This amazing picture perfectly illustrates the brutality of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) from a fight between Vitor Nobrega and Philip Mulpeter.

The impact of a crushing Nobrega kick to the tattooed body of Mulpeter is captured with unerring accuracy by the AP photographer, as the pair fight it out for the International Pro Combat welterweight title in Estorial, near Portuguese capital Lisbon, on Monday.

Incredibly Mulpeter fought on after the kick, although he eventually lost to Brazilian champion Nobrega.

Nobrega delivers another kick later int he fight, this time blocked by Mulpeter. (AP)

Mulpeter is punched by Nobrega. MMA combines aspects of combat sports including boxing, kick-boxing, muay thai, taekwondo and karate. (AP) 

 The fight was in the 77kg weight category of the International Pro Combat series. (AP)

Mulpeter attempts to launch a counter-offensive, but is again caught by Nobrega. (AP)