Midnight Mania! Dana White feels obligated to McGregor to make Mayweather fight

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Welcome to Midnight Mania! Dana White says he feels he almost has to make the fight, says the lack of fan appreciation for Daniel Cormier is a fascinating mystery; Al Iaquinta responds to Diego Sanchez’s criticism on Twitter, Mackenzie Dern wishes you a happy hump day, knockouts, submissions, and much more

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Insomnia

This thing is really happening, isn’t it? In spite of how ridiculously mismatched the two fighters are in a boxing ring, the long-rumored McGregor-Mayweather bout looks likely, even if McGregor has to make 147 pounds. Dana White opened up in a recent interview with Colin Cowherd about his feelings on the bout. To Dana’s mind, McGregor’s willingness to take on the biggest challenge available is what motivates Dana to make the fight happen. Transcription via FoxSports.com:

Dana White: It’s a fight that people do want to see. It’s intriguing and obviously it a fight that Conor wants because financially, it’s going to be massive for him. McGregor is a fighter I have a lot of respect for. He has stepped up in time where people who were at his level would never step up. I’ve said this a million times and I’ll say it again — I’m the guy in the room, I’m the guy on the phone when these guys are looking down the barrel of a new opponent a week before the fight, and Conor McGregor doesn’t flinch. This kid steps up, he’ll fight anybody, anytime. You know, a lot of people say it, very few really mean it. Conor McGregor — I can [sic] him the unicorn, man — I’ve never dealt with a kid like this. So for him to have the opportunity to make this kind of money and this type of a fight that people are so interested in, worldwide, I almost feel like I have to make it.

Dana also opened up on the mystery that is Daniel Cormier’s lack appreciation from fans. (see Cormier’s sick burn of Jones here)

Dana White: It’s the weirdest thing ever that he has not been embraced by the fans. He’s a great guy, he’s very well spoken and his fights are exciting. Cormier is an exciting fighter. It’s a weird thing. They like the bad boy Jon Jones. Last time we had a press conference with those two, they were cheering Jones and booing Cormier. It’s fascinating. I don’t get it. It is what it is.

Cormier is a great guy and an exciting fighter. His loss to Jon Jones left many fans feeling let down, and many regard his belt as illegitimate, seeing as he never beat “Bones”, the greatest light heavyweight of all time, in a fight. The winner of Cormier-Johnson will likely get that chance.

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Bobs and Weaves

Al Iaquinta agrees with Diego Sanchez’ criticism:

Russia is just different.

Tony Ferguson demonstrates a setup for one of his favorite chokes:

Rumble’s dog looks like Stitch from the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch

Obligatory reminder that Rory Macdonald is insane

Happy Hump Day from Mackenzie Dern

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Slips, Rips, and KO Clips

Via BloodyElbow.com, watch this rare Twister submission:

Hellbows:

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Quick Hits

• Have you seen the little kid sweep Rousey?
• Anthony Johnson cut 60 pounds in two months? Its quite the feat, but… why? Why did he ever put himself through it?
• According to some fancy MMAth, Mickey Gall has declared himself UFC heavyweight champion

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Podcasts and Video

I saw Cormier vs. Gustaffson in person and it made the whole event worth it

Heavy Hands

The MMA Ratings Podcast

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Random Land

Stay woke, Maniacs!