Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Goodbye Modelo, welcome back Anheuser-Busch.
Earlier on Tuesday, ESPN reported that Anheuser-Busch and UFC had entered another partnership, once again making Bud Light the official beer of the UFC’s Octagon. Bud Light can be expected to be promoted heavily on the Octagon canvas, during broadcasts, and through various social media. According to the ESPN report, it’s the largest sponsorship deal in UFC history.
The multi-year contract begins January 1, 2024. Coincidentally, that’s also the date when USADA leaves the scene and is replaced by Drug Free Sport International (DFSI).
“Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light were UFC’s original beer sponsors more than fifteen years ago,” UFC CEO Dana White said in a statement. “I’m proud to announce we are back in business together. There are many reasons why I chose to go with Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light, most importantly because I feel we are very aligned when it comes to our core values and what the UFC brand stands for. I’m looking forward to all of the incredible things we will do in the years ahead.”
There’s not yet been an official number released, but some sources estimate the deal to be around $100 million. As for what percentage of that money goes to the athletes, well, that’s anyone’s guess.
In the interim: anyone going to crack a cold one to celebrate?
Insomnia
Making do!
The fact that the official ESPN MMA account tweeted this makes me think that maybe Khamzat Chimaev will have to fight again before scoring a Middleweight title shot.
Khamzat Chimaev is now ranked 9th in the middleweight division after #UFC294.
If he fights for the title next, he’d be tied for the 3rd lowest ranked challenger in UFC history pic.twitter.com/vHBv47x6mS
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 24, 2023
When you hear it …
— Borrachinha Depot (@FullContactMTWF) October 24, 2023
Mike Perry vs. Eddie Alvarez is intriguing and fun matchmaking that might actually force me to tune into BKFC.
Jonathan Haggerty making the mitts pop:
I like how even after she “escaped,” the armed gunman just kept his weapon limply pointed into his own chest. Incredible!
I think any coach worth their salt would be advising Islam Makhachev to rip the left kick against a shorter opponent — it’s his best weapon, and a historic issue for Volkanovski — but Demetrious Johnson’s breakdown is still worth watching!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Good, accurate Southpaw punching:
Gabriela Fundora becomes the new IBF flyweight champion with a fifth round stoppage over former multiple time titleholder Arely Mucino, improving her record to 12-0 (5 KOs). pic.twitter.com/hSP3b0obqx
— (@DiariosJournals) October 22, 2023
Beautiful elbow to interrupt the advancing fighter.
Fighting in a pit thing creates some interesting opportunities.
Random Land
I do believe this covers both the randomness and musical element of the evening.
I’ll take “Things You Can’t Get Away With Today” for $200, Alex…
BUTTHOLE SURFERS frontman GIBBY HAYNES fires a shotgun over the Lollapalooza crowd, 1991 pic.twitter.com/M5MwI3qg9U
— The Live Version (@EvilPilotFish) October 23, 2023
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.