Midnight Mania: Just Say No (To Scumbag Managers)

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Sean O’Malley has really forged his own path to MMA stardom. “Suga” is an exciting fighter with an individual style, which certainly has helped him build a fanbase. However, he also embraced YouTube, sponsorships, and merchandising with a different level of savvy and commitment than the average UFC fighter.

One of the more unique keys to O’Malley’s recent success has been ditching his manager, meaning he takes home a higher percentage of his fight purse than most. Last week, O’Malley hinted at a bombshell revelation regarding shady fighter management and sneaky dealings.

He didn’t quite spill all the beans at Thursday’s press conference, but O’Malley once again ranted against MMA management. Initially, O’Malley just advised young fighters to be cautious and thoroughly read through any contract prior to signing — generally good advice!

“When you guys get these manager contracts just make sure you read them,” Sean O’Malley explained (via Josh Evanoff). “Look through them, have a lawyer look through them. Don’t just sign because these guys say ‘I can get you in the UFC’, they’re taking 20% of your purse, they’re taking your win bonus, they’re taking your fight bonus. I would be very very skeptical on signing their contracts.”

He continued, “You could sign with a manager but make sure you have stuff in there that’s fair to you. None of these contracts are fair to the fighters and these managers know that these fighters aren’t going to read it. We’re fighters for a reason. So I would be very very careful with these guys that are really close to the UFC.”

O’Malley doubled down later when asked to elaborate further, warning against predatory practices and once again promising a big reveal in the near future. He concluded (via BloodyElbow), “You meet scumbags on all levels of life. You can be broke and have broke scumbag friends, you can have a lot of money and there’s those rich, high-level scumbags out there. (MMA managers are) good at being scumbags. They’re good at that.”

Insomnia

I am devastated to report that Demetrious Johnson did not actually post this, but in my heart, I’m going to keep believing it’s real.

Eventful times at the PFL weigh ins!

Paulo Costa may or may not defeat Khamzat Chimaev in the cage, but he’s FOR SURE going to win the meme battle.

UFC 292 glow ups! I’m impressed with Chris Weidman’s musculature at 39 years of age.

A fun but challenging game to play: Is Bryce Mitchell crazy or goofing around? I guess we’ll find out once he’s in the cage.

Tanner Boser may have been released following a victory, something you don’t see every day!

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Trying to toe hold the toe hold guy is a bold decision.

Gregory Rodrigues fights this weekend, so there’s a 100% guarantee that at least one fight at UFC 292 will be awesome.

Old school “Magnum” highlights are a lot of fun.

Random Land

Trading card prices are WILD!

Midnight Music: Rock, 1970

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