Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
It’s been a little over a year since Conor McGregor made the walk into the Octagon, an October 2018 championship loss to current Lightweight kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor has been on the sidelines since, alternating between tweeting about fighting and getting into occasional trouble with the law. Perhaps equally important is that it has now been over three years since McGregor’s last win, his incredible knockout victory over Eddie Alvarez that saw him elevated to double champ status.
As a result of the layoff, it’s fair to question what McGregor will look like in his return, particularly since the bout will take place at 170 lbs. Luckily for fans of the “Notorious” Irishman, his longtime coach, John Kavanagh, has nothing but good things to say about McGregor’s performance in the gym.
Jan 1st, last heavy spar today before going to Vegas. Can honestly say this is the best i’ve seen him and i wasn’t sure that was possible to do 6 months ago. You guys are in for a real treat, i’m just glad to have a good seat! #UFC246
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) January 1, 2020
We are just a couple weeks away from McGregor’s return against Donald Cerrone — it’s really happening! If Kavanagh is doing more than simply getting fans excited and telling the truth, we’re likely in for a great show.
Insomnia
I hope the best for Khalil Rountree, but I would love to see him continue competing in MMA.
Anyone bank some big bets on these successful underdogs?
Here’s a look at the Top 30 upsets in the #UFC this past year based on closing betting odds (via 5Dimes). Any corrections, send me a DM and I’ll update pic.twitter.com/BynVpBXis8
— James Lynch (@LynchOnSports) December 31, 2019
The trials of running an MMA promotion in Japan:
RIZIN may struggle in the NYE ratings war this year, but that’s probably because Kohaku counterprogrammed them with a drag queen riding a giant golden dragon while singing the Dragon Ball opening pic.twitter.com/DcNGpglRVX
— Karaev fan (@Karaev_Fan) January 1, 2020
Great speed and excellent defense combine to create a fluidity that looks effortless:
A pair of funny quotes that show just how much and how quickly things can change …
Tyson Fury is an animal.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
A killer head kick set up by a funky rhythm:
This kick could be heard all the way in the US! Volume
The #2 finish of the year on FIGHT PASS comes to us from #Pancrase304! pic.twitter.com/6FCtFH6KfP
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) December 30, 2019
I have no real experience to say this, but headbutts seem like such a will-breaker.
An armbar doesn’t have to apply pressure for much time to be devastatingly effective:
Random Land
The most boujee pigeon I have ever seen:
The Bokhara Trumpeter is a breed of fancy pigeon pic.twitter.com/t8VO4CRLOu
— 41 Strange (@41Strange) January 1, 2020
Midnight Music: Another night walking the streets of Thailand, another classic song being covered by the local talent.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.