Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Kayla Harrison’s star is brighter than ever.
The two-time Olympic Judo gold medalist built up her mixed martial arts (MMA) resume largely in the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL) cage. She made her debut for PFL and became a champion there, building an impressive 16-1 professional record in her five years on the roster. Earlier this year, however, Harrison finally jumped ship for the UFC’s Octagon, a move many fight fans have been eagerly anticipating for years.
The big obstacle was presumed to be weight class, as Harrison had never fought at 135-pounds prior to her UFC debut. Fortunately, the Olympian came prepared, making weight and then dominating former champion Holly Holm en route to a second-round submission victory (watch highlights). At 33 years of age, Harrison is a much-needed injection of talent into the women’s Bantamweight title picture, and most everyone is happy she’s on the UFC roster.
Well, not quite everyone.
Though PFL found Donn Davis had a hand in allowing Harrison to transition to the UFC, he doesn’t appear all that impressed by her decision. In an interview with veteran referee John McCarthy, Davis used a basketball analogy to diss Harrison as “a follower who needs validation.”
“It’s interesting,” Davis said on the Weighing In podcast. “Some people at the very top of their career are LeBron James, and some at the very top of their career are Kevin Durant. And they’re both otherworldly basketball players, but who they are is very different people. One wants to lead and change their sport, and wherever they are is the best in the world. The other is a follower who needs validation, and we couldn’t do anything about that.”
That’s a pretty bold description of the first female Judo gold medalist in American history.
Fortunately, both parties are free to go their separate ways now. Harrison can pursue her UFC title dreams, and she’ll likely find herself in an undisputed title fight sooner than later. Davis, meanwhile, can continue to push the envelop and hold events all around the world … if he can pay his athletes.
Insomnia
Oh look! It’s a relevant couple posts from PFL fighters Larissa Pacheco and Cris Cyborg!
6 months since becoming PFL’s first 2 Division Champion and radio silence from the promotion.
Where is my fight with @criscyborg ?
We want it..the fans want it..
Where are the PFL? @DonnDavisPFL @PeteMurrayPFL
— Larissa Pacheco (@lpacchec) May 22, 2024
I have not formally been sent any bout offer for any fights this entire year.
Athletes deserve the ability to be offered at least 2 fights a year.
It’s impossible to build momentum and grow your brand with the fans fighting any less.
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) May 22, 2024
The MMA community as a whole owes Stephen A. Smith an apology letter … unfortunate.
Cowboy Cerrone talks about his emotions during his fight with Conor McGregor…
“He gave me an Exit and I took it”
“When you’re a kid all you want is the big fight, the last place I wanted to be was in that arena that night”
Even legends struggle… #MMA #UFC pic.twitter.com/WJRT0ywVSM
— MMA Casuals (@MMA_CASUALS_) May 21, 2024
One Championship’s Stamp Fairtex is facing a long recovery after a serious meniscus injury.
Per surgeon’s statement, Stamp will need to wear a knee brace for 2 weeks in the “stretcher position” with her leg fully vertical.
Then she will need to use crutches to walk, without putting weight on her left side.
Can return to training after 2-3 months. Injury can be… pic.twitter.com/s7vCtkReCI
— Nicolas Atkin (@nicatkinONE) May 22, 2024
Dustin Poirier heard Islam Makhachev’s prediction for their title fight and offered up his own thoughts.
Joaquin Buckley ends up in a new beef every other week.
NEW: Joaquin Buckley GOES OFF on Sean Brady and Joe Pyfer after their podcast co host makes disrespectful comment about how he smells.
“So, Sean Brady and Joe Pyfer, they both train with him(Nursulton Ruziboev). But they got a podcast out though.”
“Obviously they… pic.twitter.com/VS9cCiLBiU
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) May 22, 2024
Does Mick Parkin make it 4-0 inside the Octagon in front of his home crowd?
Mick Parkin will fight Lukasz Brzeski at #UFC304 on July 27th. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 pic.twitter.com/tBgeZHtw1p
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) May 22, 2024
Khaos Williams vs. Uros Medic sounds like a recipe for VIOLENCE!
Khaos Williams and Uros Medic calling for a fight against each other via Instagram #UFCVegas92 pic.twitter.com/g8RwWQxJZm
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) May 22, 2024
This Tweet sparked some lively debate online, but Max Holloway feels like the clear choice to me.
Who’s better all time, Max Holloway or Israel Adesanya? pic.twitter.com/hLy6zv7fRf
— Knuckles (@knuckles_stan) May 22, 2024
Slips, rips, and KO clips
A crisp right hand and hard high kick are a classic combination.
Sankou Konate a gagné contre Nicolas Lomont par KO au Round 1. #100pFightpic.twitter.com/8bMUbRvCAQ
— French MMA (@FrenchMma_) May 18, 2024
Notice how Gonzalez sat to his hip on the same side of the choke while pulling guard? That’s why he didn’t end up stuck on bottom.
James Gonzalez submits Pa Lehane via 2nd round RNC #CombateGlobal pic.twitter.com/RRcwfRNmps
— Neo Vale Tudo (@NeoValeTudo) May 19, 2024
It’s not unprecedented, but competing in MMA professional at 15 is nuts.
Ignacio Bahamondes’ 15-year-old brother, Alberth Bahamondes moved to 4-0 as a pro over the weekend as he finished 29-year-old Jhon Grueso at #EmpireMMA.
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) May 20, 2024
Random Land
Buying food on Facebook marketplace seems like asking to be scammed.
Don’t buy anything from this guy. He was selling boneless wings and a drink. And this is what I got. Charged me $15 up front. I tried getting a refund and he blocked me and said “Take me to Judge Judy “. I just wanted wings pic.twitter.com/qd0K4L8pN7
— FLEA (@babyibeenajoint) May 22, 2024
Midnight Music: Reggae, 1973
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.