Midnight Mania! Fans Baffled By ‘Wildly Underwhelming’ Tsarukyan Vs. Silva Booking

Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

It’s been about six months since No. 8-ranked Arman Tsarukyan last walked into the cage, where he shut out Damir Ismagulov and shattered his 19-fight winning streak. He was scheduled to face Renato Moicano just a couple weeks ago, but an injury to “Money” left Tsarukyan without a dance partner.

Per a report from ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, that’s about to change, as Tsarukyan has been booked opposite Brazilian veteran Joaquim Silva for UFC Vegas 75 on June 17 from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s a booking that has fans … perplexed. Take a look at some of the reactions below:

Silva is not a bad fighter by any means, but it’s hard to argue he’s on the level of Tsarukyan. The 26-year-old Georgian talent is widely believed to be a future champion, and he already gave current Lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev one of his more difficult challenges in a short-notice debut. Since that bout, Tsarukyan has won six of seven, only coming up short in a controversial five-round decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot.

Silva, meanwhile, has lost two of his last three. The knockout artist has stopped established UFC talent like Jared Gordon and Jesse Ronson, but it’s hard to see how this fight works out for him. Ultimately, it’s better than Tsarukyan not fighting at all and heading back to the shelf.

It’s just rather far from the step up in competition that the top prospect desired. Plus, Silva has major power in his hands, so it remains a somewhat dangerous fight for the young wrestler, who should be fighting up the ladder rather than down.

Insomnia

Nate Diaz treating the clown show with about as much respect as it deserves.

I wrote about this more extensively after the first Petr Yan match, but I despise watching Aljamain Sterling kneel in front of opponents who aren’t allowed to take advantage because of a faulty rule set. I find Ryan Hall’s rolling around without fear of stomps similarly annoying.

On a positive note, prioritizing damage over takedowns had been a great improvement compared to judging decisions ten years ago.

Recognize any of the names of upcoming Contenders Series debutants?

Is this how Sean O’Malley breaks into the GOAT race?

Frankie Edgar is apparently not so good at staying within the correct combat area.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Stamp Fairtex’s liver kick stoppage last week was awesome.

Boxing history:

A prolonged attack along the fence brought about the end in this one.

Random Land

Ninja Warrior moves.

Midnight Music: Alternative, 2010

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