Dana White Addressed Oblique Kick Safety Concerns
The UFC head commented on the controversial strike after complaints surfaced during a recent Los Angeles event.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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UFC President Dana White has expressed support for regulatory discussions regarding the legality of oblique kicks. The move follows renewed concerns raised during UFC 331, where fighters complained about the strike to referees.
Why it matters
The debate centers on the potential for oblique kicks to cause severe joint damage, reigniting calls for the technique to be classified as a foul. Professional regulations currently allow the move, despite it being banned in sparring at most gyms.
The oblique kick involves driving the ball of the heel into an opponent's knee or thigh with a twisting motion. Professional athletes including Modestas Bukaskus and Shavkat Rakhmonov have suffered knee injuries linked to the technique in recent years.
The players
Dana White
He is the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and a central figure in the promotion of mixed martial arts worldwide.
California State Athletic Commission
This is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing professional combat sports and ensuring fighter safety within California.
Edmen Shahbazyan
He is a professional mixed martial artist who competed at UFC 331.
Brunno Ferreira
He is a professional mixed martial artist who faced Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC 331.
The details
During UFC 331 in Los Angeles, Edmen Shahbazyan complained to the referee about the strikes used by opponent Brunno Ferreira. While the maneuver remains legal in professional competition, its damaging effects on joints have prompted the California State Athletic Commission to consider classifying it as a foul.
Timeline
Modestas Bukaskus suffered a knee injury from an oblique kick in 2021.
Shavkat Rakhmonov sustained knee injuries from oblique kicks in 2024.
UFC 331 took place in September 2026.
Dana White discussed the kick at a press conference on September 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This story follows a pattern of heightened regulatory scrutiny established by the 2021 Modestas Bukaskus oblique kick injury. If the California State Athletic Commission proceeds with a ban, it could fundamentally alter the tactical landscape and defensive strategies for the current season.
A potential ban on oblique kicks would force fighters to adjust their primary defensive and offensive stances to avoid penalties. Fans and bettors should monitor upcoming commission rulings, as a shift in legality directly affects which strikes are permitted in the cage.
The takeaway
The move toward regulating oblique kicks highlights the ongoing balance between combat effectiveness and long-term athlete health. Fighters may need to prepare for potential rule changes that could limit the use of leg-targeting strikes in future matchups.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional combat rules, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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