The oblique kick is one of the most dastardly strikes in mixed martial arts. It’s the kick delivered to the thigh and knee area and the purpose of the strike is to hyperextend the knee. That’s nasty and it can lead to a long-term injury. California State Athletic Commission head Andy Foster has started a push to ban the move. After an explosive episode of Dana White’s Contender Series on Tuesday, the UFC CEO was asked how he felt about Foster’s efforts. White seemed to be in agreement. He told reporters, “we don’t disagree.” Here’s a clip of the question and answer. Let’s talk MMA.

The move always raises eyebrows whenever a fighter attempts it during a UFC event. UFC veteran Edmen Shahbazyan didn’t even know it was legal. On Saturday at UFC 331, Shahbazyan’s opponent Brunno Ferreira used it on him and the former seemed confused as he briefly appealed to the referee for some sort of intervention. When Shahbazyan got to his corner, he asked his trainer “can he kick my knee like that.”

Shahbazyan won that fight by unanimous decision despite the complaint. The larger catalyst came earlier, when Ian Machado Garry said his oblique kicks damaged Shavkat Rakhmonov’s knee and helped sideline him more than a year. Rakhmonov later said he entered that fight already injured.

Foster’s reported language is also broader than the oblique kick alone — he wants officials to discuss making lateral knee kicks a foul. Rampage Jackson’s criticism helped prompt the review, and Matt Brown has pushed back on the ban.

Where the Rule Change Stands

The move is obviously legal for now, but it is clear Foster, White and others would like that to change.

Some Fighters Hurt by Knee Kicks

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I’d say there’s a good chance this move gets banned in the next two years. We’ll see if anyone pulls it out and forces officials to expedite a ruling.