Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Over the weekend, news broke that UFC Flyweight Jimmy Flick announced his retirement at a regional promotion. It came as a definite surprise; Flick had a majorly successful 2020, winning four fights that included an LFA title, “Contender Series” victory, and incredible flying triangle in his UFC debut that earned him an extra $50 grand.
In terms of his combat sports future, things appeared to be looking up for the 30-year-old veteran, who fought for over a decade before ever stepping into the Octagon. However, upon making it there, Flick realized that being a UFC fighter was not the path for him or his family.
“I need to justify what I mean by that,” Flick said What the Heck (transcription via MMAFighting). “The UFC never did me wrong. I love everything the UFC did for me. I love the goals that I got to get to the UFC, to the person it made me.
“But what I mean by that is there’s no benefits of beating my body up no more being in the UFC. We have no 401k. We have no benefits. We have no fallback. Fighters are too stupid to unionize, and it’ll never happen, because there’s other fighters that will fight for that money. I love the money I got, but this is just to go show everybody that money doesn’t buy happiness.”
Flick has received some backlash for his decision, questioning his bravery and commitment. “The Brick” defended himself, citing his long career, as well as all the physical and mental trauma that goes into being a professional fighter.
“Look, I’ve got 20 pro fights,” Flick retorts. “I’ve fought UFC vets bare-knuckle, … That’s not it. I’m 16-5, and it’s kill or be killed. I’ve only have three fights that went to decision. If the want is not there no more, I’m not going to do that to my family, to my coaches, to my training partners, everybody that sacrifices everything to help keep me going forward. It’s not there no more, and it was a hard way to find out, but I’m happy with that.”
Despite the abrupt retirement, Flick appears to already be at peace with his decision, though UFC has kept the door open for a potential return. He appears ready for the next chapter in his life, which involves writing a book about his journey to the Octagon.
[The UFC] did everything they said they were going to do in their contract, everything I agreed to,” he said. “There was nothing I wanted more. It’s just the fact that once I got there, and I experienced it, I realized it’s only going to take more from me, and I’m still going to have to keep my job to take care of my family and my loved ones.”
Insomnia
I still wouldn’t hold my breath, but Nick Diaz appears to be in shape …
Why would Sean O’Malley fight someone he just beat?
Some folks are really excited to see the return of Karate Stance Conor McGregor.
Speaking of McGregor, he should probably Venmo Dustin Poirier that donation before the situation grows uglier.
Kevin Lee cast his line hoping to land an Irishman, but he may have accidentally reeled in a equally dangerous, far less profitable opponent.
Whether Daniel Cormier or Dagestan, Kevin Holland’s wrestling could definitely use some work.
Francis Ngannou and his foundation are changing the world for the better.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Buggy chokes are still rare in jiu-jitsu, but to see one in an MMA fight is seriously uncommon!
How’s this for a right hand?
The setup doesn’t have to be complicated to land a power stance from the open side. Let it rip!
Random Land
A clean dog is a happy dog.
Midnight Music: My team mate told me to check out English indie rockers The Kooks, and while it’s not totally my vibe, their music is fun!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.