Midnight Mania! UFC Free Fight: McGregor Vs. Diaz II

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Less than two weeks away from his upcoming main event opposite Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, take a moment to look back upon one of the most important and entertaining wins of Conor McGregor’s career. The rematch with Nate Diaz may not have been the bout that won McGregor either of his titles, but it was a battle that really helped cement McGregor’s stardom further. In addition, McGregor was really forced to rally through serious adversity, proving his championship grit late in the fight.

Beyond that, it was simply an amazing contest. Early on, McGregor’s boxing combinations were so fluid and powerful — by 2020 MMA standards it’s great, but compared to most in 2016, it was next level. Diaz roared back into the fight in classic Diaz fashion, but that’s when McGregor showed a different wrinkle to his attack. In the fourth round, when he needed it most, McGregor was able to recover and fight smart, stealing a pivotal round to earn the nod … though not everyone agrees with the decision.

Either way, it’s certainly worth a re-watch!

Insomnia

Is Edson Barboza looking any leaner ahead of his cut to Featherweight?

Good guy “Gamebred.”

One Championship is planning big moves in 2020 … if their funds can sustain them.

Speaking of One, Alain Ngalani is always doing the craziest body weight workouts.

“Bam Bam” is a big cannonball.

It’s January, so expect plenty of goofiness at your local gym as many embark on new fitness goals in 2020. Lend a helping hand to those in need!

I have a training partner who’s a very decorated wrestler (David Klingsheim for the wrestling nerds), and he loves to pull this type of spin-into-shot trickery. It’s upsettingly effective.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Can never get enough crisp left hooks in the pocket:

It wouldn’t surprise me to see the back crucifix position become more and more common in MMA. There’s less control available compared to a standard back mount, but fighters are so good at defending from the regular back position that it’s often worth the risk.

Kicking the back and front leg is awesome!

Random Land

This is plenty strange.

Midnight Music: We stopped by a sports bar with six screens of soccer playing, and the Britpop was blaring. Fun times!

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