Sterling Criticizes Oblique Kick Ban, Demands Referee Accountability
Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has publicly opposed the proposed ban on oblique kicks, arguing that the California Athletic Commission should prioritize enforcing existing rules rather than adding new restrictions. Sterling criticized the move as disproportionate, noting that fighters face far greater risks from head strikes and CTE. He emphasized that referees must be held accountable for failing to stop illegal actions, such as knees to grounded opponents, before introducing new rule changes.
