Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
- Raul Rosas Jr. issues first statement following UFC Vegas 121 win over Raoni Barcelos (and fans are pissed): Some fans are made at Rosas Jr. for how he’s handled the last 48 hours, but he’s shown a fair amount of class for a 21-year-old cage fighter in a nearly unprecedented situation. He’s given respect to Barcelos on more than one occasion.
- Raoni Barcelos’ doctor shares update, says fighter ‘remains hospitalized only by protocol’ | UFC Vegas 121: I was glad to see the video of Barcelos awake and speaking for the camera. Best wishes for a full recovery!
- UFC Vegas 121 results: Matches to make for ‘Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos’ main card winners: Rosas Jr. versus Payton Talbott could be an insanely fun scrap between young talents.
Insomnia
I’m glad to see boxing media do a better job of defending itself from Dana White’s wrath than my MMA peers.
Every once in a while, Jake Paul makes himself just a tiny bit likable by roasting someone like Dana White.
Interesting discussion on damage and career management from a trio of great fighters:
“Fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.”
I imagine this Iranian fighter is just a really big fan of Tito Ortiz the Huntington Beach City Councilor.
After you’ve bled on each other, what’s a little mouthguard exchange?
Razhabali Shaydullaev received a hero’s welcome in Kyrgyzstan after his recent RIZIN victory over AJ McKee.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
I love the backstory here, but I have to confess: it doesn’t look like either guy is very good at MMA.
One bad decision can have lasting consequences in the cage.
Odds makers take amateur records a little too seriously sometimes. Two-to-three minute rounds and shin guards are an entirely different world than a professional fight.
Random Land
Kid has a future in guerilla warfare.
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Midnight Music: Post-punk, 2021
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
