Midnight Mania! UFC Clears Air On COVID-19 Testing Controversy

Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Don’t look now, but the damnable “irresponsible” media is at it again.

Last night, rumors swirled online that UFC was no longer going to foot the bill for the COVID-19 testing of its athletes and their corner on arrival/departure to events. It was first reported by Ariel Helwani, and there was clearly some concern among insiders as well, as several coaches and athletes were unhappy on Twitter.

Looking to clear the air, UFC’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell released a statement, explaining that athletes will be reimbursed for COVID-19 expenses after the fact. In addition, UFC will continue to provide their usual fight week testing and cover the cost upfront.

The pivotal bits of Campbell’s memo reads, “Please be advised that we are updating UFC’s COVID-19 testing program to give all athletes and corners the freedom and flexibility to secure their own COVID-19 test prior to departing for their scheduled UFC event.

This change is being made because low-cost COVID-19 testing has become readily accessible in the U.S. and abroad. To clarify, UFC will reimburse you for the initial cost of securing your own pre-departure test. As a result, UFC will no longer provide at-home testing kits. Recent reports in the media that athletes will be forced to bear the costs of ‘covid testing’ are incorrect and irresponsible.

This change takes effect immediately.”

As the original “irresponsible” party for reporting the change, Helwani did defend his actions on Twitter. “Absolutely nothing ‘irresponsible’ or ‘inaccurate’ about my report yesterday,” Helwani responded. “I think proves that. I have physical proof of the then-change in policy. Alas, glad fighters don’t have to pay out of pocket anymore.”

Insomnia

The harsh weight cut may keep Dustin Poirier away from 155 lbs. in the future. Perhaps Khabib and his 165-pound division offer the answer?

My first reaction to this P4P list: Petr Yan is at least five spots too low. That guy is an amazing fighter.

Bryce Mitchell taking SHOTS at TJ Dillashaw:

Derrick Lewis, king of one-liners!

A minor adjustment to this week’s fight card:

Charles Oliveira feeling the effects of his war vs. Poirier:

Alexander Volkanovski earned his jiu-jitsu black belt!

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Landing a spinning backfist with one foot stuck on the ropes is pretty slick!

Unfamiliar with one half of this weekend’s main event? Take a second to review Chris Daukaus’ handiwork.

A knockout from 1954:

Random Land

Another, more intense post on winter commuting!

Midnight Music: One of the great posse cuts in rap history.

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