Joe Rogan and Paddy Pimblett Clash Over a Potential Ban on UFC Oblique Kicks

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During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience featuring UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett, the longtime commentator claimed that the oblique kick to the knee is on the verge of being outlawed in MMA. 

According to Joe Rogan, the announcement was effectively happening in real time on his own podcast. 

“I think we’re announcing it right now. I don’t think people know, but it’s going to be made illegal,” Rogan said during the episode.

The comment arrived while the two men discussed Ian Garry’s use of the technique against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December 2024. Garry landed oblique kicks that contributed to significant knee damage for Rakhmonov, who has not competed since. 

Rogan framed the ban as a done deal rather than a proposal. While he did not cite a specific commission vote, a UFC memo, or an official statement from any regulatory body, Pimblett took Rogan’s report as a fact.

Pimblett Pushed Back Immediately

Upon hearing of the oblique kick’s possible ban, Pimblett made his position clear without hesitation. 

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“I don’t think that should be made illegal,” Pimblett said, adding that it should be treated “just like everything else when you have a fight.”

According to Pimblett’s logic, fighters already prepare to defend against a wide range of dangerous techniques. Singling out one strike for prohibition struck him as inconsistent with how the sport already operates. Pimblett’s stance places him alongside other fighters who have questioned the proposed ban.

Rogan, for his part, did not back down. He pointed to the career-altering consequences of knee injuries, arguing that the technique’s potential to permanently diminish a fighter’s mobility separates it from ordinary combat damage. 

“So, you think that it should just be a thing you have to deal with?” asked Rogan.

“Yeah. Just like everything else when you fight,” Pimblett responded.

“I agree in some ways, but the problem is it ends careers. It can change your career forever,” Rogan fired back.

The podcast host pointed to the fight between Thiago Santos and Jon Jones, in which Jones threw the strike repeatedly and possibly changed the course of Santos’ career.

NansendSports on YouTube did a video breakdown of the damaging effects of Jones’ technique.

Pimblett also recalled the fight between Khalil Rountree and Modestas Bukauskas, which occurred on the same UFC card as his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 191.

Rogan and Pimblett remained cordial, but the disagreement was unmistakable on both sides.

No Official Announcement Has Been Made

Despite Rogan’s confident phrasing, no UFC or athletic commission announcement has confirmed a ban on oblique kicks. 

The California State Athletic Commission, led by executive director Andy Foster, opened discussions about prohibiting lateral knee kicks after UFC 331 in September 2026. 

Dana White voiced support for Foster’s initiative at the time, saying “we don’t disagree” when asked about the proposal.

That support, however, was not a rule change. The Unified Rules of MMA are governed by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, with individual state commissions deciding whether to adopt amendments. Any ban would need to pass through that regulatory process before taking effect in any jurisdiction.

Rogan’s claim that the ban was being “announced” on his podcast appears to have been an exaggeration or a premature characterization of ongoing discussions. As of now, the oblique kick remains legal under the current Unified Rules.

Rogan’s comments, however, are a signal of the growing sentiment that the strike should be banned.

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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.