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Welcome to Midnight Mania!
When it rains, it pours.
Just a day after Alessandro Costa was forced from his scheduled Flyweight banger versus Matt Schnell, the Light Heavyweight preliminary card headliner between Ovince Saint Preux and Ryan Spann has been cancelled. UFC announced the news on Wednesday, blaming the cancellation on an “OSP” illness.
In the Costa vs. Schnell situation, UFC was able to find a short-notice replacement in Cody Durden. This time around, there was no mention of a replacement, so it’s likely that Spann is off the card entirely. It remains to be seen if the bout is rebooked at a later date or scrapped entirely.
Saint Preux (27-17) is a longtime Light Heavyweight veteran who fought for the 205-pound title back in 2016. At 41 years of age, “OSP” is in the closing stages of his career, but he’s still managed to win two of his last three since returning to Light Heavyweight. Spann, meanwhile, has lost his last three bouts. The 33-year-old knockout artist has fallen out of the Top 15 rankings and was looking to rebound in this match up.
Check out the full UFC Vegas 97 fight card right here.
Insomnia
A pair of all-time great Brazilian fighters getting some training in!
Alex Pereira sparring with former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion and MMA legend Rodrigo Nogueira
IG/@AlexPereiraUFC #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Dk6b1Le0Wd
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 4, 2024
The “kickass Bantamweight fights” cup runneth over.
Jonathan Martinez will fight Marcus McGhee at #UFC309 on November 16th. (first rep. @TeamIridiumISA) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 pic.twitter.com/oKtMKNmP9b
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) September 2, 2024
Probably the first time in history that a dude from Philly has liked The Sopranos and Meek Mill (no shade).
Humanizing Athletes: Sean Brady
Sean lists some of his favorite things ahead of his fight at #UFCVegas97 pic.twitter.com/eYOTzNseig
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) September 3, 2024
Nate Manness, who was controversially released from the UFC roster last month, has officially signed with BKFC.
News is out. We’re @bareknucklefc bound #Mayhem pic.twitter.com/K65YeKPCjF
— Nate Maness (@MayhemManess1) September 3, 2024
The greatest Heavyweight of all time.
Fedor Emelianenko trips, throws, and takedowns.pic.twitter.com/otJRlZf8Ag
— Miguel Class (@MigClass) September 4, 2024
I don’t have anything against Torrez Finney in the least, but I just know Michel Pereira front kicked the crap out of him.
Torrez Finney training with Michel Pereira and Sean Strickland at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/aGdpyJrfuk
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) September 4, 2024
TJ Dillashaw was so slick at his peak.
Clip 1: Plays upon expectation that Assuncao doesn’t want to handfight to draw out something to counter.
Clip 2: Fakes the same handfight tactic to dart behind the right and outposition Assuncao. pic.twitter.com/jYFvLvb6dW
— Dan A. (@TypewritingDA) September 3, 2024
An interesting look into the finances of one of the premier regional shows in the US.
#BoxOffice Report:
August 23: Commerce Casino
LFA 190
Per CSAC:
Total receipts (on tickets): $62,585.00
Tickets Sold: 975
Capacity: 1,420
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 4, 2024
Per CSAC, from the Athlete Payoff Sheet, the LFA 190 fighter disclosed purses ranged from $1K (and win bonus of $1K) to $5K (and win bonus of $5K).
Ashley Yoder was disclosed as the highest paid: $10K ($5K Purse & $5K Win Bonus).
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 4, 2024
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Yanarsanov definitely baited him into the buggy choke by allowing the guard pass.
Buggy choke finish by Islam Yanarsanov in his pro debut at NFL 1 pic.twitter.com/e8fINWgJdT
— Matysek (@Matysek88) August 31, 2024
Spin to win!
WHAT. Alibek Kuzhbaev just scored a 20 second spinning wheel kick KO in the NAIZA co-main. The knockouts this weekend have been crazy #NAIZA66 pic.twitter.com/9XKKGzR69Z
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 31, 2024
Slipping while kicking doesn’t appear to have affected the power delivered by even a single iota.
Finishes like that are equally beautiful and scary… [isagocmen/IG] pic.twitter.com/PRRgL6isSJ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 31, 2024
Random Land
Gorgeous scenery.
Incredible. Inspiring. ❄️ Thanks to for letting us share your video @mikel.sarasola. #icewater #ice #water #kayak #getoutside #dream
Midnight Music: Hip-hop, 1998
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
