Welcome to Midnight Mania!
It’s been 2.5 years since Manny Pacquiao final stepped into the ring as knowledgeable boxer. He was aggressive with Yordenis Ugas in his ultimate bout earlier than retirement, however it was clear the then-42 12 months outdated was one other step slower and considerably much less correct. As with many retirements in fight sports activities, nevertheless, it doesn’t appear to have totally taken.
In December 2022, Pacquiao returned to motion, successful an exhibition match in South Korea (watch highlights). He’s talked about returning to the ring quite a few instances since, and he just lately booked one other exhibition bout versus Muay Thai legend Buakaw.
Apparently, exhibition matches alone aren’t sufficient to fulfill Pacquiao’s itch for motion. In keeping with a report from Michael Benson, Pacquiao is returning to skilled competitors and ought to be thought of “out of retirement.” He additionally has some high-profile opponents in thoughts: Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, and Conor McGregor.
How possible are these fights for the boxing legend? Davis is atop the boxing world proper now, a pound-for-pound expertise and champion who fights a handful of weight lessons beneath “Pacman.” That may very well be a problem, however in fact, cash talks! Garcia is a bit larger than “Tank” and has related star energy, in order that may very well be a viable possibility if his struggles with Golden Boy Promotions don’t come into play.
As for McGregor, the scenario grows difficult for a handful of causes. For one, UFC must enable McGregor to field since he’s below contract. As well as, Pacquiao is at present embroiled in a authorized battle with McGregor’s administration group, Paradigm Sports activities. That multi-million greenback feud might carry a couple of halt in negotiations, however then, McGregor was calling for the match himself again in December.
Keep tuned.
Insomnia
Convey again Condom Depot and Dynamic Fastener.
The field for UFC weigh-ins at the moment are sponsored by Rizz Pharma, introduced yesterday because the UFC’s official erectile dysfunction and hair loss remedy companion.
Attention-grabbing selection… pic.twitter.com/EqHpq1CtbF
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 2, 2024
An essential anniversary for the MMA group.
In Georgia now we have an expression … It’s higher to interrupt your head than break your popularity. 4 years in the past, sadly I did each ♂️! However I amnot ashamed .. I nonetheless chortle at myself. Warning: #donottrythisathome pic.twitter.com/7A20szDFNU
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) February 2, 2024
Dominick Cruz is a good fighter and all, however take a look at these photos and inform me with a straight face that it’s stunning his knees hold exploding.
A brand new Flyweight reserving:
Pull to keep away from the kick, slip outdoors the left hook, fast pivot off — SMOOTH!
Jamahal Hill is getting again into the swing of issues with the assistance of Sean Strickland.
Whenever you been out for over a 12 months, had surgical procedure and get cleared to gentle spar in fact you make Sean Strickland your very first spherical!!! No tip toeing, we proper again within the deep finish!!!#work pic.twitter.com/2c2WMl8JnL
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) February 2, 2024
Grant Dawson must show he can’t get knocked out within the first minute, and Terrance McKinney just about solely wins by within the first couple minutes. E-book it!
These stat strains have me feeling a little bit nauseous.
This weekend’s UFC card will probably be #92 at The Apex.
The sector has held 14% of all playing cards in UFC historical past regardless of solely being first utilised in 2020.
It is held 20% of the occasions in america alone.
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) February 2, 2024
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Oh yeah, this proper here’s a Heavyweight MMA overhand proper.
A little bit of cautious closing of the gap units up an enormous left hand:
That point when Banner nearly despatched Filho via the ropes. 24 years later and this nonetheless is among the greatest knockouts I’ve ever seen.https://t.co/9bSN9h6TVg
— Cerebral Vigilante (@Delisketo) February 2, 2024
“Why they acquired a pensioner preventing a younger child?” — Liam Harrison
Random Land
RIP Carl Weathers.
Midnight Music: Hip-hop, 2006
Sleep properly Maniacs! Extra martial arts insanity is at all times on the best way.