Midnight Mania! ‘Wonderboy’ Relives Pettis KO Loss On Twitch

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

One year ago today — plus or minus a few hours depending on your timezone — Anthony Pettis scored a shocking knockout win over Stephen Thompson. The bout billed as a kickboxing match between traditional martial arts specialist lived up to the hype, as the two strikers brought their best.

Pettis was sharp, digging low kicks to both legs and frequently chopping the leg across the body. However, it was Thompson who was controlling the bout, stinging Pettis with straight punches and bloodying up his face. “Wonderboy” looked to be in firm control and pulling further ahead … until a perfectly timed Superman punch counter handed Thompson his first-ever knockout loss.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Thompson couldn’t be more gracious in the video above. There’s a reason the Karateka is the semi-official “Nicest MFer,” as Thompson has never been anything but class. Few would handle any loss with jokes. humility, and aplomb, let alone a brutal knockout in a fight they were previously winning.

Since that bout, Thompson successfully returned to the cage with a masterful performance opposite Vicente Luque, ending the Brazilian’s win streak. He’s still in a difficult position to secure another title shot, but “Wonderboy” remains one of the world’s best Welterweights.

Insomnia

Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou with the PSA:

Henry Cejudo angling for that red panty night?

#TheTonyChallenge is all fun and games until you trip and tear your MCL.

Mike Perry is struggling with a philosophical dilemma.

Me and my growing quarantine belly feel great shame watching Michael Chandler’s uninterrupted workouts.

Seriously, who is Conor McGregor face-kicking in this picture? Internet detectives, activate!

All those working in the health care industry are heroes … except the lads who screwed up Liam Harrison’s shin stitches.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

The initial collision of SUMO! will never not be insane to me.

Mason Jones is likely heading to UFC after picking up the Cage Warriors title over the weekend. “The Dragon” visits Sacramento fairly often and is the real deal, a very creative striker and hard worker.

Smacked up:

Random Land

I’m just going to steal a cool Instagram comment: self ice-olating!

Midnight Music: Father John Misty — one of my favorite singer-songwriters of the 2010s — released an excellent live album today, and all proceeds go to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. Check it out!

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