When discussing the arsenal of techniques used by UFC fighters, Jon Jones’ oblique kick—often referred to as the knee stomp or side kick to the knee—frequently emerges as one of the most polarizing moves in MMA history. For over a decade, Jones has used this technique not only to slow down opponents but to systematically break their rhythm and mobility. With the recent rise of heavyweight contenders like Tom Aspinall, who bring speed, athleticism, and unpredictable striking, fans and analysts alike are wondering: Is Jones’ infamous knee kick a necessary tool for survival in a stacked heavyweight division, or is it a dangerous, borderline-illegal move that should be banned?

Let’s dive into the history, controversy, and tactical relevance of Jon Jones’ knee kick, especially in light of his potential showdown with heavyweights like Aspinall.

The Mechanics of the Oblique Kick

The oblique kick is essentially a push kick aimed at the thigh or knee joint, typically delivered using the ball of the foot. It’s often used as a defensive tool to keep distance, disrupt forward pressure, or destabilize an opponent’s base. The technique has roots in traditional martial arts, particularly Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do—Bruce Lee famously trained it. But in MMA, it was Jon Jones who popularized the move at the highest level.

What makes the kick so controversial is where it lands—usually on the front of the opponent’s knee, which forces the leg into hyperextension. Unlike a standard leg kick or calf kick, which mostly causes bruising and nerve damage, the oblique kick directly threatens the structural integrity of the knee joint. This raises questions about its safety.

Jon Jones’ fighting style: Why the Knee Kick Is His Signature

Jones is a master tactician who blends wrestling, Muay Thai, and unorthodox striking in a way few fighters can replicate. One of the central pillars of his style is distance control. He leverages his 84.5-inch reach—the longest in UFC title fight history—to maintain distance, pepper opponents with kicks, and keep them at bay.

The oblique kick plays into this perfectly. Against fighters who try to rush in or close the gap quickly, Jones uses the knee stomp as a warning. “Come any closer, and you’ll pay the price.” This technique is not just defensive—it mentally breaks opponents who know that any attempt to press forward could lead to serious injury.

In bouts against fighters like Rampage Jackson, Vitor Belfort, and Alexander Gustafsson, Jones used this kick with precision. It halted momentum, kept aggressive strikers at bay, and contributed to his domination of the light heavyweight division.

Tom Aspinall: The Most Dangerous Test Yet?

Now, with Jones entering the twilight of his career at heavyweight, a new set of challenges awaits. Chief among them is interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, a rising star known for his speed, boxing acumen, and fluid movement—rare qualities in a 6’5”, 250-pound athlete.

Aspinall is not your typical heavyweight. He moves like a middleweight, switches stances, and possesses one-punch knockout power. In other words, he is exactly the kind of fighter who could force Jon Jones to rely more than ever on his oblique kick to manage distance.

But herein lies the ethical dilemma: If Jones were to use this technique against Aspinall, and it resulted in serious injury (like a torn ACL or MCL), would it still be considered a strategic masterstroke—or would the backlash call for a rule change?

Is the oblique kick a dirty move?

From a rulebook standpoint, the oblique kick is entirely legal in the UFC. It’s not a groin shot, not an eye poke, and doesn’t fall under the category of illegal joint manipulation (which applies to small joints like fingers or toes). That said, legality doesn’t always equate to sportsmanship.

Critics argue that the move is a “career-ender,” pointing to incidents like Khalil Rountree Jr.’s devastating TKO win over Modestas Bukauskas in 2021, where the same technique crumpled Bukauskas’ knee. Even UFC veterans like Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have voiced concerns, with Bisping calling it “the most brutal move you can use that’s still legal.”

Supporters of the technique argue that MMA is inherently dangerous. Fighters know the risks. If a technique is legal and effective, it’s up to the opponent to counter it. They also point out that leg kicks and spinning elbows can be just as damaging.

So where does this leave us?

The strategic necessity of the knee kick against heavyweights

Against a powerful, mobile opponent like Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones might find himself in deep waters for the first time in years. His usual dominance may not translate as easily at heavyweight, especially when facing a fighter who can match his reach and outpace him in striking exchanges.

Here, the oblique kick becomes a lifeline. If Jones can disrupt Aspinall’s forward pressure and timing, he has a much better chance of implementing his clinch game, wrestling, and dirty boxing from the inside. The kick becomes a deterrent, not just a weapon.

Moreover, unlike light heavyweights who were often flat-footed or plodding, Aspinall can cut angles and explode into combinations. That makes managing range all the more critical for Jones—and the oblique kick gives him a split-second advantage in those micro-moments.

Could this move be banned in the future?

The UFC and other MMA organizations have yet to move toward banning the oblique kick, but the conversation is evolving. Much like soccer kicks, 12-to-6 elbows, and knees to grounded opponents, the community continues to debate what the line should be between technique and recklessness.

One possible future scenario is that commissions might allow the technique but penalize fighters if it causes serious injury. Alternatively, it could be banned outright, especially if a high-profile fight—like Jones vs. Aspinall—ends with one fighter suffering a catastrophic knee injury due to this move.

It wouldn’t be the first time a single moment changed MMA rules forever. Remember how the eye poke from Jones to Glover Teixeira ignited stricter enforcement of open-hand strikes? Or how Anderson Silva’s leg break changed the way fighters approach checked kicks?

The psychological effect on opponents

It’s also worth noting that the oblique kick does more than just physical damage. It sows seeds of hesitation. Opponents start thinking twice before engaging, and that second of indecision is often all Jones needs to take over.

If Aspinall starts flinching every time Jones lifts his lead leg, his boxing becomes less effective. He may stop moving forward, stop setting traps. And if that happens, Jones can drag the fight into deep waters, where his experience and fight IQ can take over.

Aspinall vs. Jones: The matchup where this move matters most

If the UFC officially books Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones in 2025, this could become the definitive bout where the oblique kick either secures Jones’ GOAT status—or finally triggers its ban.

It’s a high-risk, high-reward tactic. If used carefully, it could neutralize Aspinall’s blitzes. If mistimed or overused, it could turn the crowd, the media, and even Dana White against him—especially if it results in a serious injury during a marquee event.

In that sense, the oblique kick is no longer just a move. It’s a metaphor for Jones himself—brilliant, controversial, and impossible to ignore.

Conclusion: Artful weapon or MMA’s ticking time bomb?

At the end of the day, Jon Jones’ oblique kick is both a brilliant technical tool and a deeply controversial move. It showcases the genius of a fighter who always finds a way to win—but also forces us to question where the line should be drawn between strategy and safety.

As fans anticipate a clash between Jones and Tom Aspinall, one thing is clear: The knee kick will be at the center of both the fight and the conversation. Whether it becomes a key to victory or a catalyst for change, it remains one of the most fascinating—and dangerous—moves in MMA.