Like I said earlier. Face saving. They have to make it look like they put their 'stamp' on it some how. Their 'stamp' was to eliminate the 'stomp'? :rofl
I think there is a good argument for the elimination of the foot stomp (not that I necessarily agree) over the elimination of knees and elbows to the head. Knees and elbows to the head can end fights, but I've never seen a footstomp end a fight. I've never seen footstomps even truly impede a fighters performance in the fight, except to cause pain. The injury a foot stomp could bring to the fighter rarely affects a fight either way, except now someone has a fractured bone in their foot. It's not a worthless move, but at the highest level, it is a shitty move to watch, it doesn't end fights or bring an end to fights, and it can break bones. There is a legit argument against the foot stomp I think. Not that they didn't save face. It's possible that they don't even want to stop knees or elbows, they only wanted to get rid of foot stomps and by leading out with something so big, they bargained the UFC down and got exactly what they wanted.
Amatures. Plus, with the proper heel, it would be way more effective in a street fight. Not having to guard against a groin shot or head but already makes MMA a lot different than a street fight.
Pretty silly and useless rule, I think they are just salvaging a little ego like other people have said. Doesn't bother me much, it is sort of like small joint manipulation; it won't end a fight it will just cause some injuries that prevent guys from working for no reason. I think the less rules the better and more pure the sport is, but this isn't the end of the world.