California Athletic Commission Proposed MMA Rule Changes
The California State Athletic Commission has proposed banning lateral knee kicks and reclassifying fighter fouls.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Following UFC 331, the California State Athletic Commission proposed new regulations including a ban on lateral knee kicks. Executive Director Andy Foster also introduced a plan to reclassify fouls as incidental, reckless, or malicious to discourage rule-breaking.
Why it matters
The proposals aim to enhance fighter safety and improve the integrity of officiating. By changing how fouls are categorized and how post-fight announcements are handled, the commission hopes to reduce common injuries like eye pokes and improve optics.
Executive Director Andy Foster identified a 50-45 scorecard submitted by judge Ron McCarthy as logically impossible following UFC 331. The commission is now reviewing official scoring protocols alongside proposed changes to tactical rules.
The players
Andy Foster
He serves as the Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission and led the post-UFC 331 debriefing.
Ron McCarthy
He is a judge who submitted a 50-45 scorecard during UFC 331 that was labeled as impossible by the commission.
The details
The commission suggested that knocked-out fighters should no longer be required to return to the center of the cage for winner announcements, citing poor optics. Additionally, officials are seeking medical consultation on the potential legalization of specific peptides used for healing cuts.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The California State Athletic Commission published meeting notes regarding the proposed rule changes.
Season Trajectory
These proposed changes mark a potential departure from the standardized Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which have governed the sport across various jurisdictions for years. Such shifts could influence how fights are scored and officiated in other states if California moves forward with these stricter protocols.
The potential adoption of these rules could lead to fewer fouls during bouts and changed medical clearance requirements for fighters competing in California. These modifications directly impact the scoring consistency and physical safety standards for athletes during events in the state.
The takeaway
These proposals reflect an ongoing effort by athletic commissions to modernize safety protocols in combat sports. Readers should anticipate potential changes to fight decorum and officiating standards in upcoming California-based events.
Further reading
Learn more about local oversight in Mixed Martial Arts.
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