine…”
Despite the divided reaction, Shadowshot himself appeared completely unfazed by the attention.
Taking to Instagram, the fighter shared footage of the controversial moment alongside a short message that suggested he was enjoying the reaction.
He wrote: “Are you not entertained?”
It’s certainly one way to get people talking.
While Shadowshot ultimately walked away with a submission victory, the result has almost become a footnote to the extraordinary footage circulating online.
And judging by the reaction from fans, this is one MMA moment that people won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Featured image credit: Instagram (Screenshots)
