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MMA·ANALYSIS·September 30, 2026 02:54 PM ET

Sterling rejects Foster call to ban oblique kicks

Points to bare-shin head kicks and CTE risk

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 44m1 min read
Post on X
Aljamain Sterling strongly pushes back on Andy Foster’s call to ban oblique kicks: “He’s gotta stop with this bullshit. Via @arielhelwani on X

What happened: Aljamain Sterling dismissed the proposal as "bullshit" and questioned the focus on recovery time. He contrasted oblique kicks with bare-shin head kicks and raised CTE as the larger danger.

Why it matters: The exchange centers on which techniques regulators should restrict in the name of fighter safety. Sterling's response frames oblique kicks as a lesser concern than head trauma under current rules.

What to watch: Whether Foster answers and if any commission takes up the proposal will show if the idea advances.

Sources

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