Welcome to Midnight Mania!
As with every yr in fight sports activities, 2023 had its justifiable share of unusual moments and unhealthy decision-making. Probably the most standout poor performances got here from Colby Covington, who talked his means right into a title shot versus Leon Edwards at UFC 296 after which … barely tried to win?
It was weird (watch highlights). Covington has by no means been a very advanced fighter, however “Chaos” has traditionally understood how he wins fights: a mixture of stress, quantity, and elite wrestling. Reverse “Rocky,” Covington frolicked on the again foot, didn’t throw many strikes, and barely tried to wrestle till late within the struggle.
Why?
Two months later, we could have an evidence. Whereas speaking with Submission Radio, Covington revealed that he broke his foot early within the first spherical, which affected his potential to throw punches and wrestle successfully. He additionally introduced x-rays to show his harm to any would-be doubters.
“The end result wasn’t what I needed, it wasn’t my evening. I broke my foot instantly, and I couldn’t plant or explode off it to make use of the wrestling and stress I deliberate to make use of. I didn’t need to disclose this data till I had the x-rays.”
Covington continued, “I knew immediately it was unhealthy. It was the primary kick I threw, it landed proper on his elbow. He was in Orthodox, so I form of bought a bit of overzealous, and I needed to tear a excessive kick in direction of his Orthodox facet, trigger I didn’t know if he can be defensively sound like he’s from Southpaw … Haters will nonetheless discover a strategy to hate on me for combating 25 minutes on one leg whereas touchdown over 100 strikes greater than Leon!”
That quantity on the finish is totally made up, for the report.
Damaged foot or not, Covington’s loss at UFC 296 significantly harm his place at 170 lbs. Till he’s in a position to return to the win column towards a prime contender (like this one), “Chaos” has successfully been faraway from the Welterweight title image.
Insomnia
Dustin Poirier supplied up his prediction for the upcoming BMF title struggle, and he’s backing Max Holloway. Seeing as “The Diamond” fought each twice, he has higher perception than most!
Brian Ortega has fought for simply 4 minutes within the final two years or so. Wanting ahead to his return!
Denzel Curry vs. Wiz Khalifa when?!? Zel is wanting sharp on the mitts!
I’ve to think about Drew Dober’s measurement and energy performed a job in fatiguing Renato Moicano even because the Brazilian dominated prime place.
Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev speaking some trash on Twitter — assume the rematch ever materializes?
Movsar Evloev UFC Profession 8 Fights 0 Finishes 1 Bonus (FOTN In opposition to Diego Lopes) in 4.5 years
Diego Lopes UFC Profession 3 fights 2 Finishes, 3 bonuses in 9 months
You possibly can thank me for making 50k for the primary time in your profession. https://t.co/9XpbWc4f7u
— Diego Lopes (@Diegolopesmma) February 4, 2024
Child is so overestimated that #5 talked about his title, non cease posting. You wouldn’t actually have a profession with out me, you welcome for these 3 bonuses. Discuss to me while you prime 5, till then keep centered!
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) February 4, 2024
It is humorous to me that although I used to be on the prime I needed to point out my title so that individuals would take note of you watch out what you say, so you could hear what you do not need. Mr. choice
— Diego Lopes (@Diegolopesmma) February 4, 2024
Schnell vs. Erceg seems like a reasonably assured banger at 125 lbs.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Saenchai continues to be placing shins to chins at 43 years of age.
Muay Thai legend Saenchai bought one other victory yesterday. Nonetheless energetic at 43 years previous. This is a clip of the knock down he scored. pic.twitter.com/ao6X00rURv
— Timothy Wheaton MMA (@TimWheatonMMA) February 5, 2024
A decent left hook whereas fading again ended this contest.
Confronted with an opponent who’s slipping punches nicely? Throwing up a excessive kick is a good concept!
Random Land
Admire the little issues.
Midnight Music: A request from longtime MMAmaniac, arm.bar.bandit.
Sleep nicely Maniacs! Extra martial arts insanity is all the time on the way in which.
