Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
- ‘Angry’ Khamzat confrontation spooked Sean Strickland: ‘Next day he was walking with the gun in the gym’: How interested are you in seeing Khamzat vs. Strickland at some point in the near future? I find it reasonably intriguing.
- UFC cuts four fighters in latest roster purge, including former main event Middleweight: The fall of Andre Muniz was sudden and unfortunate. From the outside, it’s hard saying exactly what went wrong for the Brazilian. His wrestling and cardio just started failing him more often.
- Jorge Masvidal awarded $5.3 million judgement against Fanmio for nonpayment of Nate Diaz boxing match: I hope Masvidal and Nate Diaz see the money they are owed, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Insomnia
I don’t think boxing is the strongest part of Alex Pereira’s game necessarily, but I’m also done doubting “Poatan.”
I’ve enjoyed the resurgence of Muslim Salikhov and hope it continues here.
Nothing against “Chito,” but it’s hard to image a worse style match up for him than Merab Dvalishvili. Volume and takedowns are historically not his friend …
Congratulations to Chuck Liddell and his new bride!
Dustin Poirier is investing in his teeth post-retirement.
More weird energy between Jean Silva and Paulo Costa. I truly wonder how much of Costa’s public persona is an act versus genuine insane person?
Yana Santos walks back her recent criticism of the UFC. Nothing suspicious here!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Petr Yan has some of the slickest stand up in all of MMA. His setups and execution are on a different level than almost anybody else.
How long until somebody throws a kick in this silly sport?
Can Aiemann Zahabi keep his win streak alive this weekend in Vancouver?
Random Land
Just how durable is your head?
Midnight Music: Punk, 1981
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
