Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Leon Edwards has been talking the talk for some time now, but it’s tough to argue with his results. Even including the controversial eye poke “No Contest” vs. Belal Muhammad, he 29-year-old Englishman has not tasted defeat since December 2015, and that loss came to the current Welterweight champion! Since then, Edwards has soundly defeated eight opponents.
His upcoming bout opposite Nate Diaz is definitely an opportunity to become more of a household name, but Edwards plans to do more than simply make a name for himself. Instead, “Rocky” eyes a violent finish, one that could change the perception of Edwards from decision fighter to dangerous title contender.
“I believe I’ll finish him in this fight,” Edwards said during a UFC preview. (via BJPenn.com) “It ends with Nate out cold and I’m victorious and I can not wait.
“This is a great opportunity to fight Nate, but I’m leaps above him in technique, in skillset and it’s a five-round fight. He has to survive 25 minutes,” Edwards said. “This is what I love to do, this is what I chose to do. My mission is to be a world champion and a win over Nate Diaz puts me in line for a world title shot.”
Of course, Diaz is famously durable and well built to compete for five rounds, so this pre-fight promise may prove easier said than done.
Insomnia
This is the important question regarding Alistair Overeem’s return to Glory Kickboxing — will he return as “Ubereem?”
Luke Rockhold and Michael Bisping are positively adorable together.
Tenshin Nasukawa facing three rounds of fresh opponents is genuinely a fascinating turn of events that is quite exciting.
Official #RIZIN28 bout order. This card was awesome BEFORE they had Tenshin fighting three people, including a mystery opponent. Late night Saturday/Early Sunday after UFC. pic.twitter.com/E78KMV8bmQ
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) June 8, 2021
This is not what you want to hear from your cornerman!
The Lightweight division never rests.
Deiveson Figueiredo’s brand of violence is already art.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
A first look at the man replacing Frank Camacho this weekend opposite Matt Frevola:
Is this the best knockout in the history of women’s MMA? I’d probably have to give it to Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey personally, just for the spectacle of the whole thing, but still … doesn’t get much cleaner!
Random Land
There was apparently a terrifying land spout (which is like a lesser tornado?) in Colorado on Monday.
Midnight Music: With the help of Your Old Droog, MF DOOM is still dropping fire from beyond the grave.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.