Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Thor Bjornsson is likely still best known for his role as Ser Gregor Clegane, also known as “The Mountain That Rides,” from HBO’s megahit production of Game Of Thrones. He’s also one of the strongest men alive, and he’s dabbled quite a bit in combat sports already. Bjornsson has moved around with McGregor, competed in a professional boxing match, and is still scheduled to eventually step into the ring with fellow strongman Eddie Hall.
Though the experience was unlikely to aid his boxing pursuit, Bjornsson also stepped onto the mats with UFC Welterweight Gunnar Nelson. Besides being a longtime standout at 170 lbs., Nelson is a decorated jiu-jitsu black belt with wins in Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC).
In the video above, Bjornsson explained his interest in grappling the nearly 200 lbs. lighter man.
“I’ve been wanting for a long time, because a lot of my friends have been saying, I have no chance against you on the floor,” Bjornsson said (via MMAFighting). “I’m just interested. To see if the technique and the experience is going to overcome the strength. Not only the strength but also the body weight.”
There is something of a belief in the jiu-jitsu community that size and strength don’t matter if there is a difference in technique, but Bjornsson’s ability to represent himself well on that mat against a far, far more experienced grappler certainly argues otherwise! If there’s a lesson to be learned here, it’s that regardless of jiu-jitsu experience, wrestling (nearly) 400-pound strong men is going to be difficult.
Insomnia
No offense to any of the UFC moms out there, who I’m sure are lovely ladies, but this was the only Mother’s Day post I saw worthy of inclusion.
Valentina Shevchenko ain’t losing that belt any time soon.
Kevin Lee is returning to Welterweight. Who would you like to see “MoTown Phenom” face in his first bout back at 170 pounds?
I’m moving to 170lbs for the foreseeable future. Oliveira can have the lightweights we’ll get that back later
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) May 10, 2021
Is this the Dagestani basketball of legend?
Jan Blachowicz is dope.
It’s unclear whether this guy threw the fight or got beat up twice, but I’ve seen the latter happen in California!
A UK “promoter” is attempting to pass off the same dude as different dudes in consecutive fights by changing his shorts between bouts.
They will now be removed from Tapology. pic.twitter.com/E82RiED6eN
— Steven Kelliher (@Steven_Kelliher) May 10, 2021
Islam Makhachev vs. Gregor Gillespie sounds like an absolutely perfect matchup.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
It’s been a while, so welcome the return of sumo clips!
Day2 Takarafuji (L) vs nomad Ichinojō. These two both take their times with their sumo in most cases and it sure shows here. T gets the hold he once, but I’s bulk and height keeps him upright and less able to take advantage. #natsubasho2021 pic.twitter.com/Xb073rSyuP
— Sumo Soul 相撲魂 (@TheSumoSoul) May 10, 2021
Day2 Enhō (L) vs Ura. These two’s styles look off vs each other as they are both usually facing bigger rikishi. Ura’s reflexes again apparent. I’ve been putting off posting because the end is pretty ouch.. we’ll see.. KIMEDASHI is kimarite. #natsubasho2021 pic.twitter.com/6xWQjAngnm
— Sumo Soul 相撲魂 (@TheSumoSoul) May 10, 2021
Loaded up big on the left hook and the overhand swing!
Rolling into the left hook is accidentally the theme of this section.
Random Land
This is masterful editing.
Midnight Music: Some of the most surprisingly dark opening lyrics of any song to top the Billboard Hot 100:
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.