On the "heels" of UFC Fight Night 22, I think its time for the MMA community to take a strong look at the banning of this move. Rousimar Palhares, a man no stranger to heel hooks (6 Victories via), has showed in his last two fights just how brutal the long term effects of a heel hook are. A heel hook applied with full force for even just a second too long will rip and shred every ligament from the ankle to the knee. It is the only submission besides a cervical lock that is currently banned by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. I think it's at least time the MMA community researches whether this move can stay in our beloved sport or ban it for the safety of all fighters.
I understand that it is a fight that, and there is a certain amount of danger and risk, but I think that the costs outweigh the benefits of heel hooks. Fighters such as Rousimar Palhares almost depend upon them for wins and a heel hook when properly applied has long term physical effects, it can cause some fighters to never been able to fully walk again on that leg. I would really like to get the opinions of guys like Demian Maia, Renzo Gracie, Marc Laimon who know more about this than me. What I don't like about a heel hook is someone with no experience can learn that and potentially win fights based upon that. Heel hooks can't even be fully practiced because of the possibility of torquing it just a little too much. I will make it a goal to get a BJJ expert on here for their opinion.
I shall post this into the MMA Junkie, Sunday Junkie Contest to see if it wins.
What are ya'lls thoughts?
What do ya'll think?
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