Welcome to Midnight Mania!
A key matchup has been announced for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women's bantamweight division. According to Leo Guimaraes of Super Lutus, Olympic judo gold medalist and No. 3 bantamweight contender Kayla Harrison will face No. 2 contender Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 on October 5, 2024 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Harrison is arguably the most well-known fighter in the 135-pound division right now. While not a champion, Harrison has built up an impressive record in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and has been a multi-time champion. She made her UFC debut at UFC 300 earlier this year, dominating Holly Holm and earning a submission win in the second round (watch it here).
It may be a bit of a surprise that Harrison won't fight for the title after her win, but could it be a sign that champion Raquel Pennington could face The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) competitor Julianna Peña next?
Meanwhile, Vieira, nicknamed “The Phenomeno,” has won three of his last four bouts, with his only loss to Pennington coming by split decision in the past three years, most recently beating Panny Kianzad in July 2023. A black belt in judo and jiu-jitsu, Vieira may have the physical strength to compete with Harrison.
This is almost certainly a title shot, so there will be a lot at stake in “The Beehive State.”
insomnia
Matt Hamill has his own reaction to the newly legal 12-6 elbow, and let's just say it's a bit unexpected.
According to Paddy Pimblett's management, “The Buddy” plans to remain with UFC rather than try and compete as a free agent.
Buddy signed a new contract. @ufc He is very happy to have been recognised and well-rewarded. Congratulations to all involved.
— Graham Boylan ☘️ (@GrahamBoylan) July 26, 2024
The Michel Pereira vs. Anthony Hernandez bout certainly feels worth its 25 minutes.
Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland battled it out (in a controlled fashion) for a whopping 6 minutes!
Giga Chikadze has accused Arnold Allen of sending spies into his camp, which hardly seems like an “omnipotent” act.
You can send all the spies into my training room you want, but no one is going to help you in the Octagon tomorrow night. #UFC304 @ufc
— Giga Chad (@giga_chikadze) July 26, 2024
Is UFC investing another $25 million to cut back on Apex? That doesn't seem likely to me…
Dana White: We're going to be traveling a lot more for Fight Night. And the other thing is, we're building the Apex. We're expanding the Apex. It's going to be bigger and better. We're investing $25 million in expanding the Apex.pic.twitter.com/4HYoOSSfD0
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) July 26, 2024
Didn't I specifically predict earlier this week that Jake Paul and Mike Perry would be on a podcast together? They seem like destined best friends.
Slip, Lip, KO Clip
The angle of this anaconda choke is great.
Two very aggressive charges paid off big time.
How many true friends do you have?
Random Land
At the end, there's a big twist…
Midnight Music: Funk, 1974
Sleep tight, enthusiasts! The martial arts madness is about to continue.
