Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Following Tuesday's UFC 305 kickoff press conference, the middleweight division is back at the forefront of the MMA world. The main event, scheduled for Aug. 17, 2024 in Perth, Australia, is a pulsating title bout between 185-pound champion Dorricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.
The name-calling is already getting a little extreme.
Du Plessis vs. Adesanya comes at an interesting time. On the one hand, it's a fight that clearly should have happened, a high-profile grudge match that was supposed to happen last year. Allowing this rivalry more time to simmer has only increased interest and will surely boost pay-per-view (PPV) sales. At the same time, “The Stylebender” has lost two of his last three fights, but has already beaten former champions Shawn Strickland and Robert Whittaker.
As a result, both Strickland and Whittaker are hoping for another chance at gold after UFC 305. According to the current champion, the obvious solution is to book the two of them … even though Strickland has vowed on multiple occasions to never fight again unless the belt is on the line.
“Everybody wants to see a rematch between me and Strickland,” du Plessis explained when asked who he would like to face again. “The Strickland fans are the ones making the most noise. Either way. At the end of the day, I'm here to fight the best guy, I'm here to have the biggest fights, the fights the fans want to see.”
“In my opinion, how you see this fight unfolding, there's no way Whittaker vs. Strickland isn't going to happen. I think it's a fight that has to happen. It means so much. It's a fight in itself and could be the main event of any card. I honestly think that's how it's going to play out.”
Indeed, “DDP” is in an interesting position: A win at UFC 305 would see him beat three of the last four middleweight champions, plus the top three ranked fighters in the division. Of course, a win for Adesanya could disrupt matchmaking, and Khamzat Chimaev could be in the wings as well… provided he's healthy.
insomnia
Joshua Vann's UFC Las Vegas 93 bout was canceled a few weeks ago, but thankfully he's making a fairly quick return at UFC Denver.
Another quality flyweight bout between two up-and-comers to watch:
Diego Lopez and Movsar Evloev have been in the headlines quite a bit recently, do you think we could see a rematch in the near future?
Have you finally realized that saying my name is what gets the UFC on your radar? Or are you worried that tomorrow morning I'll be where you are in the rankings? It took you 3 months to get back to me. Just sit back and watch the big boys do their thing. https://t.co/WeeRx2nNVz
— Diego Lopez (@Diegolopesmma) July 2, 2024
John Jones is a participant in all discussions of shamanic magic.
There has been a lot of talk recently about mediums and witchcraft in MMA. All of this is very real. I have felt all kinds of strange energies when I walked into the arena. I have looked certain opponents in the eyes. I want everyone to know that Jesus Christ is King and will always be King…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) July 3, 2024
Today's episode of “News of the Matches That Will Never Happen.”
Nate Diaz and Demetrious Johnson are an interesting pairing that has worked better than I expected.
Take a peek at Suga's Sean O'Malley's training camp!
Slip, Lip, KO Clip
A boxing match that most martial arts fans probably haven't seen:
I thought flinching or moving wasn't allowed in this stupid game?
Fighting on top of cargo is truly beautiful.
Random Land
All-terrain vehicle.
Midnight Music: Indie Pop, 2014
Sleep tight, enthusiasts! The martial arts madness is about to continue.
