Midnight Mania! 2023 Just Booked Its First UFC Main Event

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

2022 hasn’t quite come to a close just yet, but there’s already at least one fight to look forward to in the new year. Per a report from La Sueur, former UFC title contender, Kelvin Gastelum, will return to action opposite French prospect, Nassourdine Imavov, in the main event of a UFC “Fight Night” event on January 14, 2023, likely from inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Times have admittedly been tough for Gastelum, who has lost five of his last six bouts. Admittedly, he’s been fighting nothing but the cream of the crop at 185 lbs., only coughing up defeats to top-ranked opponents. Still, the former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) champion needs a win in a big way, otherwise his position in the rankings — and maybe on the roster — could be at risk.

Imavov, meanwhile, is riding a considerable wave of momentum. The talented boxer has won three in a row, stopping two of his opponents via strikes before winning a wild brawl opposite Joaquin Buckley. He’s on a fast track into the Top 10, and defeating Gastelum could be just his ticket into those ranks.

Originally, Gastelum was scheduled to face Imavov at UFC 273. However, visa issues forced Imavov off the bout, then injury sidelined Gastelum as well. In just a few months, they’ll get a second chance to throw down.

Who ya’ got?!?

Insomnia

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Here’s a good fundamental kickboxing drill applied at a high-level:

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It feels like incidents at press conferences are growing more and more frequent.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

A pretty sweet highlight of “Poatan” dead’ing people left and right:

Aaron Pico is one of the most explosive finishers I’ve seen covering the sport. He uncorks his punches so dynamically, it’s brutal!

A very slick flying armbar!

Random Land

A different perspective on our planet:

Midnight Music: Trap, 2019

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