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A former UFC titleholder believes banning oblique kicks, made famous by Jon Jones and others, would be a significant mistake.

California State Athletic Commission executive Andy Foster, one of the most prominent voices in mixed martial arts, made headlines this week by expressing interest in banning oblique kicks. Jon Jones used oblique kicks during multiple title reigns, including wins over Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic, and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson.

Foster said that fighters aren’t likely to make a quick recovery from leg injuries suffered from oblique kicks, as evidenced by UFC fighter Nursulton Ruziboev’s recent ailment. Since Jones’ retirement last year, the debate surrounding oblique kicks has ratcheted up.

But according to one former champion, Foster’s efforts to get oblique kicks removed could backfire.

Aljamain Sterling criticizes attempts to ban kicks made famous by Jon Jones

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling shared an opposing stance against Foster’s efforts to ban oblique kicks.

“[Andy Foster] has gotta stop with this bull—-,” Sterling said of attempts to ban Jones’ oblique kicks.

“It takes too long to recover? I mean, how do you recover from CTE? What the f— are we talking about? We’re getting head kicked with no shin pads on. We’re getting elbowed to the dome multiple times because referees want to watch a murder scene happen in real time. Can we fix accountability for following the rules first before we start trying to add new rules and change stuff?

“An oblique kick? Move your leg out the f—— way,” Sterling continued on Jones and Foster. “How about that? How about you practice the technique of moving your leg out of the way?”

As of this writing, there isn’t a plan in motion to get oblique kicks removed universally from mixed martial arts, but it could be a major talking point in 2027.

Do you think oblique kicks should be banned from MMA? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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