Midnight Mania! Not Even Khabib Understands The Mind Of ‘El Cucuy’

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Tony Ferguson is a wealth of bizarre quotes and unique strategy. “El Cucuy” has achieved undeniably great things inside the Octagon, and he’s done so unapologetically his own way, kicking metal pipes and front-rolling his way to victory.

For the fifth time, Ferguson is scheduled to square off with Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed Lightweight title in April. Given so many training camps for each other, the two have been given plenty of opportunities to analyze their foe ahead of this long-awaited match up.

Despite that, Nurmagomedov admitted to RT.com that he still doesn’t quite understand Ferguson, “I don’t have nothing personal with him, you know? Tony is a great fighter. Honestly, I don’t like him personally. I don’t understand his mind, what is inside his head but I don’t need this. I don’t need this. I’m going to focus on the fight. When the cage closes I’m going to do my job like always.”

Ferguson is such an enigma that Nurmagomedov contradicted himself on whether there’s personal issues just one sentence apart! More seriously, the two are both extremely mentally strong athletes, which is one of many aspects that make the fight so intriguing.

Cross your fingers folks, as we’re still four months away from the cursed showdown.

Insomnia

I can honestly say that Georges St. Pierre is the absolute last fighter I would want to knife fight. That jab was dangerous enough without a sharp metal point!

Justin Gaethje is not at all pleased that Conor McGregor may jump in line at 155 lbs.

Dan Ige’s creative preparation for the strength of Mirsad Bektic deserves some credit.

There’s absolutely no truth to the idea that UFC treats certain fighters differently than the rest …

Perhaps Salt Bae impersonations are the reasons for Kelvin Gastelum’s weight troubles?

Paulo Costa’s update on his surgery is cool and all, but holy crap, that’s an absolutely insane picture! How does Yoel Romero eat head kicks like tic-tacs?

Slips, rips, and KO clips

If he can make the weight, I really expect Jose Aldo to try to box up his kick-heavy opponent on Saturday night.

Regardless of which submission is being attempt, it’s always important to be aware of what strikes/slams the other guy can use to counter!

This is an absolutely brilliant kick counter, but look how fast the referee begins the count! That might be the best part.

Random Land

An underwater assassin at work:

Midnight Music: A Britpop classic found its way to my Discovery Weekly playlist tonight.

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.