Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.
- Alex Pereira not expecting championship trilogy after defeating Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 — ‘The story will be over’: UFC definitely does not want Magomed Ankalaev in the title picture more than necessary, but I think the other half of this statement is that Pereira won’t be competing for that much longer. Maybe a Heavyweight super fight and then retire gracefully is my prediction (if victorious in the rematch, that is) …
- Ailing One Championship releases five fighters in latest roster purge, including one former champion: I continue to hope One can get their athletes booked and still make a profit.
- Pic: Francis Ngannou reunites with UFC rival Alistair Overeem nearly eight years after brutal ‘Knockout of the Year’: Foes to bros is a common MMA story, but it’s part of what makes the sport great.
Insomnia
Maybe the Canelo-Crawford press conference wasn’t the place for these questions, but Dana White and company deserve public pushback for their attempts to undermine the Ali Act and fighter protections.
The age old question of “will Serghei Spivac score the takedown or will he get knocked around by a bigger hitter” will be posed once more in Qatar.
Jorge Masvidal’s clinch striking was incredibly slick for a decade — well before he put together that elbow-high kick combo that floored Nate Diaz.
Dan Hooker is three-for-three in his assessment of the Featherweight division.
Completely normal Merab Dvalishvili side quest.
My favorite part is the cornerman who enters the fray with a flying punch.
Cynthia Calvillo, who at one point was ranked in the Top 10 slot at both 115- and 125-pounds, has announced her retirement.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Circling around in a non-threatening manner only to suddenly plant with a huge shot works surprisingly often.
Tye Ruotolo’s professional MMA career begins with a hard-fought rear naked choke victory.
Albert Tumenov never should have been cut from the UFC! He’s won nine of his last ten over in Russia!
Random Land
Old movie magic is the coolest.
Midnight Music: Another rec/request from user Eyestrike!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
