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Midnight Mania: PVZ Signs With GFL!

Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images

Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight! Welcome to Midnight Mania!
It’s been the better part of five years since Paige VanZant last competed i…


BKFC presents KnuckleMania
Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images

Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

It’s been the better part of five years since Paige VanZant last competed in MMA.

That’s not to say “12 Gauge” has been sitting on the sidelines. She’s appeared on AEW as a professional wrestler, in the squared circle as a bare knuckle boxer, in the regular ring as a celebrity boxer, and even in whatever the f—k Power Slap calls their janky little podium setup! Truly, VanZant has made the combat sports rounds, but she’s returning back to home base after all these years. Speaking recently on her podcast, VanZant has revealed that she’s signed with upstart promotion Global Fight League.

“They are picking up anybody and everybody who has a name in this sport who is a free agent,” VanZant explained (via MMA Junkie). “… So, they offered me a contract, and I said yes. Going back to MMA. I think this is the perfect opportunity because I didn’t necessarily leave MMA.

“I definitely didn’t leave MMA because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore, but leaving when I became a free agent outside of the UFC, the biggest offer that came in was bareknuckle boxing. They were the ones, they presented the best offer to me and it was exciting, it was new. It definitely sparked my interest.”

She continued, “I think obviously there’s value and of course I want to fight for a title one day, I want to work up to a championship. But I also feel like I have this realistic mindset to the point where if you’re doing a job, and you’re not getting paid your value for it, then it’s a hobby. I just feel like if I’m going to do the same job, if I’m going to be doing the same violence, the same dedication, same drive, I’m going to go where I’m going to be making the most money.”

At the moment, it’s unclear if the GFL signing ends VanZant’s undefeated Power Slap career. Regardless, the 30-year-old athlete last competed in MMA way back in July 2020, losing a decision to Amanda Ribas. She’ll bring an 8-5 professional record into her GFL debut, and maybe the signing will help dissuade those who believe GFL to entirely be a home for geriatric fighters?

Insomnia

Be like Shavkat.

I don’t know the back story, but I’m gathering quite a few people have a problem with Thembo Gorimbo.

This list is absolutely fascinating. Boxers were truly built different back in the day!

Raoni Barcelos probably gets beat up by Payton Talbott, but he’s still a very cool fighter.

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Slips, rips, and KO clips

Using K-Guard to off-balance and set up the triangle is BEAUTIFUL jiu-jitsu in MMA!

A bunch of killer 2024 KOs most of us haven’t seen:

Adlan Amagov remains one of the great MMA “What if’s.”

Random Land

Who popped a bottle to ring in the New Year?

Midnight Music: 1998, Indie pop

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

Jon Jones’ Memorable 2024 Highlights: Battling Before Donald Trump

Jon Jones' 2024 Highlights: Battling Before Donald TrumpFor Jon Jones, fighting in front of President-elect Donald Trump was bigger than besting the best heavyweight in mixed…

Jon Jones' 2024 Highlights: Battling Before Donald Trump

For Jon Jones, fighting in front of President-elect Donald Trump was bigger than besting the best heavyweight in mixed martial arts history.

Though he only fought once in 2024, it was another big year for the consensus GOAT punctuated by his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 inside the world’s most famous arena — Madison Square Garden. On that night, Trump finished the former two-time titleholder via a third-round TKO.

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But what made it all the more special for ‘Bones’ was the presence of Trump who sat cageside just days after locking up his re-election.

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Immediately following the win, ‘Bones’ hopped the cage wall and handed his UFC title to Trump, much to the chagrin of some fight fans and the delight of others.

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Looking back on the year, Jones expressed gratitude for another ride around the sun and those who stood by his side along the way.

“Man, 2024… what a year,” Jones wrote on X. “I’ve gotta say, this one’s been special. It’s been full of challenges, blessings, and opportunities, and I’m just beyond grateful for the ride. None of it would’ve been possible without the people who’ve been rockin’ with me through it all—my family, my team, my coaches, and, of course, all of y’all who support me every step of the way.

“This year, I leveled up in ways I never thought possible — on the mat, in the Octagon, on the screen, and most importantly, as a man and a father. That doesn’t happen without a strong foundation, and y’all have been that for me. So, from the bottom of my heart — thank you. The love and energy you give me push me to keep going and striving for greatness. And trust me when I say this — this is just the beginning. Let’s keep building. God bless!”

Jon Jones shares his biggest accomplishments of the year

‘Bones’ followed that up with a list sharing the things he was most thankful for in 2024, the first being his opportunity to fight — and win — in front of our 47th President of the United States.

“It feels amazing to look back at the last year and make a list of achievements like that,” Jones concluded. “I’m sure if I spent more time on it, I’d realize just how many things I left out. Now, I’m excited to start writing down some New Year’s resolutions and even more excited to see the list of things I accomplish after 2025.”

Jones also spent a large chunk of his year traveling to countries like Mexico, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand where he shared his expertise in MMA.

Personally, that sounds a lot cooler than fighting in front of a 34-time convicted felon, but to each their own.

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Jon Jones’ Memorable 2024 Highlights: Battling Before Donald Trump

Jon Jones' 2024 Highlights: Battling Before Donald TrumpFor Jon Jones, fighting in front of President-elect Donald Trump was bigger than besting the best heavyweight in mixed…

Jon Jones' 2024 Highlights: Battling Before Donald Trump

For Jon Jones, fighting in front of President-elect Donald Trump was bigger than besting the best heavyweight in mixed martial arts history.

Though he only fought once in 2024, it was another big year for the consensus GOAT punctuated by his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 inside the world’s most famous arena — Madison Square Garden. On that night, Trump finished the former two-time titleholder via a third-round TKO.

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But what made it all the more special for ‘Bones’ was the presence of Trump who sat cageside just days after locking up his re-election.

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Immediately following the win, ‘Bones’ hopped the cage wall and handed his UFC title to Trump, much to the chagrin of some fight fans and the delight of others.

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Looking back on the year, Jones expressed gratitude for another ride around the sun and those who stood by his side along the way.

“Man, 2024… what a year,” Jones wrote on X. “I’ve gotta say, this one’s been special. It’s been full of challenges, blessings, and opportunities, and I’m just beyond grateful for the ride. None of it would’ve been possible without the people who’ve been rockin’ with me through it all—my family, my team, my coaches, and, of course, all of y’all who support me every step of the way.

“This year, I leveled up in ways I never thought possible — on the mat, in the Octagon, on the screen, and most importantly, as a man and a father. That doesn’t happen without a strong foundation, and y’all have been that for me. So, from the bottom of my heart — thank you. The love and energy you give me push me to keep going and striving for greatness. And trust me when I say this — this is just the beginning. Let’s keep building. God bless!”

Jon Jones shares his biggest accomplishments of the year

‘Bones’ followed that up with a list sharing the things he was most thankful for in 2024, the first being his opportunity to fight — and win — in front of our 47th President of the United States.

“It feels amazing to look back at the last year and make a list of achievements like that,” Jones concluded. “I’m sure if I spent more time on it, I’d realize just how many things I left out. Now, I’m excited to start writing down some New Year’s resolutions and even more excited to see the list of things I accomplish after 2025.”

Jones also spent a large chunk of his year traveling to countries like Mexico, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand where he shared his expertise in MMA.

Personally, that sounds a lot cooler than fighting in front of a 34-time convicted felon, but to each their own.

jon

Controversial Boxer Ryan Garcia Headed For Surgery After Bowing Out of RIZIN 49 Fight

Controversial Boxer Ryan Garcia Headed For Surgery After Bowing Out of RIZIN 49 FightRyan Garcia is set to undergo surgery. The outspoke bad boy of boxing was originally scheduled to return to…

Controversial Boxer Ryan Garcia Headed For Surgery After Bowing Out of RIZIN 49 Fight

Ryan Garcia is set to undergo surgery.

The outspoke bad boy of boxing was originally scheduled to return to the ring at RIZIN’s massive New Year’s Eve event inside the Saitama Super Arena on Tuesday. Unfortunately, his bout with Japanese kickboxing star Rukiya Anpo never came to fruition after ‘King Ryan’ suffered a wrist injury while training.

While he didn’t compete on the massive 18-fight card, Garcia had the opportunity to address the live crowd.

Super RIZIN 3 Ryan Garcia

“I’m coming on here to say I’m sorry, sorry that I had to postpone this fight,” Garcia said. “I suffered a hand injury in training camp to my right wrist right here, where after talking to doctors, I’m going to need surgery. And I had to take some time off the heal. I wanna thank Fanmio and Rizin for the opportunity.

“I’m still excited to fight in Japan soon. And this will all resume right after I heal up in 2025. So make no mistake, I am coming back to finish what we started with Anpo and he will eat his words, I guarantee it. Just need to take some time off but when I come back there will be a bang in Japan.”

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It’s been a rough 2024 for Ryan garcia

The last time Garcia graced the squared circle, he put on the best performance of his career against Devin Haney.

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Unfortunately, the majority decision in favor of Garcia was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine. ‘Flash’ was fined $1.1 million and slapped with a one-year suspension

Of course, the suspension was probably the least of Garcia’s concerns as his antics both before and after the Haney fight resulted in him being expelled from competing under the World Boxing Council banner by WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán.

Overall, Garcia is 24-1 in his pro boxing career — his lone loss coming against Gervonta Davis in April 2023.

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Controversial Boxer Ryan Garcia Headed For Surgery After Bowing Out of RIZIN 49 Fight

Controversial Boxer Ryan Garcia Headed For Surgery After Bowing Out of RIZIN 49 FightRyan Garcia is set to undergo surgery. The outspoke bad boy of boxing was originally scheduled to return to…

Controversial Boxer Ryan Garcia Headed For Surgery After Bowing Out of RIZIN 49 Fight

Ryan Garcia is set to undergo surgery.

The outspoke bad boy of boxing was originally scheduled to return to the ring at RIZIN’s massive New Year’s Eve event inside the Saitama Super Arena on Tuesday. Unfortunately, his bout with Japanese kickboxing star Rukiya Anpo never came to fruition after ‘King Ryan’ suffered a wrist injury while training.

While he didn’t compete on the massive 18-fight card, Garcia had the opportunity to address the live crowd.

Super RIZIN 3 Ryan Garcia

“I’m coming on here to say I’m sorry, sorry that I had to postpone this fight,” Garcia said. “I suffered a hand injury in training camp to my right wrist right here, where after talking to doctors, I’m going to need surgery. And I had to take some time off the heal. I wanna thank Fanmio and Rizin for the opportunity.

“I’m still excited to fight in Japan soon. And this will all resume right after I heal up in 2025. So make no mistake, I am coming back to finish what we started with Anpo and he will eat his words, I guarantee it. Just need to take some time off but when I come back there will be a bang in Japan.”

GLswgGzWMAAZaYN

It’s been a rough 2024 for Ryan garcia

The last time Garcia graced the squared circle, he put on the best performance of his career against Devin Haney.

5084

Unfortunately, the majority decision in favor of Garcia was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine. ‘Flash’ was fined $1.1 million and slapped with a one-year suspension

Of course, the suspension was probably the least of Garcia’s concerns as his antics both before and after the Haney fight resulted in him being expelled from competing under the World Boxing Council banner by WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán.

Overall, Garcia is 24-1 in his pro boxing career — his lone loss coming against Gervonta Davis in April 2023.

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“Go Get Married and Have Kids” – MMA Content Creator Slams Nina-Marie Daniele Over Swimsuit Video

"Go Get Married and Have Kids" - MMA Content Creator Slams Nina-Marie Daniele Over Latest Swimsuit VideoWhether you love her or hate her, Nina-Marie Daniele always knows how to get a reaction. In recent years,…

"Go Get Married and Have Kids" - MMA Content Creator Slams Nina-Marie Daniele Over Latest Swimsuit Video

Whether you love her or hate her, Nina-Marie Daniele always knows how to get a reaction.

In recent years, the former model has made a name for herself in the world of mixed martial arts with her unorthodox interviews and an unlikely friendship with outspoken ex-champion Sean Strickland. The former model has also become increasingly popular courtesy of her scantily-clad content on social media which often sees her sporting bikinis and showing off assets.

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Obviously, there are plenty of fans online who appreciate Daniele’s non-MMA-related content, but it’s also opened her up to criticism from fighters, fans, and those who feel she is making of mockery of the opportunity she’s been given.

Recently, Daniele stirred the pot once again while showing off a two-piece article of swimwear that left little to the imaginations.

“My new year resolution is to make MMA Twitter mad with all my bikini content,” she wrote on X alongside a video clip of her modeling the new fit.

Nina Drama’s Scantily Clad clip draws the ire of another content creator

That prompted a strong response from X user MMA Chick, a fan of the sport who has generated a strong fan following in recent years.

“My body dunks on hers and I’m not out here prostituting on social media,” she wrote. “Sad Stuff. Go get married and have kids ffs.”

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It’s far from the first time Daniele’s content has drawn the ire of MMA Chick.

“Genuinely what is Nina going to do when she’s too old to be posting her boobs for interactions? If that’s what even 60% of her fans enjoy about her she’s screwed in 1-2 years,” she added.

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“I used to find her funny and her interviews refreshing but now I can’t stand her after she fully c committed to the sex appeal to borderline minors route.”

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“Nina Drama just BLOCKED me on Instagram for calling her ufc post tacky and saying don’t include her forcefully bouncing tits when editing Umar’s face and voice into a reel,” she wrote on December 12. “Is it that hard to be respectful to fighters? What are we doing?”

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MMA Chick often uses her platform to share her love of Dagestani fighters like lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and his protege, reigning 155-pound titleholder Islam Makhachev.

She is also an outspoken conservative who often shares political content and right-wing conspiracy theories.

It’s not the first time Nina-marie Daniele has feuded with someone on social media

Daniele briefly feuded with another MMA content creator last year, The MMA Guru. In October, the Guru made a distasteful comment about the physical appearance of legit combat sports journalist Amy Kaplan ahead of UFC 307.

That prompted Daniele to deliver a fiery post directed at the “clout-chasing vermin” who has carved out a career for himself by spewing hate and delivering head-turning hot takes for cheap clicks.

Of course, The MMA Guru has a respectable following with over 75,000 followers on X and nearly 270k subscribers on YouTube. It’s unlikely that Daniele will bother snapping back at someone with little more than 6,000 followers and very little skin in the game — pun not intended.