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Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
The four events since the return of UFC have seen numerous last second changes, whether due to weight cutting problems, injuries, and in one case, COVID-19 itself. For the most part, however, UFC has proven more adapt than usual at quickly finding replacements or shuffling fighters around to put on as many fights as possible.
They’ve done it again!
Earlier today, Kevin Holland revealed that he would not be able to fight for the second time in two weeks due to a shoulder injury. His opponent, Daniel Rodriguez (11-1), was left without a dance partner, but UFC has already found a replacement in newcomer Gabriel Green per a report from MMAJunkie.
Green is a Bellator veteran with a 9-2 professional record. He’s won his last six straight bouts, finishing each opponent, and has not tasted defeat since a 2017 loss to current UFC Lightweight Jalin Turner.
The “Gifted” 27-year-old definitely seems like a quality pickup for UFC, but he’s definitely in for a difficult debut. Though he does have experience at 170 lbs., most of his recent fights took place at Lightweight. That size factor combined with the short-notice nature of the fight certainly stack the odds against him.
Still, it’s a great opportunity for him to get his foot in the door, and there’s always the chance of an upset. For the full UFC on ESPN 9 event planned for this Saturday (May 30, 2020) from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, click HERE!
Insomnia
Conor McGregor’s self-released pound-for-pound/GOAT rankings were definitely the goofiest news of the weekend.
— The Strangle Squad (@_StrangleSquad) May 26, 2020
Another Bantamweight slugfest is approaching, as Brian Kelleher looks to make a quick turnaround opposite Cody Stamann.
Cody Stamann will fight Brian Kelleher at #UFC250 in TBA, TBA. (Jun. 6, 2020). (first rep. @ColeShelton91) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN
(UFC APEX in Las Vegas is the rumored location) pic.twitter.com/MHifnpkmX6
— MaRCeL DoRFF (@BigMarcel24) May 26, 2020
Apparently, Eryk Anders’ ear suffered some damage in his loss to Krzysztof Jotko.
These quiet cards definitely need Mike Perry. We need to be able to hear his new girlfriend’s corner advice!
If anything happen this week I can step in @ufc , I’ll fight at 85 and 70 in the same night. #Lmk
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) May 26, 2020
I was surprised to see Joe Rogan interview Tony Ferguson after his brutal loss at UFC 249.
— As Shopped As It Gets (@AsShopped) May 26, 2020
Speaking of Rogan, Justin Gaethje and his head coach Trevor Wittman will be on his podcast tomorrow!
I don’t know where “El Cucuy” found this clip, but it’s pretty cool!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
On this day … Chuck Liddell circled into a massive power shot from Quinton Jackson.
13 years ago today: Rampage Jackson becomes light heavyweight champ pic.twitter.com/QGqZXeTcKS
— Connoisseur of Combat (@ConOfCombat) May 26, 2020
… and also on this day, Dan Hardy scored a sweet knockout by hooking off the jab feint!
#OnThisDay in 2012: @DanHardyMMA earned KO of the Night with this finish!
Watch more on @UFCFightPass pic.twitter.com/R0JIMsvHew
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 26, 2020
Having your back to the fence is only a positive for Tyron Woodley.
Random Land
A pretty striking photo of a bison:
Midnight Music: A classic track from Sleater-Kinney’s 2005 LP The Woods is probably my favorite song to pop up on my Discover Weekly this time around.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.