Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Since I can confirm that all our readers have access to the Internet, anyone clicking on this article is already at the very least aware of the Coronavirus that is burning through China. With a reported death toll well-above 200, much of Asia is in a panic. Flights to and from China are being cancelled (I re-booked a flight myself just hours ago!), and roughly the entire world is wrapped up in concern and fear of this potential pandemic.
There are consequences in the world of MMA as well. Just a few days ago, UFC Strawweight champion Weili Zhang’s manager, Brian Butler, stated that Zhang’s camp was going great and did not seem to anticipate any changes. Something has changed since then, as to avoid any potential clash with the virus, Zhang plans to head to Las Vegas quickly and finish her camp there.
“The UFC has been working hard to expedite getting Weili and her team here for precautionary reasons,” Butler told MMAFighting. “I have connected the UFC with Tulsi Gabbard again who has graciously trying to help push things forward.”
Hopefully, Zhang is able to figure out her visa situation quickly, otherwise she may find herself unable to leave China at all. Stay tuned for further updates on her title defense opposite Joanna Jedrzejczyk, which is scheduled for Sat., March 7, 2020 inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Insomnia
Someone get Jared Cannonier a fight! I’d really like to see the Darren Till match up personally.
Speaking of finding Cannonier an opponent, wouldn’t it be nice if Gegard Mousasi were still in the mix?
Bellator, send me the next victim. I’m hungry. @JohnSalter_mma or @PhenomLima , I am down for either. @BellatorMMA @MikeKoganMMA @ScottCoker pic.twitter.com/BwUIYekRJj
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) February 1, 2020
In the immortal words of the wise DJ Khaled, “Anotha One.” Umar Nurmagomedov has signed with UFC!
If UFC absolutely must proceed with this Jose Aldo vs. Henry Cejudo goofiness, this is absolutely the fight to make.
Hey @UFC,
You’re welcome! Now here! Take my money’s! pic.twitter.com/4SGz8BHhen
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 31, 2020
My wrists hurt.
Is this the greatest moment in UFC history? Probably.
Five years ago today, @nickdiaz209 taunted Anderson Silva by literally laying down in the Octagon pic.twitter.com/iObDuM8pmg
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 31, 2020
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Another pretty legendary moment in MMA:
Robbie Lawler ate a million leg kicks and then decapitated Melvin Manhoef 10 years ago today.#Strikeforce #UFC
— Jon Realejo (@BloodyCanvasMMA) January 30, 2020
As one would expect, I appreciate a well-executed back take and strangle.
Shooto BW champ Shoko Sato submits Won Il Kwon via RNC in the first frame #FireAndFury pic.twitter.com/r3h8No0mPU
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 31, 2020
I think this guy might be dead, that’s a pretty scary knockout.
Random Land
Is this my first random post about flowers? I think it might be.
Midnight Music: I will die firmly holding the opinion that the 2003 Beatles’ release Let It Be… Naked is vastly superior to the original mix and tracklist.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.