Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.
- Charles Oliveira shoots down UFC title eliminators against Arman, Paddy Pimblett — ‘I’m next in line … I can wait’: Oliveira is extremely popular and accomplished, so a title shot next is possible. But, Arman or Paddy could jump him with an impressive win, so this is a gamble.
- Contender Series fighter who upset Bella Mir forced to cut celebration short — ‘I have work in the morning’: Given that this was only Alex Apodaca’s fifth pro fight at 32 years of age, having another job makes a whole lot of sense!
- UFC super prospect (and historic betting favorite) Bella Mir bloodied, beaten in biggest upset in Contender Series history: I do expect Bella Mir to bounce back from this in the long run (should she choose to focus on MMA moving forward).
Insomnia
We’re well into the back half of 2026 now — will Tom Aspinall return to the Octagon this year?
Kevin Holland said please do not come around my house asking for money.
The Middleweight division is born to disappoint.
We have to give BKFC credit, this is pretty cool.
Reminder: boxers cornered by their father are statistically more likely to die in the ring.
Hiding a same-side head kick behind a cross works all the time in all kinds of striking martial arts, but boxers are especially vulnerable.
Arnold Allen vs. Movsar Evloev was a great scrap. I love to see competent anti-wrestling that keeps the action moving.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
“That’s a shame.” – Jerry Seinfeld
Oh yeah, it’s time to bring back Jose Medina to face the winner of Sedriques Dumas vs. Mickey Gall!
Being tall is a huge advantage for bringing knees up the middle quickly.
Random Land
Pray for Nepal.
Get involved with Mania community in The Feed!
Midnight Music: I lived in eastern Tennessee for two years, and the Dolly Parton license plates might be my favorite part. RIP to one of the greats …
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
