Noah Starowicz lands jumping switch kick KO in pro MMA debut

Amateur standout Noah Starowicz landed a jumping switch kick knockout in his professional MMA debut at Ultimate Battlegrounds 29 in North Carolina, executing the same technique Conor McGregor attempted before suffering a knee injury at UFC 329.

Starowicz flattened Jahrael Cromartie with the airborne strike, according to MMA Fighting, proving the move can work when thrown correctly. McGregor lasted just over a minute against Max Holloway last week after landing awkwardly from the kick and blowing out his knee in the opening moments.

McGregor's coach on failed technique

John Kavanagh said they drilled the jumping switch kick for months in camp. The contrast between McGregor's catastrophic result and Starowicz's clean finish highlights how risky the technique remains even with extensive preparation.

Starowicz carried a solid amateur record into the professional ranks. Cromartie had no answer for the kick, which connected flush and ended the bout immediately.

Ultimate Battlegrounds 29 took place in North Carolina last week. Starowicz is now 1-0 as a professional.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Missed Fists: Fighter actually pulls off jumping switch kick, knocks out opponent instead of injuring himself