Welcome to Midnight Mania!
In another timeline, it could very easily be Francis Ngannou headlining UFC 285 this weekend. After all, “The Predator” only officially vacated her Heavyweight title within the past two months, creating the opening for Ciryl Gane vs. Jon Jones to decide her current role. In particular, “Bones” vs. Ngannou has been discussed since Jones first relinquished the Light Heavyweight title, and it’s well known that it would have been a blockbuster fight.
Instead, Ngannou will try his hand at free will, continuing massive fights in the ring and in the cage. It’s a trade decision, which Jones initially seemed to identify with given his own issues negotiating with the UFC over the years. However, Jones has changed his mind recently, criticizing Ngannou for his lack of self-confidence and walking away from the ‘Bones’ challenge.
Despite the change in tone, Ngannou isn’t angry with Jones. Instead, he’s disappointed that the solidarity opportunity has worn off, because he believes athletes are fighting against each other, which is what the UFC wants.
“I personally have no problem with Jon Jones,” Ngannou told MMA Junkie. “I think we all know that Jon Jones has multiple personalities, and sometimes it’s even hard for him to figure out who he really is – and I have nothing to do with that.
“…I think in this fight, we could have been on the same side, instead of fighting against each other, which is exactly what the system wants. You know, to divide the most, to conquer. So, I’m not really into this game. I see clearly what’s going on, I understand very well what’s going on, and I wish them all the best, you know? »
Of course, all hope is not lost of eventually seeing Jones against Ngannou. “The Predator” commented that he would be open to returning to the UFC under the right circumstances, so maybe after a ring trip or two, Ngannou might be ready to join the ranks.
It also has a lot to do with whether or not Jones can handle Gane this weekend.
Insomnia
Who painted this masterpiece?
Recent struggles aside, Conor McGregor still knows how to look sharp in his training drills.
This clip gives me Tony Ferguson vibes, and I love it.
I don’t know if Kevin Lee is going to be hugely successful at welterweight, but Neil Magny makes sense as a returning opponent.
Dude you had your chance to fight me on the McGregor card July 10 you pulled out with a “rib” injury and I’m currently recovering from a torn adductor I’m sure @NeilMagny don’t be afraid to fight you
— Sean BRADY (@seanbradymma) February 28, 2023
Dagestan basketball never dies!
As a longtime fan of Thiago Santos, the idea of describing him and his fighting style as technical is so hilarious. The man has a giant hammer on his chest BECAUSE “Marreta” is a wild man!
Man, I just finished watching my Thiago Santos fight again. I think it’s crazy that you consider Gane the most technical kickboxer I’ve ever faced. Everything Thiago did had bad intentions about it. Dude had lightning speed, power, explosiveness. Crazy versatility.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 27, 2023
This is such a cool balayage!
Slips, tears and KO clips
How far will Shavkat Rakhmonov go? If he goes through Geoff Neal like everyone else, I’d like to see him in a title eliminator next.
Timed it on the way pretty perfectly!
When a fighter transitions to their non-dominant stance, it’s the perfect time to deliver a powerful kick.
Random terrain
CANNONBALL !
Midnight Music: Pop Dance, 2013
Sleep well fools! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
#Midnight #Mania #Ngannou #beef #Jones #multiple #personalities
