Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Kevin Holland is one of the hottest names at 185 lbs. after knocking out Ronaldo Souza with a punch from his back (WATCH IT!) last weekend at UFC 256 to secure his fifth straight win in 2020. Holland did his best to call out Khamzat Chimaev, but as the bout appears unlikely to materialize, “Trail Blazer” did the next best thing by recently talking some trash to Derek Brunson and his “awkward” striking.
Holland only recently began targeting Brunson as his next opponent, but he still took to Twitter today to follow up.
PS- crickets from that guy I called out right after the fight. ??? #wannabegangster
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) December 17, 2020
However, just a few hours later, Brunson did indeed respond to Holland’s callout, accepting the fight and requesting UFC write up the contract.
Ha ha I accept .
Don’t run now mfer!
See you soon ?? https://t.co/pV0LR3Hfi5
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 17, 2020
Oh yeah … send me the contract! pic.twitter.com/mDQ4vw2FJi
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 17, 2020
In addition, Brunson took issue with Holland’s goal of fighting six times in 2020, pointing out that a lengthy suspension following a tough loss could really disrupt those plans.
Guess who ain’t fighting 6 times in 2021 , 60 day suspension otw !
@Trailblaze2top https://t.co/Z1P34Eptrg
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 17, 2020
While he cannot claim to have quite as much momentum as his opponent, the No.7-ranked Middleweight has won his last three bouts, including a significant main event upset over Edmen Shahbazyan. Brunson seems to have finally figured out his balance between power and technique, and he’s reaching new heights as a result.
If Holland and Brunson do indeed throw down, who ya’ got?
Insomnia
And another one down, and another one down, another one bites the dust!
Aiemann Zahabi posted that he is off of this Saturday’s card and I’m told that a replacement is not being sought for Drako Rodriguez. The bout is canceled altogether.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 17, 2020
Fortunately, last night’s cancellation did not leave Carlton Minus an opponent, because Christos Giagos stepped up!
R.Glenn out. Christos Giagos (@CGiagos) in, will fight Carlton Minus (@ClutchCarlMMA) at UFC event on December 19th. (per @phre) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/Q8Mh7MM9Z4
— MaRCeL DoRFF (@BigMarcel24) December 17, 2020
I love these meme format.
— Festive Figgy ?? ? (@StcktnKangaroo) December 16, 2020
Me my entire childhood https://t.co/KOoSFmC26I
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) December 17, 2020
Tanner Boser points out an interesting problem regarding USADA and stay-at-home orders.
The Alberta Government: “You absolutely cannot have anyone enter your place of residence who does not live there. Breaking this law will result in massive fines and/or jail time.”
Me: “Ok” pic.twitter.com/02g2SvKHOH
— Tanner Boser (@BulldozerBoser) December 17, 2020
Muay Thai sweeps always look so cool, but they’re often difficult to pull off.
A very cool piece of “Do Bronx” art!
Thiago Santos and Yana Kunitskaya — perhaps UFC Instagram’s most lovey-dovey couple — are engaged!
Somehow, I don’t think Jake Paul is going to be terribly interested in Yoel Romero’s callout. Dillon Danis is substantially easier prey.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Surdu was looking for the head kick from the first exchange, and it didn’t take long to find it!
Ion Surdu smokes Victor Varga in what.. 20 seconds? Lots of people getting kicked in the head in Romania today. RXF / KO Masters pic.twitter.com/DoMcRRJy98
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 16, 2020
Classic amateur boxing judging!
This is a seriously quick triangle choke!
A brutal first-round knockout!
Random Land
Stop motion pizza making!
Midnight Music: I left tonight’s choice to my girlfriend, whose first instinct was Marty Robbins’ 1959 #1 hit “El Paso,” a Western ballad that pops up often on our playlist of ‘50s and ‘60s chart-toppers.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.