Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Earlier this week, UFC Featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria shook up the division by revealing his plan to maneuver as much as 155-pounds. “El Matador” only in the near past established himself as the most effective 145-pounder on the earth, having gained and defended his belt in all-time nice performances over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway (watch right here) simply this yr. There have been nonetheless a number of high contenders for him to face that every one would have been worthy, however it seems that Topuria simply isn’t excited about chopping the load anymore.
Whether or not the UFC convinces him to stay round at Featherweight stays to be seen, however for now, the remainder of the division is making an attempt to grab the opening. The latest again up for the division’s title battle, Diego Lopes, was among the many potential choices for Topuria’s subsequent title protection, and now he’s making an attempt to e book himself a distinct title battle.
Tagging former Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanvoski, Lopes wrote, “If Ilia going to 155, let’s meet within the Octagon. You possibly can choose the date and site.”
On the time of writing, Volkanovski has but to answer Lopes’ callout. “The Nice” was slotted as Topuria’s subsequent challenger previous to the Spaniard’s sudden announcement, so if the belt does develop into vacant, one would anticipate Volkanovski will likely be half of the battle. Lopes is capturing his shot, however undefeated Movsar Evloev — who defeated Lopes in 2023 — will probably be arguing his case quickly as properly.
Insomnia
On one hand, I perceive Randy Brown’s frustration with Battle and the choice. Nonetheless, this phrasing doesn’t assist his case.
“I believe he is a bum… I am not impressed together with his skillset in any respect. He is acquired lots of work to do.”
Randy Brown shares his ideas on Bryan Battle after their battle at UFC 310. pic.twitter.com/oSmDEz6QAt
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 10, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev’s return to the regional scene has already gone awry.
Per Courageous CF Press Launch:
Muhammad Mokaev wants a brand new opponent simply three days earlier than his promotional comeback battle at #BRAVECF91. That’s as a result of Luthando Biko was compelled to withdraw from their scheduled flyweight contest as a result of well being points.
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) December 10, 2024
At the moment is the day I realized UFC sponsor Manscaped is within the enterprise of promoting woke razors.
Loads of battle followers known as for Joaquin Buckley’s Welterweight drop, however I don’t assume many would’ve predicted he would instantly climb this excessive.
Newly booked veteran vs. prospect battle at Heavyweight:
A superb Energy Slap second.
Excessive-level Muay Thai sparring:
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Ryan Garcia’s left hook is an unimaginable weapon.
I’m not saying Ryan Garcia acquired the most effective hand velocity ever cuz that may be a brilliant lie
however that nigga is the one fighter I’ve ever seen throw a punch that couldn’t be seen by the bare eye… you actually can’t see this shit till you gradual the video down pic.twitter.com/9TBxkogKpS
— Locked in each day (@GhettoLock) December 9, 2024
A wonderful KO arrange completely by a pivot:
Firing a head kick on the break of a clinch is at all times a good suggestion.
Random Land
House pictures.
Proper now Jupiter is at its closest to Earth. To seize it, I took over 100,000 images of it to try to get the proper shot.
Behold: Jupiter and the Galilean moon Io, captured with an 11″ telescope from my yard.
I will by no means get sick of this passion. pic.twitter.com/bPa7aPYRU8
— Andrew McCarthy (@AJamesMcCarthy) December 10, 2024
Midnight Music: Pop, 1972
Sleep properly Maniacs! Extra martial arts insanity is at all times on the best way.
