Welcome to Midnight Mania!
The Heavyweight division is in an odd place currently. Because Francis Ngannou refused to fight just about four months after winning his title, UFC promptly moved on from the knockout artist, resulting in Ciryl Gane’s interim title win and a whole mix of upset feelings. The two may end up settling things before the end of 2021, but even then, former champion Stipe Miocic is doing his best to argue from the sidelines for another chance at gold.
Also keeping a close eye on the state of the division is Jon Jones, who’s been bulking up for months now in pursuit of Heavyweight gold. Though he’s still stuck in a bit of a limbo due to negotiations, the waiting game could end in an instant.
Jones answered some questions earlier tonight at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, explaining that he doesn’t want to be a full-sized Heavyweight — he wants to be the biggest and strongest!
“Right now I’m about 255,” Jones said (via MMA Junkie). “I feel really great. My goal is to get up to 270 pounds. My goal is to be the most technical, the most well-conditioned, the strongest out of all the heavyweights. That’s what I want. I want to take over all across the board and that’s what I’m going to continue working for. I’m very patient and I know I have several more months of work to do. If anyone is impressed with the way I look today, I can’t wait until they see me when I get back in there. I’m planning on doing so much more.”
“… Before, I would start training about 10 weeks before a fight. I would try to get my body fat down and my cardio up and my skills together. Right now, for the first time in my whole career, I’m actually training consistently. I believe my cardio is fight-worthy right now. When I get in camp, it’s going to go to an even higher level. I feel I’m in better shape now than I ever did before. I’m sleeping better, eating better, drinking less alcohol. I feel really good.”
The 34-year-old also offered his thoughts on the Heavyweight title picture, explaining that he preferred the more high-profile match up vs. Ngannou but ultimately had his eyes on the belt alone. As for his timeline, Jones expects to fight for the belt in “the second quarter of 2022,” which would presumably give him enough time to fully fill out his frame.
Of course, the question remains: how big is too big? When Jones put on muscle for his bout vs. Ovince Saint Preux, the result was a bit lackluster, but “Bones” has seemingly put a great deal of thought into his preparation.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
Insomnia
Kelvin Gastelum back at Welterweight is such an exciting concept, but … I’ll believe it when I see him on the scale with well-defined abs!
Both Dan Hooker and Nasrat Haqparast are en route to Las Vegas!
Remember those pictures a few months ago of Nick Diaz looking shredded by the track? Uhh … what happened?
Jorge Masvidal took his flying knee to the wrastling ring!
Well, this is certainly a fight that is going to happen.
Conor McGregor offers up an interesting take on his wonky first pitch:
Curtis Blaydes’ wrestling and activity are ridiculous for a Heavyweight.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Things get extra heated in this week’s version of MMA Guy vs. Random “Street Fighter.”
It only takes a small opening for Brian Ortega to jump on the neck and begin transitioning between attacks.
Lead leg skips straight up to the chin:
Random Land
Fun with the hydraulic press!
Midnight Music: A garage rock staple from The White Stripes!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.