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Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Early in the year, Jon Jones made his intentions of defending the belt three times in 2019 known to the world. He’s successfully done so twice already, targeting one more title defense before the end of the year.
Per “Bones,” it’s going to be a big one.
Buckle your seatbelt my friends, Big fiight announcement coming soon https://t.co/6cDNQ6XChL
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 9, 2019
Somehow, I don’t think Jan Blachowicz is getting that title shot just yet.
Assuming Jones isn’t just hyping up his announcement without cause, who’s available for the Light Heavyweight kingpin that would qualify as a major match up? It cannot be Daniel Cormier, who was just knocked out and is far more likely to retire than cut the additional weight. Plus, he still has business at Heavyweight if he wants to keep fighting.
At Light Heavyweight, the only man who could possibly qualify as a hyped opponent would be Johnny Walker. There is a problem, however: Walker is fighting Corey Anderson in November. Perhaps Jones has signed an agreement to face the winner of that bout, but that would be a damn quick turnaround for a title fight.
Realistically, the only fights that could truly qualify as “big” that also make sense are at Heavyweight — though they would not be title defenses. Depending on who fights Stipe Miocic next, a bout with either Daniel Cormier or Francis Ngannou would be absolutely huge. For an even more left field option, Brock Lesnar rumors never truly die, and that match up would surely generate a ton of attention and revenue for everyone involved.
Insomnia
Is the not-a-title-fight-but-there-is-a-title bout between Diaz and Masvidal the biggest main event of the year? It’s starting to seem like it!
Doing all I can to make this fight. If I can and you win, I’ll put the belt around your waist at MSG – consider it done. Already shaping up to be one of the biggest and most electrifying fights in @ufc history. Can’t wait. @GamebredFighter @NateDiaz209 #respect #BMF #UFC244 ?? https://t.co/nVTIeBtkgv
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 9, 2019
Doesn’t look like much of an eye poke to me…
A different view of the latest “Eagle” landing:
Please, please, please, let me get what I want:
I only vaguely understand what’s happening here… but I like it!
More of the Long Sword Bout from HFS 7 #UFCVancouver pic.twitter.com/0ITlo7utE6
— LORD HONKY HUMUNGUS (@Mr_Honky) September 9, 2019
Tonight’s theme is clearly weird sword clips.
This is how you know you are watching the real stuff pic.twitter.com/aDlOxlG3gZ
— MEGATON (Kai Asakura vs Tenshin @ RIZIN 19) (@BasedDongeezus) September 8, 2019
Congratulations to the “Platinum” couple! Perry’s outfit is legendary.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Head kick KO for the win!
A beautifully set up overhand right:
Perhaps one day MMA fighters will be able to mix in elbows as frequently as Thai boxers.
Random Land
Everything is cooler in slow-mo!
Midnight Music: I put off listening to Magnetic Field’s classic release 69 Love Songs for a long time, because, well, it’s 69 songs long. My favorite album of the decade — Swans’ post-rock masterpiece To Be Kind — may be over two hours, but I am still lazy when it comes to most triple albums. This past weekend saw 69 Love Songs 20th anniversary, however, so I finally gave the first of three CDs a listen tonight and very much enjoyed its eclectic, sardonic nature.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.