Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Like it or not, the return of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) is imminent. The most recent season ended in November 2018, and the unprecedented extended layoff had many assuming that TUF was done for good, replaced by “Contenders Series” and “Looking For A Fight.” However, UFC has since announced otherwise, and the new season will premiere on June 1, 2021 on ESPN+.
Not everyone is excited though. Colby Covington, who was once in talks to be one of the coaches, took the opportunity to criticize the drawing power of Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega — because he, himself, would have of course done much better!
“Yikes,” Covington told James Lynch (via MMA Junkie). “I know Hunter Campbell and Dana White probably had to go behind closed doors and be smacking themselves in the head. You don’t want those two guys as your coaches, as your comeback season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ Those guys are going to make a complete mockery of the show. I mean, there’s just not entertainment factor there, you know?
“Those guys, yeah, they’re decent fighters – but for the little-weights, the little midgets, they don’t sell. There’s no controversy. There’s no drama. There’s no nothing. There’s no storyline. I feel bad for the show. I wish I could’ve come back to the show and give the people what they want.”
Ortega has since replied on Twitter, wondering how he ended up in Covington’s crosshairs but firing back regardless. “Idk why @ColbyCovMMA hating the TUF show was yours bro I didn’t even f*cken want it,” Ortega tweeted. “@GamebredFighter left to fight and you got assed out. My fight fell through and we got the call to get it. I didn’t call anyone bout the show they hit me up. Now I’m glad you ain’t get it B*tch.”
Idk why @ColbyCovMMA hating the TUF show was yours bro I didn’t even fucken want it. @GamebredFighter left to fight and you got assed out. My fight fell through and we got the call to get it. I didn’t call anyone bout the show they hit me up. Now I’m glad you ain’t get it Bitch
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) May 28, 2021
Insomnia
It doesn’t really matter whether you win or lose; fighting Justin Gaethje is not going to be a pleasant experience.
I’m always rooting for ya Mike but there are a lot of things I can do that You just Can’t my friend . All the positive thinking in the world just won’t get ya there Good Luck with Justin He’s a Tornado of fist and kicks that I have No desire to rematch ever again .
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) May 28, 2021
A cruel reference, but a funny one.
I don’t wish ill upon anyone, but also, I would not be sad if UFC 263 loses a match or two. 15 fights equates to roughly 7.5 hours, and well … That’s a lot!
Lyoto Machida is The Karate Kid.
Despite the retirement rumors, Zabit Magomedsharipov still looks like an active fighter to me.
I’ve said it before, but holding mitts is a rough job! A bit of arthritis is just the start.
This person does not deserve to have $87,000.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Deiveson Figueiredo’s mix of body shots and elbows from close distance is seriously nasty.
It’s always fun when high-level BJJ guys crossover into MMA, but it is much harder to find leg locks when strikes are allowed and everyone is tired/sweaty.
No free leg kicks! A striking rule easier said than accomplished.
Random Land
Make good choices this holiday weekend … or at least film the bad ones for a chance at ending up on Derrick Lewis’ page.
Midnight Music: I don’t think classic tracks get much funnier.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.