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Although His Career Was Thought To Be Over In 2018, Chris Curtis Is Finally Making His Long-Awaited UFC Debut This Weekend On One Of The Biggest Stages In Sport

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

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Podcast kingpin and comedian Joe Rogan has served as one of the primary color commentators for UFC for close to two decades now. However, Rogan is a busy man, splitting his time between Spotify controversies, hunting trips, and lots of COVID-19 drama. Ever since WME purchased the UFC, his presence on the mic has been felt less and less.

Fortunately for Rogan fans, he’s set to return to his color commentary role this weekend at UFC 268 per a report from MMA Junkie. Rogan hasn’t been cage side since UFC 264 back in July, the site of his now-infamous canvas interview with Conor McGregor. This time around, Rogan will be supported by the color commentary of Daniel Cormier and play-by-play from Jon Anik.

The details on the rest of the production were revealed as well. After a battle with COVID-19 saw him sidelined from last weekend’s pay-per-view (PPV) event, Bruce Buffer will also make his return as the voice of the Octagon. In addition, Megan Olivi will be on deck for pre- and post-fight interviews as the roving reporter. Finally, former title challengers Chael Sonnen and Anthony Smith will serve as desk analysts alongside host Michael Eaves.

UFC 268 will go down this Saturday (Nov. 6, 2021) from inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The event will be headlined by a Welterweight title rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, while the co-main event features a Strawweight title rematch between Rose Namajunas and Weili Zhang.

Insomnia

Outside of Dana White and Khamzat Chimaev himself, I refuse to believe anyone actually wants to see Nate Diaz vs. “Borz.”

Shamil Abdurakhimov seems to have found his position as the ranked Heavyweight to test hot up-and-comers.

Just another super weird McGregor tweet.

Recent Ultimate Fighter (TUF) champ Ricky Turcios is a ninja!

Here’s an interesting look at the future stars of fighting, at least fame-wise.

Does anyone else feel like Jimmie Rivera is too good at MMA to move to bare knuckle? It’s still a shame that he was released.

Kamaru Usman’s knockout of Jorge Masvidal has to be one of the hardest single punches in UFC history (respective to weight class/size etc). What a shot!

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Rose Namajunas has been a killer for years, and I’d rate her boxing nowadays as the best in women’s MMA.

One of the best kickboxers on the planet crossed into the cage yesterday, and he did so in style.

The Andrei Arlovski vs. Travis Browne special:

Random Land

The amount of work that goes into a clip like this horrifies me.

Midnight Music: Let It Be by The Replacements is a pretty great album.

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

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is bringing more “Prelims” fights to ESPNEWS and ESPN+ this weekend (Sat., Nov. 6, 2021) when UFC 268: “Usman vs. Covington 2” storms Madison Square Garden in New York City. MMAmania.com’s Patrick Stumberg kicks off the UFC 268 “Prelims” party with the first installment of a two-part undercard preview series below.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Octagon returns to Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., this Saturday (Nov. 6, 2021) for its second numbered event in as many weeks, bringing with it a pair of title rematches and a pivotal Lightweight grudge match.

UFC 268’s pay-per-view (PPV)-streamed main event will see Kamaru Usman look to defend his Welterweight title against long-time rival Colby Covington, while Strawweight queenpin Rose Namajunas attempts to prove her dramatic knockout win over Zhang Weili (watch it) wasn’t a fluke. Also on tap is the long-awaited clash between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler, as well as guaranteed fireworks between Shane Burgos and Billy Quarantillo.

Four of UFC 268’s nine “Prelims” undercard bouts will stream on ESPN+/Fight Pass; therefore, let’s see what that increasingly vestigial subscription will get you.

265 lbs.: Gian Villante vs. Chris Barnett

A 2-4 skid — capped off by a knockout loss to MIchal Oleksieczjuk — led long-time Light Heavyweight Gian Villante (17-13) to try his hand at Heavyweight. The move hasn’t quite panned out, as he’s fallen to Maurice Greene and Jake Collier.

He stands six inches taller than “Beast Boy” at 6’3,” though he’l have only a one-inch reach advantage.

More than a decade into his professional career, Chris Barnett (21-7) finally got an Octagon opportunity by stepping up on short notice to face Ben Rothwell in May 2021. Though he kept it competitive, he ultimately succumbed to Rothwell’s signature “Gogo Choke” midway through the second round.

He has ended 16 professional fights via knockout.

It’s been almost five years since Villante last finished an opponent and he’s won just twice in that span, one of those a highly questionable decision over an aging Ed Herman. In his last two fights, he’s gassed to death against the painfully mediocre Greene and been out-classed on the feet by a former Middleweight in Collier.

I’m not saying Barnett is the cream of the crop, but he’s a genuinely skilled striker going up against an underachieving, out-of-shape Light Heavyweight. Villante lacks the wrestling to punish Barnett’s shaky takedown defense or the sheer size to walk him down like Rothwell did; therefore, odds are, Barnett’s speed and variety prevail over VIllante’s one-note slugging and secure a first- or second-round finish.

Prediction: Barnett via second round technical knockout

205 lbs.: Dustin Jacoby vs. John Allan

Less than three months after finally earning himself another shot in the Octagon, Dustin Jacoby (15-5-1) secured his first UFC victory by battering Justin Ledet with low kicks. He’s undefeated (2-0-1) since, including a standing technical knockout of Darren Stewart in Aug. 2021.

He steps in for Aleksa Camur on just four days’ notice.

John Allan (13-6) saw a four-fight win streak come to an end on “Contender Series” thanks to Vinicius Moreira, who caught him in a triangle choke late in the second round. He’s still chasing his first UFC victory, as a failed drug test overturned his late-notice debut win over Mike Rodriguez and Roman Dolidze rode regular takedowns to a split decision win.

He faces a two-inch height disadvantage and a three-inch reach disadvantage.

I actually picked Allan to beat Camur, who’s consistently underwhelmed during his time in the Octagon. Jacoby figures to be a far tougher out, boasting superior overall kickboxing technique alongside noteworthy advantages in height and reach. Allan will get the standup battle he craves, but not one he’s likely to win.

Though Jacoby’s coming in on short notice and has faded before, his ability to keep pace with Ion Cutelaba suggests he has the gas tank to fight for 15 competitive minutes. Expect Allan to keep it reasonably close but ultimately fall short against a more complete striker.

Prediction: Jacoby via unanimous decision

145 lbs.: Melsik Baghdasaryan vs. Bruno Souza

Though he had to make his first trip to the judges, Melsik Baghdasaryan (6-1) impressed enough in his “Contender Series” win over Dennis Buzukja to earn himself a contract. He returned to his finishing ways in his Octagon debut, a vicious second-round knockout of the durable Collin Anglin.

Four of his five knockout victories have come in less than one minute.

Bruno Souza (10-1) — a protege of mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Lyoto Machida — is unbeaten since a decision loss in his 2016 MMA debut. A perfect (4-0) run in LFA carried him to a title shot, which he made the most of by beating Javier Garcia for the vacant Featherweight belt.

He replaces T.J. Laramie on one week’s notice.

Truth be told, I thought Baghdasaryan would have all sorts of trouble with Laramie, who’s far and away the best grappler “The Gun” has ever faced. Souza, on the other hand, will give him a stand up fight “The Tiger” isn’t equipped to win. Sharp as Souza is with his karate, he’s far from impossible to hit, making Baghdasaryan’s huge edge in firepower a deciding factor.

Souza’s definitely skilled enough to find success late — especially if Baghdasaryan’s cardio fails him again — but he’ll have to survive Baghdasaryan’s brutal power to do so. Considering how he’s been hurt before, I don’t see it happening. Baghdasaryan cracks him for a quick finish.

Prediction: Baghdasaryan via first round technical knockout

125 lbs.: C.J. Vergara vs. Ode Osbourne

C.J. Vergara (9-2-1) bounced back from a 2018 loss to Devin Miller by knocking out his next four opponents, including two-time “Contender Series” veteran Jacob SIlva to earn the Fury FC Flyweight title. This set up a bout with Bruno Korea on “Contender Series,” which Vergara won with a nasty knee to the body just 41 seconds into the first round.

He gives up one inch of height and 2.5 inches of reach to “The Jamaican Sensation.”

Ode Osbourne (9-4-1) lived up to his nickname on the Contender Series by tapping the favored Armando VIllareal for both a contract and his fourth consecutive first-round finish. His Octagon run has been more mixed, as his knockout of Jerome Rivera is sandwiched between stoppage losses to Brian Kelleher and Manel Kape.

Eight of his professional wins, including his last five, have come inside the distance.

Osbourne has yet to see a second round in the Octagon, a factoid I don’t expect to change this Saturday. His customary approach, combined with Vergara’s mix of heavy offense and nonexistent defense, seemingly guarantees another early finish. We’ve seen stranger things, of course, but odds are that Osbourne comes out on top inside five minutes.

Though prone to self-sabotage, Osborne boasts the speed and power to crack Vergara’s oft-exposed chin, plus some solid wrestling to lean on if things start getting hairy. Plan B shouldn’t be necessary.

Prediction: Osbourne via first round technical knockout

Five more UFC 268 “Prelims” undercard bouts remain to preview and predict tomorrow, including an undefeated Cage Warriors champion, the latest from Edmen Shahbazyan, and and the UFC debut of former GLORY champion Alex Pereira. Same time tomorrow, Maniacs.

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Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 268 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPNEWS/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 268: “Usman vs. Covington 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight veterans Frankie Edgar and Marlon Vera will go to war this weekend (Sat., Nov. 6, 2021) at UFC 268 inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

Glover Teixeira may have turned back the clock just a few nights ago, but the lighter weight classes are even harsher on aging athletes, and former champion Edgar seems to be finding out the hard way. The 40-year-old legend has split a pair of bouts since moving down to 135 pounds, but if one takes a step back, the simple truth is that Edgar has been losing more often than not as of late. The same cannot be said for “Chito.” Somewhere around 2018, Vera really started putting it all together, and he developed into one of his division’s most consistent action fighters as a result. He’s broken into the rankings as a result, though the title picture continues to elude him.

Let’s take a closer look at the keys to victory for each man:

Frankie Edgar

Record: 24-9-1
Key Wins: Pedro Munhoz (UFC on ESPN 15), B.J. Penn (TUF 19 Finale, UFC 118, UFC 112), Chad Mendes (TUF 22 Finale), Gray Maynard (UFC 136), Jeremy Stephens (UFC 205), Cub Swanson (UFC Fight Night 128, UFC Fight Night 57), Urijah Faber (UFC Fight Night 66)
Key Losses: Jose Aldo (UFC 200, UFC 156), Cory Sandhagen (UFC Vegas 18), Max Holloway (UFC 240), Brian Ortega (UFC 222), Chan Sung Jung (UFC Fight Night 165)
Keys to Victory: Despite the recent struggles, Edgar remains no slouch. He’s still one of the best at mixing together his wrestling and boxing, and when able to take his opponent down, Edgar rarely comes up short.

Wrestling certainly seems to be the key here. A year or two ago, perhaps Edgar stood a fair shot at frustrating Vera with movement and volume, but that’s no longer the case. At this point, an extended standup battle seems to really guarantee that Vera hurts him at some point, and few are better at swarming than the Ecuador native.

It’s pretty simple: Edgar has to take down and control Vera to win this fight. Fortunately, others have done it before, although it rarely looks easy. Vera can be convinced to reach with his punches, providing good openings to his hips. In addition, Vera has always exceled more with submissions from his back, a strategy that has never bothered “The Answer.”

If Jose Aldo can steal a round off Vera via takedowns and back control, perhaps Edgar can take a couple in similar fashion.

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Marlon Vera

Record: 17-7-1
Key Wins: Sean O’Malley (UFC 252), Davey Grant (UFC Vegas 29), Brian Kelleher (UFC on FOX 25), Frankie Saenz (UFC Fight Night 148), Brad Picket (UFC Fight Night 107)
Key Losses: Jose Aldo (UFC Vegas 17), Song Yadong (UFC on ESPN 8), Douglas Silva de Andrade (UFC Fight Night 125), John Lineker (UFC Fight Night 119)
Keys to Victory: Marlon Vera finishes fights. “Chito” has combined brutal distance kickboxing with nasty body shots and painful clinch work to become a truly punishing striker, and if his opponent slips up at all on the canvas, the black belt has finished eight of his foes via submission.

14 years into his UFC career, the blueprint is out on Frankie Edgar, particularly in the standup department. For all his movement, Edgar can still be timed with straight shots as he bursts forward, and his calf is definitely there to be kicked. Vera is an experienced striker, and he’ll surely be looking to capitalize on those traits.

As Edgar’s section implies, the greatest key to victory here for Vera is that he remains on his feet. He has to be wary of overextending on his strikes, throwing catchable kicks, and having his back to the fence. If Vera is taken down, he has to start scrambling before Edgar can establish top position.

Vera’s violence at all ranges should help him ward away takedown attempts as well.

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Bottom Line

Neither man can really afford to lose this bout.

Edgar remains ranked inside the Top 10 on the strength of his split-decision over Pedro Munhoz, but that win cannot sustain him indefinitely. If the New Jersey native is to remain among the best 135-pounders in the world, he has to turn away Vera. Otherwise, he’s may slip from the rankings entirely, and UFC hasn’t been particularly kind to older former champions on losing streaks lately.

The stakes are high for Vera as well, who has gone just 2-2 after his five-fight win streak pushed him into the ranks. “Chito” still has some momentum and a solid fanbase — thanks “Suga” — but he doesn’t want to become the next young fighter that gets shown up by Edgar. Victory could propel him into the Top 10, but at the same time, a loss would really shut him down.

At UFC 268, Frankie Edgar and Marlon Vera will open the main card with a Bantamweight scrap. Which man will earn the victory?

Khamzat Chimaev’s big win at UFC 267 earned him a top ten ranking at welterweight.

UFC 267 was a really, really good event. The first numbered show in forever that wasn’t a PPV delivered in every way, from crowning a new champion to establishing a gaggle of new contenders in a few divisions. Glover Teixeira because an improbable beltholder at 42, finishing former champ Jan Blachowicz in the main event. Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen put on a fight-of-the-year candidate, with Yan taking the interim belt home.

Oh, and there was some guy name Khamzat in there somewhere.

Chimaev absolutely dominated Li Jingliang and put him to sleep in extremely impressive fashion, putting him right into the top ten at welterweight. There were a bunch of other stellar results, which are reflected in the new rankings.

One guy who didn’t fight but couldn’t stay off of social media, former 205-pound champ Jon Jones, continues to plummet on the pound-for-pound list.

Here are all the changes this week.

Men’s P4P – Jones falls two more spots to six. Francis Ngannou and Dustin Poirier move up one each to four and five respectively. Max Holloway is up two and Charles Oliveira is up three into a tie for seven with each other. Stipe Miocic is down one to nine. Brandon Moreno is up one to ten. Petr Yan is up two to 11 after regaining a piece of his 135-pound title. Glover Teixeira enters the list at 12. Robert Whittaker drops one to 13. Blachowicz is down seven big spots to 14. Ciryl Gane drops one to 15. Justin Gaethje is out, at least temporarily.

Heavyweight – Marcin Tybura and Tom Aspinall flip-flop the nine and ten spots.

Light Heavyweight – Glover’s the champ. Blachowicz is now the number one contender. Magomed Ankalaev is up to six following his win over Volkan Oezdemir. Dominick Reyes drops to seven.

Middleweight – No changes.

Welterweight – Jorge Masvidal drops from a tie for six to take over seven on his own. Chimaev is in at ten. Four fighters – Geoff Neal, Lingliang, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Sean Brady – drop a spot each to 11 through 14 respectively. Daniel Rodriguez is out.

Lightweight – Islam Makhachev is up one to four, bumping Michael Chandler to five. Rafael dos Anjos is up two to six, dropping Dan Hooker two to eight.

Featherweight – No changes.

Bantamweight – No changes.

Flyweight – Tagir Ulanbekov’s win bumps him up one spot to 14, dropping Tyson Nam to 15.

Women’s P4P – Carla Esparza rises one spot to eight, putting Katlyn Chookagian down one to nine. Lauren Murphy takes over the 13 spot, bumping Aspen Ladd to 14.

Women’s Bantamweight – No changes.

Women’s Flyweight – No changes.

Women’s Strawweight – Angela Hill and Virna Jandiroba flip-flop the 12 and 13 spots.