Nakamura’s Liver Kick Folded Fletcher in Just Sixty-Two
Rinya Nakamura stopped Nathan Fletcher on August 2, 2025, at UFC Vegas 108 in Las Vegas. The bantamweight contest ended by technical knockout at 1:02 of the first round after a precise kick to the body left Fletcher unable to continue defending.
The short fight turned on one clean body attack
Nakamura moved in and out while showing punches during the opening exchanges. His striking activity created the setting for the kick that landed as Fletcher stepped into range.
The toes drove into the liver, producing a delayed reaction. Fletcher dropped his hands, moved backward and then collapsed, giving Nakamura a clear opportunity to follow up.
Follow-up strikes completed the official stoppage
Nakamura immediately pursued the grounded opponent rather than waiting for him to recover. The referee stepped in quickly as the Japanese fighter attacked, ending the featured preliminary-card bout.
The sequence illustrated how a well-placed body strike can produce a finish without a prolonged exchange. Fletcher’s reaction became more pronounced after the kick had already landed, leaving him vulnerable to the follow-up attack.
A wrestling prospect rebounded through his striking
Nakamura had lost a decision to Muin Gafurov at UFC 311 in January, the first defeat of his professional career. Fletcher also entered after a loss, having been beaten by Caolan Loughran.
The victory returned Nakamura to winning form and highlighted the developing striking of a former under-twenty-three world wrestling champion. In Las Vegas, he needed little time to turn a body-kick opening into a successful first-round rebound.
Sources
- Cageside Press: liver kick, Fletcher’s preceding defeat and official time
- MMA Fighting: entry timing, follow-up strikes and wrestling background
