Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Friday, Oct. 16, 2025.
- Ilia Topuria will ‘definitely move up,’ beat Alex Pereira to historic third title with Islam win at UFC 322 : I understand that the spectacle and history would make it worthwhile, but Topuria would be giving up so much size fighting at Welterweight. He’s smaller than Josh Emmett!
- TKO boss Ari Emanuel explains how Netflix lost out on UFC: ‘They were disappointed’: I would not at all rule out UFC heading to Netflix in seven years when the Paramount deal runs up. It would follow the current pattern of signing a lucrative broadcast deal then abandoning ship for greener pastures!
- UFC Vancouver preview: ‘De Ridder vs. Allen’ predictions: Who’s your favorite UFC Vancouver underdog?
Insomnia
I don’t ever recall reading about Rampage Jackson’s lawsuit with Paramount?
I feel like this should have been larger news. Also … reading contracts — or trusting the people you pay to read them — is generally a good idea.
Valter Walker was downright inconsolable after the Usman fight was canceled. It’s good to see the submission ace has been rebooked quickly!
How would Paddy Pimblett vs. Beneil Dariush go? At this stage of the game, I think I would slightly favor “The Baddy.”
Given Merab Dvalishvili’s unprecedented cardio, I believe extra testing is more than reasonable.
Major Tony Ferguson vibes from this setup:
I only respect trolls that are willing to joke face-to-face.
Her hands are high, she’s ready for battle.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Punishing the body with kicks up the middle and punches alike:
A decade ago today …
It would be really interesting to see how Reinier de Ridder tries to land these knees on a fellow Southpaw. Maybe that’s part of why his fight with Gerald Meerschaert was so awkward?
Random Land
Felt animation.
Midnight Music: Post-punk, 2007
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
