Dana White Backs Andy Foster's Push to Ban Oblique Kicks

UFC CEO Dana White has voiced his backing for California State Athletic Commission Director Andy Foster's proposal to ban oblique kicks under the Unified Rules of MMA. The debate reignited following UFC 331 in Los Angeles, where Edmen Shahbazyan secured a unanimous decision victory over Brunno Ferreira in a middleweight preliminary bout. During the contest, Shahbazyan complained about Ferreira repeatedly targeting his knee with side kicks, an attack that is currently legal. Speaking at a commission meeting after the event, Foster stated his desire to amend the Unified Rules to outlaw lateral knee kicks.

Addressing the media following the latest episode of Dana White's Contender Series, White agreed with Foster's initiative to modify the rulebook. "Listen, he’s the most powerful guy in the commission anywhere in the world, and he’s the best," White said. "And we don’t disagree."

The oblique kick was popularized by Jon Jones during his dominant run as UFC light heavyweight champion and has since been utilized by various fighters across the sport. The technique has sparked significant controversy regarding fighter safety, notably when Khalil Rountree Jr. stopped Modestas Bukauskas with a knee kick at UFC Vegas 36, tearing Bukauskas' knee and sidelining him for 14 months.