Midnight Mania: McGregor Chasing Freedom After White’s UFC 310 Diss

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It took about two weeks, but UFC CEO Dana White finally reacted to his biggest star, Conor McGregor, being found liable in his highly publicized sexual assault case. During the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, White made sure to distance himself and his company from McGregor during this controversial period (which may already be costing McGregor millions).

“If I had a comment, I would’ve put it out already,” an agitated White said. “He hasn’t been fighting here in, I don’t know how long. If he does fight, it’ll be sometime next year.”

McGregor, who intends to appeal his case, doesn’t appear pleased with White’s comments. In a recently deleted series of posts on X — a McGregor signature — the Irish star bragged about his extensive knockout history then teased a post about FREEDOM!

This is not the first time McGregor has threatened to search for greener pastures. The question is can he? The “highest generating fighter” still has two fights on his current UFC contract. With the exception of Francis Ngannou, high-profile fighters generally have a hell of a time escaping their contracts. It’s a complicated and potentially expensive process to do anything aside from fight out the remaining bouts, and it’s not like McGregor has been active in recent years. Two fights can be who knows how many years?

There is, of course, a less-than-microscopic chance UFC opts to release McGregor willingly. He’s too huge of a star to willingly release into the arms of a rival promotion … unless some executive decides his current bad publicity and general decline in performance is now outweighing his value.

I wouldn’t count on it.

Insomnia

Khamzat Chimaev will be in Australia NOT fighting Dricus Du Plessis? Classic bit of UFC bag-fumbling.

Nate Landwehr with a classy reaction to a tough loss:

A great adjustment by Ian Garry made easier by the fact that Shavkat showed his hand a bit and tried to force the transition in round five.

Merab Dvalishvili gives his side of his most recent … interaction … with a “fan.”

Here’s hoping a quick recovery for Georges St. Pierre from an apparent shoulder surgery.

BELLATOR MOMENT!

I hate to agree with Jake Paul on anything but …

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Poland has figured out the solution for weight missing. Bryan Battle was lucky to get the nod against Randy Brown, just imagine if his dad was involved too!

Keep that mouth closed …

Did not see the head kick coming AT ALL!

Random Land

The internet is divided on whether or not this drone clip is cool.

Midnight Music: This old MGMT clip is joyous.

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