Midnight Mania! Yan Opens As 2-1 Favorite Over Aldo

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Petr Yan’s short time in UFC has been remarkably impressive.

In less than two years’ time, Yan has won six bouts inside the Octagon. More than that, the Russian Master of Sport in both boxing and MMA has largely dominated his competition, picking up three knockout wins in the process. At 27 years of age, Yan has the potential to be a Bantamweight title threat for a long time to come.

Perhaps that’s why he’s opened as such a large favorite opposite Jose Aldo at -240 per BestFightOdds.

A bout between the two is currently targeted for the vacant Bantamweight title later in the year, likely over Summer. Jose Aldo is technically winless at 135-pounds, but the Brazilian legend arguably won his Bantamweight debut against former title challenger Marlon Moraes. Regardless of your opinion on the decision itself, Aldo proved that he was a viable threat at Bantamweight and still had something left in the tank.

In short, the bout is a definite step up for Yan, but odds makers appear confident it’s one he’ll handle well.

Who ya’ got?

Insomnia

UFC should probably do a better job of keeping one of its few serious pay-per-view (PPV) draws happy.

The Reebok deal may be coming to an end, but it doesn’t seem like fighters will be able to represent sponsors inside the Octagon any time soon. Personally, I had been hoping for a PFL-esque compromise: allowing one small sponsorship per athlete.

Further explanation on the Reebok deal and where that money went …

Francis Ngannou is the next Billy Banks.

Dear readers, if a gun if ever pointed in your direction, do not follow these instructions.

I need someone to explain to me what the hell these stretches Teruto Ishihara is doing are.

Last night, we discussed women’s MMA and marketing sexuality. Let’s flip the script (courtesy of a prompt from Jessica-Rose Clark)

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Here’s some proof the Valerie Loureda can also throw down. It’s true that she hasn’t fought anyone amazing yet, but that’s hardly a rarity for a young prospect with two pro fights.

This is a particularly brutal finish to a Bulldog choke:

One of the slickest inversions I’ve ever seen!

Random Land

Baby turtles!

Midnight Music: Freddie Gibbs teamed up with producer The Alchemist for another serving of quality gangsta rap. Today is a good day:

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