The bout was called four minutes 16 seconds into the first round after Markos, on her back, caught Pinheiro, who was on her knees, with an up-kick to the face. ... Because the Brazilian was on her knees at the time, she was considered a downed opponent and as such the kick was illegal.
What's an illegal upkick?
5y. It is part of the rule against kicking the head of a grounded opponent. Per the unified rules of mma: "A grounded opponent is any fighter who has more than just the soles of their feet on the ground." So unless someone is standing, no up kicks to the head. This includes being on their knees.
What kicks are illegal in UFC?
Illegal actions
- Strikes to the neck, throat, spine, kidneys, joints, groin/testicles, knees and below.
- Kicks and knees to the head in ground position (from either athletes)
- Stomp kicks.
- Intentional breaking of bones or joints (i.e. not giving the opponent's enough time to tap in submission situations)
