Mitchell Wants Pride Stomps Legal After Oblique Kick Ban Talk

Bryce Mitchell wants face stomps on grounded opponents legalized in MMA.

The UFC featherweight responded to recent discussion about banning oblique kicks by arguing the sport should move in the opposite direction, according to Sherdog. Mitchell said stomps — legal during Pride FC's heyday but outlawed under current Unified Rules — are his most effective technique and belong in the cage.

Mitchell On Oblique Kick Ban And Pride Rules

Mitchell dismissed proposed bans on oblique kicks during an Instagram post, calling any such change foolish. He considers the strike one of his best weapons and argued that knee damage is part of fighting. "It's a fight," he said, per Sherdog. Mitchell added that if rule changes are coming, stomps should be legalized because no technique is more decisive.

The Arkansas native noted he would rack up more finishes with the technique available. He also suggested eliminating rounds and weight cuts entirely, writing that current rules favor strikers who avoid grappling exchanges.

Oblique kicks have drawn scrutiny for their potential to cause serious ligament damage, but Mitchell opposes any restriction. He has yet to fight under a ruleset that permits soccer kicks or stomps to downed opponents.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Bryce Mitchell wants Pride-era face stomps legalized in MMA