Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Khabib Nurmagomedov has moved on from his life of active competition. Now that his reign as champion has officially come to an end, “The Eagle” is focused on coaching, building up the next generation of champions. Many of the fighters Nurmagomedov works with are from his home country of Dagestan, which produces an absurd number of elite MMA fighters given its small population.
Today, Nurmagomedov posted a picture with one such fighter, Zabit Magomedsharipov, and named him the best 145-pound fighter in the world.
With best Featherweight in the World @zabeast_mma pic.twitter.com/Kh4Ym72JoZ
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 5, 2021
Alexander Volkanovski is grumbling somewhere, and Patricio Freire is probably irritated too.
Currently ranked as the third best Featherweight contender, Magomedsharipov is riding a 14-fight win streak, six of which took place inside the Octagon. He last competed in November 2019, taking home a main event victory opposite Calvin Kattar. Since then, Magomedsharipov has been gunning for a match up with Yair Rodriguez, but repeated cancellations and pullouts have “Zabeast” looking for a new huckleberry.
Perhaps Max Holloway is available?
Insomnia
Amanda Ribas vs. Angela Hill is a very solid women’s Strawweight match up. I like Ribas to mix it up and score enough takedowns to sway the judges, but it should be competitive!
Amanda Ribas vs. Angela Hill is being targeted for May 8 in the UFC. Contracts are yet to be issued but both sides have verbally agreed, multiple sources told @DamonMartin and I. Story coming to @MMAFighting.
— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) April 5, 2021
More importantly, Hill’s Easter eggs were FIRE again!
It’s Easter so of course Adam and I had to bring you another iconic mma moment in egg form (thanks for the idea @BlackEagleMMA) I did @dc_mma and Adam did @joerogan & @Jon_Anik. What should we do next year? #UFC248 #MMA #UFC #EasterEggs #TheOnlyEastereggsHardEnoughForTheUFC pic.twitter.com/5jdvRUgt8l
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) April 5, 2021
I wouldn’t expect Francis Ngannou to enter any fight as underdog ever again.
Future Events:
Derrick Lewis (+275)
Francis Ngannou (-350)https://t.co/VO30HT1Mz6 @thebeast_ufc @francis_ngannou— BestFightOdds (@BestFightOdds) April 5, 2021
This picture is awesome, and if I remember correctly, Kevin Lee has done ballet to help improve his footwork/timing/rhythm as well.
Not sure if you’ve ever seen Marvelous Marvin Hagler (and Tony Petronelli) practicing ballet in 1973, but now you have. pic.twitter.com/o8XboiuJ5u
— Patrick Connor (@PatrickMConnor) April 2, 2021
This reminds me of Rashad Evans vs. Lil Nog.
I’m confused.
This has been going on for 30 minutes straight. pic.twitter.com/I8EVaJJPTD
— Yodsanan (@_Yodsanan) April 4, 2021
Can Kevin Holland makes this a rangy kickboxing battle or will Marvin Vettori find his way inside?
Slips, rips, and KO clips
If you missed this weekend’s insane wheel kick finish, here’s a second chance:
HIGHLIGHT REEL FINISH!!!!#CFFC95 pic.twitter.com/JtlawngMhS
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) April 3, 2021
This is a great sequence from start to finish! High kick, liver shot, left hook to the chin!
Can’t wait to be under the big lights again @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby im ready when you are pic.twitter.com/Kzx9tGEIno
— horacio gutierrez (@horaciocft) April 5, 2021
A highlight from one of the many legendary wars in Eddie Alvarez’s career:
Eddie Alvarez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri – DREAM 5 pic.twitter.com/jGJfjI7WZj
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) April 5, 2021
Random Land
Here’s an important reminder that while being big and strong do not hurt one’s chances in a street fight, such attributes offer no protection from getting punched in the face.
BREAKING: ex #Raiders offensive tackle Bruce Campbell involved in altercation.
Was taken to hospital with a broken jaw.
Wow. #RaiderNation
— Raider Albert (@TheFakeAlbert) April 4, 2021
Midnight Music: Mom’s pick #3, inspired by watching practices at TAM!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.