Midnight Mania: Tyson Won’t Retire After Horrific Paul Fight

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson was a massive success by most metrics. It sold out a massive stadium in Texas, and so many people were watching that it shut down the Netflix stream! Paul claimed afterward that 120 million people were watching — a figure we’ll never know the truth about since Netflix’s numbers are so secretive — but based on all information available, the show was incredibly popular.

The only problem was that the main event wasn’t very fun to watch.

If I’m being generous, the first three rounds were decent. Tyson came out swinging, forcing some genuine evasive movement from his young foe. Before long, however, there was no spring left in his step. Paul tuned him up for a bit, and in the third, “The Problem Child” seemed to be closing in on a stoppage win. Instead, it is both my personal and professional view that he very clearly took his foot off the gas and carried Tyson to the finish line, opting to hang back and jab rather than batter the 58 year old.

I’m not a Paul fan, but … good for him. I’ll applaud taking the moral high road rather than caving to the ego and pursuing the highlight reel. We didn’t need to see an old man brutalized, even if fans started to boo a bit towards the end — they got to see Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor 2, so their dollars weren’t wasted.

Sadly, the consequence of Paul’s decision is that Tyson may fight again. In the immediate aftermath of the fight, Tyson refused to commit to retirement in his interview with Ariel Helwani.

“I don’t know,” Tyson responded when asked if he was done competing. “It depends on the situation. I don’t think so. I don’t know, maybe his brother [is next].”

A shocked Logan Paul responded, “Motherf—ker, I’ll kill you!”

Tyson replied, “It’s on.”

Will Tyson vs. Logan Paul happen? Probably not. Based on the massive numbers involved with this match, however, there’s every chance some other promoter tries to turn Mike Tyson’s name into one last payout for everyone involved.

Insomnia

THIS is the quote Jon Jones was upset about? He’s not even mentioned!

Combat Sports aren’t real. I can’t believe this all happened ON NETFLIX …

Less than a day ago, Joaquin Buckley was adamant that he’s still fighting Ian Garry despite Dana White’s announcement otherwise …

Do we think Jon Jones on a mediocre night (i.e. versus Smith/Reyes/Saint Preux) would lose to Stefan Struve on his best night?

Who could say no to such a banger?

Petr Yan has officially signed a three year, six-fight extension with UFC.

A quick breakdown of Khamzat’s wrestling prowess:

Slips, rips, and KO clips

I hope bare knuckle MMA gains some popularity, the glove-less nature could really open up grappling exchanges and strangles.

A Southpaw check hook sends the opponent stumbling:

Planted his feet and found the one-hitter quitter!

Random Land

The good old days!

Midnight Music: Indie, 2009

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.