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Sterling: Ban Oblique Kicks, But What About CTE?
1 Oct
Summary
- Sterling questions banning oblique kicks while ignoring CTE and other severe injuries.
- He advocates for enforcing existing MMA rules before creating new ones.
- Sterling criticizes referees for not consistently enforcing current fight regulations.
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling voiced strong opposition to a proposed ban on oblique kicks, a technique recently debated after a UFC 331 bout. Sterling questioned the rationale, contrasting the perceived danger of oblique kicks with the severe risks of CTE and other fight-ending impacts. He emphasized that existing MMA rules often go unenforced, suggesting this lack of accountability is a more pressing issue for officials like California Athletic Commission Director Andy Foster.
Sterling called for a focus on referee accountability, citing instances where fouls were missed or ignored. He argued that improving adherence to current regulations should precede the introduction of new rules. Sterling suggested that fighters are aware of the inherent dangers in mixed martial arts and that drastic rule changes are unnecessary. He urged officials to address the enforcement of established rules before considering bans on specific techniques.
