Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
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Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let this go into history as the quickest feud in Light Heavyweight history.
In the aftermath of Jan Blachowicz’s championship-worthy knockout win over Dominick Reyes (watch it!), some remain unimpressed with the new kingpin. Notably, Jon Jones suddenly started questioning his move to Heavyweight in favor of re-taking his title, while former champ Daniel Cormier recently discussed the Polish athlete with Ariel Helwani on their podcast.
“Jones beats Blachowicz. Too slow. (Blachowicz is) too slow to beat … because the thing about Jones people don’t realize, he’s got a good chin,” Cormier said (transcription via MMAJunkie). “You can hit him. I hit him. A lot of us hit him. He can take punches, man. If Jan Blachowicz is out there, and he’s too slow, Jones would pick him apart. If I was still fighting at 205 – or if I was still fighting today – and you said, ‘DC, you can fight Jan Blachowicz,’ I’d probably fight Jan Blachowicz. No disrespect.”
Blachowicz did not appreciate the remarks from the retired “DC,” and he offered to give Cormier an inside look at his skill set.
Hey @dc_mma! If you have so much to say about me, get your fat ass off the couch and come to the Octagon.
I’ll teach you some respect. pic.twitter.com/cBVl1shLY3— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) September 29, 2020
This is precisely how fighters get sucked back into the mix, but Cormier seems quite firm and satisfied in his current position, respectfully backing far away from the potential opportunity.
No chance champ, congrats on a big win. You’re the man! You’re the king now, you shouldn’t worry bout what an old retired man is saying. Great job getting that title! https://t.co/9upejqah5P
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 29, 2020
Fortunately, Blachowicz didn’t hold a grudge for long, immediately dropping the issue and offering respect himself.
Okey, that’s nice. An Internet war is over :). #ChampsRespect
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) September 29, 2020
While Blachowicz may not have secured his next title challenger with this little exchange, he might have a future in conflict resolution!
Insomnia
Guys, stop with the jokes. This is just “crass and unnecessary,” and it’s hurting Paulo Costa’s feelings!
Chael Sonnen would never seek to instigate a fight or annoy Jon Jones. Not ever!
Izzy woujd whip JJ. If there were 5 rds, IZZY wins all 5.
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) September 29, 2020
I’d win but he’d get paid more.. https://t.co/VbN4j7CAmw
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 28, 2020
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has forced Rizin star Tofiq Musayev into the military.
Just a little explanation here.
It’s not Musayev’s fault. Its a Government rule. Remember Korean Zombie/Do Hoo Choi’s mandatory army service.
Same case but now sounds Azerbaijan are calling the reservists to fight in the Armenian’s conflict. https://t.co/Wfxg3ILRdo https://t.co/ruTZxmTxm4
— Bruno Massami (????? ???????) (@BrMassami) September 29, 2020
Cool animation meets good technical analysis!
How @ALIAQUINTA stuffed a takedown against the fence from Khabib. A short breakdown.
Again i animated this but @EdwardGalloMMA helped me understand what happend in this situation better and you should read his articles on @FightSitedotcom pic.twitter.com/fKVKOfewOi
— Polite Vulture (@PoliteVulture) September 29, 2020
Darren Till helpfully providing tonight’s portions of “weird and wild!”
Dustin Poirier is rightfully still a bit salty about his negotiation issues.
I’d win but he’d get paid more.. https://t.co/VbN4j7CAmw
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 28, 2020
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Awesome use of uppercuts along the ropes:
#OnThisDay in 2007, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik captured the middleweight title with a 7th round TKO of Jermain Taylor in Atlantic City
Did you know Pavlik and Taylor had fought before in the amatuers?
Article by @PatrickMConnor – https://t.co/hCGpZdKq4T pic.twitter.com/NGUXOVcdaW
— Boxing History (@BoxingHistory) September 29, 2020
Another great use of the uppercut, this time on the counter after taking a clean shot!
Taunting is high risk, high reward.
Random Land
Mark your calendars!
Nic Cage’s “Jiu Jitsu,” about a team of martial artists vs. aliens, gets November release date. #movienews #NicolasCage #jiujitsu https://t.co/HkpLyW3tKq pic.twitter.com/RuAJcfXZVF
— Paste Magazine (@PasteMagazine) September 29, 2020
Midnight Music: This Billy Stewart tracked closed out my Discovery Weekly playlist, and it’s a BANGER!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.