Welcome to Midnight!
The Heavyweight drama regarding the newly created interim title match up between Ciryl Gane vs. Derrick Lewis is just getting started. Francis Ngannous is baffled and annoyed, and his management claims to be blind-sided by the UFC’s decision.
UFC President Dana White is obviously an important factor in these negotiations, and he took issue with Ngannou’s manager’s statement. Earlier today on Instagram, White refuted his claim about being surprised by the UFC’s announcement.
“This dude is SO FULL OF SHIT!” White replied to Brett Okamoto’s post on the subject. “He knows EXACTLY what’s going on and isn’t “shocked” at all. because we told him several times this was coming. His management is incompetent and hopefully Francis starts taking a look at new people to help his career.”
At the time of writing, Ngannou’s management team has yet to respond. It remains to be seen exactly how the whole situation shakes out, but chances are slim that everyone is satisfied with the resolution.
Insomnia
I’m not hating on Gane or Lewis for taking the opportunity offered, but the Heavyweight interim title is laaaaame!
If you only knew half the story… But you see how they’ll do you??
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) June 28, 2021
On a lighter note:
This slow-mo nose gush is incredible:
Tanner Boser shutting down Ovince Saint Preux’s appeal already — no cage grab there!
Now, I am no expert on coronavirus conspiracies nor interpreting Tito Ortiz, BUT if I’m understanding correctly: Tito Ortiz believes that being around too many vaccinated people has resulted in a rash, likely because he misinterpreted the vaccine shedding theory, which says that the vaccine will travel from vaccinated folks to those who opted against the shot.
Leave Ben Rothwell out of your Twitter whining!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
This whole exchange is wild, and the finishing shot doesn’t look that dramatic, but … Wow!
10/10 faceplant at R3 Fighting Championship
Baxriddin Ziyarov KO’s Lazizbek Holmurodov in the first round. Started the finishing combo on his knees. pic.twitter.com/pN0QfnRw6s
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) June 26, 2021
A knockdown from a stiff jab — we love to see it.
NAJSZYBSZY NOKAUT W HISTORII FEN Będący sporym underdogiem Patryk Duński sprawia dużą niespodziankę i już po 16 sekundach nokautuje Kamila Łebkowskiego #FEN35 pic.twitter.com/FtacttAcSA
— FEN MMA (@fenmma) June 26, 2021
It’s pretty crazy that Thiago Alves — a veteran long known for his brutal kicks and knees — captured the BKFC title. Congrats to “The Pitbull!”
Random Land
BIG PIZZA!
For anyone interested, I did a quick interview with Tales Of The Octagon, who does a good job of posting lots of MMA content!
Midnight Music: I have an eerie feeling that I’ve posted this track before, but I couldn’t find evidence of it, so hopefully neither does anyone else! A classic, regardless.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.