Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Like it or not, “The Suga Show” is back.
Controversial Bantamweight knockout artist Sean O’Malley announced on his YouTube channel that he would make his return to competition against fellow striking specialist, Thomas Almeida, at UFC 260 on March 27, 2021.
It’s been about six months since O’Malley suffered the first defeat of his professional career, falling to the calf kicks and heavy elbows of Marlon Vera … though O’Malley himself doesn’t quite remember it that way. Prior to the loss, O’Malley had won four straight fights inside the Octagon, including two knockouts in 2020 over Eddie Wineland and Jose Quinonez.
Almeida may be able to relate to O’Malley’s current position a bit, as the Brazilian was once an undefeated knockout artist on the rise. Since Cody Garbrandt sent him from the ranks of the unbeaten, however, Almeida has struggled to right the ship. He’s fought less and less consistently, and he enters this bout following three straight defeats. If there’s a silver lining for Almeida, he remains just 29 years old, young enough to turn things back around.
Who ya’ got?
Insomnia
Alexander Volkov looks more built than ever ahead of this weekend’s main event:
For perhaps the first time, I’m genuinely excited for the next PFL season. They seemed to have used COVID-19 delays as a chance to build up the roster, and it should be fun!
OFFICIAL: Professional Fighters League Unveils Featherweight and Lightweight Rosters for 2021 Season Debut on April 23
: https://t.co/qhPy4d3jkQ pic.twitter.com/bDHVT2fPKA
— PFL MMA (@ProFightLeague) February 2, 2021
UFC fighters, they’re just like us! Here’s hoping Joe Lauzon’s ankle injury is minor.
A very slick jab counter:
This is not encouraging.
Yair Rodriguez’s athleticism is pretty incredible.
I won’t claim to have ever been a huge James Vick fan, but respect to “Texecutioner” for achieving quite a bit in his career. A 9-1 run in his first 10 Lightweight fights is no joke, and it wasn’t long ago that Vick was favored over Justin Gaethje — Fight game is brutal!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Alexandre Pantoja returns to action this weekend opposite Manel Kape, and it’s one of the very best fights on a solid card.
Want to see some flyweight power?
@PantojaMMA can bring KO strength in any shot ! #UFCVegas18 pic.twitter.com/G1Pz2lrkq7
— UFC (@ufc) February 2, 2021
Opening with a power kick from the open stance is rarely a bad idea.
Head kick KO in about 15 seconds by Mortaza at CFL 1 in Iraq pic.twitter.com/i0UxfiY39g
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 30, 2021
Too many punches, not enough stacking pressure!
Lindo armbar de Argen Chyrakbaev #ACAYoungEagles16 pic.twitter.com/plVkG6tRqj
— Barrele la pierna (@Barrelelapierna) January 30, 2021
Random Land
Want to read the ramblings of an insane person? This Twitter account makes absurd speculations about masculinity and weakness based on posture and even genital positioning. It’s bizarrely stupid, definitely f*cked up, and absolutely hilarious.
Conor. Dustin. Max. Strong, powerful fighters and UFC champions. The point here isn’t to make fun of them. The point is to show how *all* men are vulnerable to neediness and weakness. Pussy is one hell of a drug. But leaning in and wearing matching pajamas is not the answer! pic.twitter.com/id3EI9cdEZ
— Rivelino (@alpharivelino) December 26, 2020
Mental strength > Physical strength pic.twitter.com/1qSd33JOi1
— Rivelino (@alpharivelino) December 9, 2020
Midnight Music: This track popped up on a playlist and instantly sent me back to high school.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.