Midnight Mania: Return Of The Stylebender

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Israel Adesanya is already looking forward to his return to action.

The two-time Middleweight champion shocked the world back in September by coughing up his belt to Sean Strickland, a bout which saw Strickland rise to the occasion and featured a somewhat lackluster “Stylebender” looking a bit less dynamic than usual. Many speculated that a significant injury or simple wear-and-tear was breaking down the striking ace given his ridiculous fight schedule, and Adesanya seemed to confirm as much by announcing he would step aside until 2027.

That claim was met with skepticism and doubt, and just a few months later, Adesanya is already talking about his return to action. He’s still going to take some time to recover his body and return to his best form, but unsurprisingly, the 2027 figure was never serious.

Adesanya explained, “My last few fights I’ve had four fights in 14 months as a champion in the UFC. That’s unheard of. I was the most active champion — not fighter — champion in the league. Life has forced me to take some time off, and I will. But, you will see me soon. I said ‘2027,’ and the retards out there actually thought I meant that. But, you’ll see.”

Maybe Adesanya will be ready in time for UFC 300? There are rumors of Alex Pereira fighting at the mega event, and that trilogy will always be interesting regardless of each man’s most recent result. If not, the Middleweight division has opened up a bit since Adesanya’s defeat, so perhaps a certain undefeated Chechen will be in need of a 2024 dance partner. Lastly, if Dricus Du Plessis defeats Strickland next month at UFC 297, that grudge match still has plenty of heat.

Stay tuned.

Insomnia

I definitely consider Paulo Costa to be a solidly Top 10 Middleweight, but Brendan Allen has a fair point that “Borrachinha” needs a relevant win in 2024.

Brandon Moreno doing cool stuff! If landed with the heel, this can be really painful.

Brawls in the cage, never gets old.

Can Yazmin Jauregui rebound after a surprising loss to Denise Gomes last time out?

It’s always very cool to see a game plan come together. Leon Edwards’ ability to adjust fight-to-fight is a big aspect of why he’s champion, and it’s also a Belal Muhammad strong suit.

Holding pads ain’t easy!

A lot of belts changed hands in 2023. Which title fight was your favorite?

Slips, rips, and One Friday Night Fights KO clips

Chorfah clearly had the range dialed on his right hand.

Brutal body shot off a caught kick, MMA fighters could never!

A vicious comeback win and bonus hilarious comment from Liam Harrison.

Random Land

In a hat, loose hoody, and baggy jeans though?

Midnight Music: Dream pop, 2022

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