Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Two former Middleweight title challengers will look to rebound from title losses and jump right back into the mix. Per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, UFC is finalizing a slugfest between heavy-hitters Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori. The bout is targeted for October 23, 2021 and will likely headline a “Fight Night” event. At the moment, no other event details are available.
Sometimes, fights book themselves. Immediately after his loss to Israel Adesanya, Vettori began plotting his comeback, calling for a bout with Costa. “Borrachinha” initially seemed unimpressed by the match up, but it didn’t take long for the Brazilian to warm up to the idea and request a showdown vs. the Italian.
Prior to their respective losses to “Stylebender,” both Middleweights were on serious tears. Costa had won five straight bouts, four violent knockout wins prior to a legendary battle vs. Yoel Romero. Similarly, Vettori put together a five-fight win streak following his first loss to Adesanya, climbing up the ranks by dispatching highly-ranked contenders like Jack Hermansson and Kevin Holland.
Only one man can rebound and begin to climb back up the 185-pound ladder … Who ya’ got?!?
Insomnia
Ciryl Gane has an in-depth understanding of his opponent.
This makes perfect sense and yet it still sounds weird to actually hear it. Ciryl Gane (@ciryl_gane) asked his sparring partners this camp to not be technical and just bomb right hands.
Full interview: https://t.co/WWgueF82qX pic.twitter.com/7yRRxfl0JD
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) August 2, 2021
A bunch of Muay Thai lads joking about calf kicks and leg breaks makes for an entertaining listen!
Elite wrestlers are on a whole ‘nother level!
Nice footwork on this Mohammadali Geraei pickup & front roll https://t.co/FWR2SukcfO pic.twitter.com/cUDjjWnv7y
— Dan Sweeney (@DPSBreakdowns) August 2, 2021
Reminder: Patricio Freire losing for the first time in five years doesn’t mean he sucks now or was never great.
Getting a tattoo of yourself is a bold move, but it’s better than the 6ix9ine ink.
Another new tattoo for Sean O’Malley pic.twitter.com/c4a4foBqix
— Connoisseur of Combat (@ConOfCombat) August 2, 2021
Sergio Pettis takes a shot at Brandon Moreno from across promotions — would anyone want to see a rematch?
Alexander Volkanovski has been posting cooking instructionals, which I thought was pretty different content from the average champion.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Hooking the leg from bottom position often works better in jiu-jitsu than MMA.
Scary pro debut for Tommy Beal via TKO at 1:25 of Round 1
[ #FAC9 | LIVE NOW | https://t.co/4urgsVAwwS ] pic.twitter.com/2DnQimABOC
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 31, 2021
Cody Gibson didn’t excel in his UFC run, but he’s a real tough customer with legitimate finishing ability.
Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) with the first round KO. Pull counter right hand, and a beautiful short uppercut. Done in 44 seconds. #XMMA2 pic.twitter.com/UKLfpOO4Aw
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) July 31, 2021
Slam finishes are always fun, but hopefully this one didn’t cause any major injury like it appears to …
LFA has been relocated to SLAM CITY with ANOTHER finish at #LFA113 pic.twitter.com/iOTCxnTzVf
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 31, 2021
Random Land
Skill!
Midnight Music: Tennessee rapper and TDE member Isaiah Rashad recently released his third LP, The House Is Burning, so I checked that out!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.