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Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Demian Maia is one of the most accomplished grapplers to ever compete in the sport, the type of submission threat even elite wrestlers like Kamaru Usman and Tyron Woodley opt to avoid engaging on the mat. He’s secured 11 tapout victories in his UFC career, which rankings him highly among the all-time records.
However, his opponent at tomorrow’s UFC Brasilia event, Gilbert Burns, is no slouch himself. “Durinho” is a jiu-jitsu world champion and ADCC bronze medalist — credentials that prove, like Maia, he’s one of the best grapplers on the roster. As such, Burns told MMAJunkie he’d be on the offensive if his fight with Maia hits the mats, “If we get in the grappling in that fight, guess what, I’m going to be hunting. I believe I’m capable to pull a submission against Demian Maia.”
Burns continued, “Especially if I put him in uncomfortable situations, he’s going to shoot. He’s not going to stand and bang like Colby and Kamaru; he’s Demian Maia. I believe we’re going to strike, but I believe we’re 100 percent going to grapple. I can’t wait for that. I can’t wait to test my abilities against one of the legends in my opinion, future hall of fame.”
Lots of fighters have made bold claims about attacking their opponent in his strongest area, but Burns actually has the skill to back it up. Submitting Maia would be a really incredible accomplishment, one that would definitely rocket Burns up the Welterweight ladder and into title contention.
Insomnia
Frankie Edgar gives his take on UFC keeping the show rolling:
Maybe I’m not the right person to ask but I’m happy ufc is findin ways to keep the fights going. Fighters fight and we need a way to feed our family. As long as health is in concern and we are safe to compete I’m all in. Hope we scoop up sum new fans being the only show in town
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) March 13, 2020
Similarly, it does boggle the mind a bit that people expect fighters to be concerned for their own well-being. No one who cares about their well-being fights for a living!
Just spoke to UFC flyweight Ashlee Evans-Smith (@AshleeMMA), who is at the airport preparing to leave for UFC London.
“I am fully aware I am going to a foreign land to get in a fist fight without 100 percent assurance I can come home after without being quarantined.”
Wow.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 13, 2020
“This is the way I’ve decided to live my life. If anyone knows me, I’m a risk taker. I’m young and healthy. I’m not that concerned about the virus. Manager has told me worst-case scenario, if I am quarantined, UFC will cover any expenses.”
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 13, 2020
Fully expected response from Wallid:
Jungle Fight has an event scheduled for March 21 in Manaus, Brazil. Asked Wallid Ismail if he plans on cancelling/postponing the show or doing it behind closed doors…
“Fuck no.”
— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) March 12, 2020
I think it’s time to change my pick.
I cannot explain this kick, but it’s cool to watch!
Are you mad at Kevin Lee for missing weight? If so, this video of Lee in extreme pain from a Thai oil massage on a bone bruise may amuse you a bit more than on an ordinary day.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
SUMO + many face smacks:
Shoutout to the cat-smashing “Crippler” Chris Leben:
You never know who will land cleaner with simultaneous left hooks!
Random Land
Coronavirus is so lame it won’t even let Italians go out with a bang.
Now, the mayor of Bugliano, Italy has issued a statement prohibiting orgies and gang bangs anywhere inside the city limits. Additionally, threesomes and sex involving more than two people is also banned for the foreseeable future. https://t.co/4JLjgHc6Ss
— Ahmed Shihab-Eldin (@ASE) March 13, 2020
Midnight Music: After nearly 10 years of talking about it, Jay Electronica has finally released his debut album, A Written Testimony. 16-year-old Andrew would be much more excited by this news, but regardless, it’s hard to deny that Jay — and frequently, Jay-Z! — came through with the bars.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.