The Association of Boxing and MMA Athletic Commissions will soon consider recognizing as a grounded fighter someone who leans on the canvas with any part of the body other than the feet and hands.
In other words, touching the canvas with the palm of the hand would not be enough, and an opponent could be kicked or kneed in the head as long as he does not touch the canvas with his elbow, knee, or any other part of his body.
For example, if this change is approved, the actions of Briton Arnold Allen, who a week ago delivered four banned knee strikes to the head to Russian Movsar Yevloyev, will be considered legal.
In addition, there are plans to repeal the ban on the so-called 12-6 elbow strikes, which were once the reason for Jon Jones’ only defeat.
According to the head of the California State Athletic Commission, Andy Foster, who also chairs the rules committee at the Association of Commissions, the issue will be on the ballot this year.