Welcome to Midnight Mania!
I feel obligated to start this post with a simple declaration that I believe Jason Parrillo is one of the best boxing coaches in mixed martial arts. It's a big part of why Michael Bisping became world champion, grapplers like Luke Rockhold and Mackenzie Dern have strengthened their technical prowess in stand-up, and Marlon Vera's hands have undoubtedly significantly improved It was his presence that refined it. He's trained everyone from Cris Cyborg to BJ Penn, but I don't remember Parrillo ever saying something unreasonable or getting into any serious controversy.
All of this makes his Instagram post from earlier today even more bizarre and surprising.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my fighters.” [Marlon Vera]! ” Parrillo wrote. “He fought for the UFC world title! I represent my home country of Ecuador and I represent everyone who strives and never gives up. This kid is Tito 1-1! This kid won the decision. And he retained the title! Tito won by KO in the first fight. No watch? Tito goes to jail for murder!”
For some context, Sean O'Malley dropped a masterclass on Marlon Vera's face (See highlights) at UFC 299 over the weekend (March 9, 2024).
In any case, the first part of the post is normal, with Parrillo supporting the athlete and giving him credit for fighting for a world title. Even if no one wants a rematch, it's even true that the records are tied. And then it goes completely off track with the whole “No Clock” and “Murder” parts.
O'Malley did not leave the cage with a broken face. Her hands and feet may have hurt from the beating, but it didn't look like she could keep beating the shit out of “Tito.” She had a shutout victory even under the Diaz brothers' rules.
Fan reactions to the post were almost universally negative. Fight fans wondered why Vera didn't use any of his clinch or wrestling skills, or if there was anything that could be done to address his slow start. One fan directly objected, saying, “If it wasn't for the time clock, Tito would be in his grave.''
Certainly, we don't expect Bella to come back dramatically different every time she recovers.
insomnia
Bobby Greene and Tony Ferguson appear to have reconciled.
It's great to have a positive update on Mark Coleman's situation. RIP Hammer!
Great news to start your day.
According to his Facebook page, Mark Coleman is responsive, talking and laughing with his family.
Mark remembers saving his parents' lives and says, “I'm the happiest man in the world!”
(h/t @JMurrayMMA) pic.twitter.com/qgG9s2XKrt
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 14, 2024
The family of former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman has set up a fund to help with medical expenses. This man saved his parents from a fire in his house and is truly a hero. Please spread the word! https://t.co/RExT6AL7Rr
— Dark Pro Wrestling Flowtion (@PuroresuFlow) March 14, 2024
This should be a really fun featherweight fight as both fighters are active and skilled. A chaotic battle is expected!
Lately, Sean Strickland has been getting a lot of attention on Twitter. The best way to win the title is to win the match…
As you know, I don't care about fight politics or belts, but Izzy's rematch with Alex after falling asleep is hilarious.
I lost in such a close decision that my husband himself thought I had won. It was like that for everyone…and so was the statistics.
it needs to be undone.
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 13, 2024
By my count, this is the sixth time Cory Sandhagen has beaten Berra 10-9.
Gilbert Burns' road to gold will be tough and unlikely, but I'll always watch 'Durinho' fight.
Gilbert Burns reacts to loss to Jacques Della Maddalena #UFC299:
“First of all, shout out to Jacques Della Maddalena, it was a really tough game. I'm a bigger fan now. There are no excuses, not even one.”
I'm 37 years old, but I believe I have everything it takes to be a champion. I still… pic.twitter.com/zF0hGoLXDS
— Championship Round (@ChampRDS) March 14, 2024
I'm going to go back soon, take out a second mortgage and bet on Devin Haney.
In a few years, Netflix's Joshua Fabia and Diego Sanchez documentary should be both fascinating and depressing.
Slip, Rip, KO Clip
This isn't a great fight clip, but I didn't know there was an “African Game” that featured amateur MMA. Neat!
One of the best elbow KOs in recent memory.
Get together and punch!
random land
Midnight Music: Country, 2007
Sleep mania! More martial arts crazes are always on the way.