Thiago Santos Opposes Ban on Oblique Kicks

Thiago Santos maintains that oblique kicks should remain legal, despite sustaining severe left knee damage from similar strikes during his 2019 title bout at UFC 239. The fighter, who underwent double knee surgery following the loss, argues that the technique can be defended through movement and blocking. He equates the danger of oblique kicks to other common strikes, such as low kicks, and suggests that additional restrictions could negatively impact the sport.

Rather than focusing on oblique kicks, the 42-year-old suggested that commissions prioritize penalizing illegal actions like eye pokes and strikes to the back of the head. Currently, Santos views himself as effectively retired from professional competition, likening his status to a reservist. While he remains open to future fights, he is not actively pursuing long-term contracts.