Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
The current situation is an odd one for many of us. Far more free time available than usual, and barely anything productive to do with it. At this point in quarantined MMA life, we’re really stuck with pointless debates to pass the time until UFC 249 potentially returns us to relative normalcy.
Ignoring all the push-up challenges annoying people are guilting their poor friends into, today saw the rise of MMA specific challenges. #TheDarrenTill challenge, which involves taking a picture with your gut pushed out, had a few takers, but that’s too close to home for most of us who’ve been avoiding those pesky push-ups. In the Insomnia section below, Mike Perry proposes his own challenge — it is distinctly appropriate for the “Platinum” one.
My favorite example, however, is #TheTonyChallenge, which does actually predate the global pandemic and can be accomplished by anyone willing to do silly workouts on camera. Sean O’Malley has been giving it a go over the last few days, and the “Suga Show” proved entertaining as ever!
A fanny pack, weed, and moped — an excellent trifecta.
This one is actually a parody of Yoel Romero, who was seen fireman’s carrying a bunch of training partners consecutively in a workout video prior to UFC 248.
And finally, I’d argue this last clip is a homage for Max Holloway and the bottle cap challenge.
Stay tuned for the latest and greatest Instagram challenges, and if we’re lucky, perhaps even some news about actual MMA fights happening again!
Insomnia
As promised, here’s Perry’s latest challenge. My theory? He’s getting his revenge opposite inanimate objects for that time when he nearly strangled himself with a band.
The legend himself posting a throwback that helped inspire it all:
“All The Sauce” # McnuggetMonday # UnplugGoOutside # OldClip -CSO- pic.twitter.com/0FisQbf1eK
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 24, 2020
There are a lot of real classics in this thread, as well as a quality joke or two.
What is the most iconic photo in MMA history? pic.twitter.com/bjQNBpaMdf
— UFC (@ufc) March 24, 2020
For anyone concerned, Gregor Gillespie is also still doing miserable, grueling workouts while stuck at home.
Firstly, I’m totally here for this idea. Second, did anyone else not know Clay Guida fought in the WEC? Per Wikipedia, he competed just once for the promotion in 2006, winning a decision.
Jordan Burroughs reacts to the Olympics being postponed:
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Can’t lean that heavy on the lead leg and not have a plan for when the other guy decides to kick the hell out of it! It’s 2020, even Nate Diaz checks low kicks!
low kicks KO by Jahongir Saidzhamolov – HL (GFC25) pic.twitter.com/BmC5YJUGgz
— Jolassanda (@Jolassanda1) March 21, 2020
When stance-switching goes wrong …
Ramis Teregulov wins HW GP (GFC25) pic.twitter.com/OOVnbehBUW
— Jolassanda (@Jolassanda1) March 21, 2020
It’s tough to see given the angle, but this is a real sneaky switch into Southpaw and check hook.
Umar Kunakbiev faceplants Khalil Khalilzade at #GFC25 pic.twitter.com/KLKcnCgrX0
— Valsdo Mogomaedovic (@Valsdoviccc) March 21, 2020
Random Land
A live look into my living room:
Midnight Music: Sadly, drummer and multi-instrumentalist Bill Rieflin died today. Rieflin played for damn near half of my favorite bands at various points, groups like King Crimson, Swans, Nine Inch Nails, and R.E.M.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.