Midnight Mania: Whittaker Vs. Costa? ‘That Deal Is Done’

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is eager to get back in the cage. The 32-year-old Australian was working his way back to UFC gold when he ran afoul of Dricus Du Plessis, who shocked both Whittaker and the MMA world with a second-round knockout win back in July.

What’s next for “The Reaper?” Nobody wants to see the Israel Adesanya trilogy at the moment, and Whittaker has already torched many of the other top Middleweight contenders. If Strickland remains the champion after his own showdown vs. “Stillknocks,” Whittaker simply being in the win column could produce another title shot.

Fortunately, he hasn’t fought Paulo Costa yet … despite his and UFC’s best efforts in the past. Whittaker vs. Costa has been announced before but cancelled repeatedly due to Costa’s contract dispute with the promotion, and Whittaker has previously said he’d never agree to fight him again.

If that’s the case, why is he tagging Costa in an Instagram post with the hashtag UFC 299? “Let’s give it another go …” Whittaker wrote as the caption.

If that reads like a callout, you’re not alone, Paulo Costa was quick to respond in the affirmative on both Instagram and Twitter. He also requested the fight to be in February rather than March 9, which is when UFC 299 is scheduled.

Why are u TAGGING ME Robert, do u really want this fight? it’s adorable , if it’s affirmative that deal is done. Feb is time enough to me , what do u think?

Historically, Costa has never acknowledged the announced bouts versus Whittaker. Now that he’s on a lucrative new contract, however, there shouldn’t be an issue barring another serious infection like the one that took him out of the Khamzat Chimaev fight. Hopefully, it finally works out, because Whittaker vs. Costa could easily be one of the most hyped Middleweight bouts of 2024.

Insomnia

A rather unfortunate hit to Friday’s BKFC 56 card.

Social media advert money is a wild way to make a living. Good for Sean Strickland!

Rodtang vs. Takeru finally getting booked for a five-round war sparks joy.

Jesus Pinedo receiving a hero’s welcome for his PFL tournament win is pretty awesome.

Arm drags are cool in every martial art.

Respect to the legend.

Kevin Holland offers his thoughts on the Ian Garry situation.

Liam Harrison’s prediction for the John Lineker fight sounds accurate.

Who’s more likely to miss weight, Jalin Turner or Kelvin Gastelum? Place your bets now! Also: this is literally the Alex Jones meme.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Joaquim Silva vs. Jared Gordon was actually a really great fight from start-to-finish.

A perfectly timed jump knee!

Quick reminder what happened last time Eddie Alvarez stepped into the ring:

Random Land

I regret to inform my readers that popular hip-hop artist Young Thug would appear to be going to jail for a long time — possibly forever.

Midnight Music: Jazz (?), 1962

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