Why isn't body punching emphasized in MMA?

Going low to the body can change your balance making your suspect to the take down. It could open you up more thus making you suspect to a kick.

Body shots are effective but it isn't possible to always go in there and tear the body up.

In MMA, the kick to the leg causes similar effects to what body punching does in boxing.

I think different punches are more effective in MMA i.e. I think BJ likes to throw the right uppercut to the body. Having to dip for hooks isn't very practical. If a straight right is simply throw down it can lack power. If it is thrown long it can put you off balance and leave you open.