What is an oblique kick in MMA?
An oblique kick is a downward push kick aimed towards the knee and executed diagonally. It recently became a subject of controversy after Khalil Rountree Jr.'s TKO win over Modestats Bukauskas.
www.sportskeeda.comHere’s the latest on oblique kicks based on recent coverage and ongoing discussions in combat sports.
- Oblique kicks remain a hot topic in MMA, with ongoing debates about safety and rules. Several outlets have highlighted incidents where oblique kicks led to knee injuries and called for greater scrutiny or potential bans.[4][5]
- Public opinion among fighters and analysts is split: some argue the technique is a legitimate tool for distance management and setup, while others emphasize the risk of long-term knee damage and advocate for restriction or exclusion in certain promotions.[5][6]
- In 2024 and 2025, commentary from notable figures continued to push for a ban or tighter regulations in some circles, though no universal ban has been enacted across major promotions as of early 2026.[6][8]
- Notable incidents cited in coverage include Khalil Rountree Jr.’s oblique-kick finish in the UFC and subsequent discussions about its legality and safety within the sport.[2][4]
- For fans looking to learn more, there are explainer pieces that define the technique, its uses in distance control, and the arguments for and against its continued legality in top-level MMA.[4][5]
If you’d like, I can pull the most current official rulebook or recent promotion statements (e.g., UFC, Bellator, ONE) to confirm any changes to the legality of oblique kicks and summarize them side-by-side. I can also provide a quick timeline of notable incidents and the responses from commissions and promotions.