Dana White Clears UFC's Stance on CSAC Chief's Motive for Banning Oblique Kicks

Criticism of oblique kicks from several notable MMA fighters, including Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, prompted CSAC chief Andy Foster to investigate the issue and consider a change. Currently, Foster is holding discussions with other people in power to impose a ban on oblique kicks. UFC CEO Dana White recently revealed the promotion's official stance on Foster's initiative.

Dana White Reveals UFC's Support for Initiative to Ban Oblique Kicks

While multiple MMA moves can cause severe damage to a fighter, the criticism related to oblique kicks primarily stems from their career-threatening potential. In a 2018 interview with ESPN, Jackson called for the imposition of a ban on the move, stressing how it can hamper a fighter's livelihood.

He said, "It should be banned, and it shows a lot about the fighter's character that he would throw it. How would he like it if somebody threw it at him and stopped him from working for a year?"

Jackson's appeal probably didn't fall on the proper ears, as multiple UFC fighters use the technique to date, with Ian Machado Garry being the latest example. The Irishman threw multiple oblique kicks during his UFC 330 welterweight title fight against Islam Makhachev.

The issue saw its first development only after CSAC chief Andy Foster took it up a few days ago. Reports said that Foster was about to discuss a ban on oblique kicks with the concerned authorities.

🚨 CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster wants to discuss a potential BAN on oblique kicks to the knee under the Unified Rules of MMA going forward

Foster raised the idea during a commission debrief following UFC 331 last night

via @aaronbronsteter pic.twitter.com/MW3DvqCq4x

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) September 20, 2026

As of now, there is no information about the results of Foster's initiative, but UFC CEO Dana White recently clarified that the promotion supports his cause.

In a recent media interaction, White said, "Listen, he is the most powerful guy in the commission. Anywhere in the world, he is the best. And yeah, we don't disagree."

🚨🦵Dana White backs CSAC chief Andy Foster’s efforts to get oblique kicks banned from MMA.

Via @ufc pic.twitter.com/iNQSIz4XdP

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 23, 2026

Unlike Jackson, fighters like Garry and Jon Jones see nothing wrong in using oblique kicks. Jones revealed that he didn't mind using the technique since his opponent also comes at him with malicious intent during a fight.

However, White's words hint that Foster has enough authority to make his efforts successful, resulting in the deduction of a formidable weapon from the arsenal of fighters like Garry. It will be interesting to see how that club of fighters reacts if Foster succeeds in his initiative.