Welcome to Midnight Mania!
2021 has been a remarkably strange year for Diego Sanchez, even by his usual standards. Sanchez’s relationship with UFC was sullied to the point of release by his toxic head coach, Joshua Fabia. The controversies built up and climaxed immediately following his release, as there were accusations of assassination and long term medical trauma thrown about.
Fortunately, Sanchez soon split from Fabia, freeing himself from his influence and coaching alike. As a result, he’s considerably more hirable, even if UFC remains uninterested in getting back in “The Nightmare” business.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has no such qualms about signing the original Ultimate Fighter (TUF) champion. Provided he can pass medical protocols, BKFC President David Feldman is excited about bring Sanchez into the fold.
“Yeah we’re having some great talks,” Feldman told MMA Junkie. “I think we’re going to close something out pretty soon. He’s a good guy. I think he can offer a lot to us. I don’t think he’s done. We’ll absolutely go through every type of medical protocols that there are just because of the history he had with the guy (Joshua Fabia) that he was with. I want to make sure that everything’s on the up and up with him, and I have a really good hunch and a feeling that they are.
“So once we get through that, I think we can get to a contract and get something going. It’ll be great to have that legend, Diego Sanchez, fighting another legend inside the squared circle, which as soon as Diego signs, and I can announce the matchup that I have, people are going to be like, ‘What the hell is going on here?’”
Sanchez has lost two of his last three bouts dating back to July 2019. The sole win in that time span came via disqualification, and Sanchez is far more noted for his grappling prowess than pugilistic skills.
Perhaps he can surprise us all?
Insomnia
I know I just said Nate Diaz at French Laundry was the best thing ever, but Tanner Boser’s intrepid cousin has since dethroned it.
After I lost to Gane, my 3rd cousin sent me a Facebook message with a bunch of “advice”, telling me what I should’ve done to have won the fight. Anyway, if Ngannou wants to hire him in preparation for their bout, his name is Shaun and he sells car parts(?) and has never trained.
— Tanner Boser (@BulldozerBoser) August 8, 2021
I support this trend of referees and judges offering their thoughts on Twitter.
The amount of people missing the self-depreciation in this joke from Arnold Allen …
Rose Namajunas working her angles and power shots — but for what challenger?
Jared Gooden — who scored a very quick knockout a couple weeks back — offers to step in vs. Kevin Lee.
The benefits of an ice bath and workout all in one!
Jose Aldo appreciate post:
Are we not gonna talk about how effortlessly Jose Aldo checked/negated Pedro Munhoz’s calf kicks?
Pedro tore up Jimmie Rivera’s lead leg with the same kicks and Aldo dealt with them like they were nothing.
Think a few fighters will be following suit.pic.twitter.com/ggDqLU5YQU
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) August 9, 2021
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Being able to stay composed and fire hard punches while an opponent chases is such a valuable skill.
If you have the shin conditioning and gas tank for it, blasting kicks is the way to go!
Spin vs. spin in slow-mo — I especially appreciate Steven Peterson’s grimace as he counters.
Random Land
Mac from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia dance vibes!
Midnight Music: Tonight, I checked out Billie Eilish’s sophomore LP, Happier Than Ever. It may be without the standout mega hits of her debut — the album leans more towards ballads than trappy beats — but I found the whole project very coherent both musically and thematically, and the songwriting is consistently strong.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.