Midnight Mania! ‘Lionheart’ Ref Responds: Blame Me!

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In the 48 hours or so since Glover Teixeira brutalized Anthony Smith (watch HERE!), there’s been a lot of talk about who to blame. A great deal of the focus has been on Smith’s corner, who had two opportunities to save him following brutal rounds and opted to send Smith back into the Octagon to receive more punishment.

However, the bout’s referee, Jason Herzog, has issued a statement, taking on the blame.

“This sport of MMA is beautiful, it’s pure. And an incredible teacher. Some lessons are more harsh than others. I’ve seen a lot of opinions about what should have happen, who was at fault” Herzog wrote. “But let me be clear, there is only one person to blame. Me.

“I am responsible for each fighter I am entrusted to oversee. I will take this experience, make the necessary changes, and get better.”

While Smith himself has released a statement brushing off the loss and damage, it’s actually refreshing to see an official handle criticism well. MMA has a long history of sketchy officiating, and overseeing crews generally take offense at the idea of being anything less than perfect.

You are not likely to see a judge convey a similar message after a bad decision, for example.

Insomnia

Tony Ferguson respectfully responds to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s pleasantries, while still implying their fight will happen someday. Maybe hope is still alive?

Francis Ngannou wants all the smoke.

Apparently there’s talks of a Bryce Mitchell vs. Ali Abdelaziz grappling match?

Nike Pryce is healing quickly following his vicious battle with Vicente Luque.

I am in a mild state of shock that Edson Barboza made the 145 lbs. weight limit. That man is lean!

Ryan Bader’s pranks are ruthless, hope those weights didn’t crush anything too important.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

You know it’s going to be a sweet clip when it’s grainy, black and white footage.

The big gloves in the cage look is strange — either way, Zarembo got bombed for standing tall and dropping his hands in the pocket.

Maher shows some nice outside kickboxing: active low kicks, stiff jab, and an excellent finish by letting the opponent walk forward into a real power shot.

Random Land

A loud gator.

Midnight Music: St. Vincent does not miss! All her albums are legit.

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