Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
One of the more surprising events of 2019 was certainly when a Diaz brother failed a drug test … for something other than marijuana. Ahead of his “BMF” showdown with Jorge Masvidal, Diaz failed for a trace amount of a SARM. He demanded both UFC president Dana White and the United States Anti-Doping Administration (USADA) clear his name, and they ultimately did, clearing Diaz of any wrongdoing just days before the bout.
Still, we never did figure out just what caused Diaz’s irregular test results. The younger Diaz brother is known to eat healthy and avoid supplements — this is the man who complained once that “everybody is on steroids” except him.
As it turns out, Twitter user @dimspace put the pieces together and determined that Diaz’s failed test was likely a result of his own supplement “Plant Man.” Plant Man is owned by Game Up, a supplement company that Diaz himself owns.
This is Game Up’s “Plant Man” entry in the USADA High Risk List at https://t.co/HLQA9aXGUi
Two opened part-used bottles found to contain lgd-4033
Two sealed bottles purchased found to contain lgd-4033, ostarine (both sarms) and methasterone (an anabolic steroid) pic.twitter.com/NQLDtXi7lD
— Dave/Dim (@dimspace) January 7, 2020
That puts Diaz in a fairly sticky situation. He’s not at fault for his failed drug test, the supplement company is … but he owns the supplement company?
In 20 years following anti doping in sport, this is genuinely a first for me.
“Athlete acquitted after contaminated supplement manufactured by athletes own company found to be at fault”
From Game Up Nutrition’s launch press release. pic.twitter.com/8xpbRlAMUc
— Dave/Dim (@dimspace) January 7, 2020
It’s truly a strange turn of events, Ultimately, the only wisdom I have to give here is the drug dealer’s mantra: don’t get high on your own supply!
Insomnia
If a fighter isn’t all the way committed, it’s best for everyone involved if he does move away from the sport. Still, I will miss the sudden rise (and equally sudden fall) of Lumpinee Rountree.
I’ll watch Tofiq Musayev fight anyone, anywhere. Dude is a killer!
Tofiq Musayev: “We were approached by the UFC. They made a solid proposal. But at the moment we are waiting for a response from RIZIN. If we are satisfied with theirs, then we will remain here and defend the title. Otherwise, we’ll go to the UFC.”
Source: https://t.co/W8qkgD3w2a pic.twitter.com/G2gmVygZ3j
— Cerebral Vigilante (@Delisketo) January 7, 2020
Eyes open at all times!
Will they … Won’t they … rinse and repeat.
“Don’t flirt with me. You want it or you don’t.”@GamebredFighter tells Conor to make up his mind (via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/VgkNxHR2BU
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 6, 2020
Alexander Volkanovski still has moves on the rugby pitch.
I know everyone is excited about Israel Adesanya vs. Yoel Romero, but Paulo Costa doesn’t look super injured …
Slips, rips, and KO clips
If you only watch one video tonight, make it this one.
THE BACKHAND TO END ALL BACKHANDS @roughnrowdy pic.twitter.com/IWRgQpDFMo
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 6, 2020
The boxer in blue had his right hand loaded up from the very first bell …
Getting kicked? Throw back a better kick!
Random Land
This is pretty fascinating:
Midnight Music: My favorite source of inspiration yet: our elephant tour guide began singing Eagles hits, unprompted and acapella. Stellar!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.