Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Contrary to so many high-profile cases related to fouls in MMA, where truth and/or justice reside in a nebulous grey area, this instance is surprisingly cut and dry. Illegal and idiotic or not, Yan’s ill-fated knee is just the latest reminder of what makes the Unified Rules’ treatment of knees to a downed opponent so fatuous and aggravating. In the immediate aftermath, much was made of Yan’s corner yelling at him. While “Punches!” was clear in English, there was debate over whether his Russian seconds urged him to “strike” or specifically, “knee”. After the bout, however, Yan effectively made this a non-issue, stating he was focused on Sterling’s hands and thought his challenger was crouching. He screwed up, he knew he did and was appropriately sportsmanlike and contrite. It’s as much as you could ask for out of a fighter screwing up so royally in such a lofty position.