Aljamain Sterling has joined the growing debate over one of MMA’s most controversial legal techniques. He strongly disagrees with calls to remove oblique kicks from the sport.The Aljamain Sterling oblique kick ban response directly challenged California regulator Andy Foster’s proposal. Sterling believes MMA should first improve enforcement of existing fouls instead of outlawing another legal technique.
Aljamain Sterling Pushes Back Against Andy Foster
Aljamain Sterling 26-5-0 addressed the issue during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. The former UFC bantamweight champion strongly opposed Foster’s position on oblique kicks.
Sterling questioned why regulators would target the technique while MMA already carries serious risks from legal head strikes. He also argued that referees should enforce existing rules more consistently before commissions introduce additional restrictions.
“Can we fix accountability for following the rules first,” Sterling asked while discussing the proposal.
His argument centered on enforcement rather than denying the danger of knee attacks. Sterling believes fighters should learn to defend legal techniques instead of expecting regulators to remove them.
Andy Foster Wants Oblique Kicks Removed From MMA
California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster recently called for lateral kicks to the knee to become fouls. The technique remains legal under the Unified Rules of MMA.
Foster believes the potential long-term damage makes the strike unnecessarily dangerous. He has pointed toward ligament damage, lengthy recovery periods and possible lifelong consequences for fighters.
The debate gained momentum following UFC 331. Brunno Ferreira repeatedly targeted Edmen Shahbazyan’s lead leg with legal side kicks during their middleweight fight.
Shahbazyan complained to the referee during the contest. However, officials correctly allowed the strikes because the current rules do not prohibit them.
Sterling Points Toward Bigger Problems in MMA
Sterling’s biggest objection concerns priorities. He argued that fighters already accept significant health risks whenever they enter the cage.
He specifically compared knee injuries with the long-term consequences associated with repeated head trauma. Fighters can legally absorb head kicks and elbows, making the decision to single out oblique kicks difficult for Sterling to understand.
Sterling also raised concerns about refereeing. Illegal eye pokes and strikes to the back of the head have remained recurring issues across MMA.
His position is that regulators should improve accountability around rules already in place. Only then should they focus on removing techniques that remain legal.
Dana White Supports Andy Foster’s Position
Foster has received significant support from UFC CEO Dana White. White backed the California regulator when asked about the possibility of removing oblique kicks.
That support gives the debate additional significance, but it does not mean a ban has taken effect. Oblique kicks remain legal in professional MMA under the current Unified Rules.
A broader change would require a regulatory process rather than a unilateral UFC decision. Athletic commissions ultimately control the rules governing sanctioned MMA contests.
Jon Jones Helped Make the Oblique Kick Famous
Jon Jones 28-1-0, 1 NC became one of the most recognizable users of the oblique kick during his UFC career. He regularly attacked opponents’ lead legs to manage distance and disrupt their movement.
The technique became particularly controversial because it targets the knee rather than the thigh or calf. Critics believe the direction of the strike creates an unnecessary risk of serious ligament damage.
Jones used his diverse kicking game throughout his championship career and became one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. His long rivalry with Daniel Cormier also showcased the range of techniques that made him difficult to solve, as detailed in their Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier rivalry.
Sterling’s position suggests fighters should adapt to techniques like Jones did with his opponents. He sees defensive preparation as a better answer than removing the strike entirely.
Thiago Santos Also Opposes an Oblique Kick Ban
Sterling is not the only prominent fighter opposing Foster’s proposal. Thiago Santos has also argued against banning the technique despite experiencing serious knee problems after fighting Jones.
Santos damaged his knees during their 2019 UFC light heavyweight title fight. However, he still believes oblique kicks belong in MMA.
His position closely matches Sterling’s broader argument. Both believe the sport should focus more attention on enforcing existing fouls and improving fighter safety elsewhere.
The debate therefore extends beyond fighters who have never experienced the technique’s consequences. Even someone who suffered major knee damage during competition has questioned whether banning it is necessary.
Could Oblique Kicks Actually Be Banned?
Foster’s proposal has started a serious discussion, but no universal ban currently exists. Oblique and lateral knee kicks remain legal.
Any widespread rule change would require more than support from Foster or White. MMA rules involve athletic commissions and regulatory bodies across different jurisdictions.
That means fighters can continue using the technique unless the rules change where they compete. The debate could become more important as regulators consider future updates to the Unified Rules.
Final Thoughts
The Aljamain Sterling oblique kick ban response adds another major voice against Andy Foster’s proposal. Sterling accepts that oblique kicks can cause damage but questions why regulators are prioritizing a currently legal technique.
His larger argument focuses on accountability. Sterling wants officials to enforce existing rules consistently before creating new ones. With Foster and White supporting change, the debate over oblique kicks is unlikely to disappear soon.
FAQs
Does Aljamain Sterling support banning oblique kicks?
No. Sterling has publicly opposed the proposal and believes fighters should learn how to defend the technique.
Who wants oblique kicks banned in MMA?
California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster has pushed for the technique to become a foul.
Does Dana White support banning oblique kicks?
Yes. White has publicly supported Foster’s position on removing the technique from MMA.
Are oblique kicks currently illegal in UFC fights?
No. Oblique and lateral kicks targeting the knee remain legal under the current rules.
Why are oblique kicks controversial?
The technique directly attacks the knee joint and can potentially cause serious ligament damage and lengthy recovery periods.
