The ban on 12-6 elbow strikes is gone, and for many, this was great news. On this advancement, the UFC veteran Chael Sonnen expressed his opinion while also highlighting UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s long-time dislike of this rule. Additionally, he also discussed Dana White‘s potential plans to make the only MMA loss of Jon Jones go away, which he suffered due to that particular rule.
MMA is arguably the most complete form of fighting, unlike boxing, where only punches are applicable. However, it’s still a sport and there are rules, some of which are appropriately imposed, and others, slightly questionable, and the previous ban on the 12-6 elbow strike falls into the latter category. Chael Sonnen sat some facts on the origins of that particular rule and how Joe Rogan’s contestation changed the game forever.
Chael Sonnen hails Joe Rogan while revealing Daniel Cormier’s problems with the 12-6 elbow strikes
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As we’ve already mentioned, Joe Rogan has always termed the ban on the 12-6 elbow strikes as the “worst rule ever in MMA.” What’s his explanation? Well, this rule came to fruition after some martial artists’ videos of breaking bricks with that elbow strike led rule makers to make this offensive technique illegal. And as far as Chael Sonnen is concerned, these videos are often staged.
“12-6 elbows. They have been legalized. The biggest pushback that I’ve ever witnessed was from Joe Rogan,” Chael Sonnen stated on his YouTube channel. “The reason they banned it [was] they were shown a video of a martial arts master breaking bricks, and when he broke those bricks, he had done the 12-6, and of course, those bricks are rigged.”
However, there are always two sides of the coin, and where Joe Rogan loved the rule of getting eradicated, former double champion Daniel Cormier appeared agitated. ‘DC’ wants no change, and the reason behind that is to keep the sport professional rather than turning it into a “street fight” showdown. As Chael Sonnen highlighted, his focus then shifted to our undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones.
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“Daniel Cormier came out. He doesn’t like that they changed the rule. The 12-6 is no longer banned. It’s now fair play, which calls into question Jon Jones and his loss,” ‘The American Gangster’ added. Jon Jones’s untouchable MMA record had just one blemish – a loss to Matt Hamill due, all thanks to the 12-6 elbow strike. But now that the rule’s gone, Dana White plans to aid his favorite fighter with his only defeat, but Chael Sonnen believes there’s not much he can do to help Jones.
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Can Jon Jones get his win against Hamill back? Chael Sonnen explains
Dana White was recently asked about Jon Jones’s loss as he revealed what he intends to do, which is put forth an appeal to change his loss against Matt Hamill. The former UFC fighter has called out the CEO for a rematch, which seems highly unlikely. But can this appeal help Jones wipe off his only loss? Well, Chael Sonnen appears skeptical about it. He further stated, “Dana had made a comment that they’re thinking of petitioning the commission to have that [Jones’s loss] changed. I just don’t know what you would change it to.”
The only possible outcome is a no-contest ruling. However, Sonnen believes that this process would be a long road for not only Dana White but for Jon Jones as well. “You can’t change it to a victory. Perhaps you can change it to a no-contest. Perhaps that’s not even the road we’re going down… this story, quite possibly, is not yet finished,” the UFC legend added.
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The removal of the ban on the 12-6 elbow strikes will come into effect in November, and other could be more developments on this front in the coming months. What do you make of Chael Sonnen’s insight? Do you think Jon Jones will get his loss wiped off? Let us know in the comments.
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