Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of 2026.
- Edson Barboza signs with new promotion less than two months after UFC retirement (and it’s not RAF): It’s good to see Barboza staying busy in retirement without getting punched in the face more.
- Latest UFC 335 fight card, start time, date and location | Oliveira vs. Lopes: First thoughts on Oliveira vs. Lopes? I have to favor the former Lightweight champion via low kicks and takedowns, but I hope they grapple a bit.
- Paulo Costa tweet-and-deletes harsh criticism amid UFC feud: ‘Empires often crumble from within’: We should start a betting pool on when Costa fights in the UFC again and whether it’s five rounds or three. I’ll take five rounds in March 2027!
Insomnia
First thoughts on the Alex Pereira vs. Sergei Pavlovich matchup? I remain torn.
Dustin
Poirier is a team player, and weight cuts are a nudity-filled game.
I hope Valentina Shevchenko is able to return at a reasonable time in 2027 to face Natalia Silva — I think it’s an interesting fight.
What’s your worst aged MMA take/prediction? My belief in Fares Ziam as a future contender has really imploded in the last six months …
Nothing to see here, I’m sure there’s a perfectly above-board explanation.
Edson Barboza fought just about everybody, so his opinion carries more weight than most.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
The things you find in the wide world of combat sports …
A fast start right of the gate is especially dangerous at low levels, but certain fighters have a natural gift for finding their timing and committing to power shots so quickly.
You have to at least try to slam and/or Krazy Horse spin your way to freedom here …
Random Land
I don’t know if it’s a taco anymore, but I’m impressed by the logistics at play.
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Midnight Music: Experimental rock, 2024
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
