Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
It seems that no matter how UFC President Dana White attempts to keep the worlds of boxing and cage fighting separate, the line cannot help but blur. The money is simply so huge in the ring that mixed martial artists are plenty willing to make the momentary transition for a big payoff, regardless of whether that’s opposite boxing champions or YouTube creators.
When it comes to Conor McGregor, the stakes are elevated further. The Irishman is a money fight regardless of which sport he competes, which is why White wants McGregor to remain inside the Octagon, where he’s in the hunt for the Lightweight title. However, McGregor has recently been chasing a big money fight with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, and “PacMan” just confirmed his interest.
“They’re my options, but right now I want to experience fighting an MMA [mixed martial artist],” Pacquiao told Business Mirror, referring to McGregor. “I will also donate a big portion of my income to Filipino Covid-19 victims.”
At 42 years of age, Pacquiao remains a force in the ring as the current WBA Welterweight champion, and he rides a three-fight win streak. One has to assume that Pacquiao’s remaining time in the ring is limited, however, but it seems he’s carving out a slot in his schedule for McGregor.
Does it happen?
Insomnia
RIP Strikeforce.
Strikeforce held its final event 8 years ago today.
The promotion featured some of the best fighters in MMA history:
Daniel Cormier
Ronda Rousey
Luke Rockhold
Nick Diaz
Jorge Masvidal
Gilbert Melendez
Dan Henderson
Alistair Overeem
Yoel Romero
Cris Cyborg
Fabricio Werdum
Fedor— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) January 12, 2021
Georgia at 13-1 is clearly the standout on that list, that’s insanely impressive! Also, poor Canadians have been struggling since Georges St. Pierre retired.
One Championship with a rather muscular new fight announcement:
Per source, Hong Kong’s Alain Ngalani will fight Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane at ONE Championship: Unbreakable II at heavyweight in Singapore, which will be broadcast on January 29. pic.twitter.com/8vXYfmmItJ
— Nick Atkin (@NicoSCMP) January 12, 2021
I’ve never seen this image before, but it’s pretty much perfect.
had to bring this iconic photo back to the TL pic.twitter.com/wAsWi6qLIw
— Brock’s Load (@_MMAMindset) January 11, 2021
This young lady has HANDS!
I’m going to need someone to explain this training method to me, because I’m not quite sure I get the point.
If you don’t know, now you know, UFC Fight Island 7 edition:
If you don’t know, now you know.@BlessedMMA vs @CalvinKattar is LIVE and FREE on @ABCNetwork and @espn+ Saturday at 3pm ET #UFCFightIsland7 #InAbuDhabi @visitabudhabi pic.twitter.com/Ty0kmwuHsz
— danawhite (@danawhite) January 12, 2021
Slips, rips, and KO clips
I challenge readers to name me a funnier UFC knockout than this one.
Knockout of the day UFC Fight Night
Frank Mir vs Todd Duffeepic.twitter.com/7ICVVxo5Rg— Blue Corner Fighting (@blue_fighting) January 12, 2021
One hitter quitter on the ice:
Here’s an entire barrage of brilliant Saenchai clips!
Random Land
Battle of the red pandas!
Midnight Music: An awesome Rick James track from his 1979 album Bustin’ Out of L Seven!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.