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Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Less than two weeks away from his upcoming main event opposite Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, take a moment to look back upon one of the most important and entertaining wins of Conor McGregor’s career. The rematch with Nate Diaz may not have been the bout that won McGregor either of his titles, but it was a battle that really helped cement McGregor’s stardom further. In addition, McGregor was really forced to rally through serious adversity, proving his championship grit late in the fight.
Beyond that, it was simply an amazing contest. Early on, McGregor’s boxing combinations were so fluid and powerful — by 2020 MMA standards it’s great, but compared to most in 2016, it was next level. Diaz roared back into the fight in classic Diaz fashion, but that’s when McGregor showed a different wrinkle to his attack. In the fourth round, when he needed it most, McGregor was able to recover and fight smart, stealing a pivotal round to earn the nod … though not everyone agrees with the decision.
Either way, it’s certainly worth a re-watch!
Insomnia
Is Edson Barboza looking any leaner ahead of his cut to Featherweight?
Good guy “Gamebred.”
I’ll be in #Australia in February and would like to help. Proceeds from my visit will go to help but I also want to physically help put out the fires #theresurrection https://t.co/OMuOkfxMcY
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) January 4, 2020
One Championship is planning big moves in 2020 … if their funds can sustain them.
BREAKING NEWS: It is FIGHT WEEK in Bangkok for our 1st event of the year! I am thrilled to announce that ONE Championship will produce a record high 50 events in 2020 (vs. our prior record of 42 events in 2019). Stay tuned for some big announcements! LET’S GOOOOO!!! #WeAreONE
— Chatri Sityodtong (@yodchatri) January 5, 2020
Speaking of One, Alain Ngalani is always doing the craziest body weight workouts.
“Bam Bam” is a big cannonball.
It’s January, so expect plenty of goofiness at your local gym as many embark on new fitness goals in 2020. Lend a helping hand to those in need!
I have a training partner who’s a very decorated wrestler (David Klingsheim for the wrestling nerds), and he loves to pull this type of spin-into-shot trickery. It’s upsettingly effective.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Can never get enough crisp left hooks in the pocket:
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the back crucifix position become more and more common in MMA. There’s less control available compared to a standard back mount, but fighters are so good at defending from the regular back position that it’s often worth the risk.
Kicking the back and front leg is awesome!
Random Land
This is plenty strange.
Bat enjoying a grape pic.twitter.com/7RTpWIMVmb
— 41 Strange (@41Strange) January 6, 2020
Midnight Music: We stopped by a sports bar with six screens of soccer playing, and the Britpop was blaring. Fun times!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.