Midnight Mania: People Die In This Sport

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Earlier on Wednesday (May 1, 2024), news released that Ryan Garcia flunked two separate Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drug tests, which took place before and after his boxing match with Devin Haney. Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that helps build muscle. He’s not the first in combat sports athlete to pop for Ostarine, joining combat sports stars like Sean O’Malley. In Garcia’s case, he still can request his B sample be tested.

“King” went online almost immediately after news broke to declare his innocence, cite a grand conspiracy, and generally label the tests fake news. Now, Haney has also issued a statement, and he’s understandably bothered to lose his undefeated record (for now) to an allegedly juiced up opponent.

“We learned about this situation not too long ago,” Haney’s statement to ESPN reads. “And it’s unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice. I’ve always been an advocate for clean fighting and this is an example of such. Ryan owes the fans ana apology, and by his recent tweet, he still thinks this is a joke. We pput our lives on the line to entertain people for a living. You don’t play boxing.

“This puts the fight in a completely different light. Despite the disadvantage, I still fought on my shield and got back up! People die in this sport. This isn’t a joking matter.”

In addition, the New York Athletic Commission issued its own statement, signaling that the commission was in touch with VADA and would review the findings as the situation continues to develop.

Before fully throwing Garcia under the bus, it’s important to note that Ostarine has been found in tainted supplements before, and there’s always the chance that his B sample comes back clean. Until then, however, the situation doesn’t look great for Garcia, who might see the biggest win of his career overturned.

Insomnia

Kurt Holobaugh fights are usually pretty fun.

Alright, I’m now fully convinced Merab Dvalishvili is Mexican after all.

Sean Strickland hates flags.

I specifically remember being like 13 years old and having a really hard time opening a coconut with a hammer.

Did I stumble back into 2011? Since when does Nick Diaz look so fit? Book him versus Tony Ferguson before reality returns.

Some throwback scrambles between Diego Sanchez and Karo Parisyan:

Slips, rips, and KO clips

The elbow giveth, the elbow taketh away.

I would agree with Frank Mir here. That’s a solid knockdown, but Reece seemed to still be aware enough to defend himself and was working to stand.

It’s always interesting when an MMA fighter who wasn’t particularly good at boxing in the cage transitions to actual boxing.

Random Land

Pushing someone and then standing there with your hands down is asking for a concussion.

Midnight Music: Indie, 2006

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