
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland is interviewed by Joe Rogan after his TKO loss due to injury against Dustin Poirier in their welterweight fight during the UFC 264 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland is interviewed by Joe Rogan after his TKO loss due to injury against Dustin Poirier in their welterweight fight during the UFC 264 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Landing a power kick and securing a KO is still seen as one of the most difficult techniques to execute. When performed with laser accuracy, it can produce devastating results. But this maneuver is not so easy to execute and the odds of it landing are slim. Hence, it definitely called for innovation and modern-day mixed martial artists responded with the invention of ‘Calf Kicks’.
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Even Joe Rogan marveled at their effectiveness, as MMA fighters immediately employ them as soon as the fight commences. During a conversation with fellow comedian, Neal Brennan, Rogan talked about this technique and how it can lead to leg injuries.
Brennan stated he also suffered a similar injury as he once tried to kick a metal pole. Rogan, being the color commentator and combat sports enthusiast, immediately retorted that he has seen plenty of them before. He also went into great detail to explain how they work and render the foot numb.

USA Today via Reuters
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor holds his leg after suffering an injury against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
He said, “They chop at each other’s calf like almost immediately now it is so effective. One hard calf kicks sometimes and the foot goes numb, and he can’t use his foot anymore. You kind of get it around the edge, but basically, when you are kicking guys, you are kicking them right?”
“You want to get your shin right into you, and there is not a lot to protect you there. So when someone can chop away, it goes right into the nerves. And sometimes it just short-circuits the foot and your foot just goes numb and dangles. “
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Joe Rogan understands the recent craze behind calf kicks
Journeying all the way down the memory lane, Rogan touched upon an incident involving UFC star, Michael Chandler. Chandler once suffered a similar injury that Conor McGregor & Sean O’Malley suffered.
Watch this story: Everything You Need to Know About Conor McGregor’s New $3,6 Million Toy
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It occurred back in his Bellator days when these kicks were relatively new in the sport. McGregor too became a victim of these vicious strikes last year at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier.
There is no doubt that these kicks are quite powerful and can change the outcome of a fight. Do you think calf kicks are too brutal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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