Midnight Mania! Marquez Didn’t Blow It, Will Shave ‘Sacred’ Chest Hair

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Julian Marquez’s Saturday night was one for the storybooks. At UFC 258, he pulled off a miraculous come-from-behind victory after well over two years on the sidelines. As if that wasn’t enough, he asked Miley Cyrus — one of the biggest pop stars on the planet — to be his Valentine … and she was down!

All great things come to an end, however, as Marquez promptly fumbled the bag. Rather than acquiesce to Cyrus’ simple request of shaved initials in the chest hair, Marquez countered with a demand of his own.

She did not approve, taking to her Instagram story to send some shade. However, Marquez does not believe his chance is lost. In fact, he’s confident that the situation will still play out in his favor.

“I have not shaven an ‘MC’ in my chest just yet,” Marquez told MMA Junkie Radio. “I flew home (Sunday) and spent some time with my family. It’s been 31 months. I’ve spent two camps away from my family, kind of pushing them away. I’ve spent the majority of the time with my grandmother. But here’s the thing: A man’s chest hair is sacred. It’s like a lion’s mane. It’s very difficult to shave. But I am talking to some people right now and we have something in the works for everybody.

“Trust me, everything is going to work out the way you guys want it to work out. Everything is going the way it should go. For everyone saying I blew it, I think that’s hilarious because that’s not what it looks like on this side.”

We’ll have to wait and see if Marquez is telling the truth or just covering up a misstep.

Insomnia

He may not be the most appreciated champion, but Kamaru Usman is one of the sport’s best.

… but no, he is not yet the greatest Welterweight of all time.

Significant damage is definitely a reasonable way to win. If you don’t want to lose via your face being destroyed … don’t let your face get destroyed.

Kelvin Gastelum’s anatomy breaks down to a cinderblock firmly attached to a refrigerator.

Douglas Lima shows a punch machine who’s boss.

Andre Ewell is fine with Jon Anik bizarrely bringing up his custody battle (I can only assume at the request of ESPN, who love drama and sadness).

His retirement is for the best, but no one can say “Skyscraper” didn’t put on fun fights and pick up some good wins.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

A low lead hand sneaks around the guard for a crushing left hook:

Staying in place and waiting for the opponent to land a knee is rarely advisable.

How’s this for a creative back elbow?

Random Land

Straight up gnarly.

Midnight Music: Hoping your Monday was a good one!

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