Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
It’s been several years now, but there was a time when Chris Weidman was atop the throne, the undefeated world champion looking like a longtime kingpin. Then, his first loss led to a second and a third, and if we fast-forward a few more bouts, Weidman had lost five bouts via knockout in six trips to the Octagon.
Weidman’s back was to the wall heading into 2020.
Fortunately, “The All-American” successfully returned to both the Middleweight division and the win column with a hard-fought victory opposite Omari Akhmedov back in August. Interestingly, that win seems to have removed Weidman’s memories of his still-recent struggles, as he’s already been calling for a title shot against Israel Adesanya.
Earlier today, Weidman took to Twitter to argue his case, explaining that his wins over shared competition were better — classic MMA math!
Heyyy I just realized I have 2 common opponents with Adesanya…Gastelum who I finished. Then Silva who I finished twice. Adesanya squeaked by decisions on both of those guys.. Adesanya is just another Silva without the black belt in Jitsu. Easy
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) October 3, 2020
Unsurprisingly, Adesanya does not believe himself to be easy money. In fact, the quarantined “Stylebender” is already well-prepared to trade insults with the former champion. He responded shortly himself, posting an old video of himself promising to “f*ck up” Weidman … though requesting he also go build his win streak first.
@chrisweidman …get some wins first please.
I already have you figured out.
I’ve sized you up a few times.
Watched you hit and miss
I know how to fuck up your single and double leg attacks
I’m 10 steps ahead like I said.
I knew I would use this clip one day to prove that I knew! pic.twitter.com/6CJw46Kd5x— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 3, 2020
They start it…I finish it.
I can troll like 5 people at a time.
But then the quality drops.
Gets some wins first Chris.
You don’t want WAR!! https://t.co/r5WkfLJaNK— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) October 3, 2020
I would score this round of trash talk 10-9 Adesanya, but relying on MMA math might actually be an automatic DQ! Regardless, Adesanya seemingly has bigger fish to fry, as he’s been targeting both Jon Jones and the Light Heavyweight title as of late.
Weidman is also unbooked, but a title shot at this time is unlikely.
Insomnia
With the news that Cody Garbrandt is out of his Flyweight title fight opposite Deiveson Figueiredo, there’s actually some drama in the division.
You’ve already refused to fight me once, choosing @alexperezMMA. LOL now, he’s ahead of you in the queue, too
–
Buddy @theassassinbaby, can we finish what we started? Let’s GO____@AliAbdelaziz00 @Rizvan_RM @seanshelby @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite @ufc @UFCEurope pic.twitter.com/Kbrj6LrO3i
— Askar Askarov (@askar_mma) October 2, 2020
Some people aren’t made for war… jk heal up champ. https://t.co/seg90p0Gwe
— Sean O’Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) October 2, 2020
Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang is drawing attention to the latest WWE contract controversy, as the promotion is now cracking down on independent Twitch streaming.
Hearing from talent that WWE is forcing performers to sign new contracts that include twitch. Streaming on twitch will become a work obligation and if talent doesn’t stream they will forego earnings, be suspended or face penalties. Doesn’t sound like independent contractors.
— Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) October 2, 2020
1) It’s wild that such a big wrestler pulled this off and 2) Jon Jones did this same back step to Ryan Bader from different position.
If Khabib says you’re very good, you are very good.
Is @stylebender the UFC’s next big superstar?@TeamKhabib believes Adesanya has already arrived ?? pic.twitter.com/cq554rvhAD
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 2, 2020
I don’t care the context, I will post every MMA Virgin vs. Chad meme I come across.
The Virgin Jones vs The Chad Sakuraba pic.twitter.com/B7g0cNVhwG
— Simon Amorim (@SimonAmorim) October 2, 2020
Michael Chandler’s first sparring session with his son is pretty adorable.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Yorgan de Castro fights this weekend, and his debut finish was ultra clean!
It’s not everyday that a punch causes a complete 360° spin!
Denise Kielholtz’s first round TKO
— Blue Corner Fighting (@blue_fighting) October 1, 2020
Carlos Condit should probably hang ‘em up, but he’s a legend either way, and I’d love to see him fight Nick Diaz again!
Random Land
Sort of random, sort of appropriate?
Midnight Music: Debate night! What’s the best Kanye album? I most often go back to Late Registration.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.