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Welcome to Midnight Mania!
For anyone even remotely invested in the future of the UFC Flyweight division, it’s been a bumpy road.
Toward the end of 2018, reports emerged that a bulk of the division would be dissolved. Suddenly, any Flyweight who lost a fight — regardless of ranking, level of competition, or quality of fight — was getting released on a loss.
Henry Cejudo’s ascension to double-champ reportedly saved the division just last month, but honestly, it was hard to believe. When “Triple C” went under for surgery and currently spends his time calling out Urijah Faber, professional boxers, and women, it’s hard to feel confident in the future of Flyweight. Just a couple weeks ago, Joseph Benavidez picked up his third straight win in dominant fashion to prove himself the definitive No. 1 contender at 125 lbs. Afterward, UFC president Dana White still did not sound particularly eager to grant him his shot, which really seemed like a bad omen.
One of the men released last year was Brandon Moreno, better known as “The Assassin Baby.” A veteran of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Moreno was something of a fan favorite for his aggressive submission game and endearing personality. He had even headlined an event in Mexico, where UFC is always trying to grow its name.
Today, a report emerged from MMA.uno that Moreno was signed by the UFC once more after just a single win on the regional scene. If that’s true — and Moreno was signed at Flyweight — it’s really the best piece of news regarding the division in months. Announcements about the division’s future are not to be trusted, but an action like signing new Flyweight combatants does a lot more to keep hope alive.
Insomnia
UFC vet Katsunori Kikuno shattering some concrete.
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???????????????????ISAMI?????????????@kikunokatsunori pic.twitter.com/B6fSM2m8aT
— ????? (@Shihomi0305) July 10, 2019
Here’s to wishing Thiago Santos a speedy recovery.
Evelyn reporting that Santos will have surgery on his left knee next Wednesday and will repair the damage on the right knee with physical therapy. They’re expecting a 10-12 month recovery process. He knows a lot can happen, but is still hoping for a rematch in the future. https://t.co/IL6kVpF1Qx
— Fernanda Prates (@NandaPrates_) July 10, 2019
Cormier working hard ahead of his second Heavyweight title defense.
Some follow up on the Diego Sanchez oil check incident.
It was his thumb. https://t.co/E1ukZz35G9 pic.twitter.com/2xkLIJ2Ybo
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) July 10, 2019
Here’s a good reminder that Cody Garbrandt is really freaking fast.
Interestingly, it’s only an 11 year age difference.
Aspen Ladd was 4 years old when Germaine de Randamie, her opponent in the main event of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card, made her professional kickboxing debut.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) July 10, 2019
A collegiate wrestler and top-tier Muay Thai fighter pick up some (fake) knives and go at it!
For all the talk of a Russian takeover, African fighters are doing work!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Picture-perfect question mark kick
Yuta Kubo (Krush.16) pic.twitter.com/STVWJHzQjL
— nojillnolife (@nojillnolife) July 10, 2019
Emmet vs. Bektic is the best fight of this weekend’s card, and it should’ve been the main event.
F L U S H !
@JoshEmmettUFC #UFCSacramento pic.twitter.com/1ysiRRftOp
— UFC (@ufc) July 10, 2019
Last night’s Contender Series brought the body shots!
Random Land
For the Rick and Morty fans.
Camera trap surprised this big kitty.
Sleep well Maniacs! There’s always more martial arts madness on the way.