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Welcome to Midnight Mania!
It’s been 10 days since UFC 247, and the judging drama continues. In addition to the massive controversy surrounding the main event — in which Judge Joe Soliz awarded Jon Jones four of five rounds — there were four split-decisions spread across the card. Notably, one of the judges was accused of not watching the Lauren Murphy vs. Andrea Lee bout.
Initially, Trevin Giles’ victory over James Krause (though a split decision) was not among the controversial results. It was simply a close fight, one that could have been argued for either man. However, Krause learned today that Soliz, who scored the bout against Krause, shares a jiu-jitsu lineage with Giles.
Krause’s view on his own fight is very mature and fair. He correctly points out that it was a close fight, the type every fighter feels they won, without making that the issue. Instead, he identifies the real problem: there’s no way Krause didn’t win the opening round. He absolutely dominated, taking the back and nearly finishing the fight.
Krause has a right to be upset and has a real argument to file for an appeal. If there’s a silver lining to the whole issue, it’s that Krause’s stock and paycheck rose even with the loss.
Insomnia
Bas Rutten is a marketing genius.
This adds up, as Elias Theodorou fights are only watchable if extremely high. Jokes aside, this is a positive step for the sport!
Per a press release, @EliasTheodorou has become the first professional athlete to ever receive a TUE (therapeutic use exemption) for medical cannabis after applying for one through the British Columbia Athletic Commissions.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 18, 2020
Last night’s Midnight Mania comment section was a disaster, and I blame y’all!
every time Henry Cejudo opens his mouth: pic.twitter.com/fLM08yLQXh
— MacMally (@MacMallyMMA) February 18, 2020
More Bantamweight drama, but this bit more reasonable: Cory Sandhagen is just as good as any other contender and is plenty deserving of a title eliminator.
I’m not going to link it all because it’s an obnoxious amount of posts, but Diego Sanchez is currently spamming Instagram with defenses of his coach and decision-making. Meanwhile, here’s Michel Pereira’s response to all the drama.
Using heavy hands to secure the body lock:
An example of even more brutal hand-fighting (which is to say, the meanest club I’ve seen in a while):
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Breaking down why the kicker did not get Corey Anderson’d: for one, he targeted the head/upper body rather than leg, which is harder to counter with a punch. Furthermore, he led the kick with the knee properly as well, which allows the leg to act as a shield against forward movement.
Magnum Kiatchatchanan can generate legit force with his kicks :O
1R TKO (MuayThai Hardcore) pic.twitter.com/1NZgdyxXOS— Jolassanda (@Jolassanda1) February 15, 2020
Kick low, kick high.
Meanwhile in Thailand pic.twitter.com/SgXLNCmbQJ
— Cerebral Vigilante (@Delisketo) February 15, 2020
Absolute top-notch referee work (and a killer knockout):
good morning
mortal hellbow by So Sovarathana
muay Thai referees are the best
(MuaythayHardcore) pic.twitter.com/MCU4iplQ3u— Jolassanda (@Jolassanda1) February 15, 2020
Random Land
Not for those with sensitive stomachs!
Watch this camera fall from an airplane… pic.twitter.com/7QyEUNeziw
— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) February 17, 2020
Midnight Music: Doo-wop ain’t dead!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.