Jones' oblique kick key to keeping distance - ESPN Video
Paul Felder displays how Jon Jones uses an oblique kick to dictate the distance and open up his offense. Buy UFC 239 here on ESPN+ https://plus.espn.com/ufc/ppv.
africa.espn.comHere’s the latest on oblique kicks based on recent reporting and ongoing discussions in combat sports.
- Status in major promotions: There is no universal ban on oblique kicks across major MMA organizations as of early 2026, but the technique remains controversial and opinions vary among fighters, coaches, and officials. Proponents emphasize distance management and defensive utility, while critics highlight knee and leg injury risks and call for tighter rules or restrictions.[4][5]
- Public discourse and opinions: Prominent voices in the sport continue to debate the ethical and safety implications, with some calling for bans or tighter regulation, and others arguing that risk is inherent in many techniques and should be managed rather than prohibited.[3][5]
- Notable injuries and safety concerns: The oblique kick has been linked in the past to significant knee injuries for several high-profile fighters, contributing to ongoing calls for caution; however, injury outcomes vary and many fights proceed without incident.[2][4]
- Training and understanding: Coaches and analysts emphasize proper mechanics, defense, and conditioning to mitigate injury risk, while some trainers warn that even well-executed kicks can cause serious damage if misfired or mistimed.[9][3]
If you want, I can pull the most up-to-date official statements from the UFC and other promotions, or summarize recent fighter perspectives from specific sources. Would you like a focused recap from a particular outlet or a timeline of notable oblique-kick incidents in 2023–2026?
Citations:
- Discussion and stance on banning and safety concerns.[5][4]
- Historical injury discussions and notable knee injuries related to oblique kicks.[2][4]
- Mechanic and training considerations in contemporary coverage.[3][9]