Why is it called an 'oblique kick'?
The oblique is in the abdomen :/
forums.sherdog.comHere’s the latest on the oblique kick, based on recent reporting and expert commentary up to now.
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What it is and why it’s controversial
- The oblique kick is a diagonal or downward push kick aimed at the opponent’s knee or lower leg to disrupt balance or cause knee damage. It has been a flashpoint in MMA for years due to injuries it has caused, leading to debate about whether it should be allowed or banned in competition.[2][3][5]
- Critics argue it poses serious knee injuries and long layoffs for fighters, while supporters say it’s a legitimate distance-management technique and part of a fighter’s toolkit when used within the rules.[3][5][2]
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Notable incidents and discussions
- Khalil Rountree’s oblique kick KO over Modestas Bukauskas in UFC Fight Night 191 (2021) revived calls for restrictions, as it was a direct, knee-targeted strike ending a fight on that single technique.[2][3]
- High-profile fighters and coaches have publicly debated the move, with some advocating banning and others defending its tactical value in controlling range and pace of fights.[5][9]
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What promotions and guidance currently say
- There has been ongoing discussion in MMA communities about potential rule adjustments or bans if knee injuries become too common or if insurance/liability concerns rise; no universal ban has been implemented across major promotions as of the latest period, but policy could shift if risk/long-term athlete health becomes a dominant concern.[5]
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Practical takeaways for fans and fighters
- For fans, expect continued debates and occasional incidents spotlighting the move, with some events drawing attention to safety and rules enforcement around knee-targeted strikes.[4][5]
- For fighters, the oblique kick remains a debated tool: effective for distance control but carrying injury risk if countered improperly or if the opponent has strong knee resilience.[3][5]
If you’d like, I can pull a quick summary of recent social media discussions or compile a timeline of notable oblique kick incidents and any rule changes proposed or implemented in major organizations. I can also search for more recent developments from specific promotions (UFC, ONE Championship, Bellator) or regional leagues.