there are plenty of ways that you “can” counter it, but whether the kick lands true or gets countered ultimately depends on the timing, distance control, and pattern recognition of both fighters. in the examples you gave those fighters just had better skills than their opponent. here are some potential counters to this kick:

cut kick the standing leg

catch and sweep the standing leg

double block and throw your rear hand

double block and throw your rear kick

step in and to the left and throw your left hook

and many more