Midnight Mania! Garbrandt Vs. Figueiredo?

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Prior to his impressive knockout win over Raphael Assuncao at UFC 250, former Bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt was in a difficult position, having lost his previous three bouts. In fact, Garbrandt even expressed interest in dropping down to Flyweight as a potential remedy.

Of course, a “Knockout of the Year” contender against Assuncao shot Garbrandt back into the top five, and Flyweight talks were forgotten. However, now that there’s a new kingpin at 125 lbs. following Deiveson Figueiredo’s violent ascent to the throne (WATCH IT!), Garbrandt once again appears interested in a potential move down.

Garbrandt shared the following post to his Instagram story, which was then reposted by several Team Alpha Male coaches. In it, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto speculates on the potential match up of Garbrandt vs. Figueiredo.

There are definitely reasons to believe this fight could happen. First and foremost, Garbrandt is one of the biggest names in the small weight classes. A title match with Figueiredo draws more eyes than any other potential foe for the Brazilian, and UFC is generally quick to go with whatever match up gathers the most attention.

In addition, there really isn’t one standout contender at Flyweight yet. Brandon Moreno has the best argument, but he’s only won a pair of bouts since rejoining the UFC roster. “Baby Assassin” could use another victory, as could the other top choices in Askar Askarov and Alex Perez.

There’s an opening, and there’s money to be made on a likely action-packed fight. Don’t be shocked if it happens!

Insomnia

Never too late … IF one is already an athlete in great shape with a Greco-Roman wrestling national title.

Aljamain Sterling is continually making his case for the next Bantamweight title shot online — “Funkmaster” deserves it.

Sean O’Malley is dating a hairdresser, so we can expect new looks every so often for some time to come!

Slow-mo head kicks are cool, Paulo Costa is jacked, and Yoel Romero’s chin is absurd.

I genuinely cannot believe that 3,000 people got together to watch men in their 50s fight during a pandemic. Iowa is different!

How many of y’all is this?

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Tying up both arms on a leg does leave the face unprotected and carry major risks. Knowing when to abandon the shot is key!

HOCKEY FIGHT!

This short clip shows some slick work from Natividad, who first went to the body with his right hand to set up that shovel punch/right hook.

Random Land

A reminder that the hair pull is undefeated in real fighting.

Midnight Music: I quite liked this spacey, RnB-y track from Oakland indie band Shannon and the Clams, which popped up on my new Discover Weekly playlist.

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