Midnight Mania! “Cowboy” Most Likely Foe For McGregor Comeback

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Conor McGregor named his date — and UFC president Dana White didn’t exactly dispute it — but there is currently someone seemingly in the lead to face the Irishman: Donald Cerrone. “Cowboy” and McGregor were once nearly booked to fight earlier in the year, but unknown circumstances cancelled the bout.

There are several pieces of evidence that indicate Cerrone is next. Most vitally, sources told ESPN that either Donald Cerrone or Justin Gaethje would face McGregor on his return. In addition, just a couple days ago, it seemed that Cerrone’s next bout would be opposite former foe Anthony Pettis, but now Pettis’ team has received news that Cerrone is no longer available.

Lastly, there’s this post from Cerrone himself, pitting the two’s respective alcohols of choice opposite one another:

While I think most would agree that Gaethje would be a more fitting return bout — particularly if McGregor wants a title shot — the Cerrone bout would be definite action. Still, nothing is guaranteed, and if anyone wants some action, certain betting sites offer props on what McGregor will do next.

Insomnia

If anyone is in Auburn, Alabama or the surrounding area, please keep an eye open.

“This is sucks” – Francis Ngannou.

But Masvidal (or his manager) at least still has hope the original match up may happen.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal would be an equally excellent fight — just without as much intrigue.

Check out the weight transfer on this slow-mo low kick:

A great look into Loka Lookboonmee, who will become the first Thai to compete inside the Octagon at UFC Singapore this weekend.

Tony Ferguson flows on mitts like few others.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Hector Fajardo fought two of my team mates as an amateur (including MMAmania’s own Andrew Coyne) before joining Team Alpha Male a couple of years ago. Since the transition, he’s become an undefeated pro and one of my main training partners, and he’ll fight again for Combate Americas next Friday!

If you watch all of these Saenchai stoppages and your appetite for knockouts is not fed, that sounds like a personal issue!

Random Land

I really didn’t plan it this way, but it turns out the theme of this week’s Random Land section is HEIGHTS!

Midnight Music: Full disclosure, I wrote a good portion of this article in the gym, where I am not in control of the music playing. BUT, several Nine Inch Nails songs did pop up on my running playlist today, so that’ll have to do!

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.