Should MMA ban oblique kicks? A fighter who had his knee torn in a UFC title fight weighs in

California State Athletic Commission director Andy Foster and UFC CEO Dana White have recently voiced support for banning oblique kicks, but Thiago Santos—a fighter whose career was significantly altered by the technique—disagrees with the proposed restriction.

Santos suffered severe damage to both knees during his UFC title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 239 in 2019, losing a split decision despite the injuries. Lateral knee kicks caused damage to his left knee, while his right knee was already compromised entering the bout. The injury required double knee surgery and a lengthy recovery; Santos didn't fight again until more than a year later, then lost four of his next five fights before parting ways with the UFC.

Despite his traumatic experience, Santos told MMA Fighting he doesn't see oblique kicks as a technique requiring a ban. He argues that fighters have defensive options—bending the knee, moving the leg, or shifting position—similar to how they defend against other dangerous strikes like low kicks. Santos suggested the sport should instead focus on actually illegal techniques and more severe penalties for infractions like shots to the back of the head and eye pokes, citing cases involving Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall. He even proposed re-examining the 12-6 elbow ban before restricting oblique kicks, believing additional rules "end up hurting the sport."

Now 42 and married to UFC fighter Yana Santos, "Marreta" considers himself semi-retired. While he remains competitive and injury-resistant—his most recent loss came in a split decision against an opponent 20 pounds heavier—he has no formal career plan and views his status in MMA similarly to military reserves: available but not actively pursuing long-term commitments.