Controversial MMA technique could be banned following UFC 331

Andy Foster, executive director of the California State Athletic Commission, recently discussed some potential rule changes in the mixed martial arts industry.

UFC 331 went to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on September 19th. Foster then went on to discuss some of the rules at the CSAC panel, touching on, among other things, the slant punch, a polarizing and highly effective tool in MMA.

CSAC’s Andy Foster wants to discuss the tilt ban after UFC 331

Edmen Shahbazyan earned a unanimous decision win at middleweight Bruno Ferreira at UFC 331. Shahbazyan complained to the referee that Ferreira was throwing side kicks to the knee, seemingly unaware that they were legal.

Although kicks to the knee don’t seem like much, they can do dangerous damage to the knee at certain angles. Although considered a cheap shot in sparring and banned in most gyms, it is perfectly legal in professional MMA. However, Foster now wants to discuss banning side kicks to the knee. Foster also wants to discuss legalizing the use of a peptide that treats cuts but does not improve performance.

“Foster also wants to discuss making side knee strikes a foul and also discuss with the medical staff and determine if a specific peptide that heals cuts and does not improve performance will be legalized,” MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter, who attended the discussion, posted to X.

Foster also discussed the potential categorization of errors. While mistakes are currently judged by whether they are intentional or unintentional, Foster considers classifying them as accidental, careless, or malicious.

“Foster also discussed a possible rule change in the Uniform Rules that would classify errors as accidental, reckless or malicious, rather than unintentional and intentional,” Bronsteter wrote in a follow-up post. “He believes it will make the fighters hold their hands and reduce eye pokes.”