Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking look back over the three biggest stories of Thursday, May 22, 2025.
‘Shocked’ Ian Garry discovers Jack Della Maddalena UFC action figure, fans claim it’s ‘virtually identical’: This is the lamest attempt at trash talk in recent memory, yet it was enough to keep Garry atop the news pile. Smart fighter in more ways than one …
Boxing phenom dies of cancer after dismissive doctors told her early symptoms were ‘all in her head’: This story made me very sad. Rest in peace Georgia Cardinali …
Jon Jones rejects retirement label but admits he’s taking a break – ‘I’m growing in different ways’: There’s no way Jones is being this infuriating by accident. He has to be playing everyone. Is it possible to lack self-awareness to this degree? It cannot be. Unfathomable.
Insomnia
Arman Tsarukyan wants Paddy Pimblett next, but Justin Gaethje is waiting in the wings for a Lightweight title shot as well. How would you match up that trio?
Carlos Prates reacting to his first UFC loss, as well as talking with Ian Garry backstage.
Who will test Asia’s top Flyweight prospects if Carlos Hernandez is released?
Carlos Hernandez removed from the UFC active roster.
— Borrachinha Depot (@FullContactMTWF) May 21, 2025
This reads like a great match up for Phil Rowe to let his hands go and show off his boxing prowess … if he can stop the shot.
Japanese kickboxers are built different! I’m excited for Yuki Yoza’s One Championship debut TOMORROW!
How’s everyone feeling about next weekend’s UFC event? I actually think the main event will be fun even if it doesn’t really need to be the main event.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
I have to think Pink was much more badly hurt from the glancing high kick than the referee realized.
Pushing forward for the clinch with no regard for offense coming back can end really badly.
Watch this Sumo clip!
Grand Sumo wrestler Ura performs takedown of much larger Takayasu using incredibly rare technique, only the 6th time in 25 years (0.02% winning technique) pic.twitter.com/zRkpdSa21Y
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) May 21, 2025
Random Land
Friction is an incredible force.
Midnight Music: Punk, 1978
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.