What happened: UFC CEO Dana White publicly supported California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster's initiative to ban oblique kicks in mixed martial arts. Asked about the proposed rule change, White confirmed the promotion aligns with the regulatory push, stating 'We don't disagree.' The proposal seeks to classify the stomping strike as a foul under the Unified Rules of MMA.

Why it matters: The technique has drawn sustained criticism from competitors who argue it inflicts severe joint damage without standard setup. The explicit backing from the promotion's chief executive provides significant momentum for the regulatory change. Eliminating the strike would remove a major distance-management weapon from the sport.

What to watch: The proposed ban requires formal review and approval by the Association of Boxing Commissions to take effect uniformly.