A recent LFA event, LFA 174, stirred controversy as a women’s strawweight bout between Jayde Sheeley and Kendra McIntyre concluded in a disqualification due to illegal head kicks. UFC fans have taken to social media, expressing mixed opinions on the rule preventing grounded head kicks in MMA.
LFA, known for its thrilling matches and top-tier athletes, hosted LFA 174 on January 12 in Prior Lake, Minnesota. While the event showcased exciting moments and great finishes, the Sheeley vs. McIntyre match took an unexpected turn.
The first round saw a back-and-forth battle between the rising talents, but Sheeley’s grappling skills began to dominate, resulting in a one-sided beating. In a pivotal moment, Sheeley secured a tight armbar, putting McIntyre in a precarious position. Unable to escape the submission, McIntyre resorted to illegal kicks to Sheeley’s head in a desperate attempt to break free.
Grounded head kicks are strictly prohibited in MMA, and the referee promptly intervened, disqualifying McIntyre. While this decision disappointed many fans, some argue that McIntyre’s loss was inevitable as she struggled to escape the armbar.
The disqualification marked Sheeley’s back-to-back win, bringing her record to 2 wins and 1 loss. On the other hand, McIntyre, previously undefeated with 2 wins, faced her first-ever loss.
The incident ignited a heated debate on social media, with fans expressing diverse views on the legality of grounded head kicks. Some argue for rule changes, stating that it could be a legitimate defense strategy, while others maintain the importance of upholding current regulations to ensure fair play.
This incident creates an opening for an interesting conversation about jiu-jitsu and the differences in how martial arts are applied in a mixed martial arts ruleset as opposed to in a self defense situation.
