Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking look back over the three biggest stories of Friday, May 9, 2025.
- Stakes raised! Dana White confirms Ilia Topuria will challenge for Lightweight title next at UFC 317 (but with a Belal catch): Everybody already knew this, but it’s nice to have more official confirmation.
- Heavy Jose Aldo forced to change weight classes, UFC 315 bout ‘renegotiated’ following botched weigh ins: It’s frankly amazing Jose Aldo made Bantamweight so many times at his age. If he goes back to Featherweight next, how about Aldo vs. Patricio Pitbull?
- See ya! Jon Jones ditches Tom Aspinall fight, heads overseas to coach TUF knockoff against Nate Diaz: Jon Jones would rather fight a gorilla or coach Russian TUF than actually sign the contract to face Aspinall. Boo!
Insomnia
Muhammad Mokaev and Jeff Molina left the UFC under very different circumstances, but both of these Flyweight outcasts were/are top-notch prospects. The UFC Flyweight ranks would be stronger with them involved, but maybe a Karate Combat clash is the next best thing?
Japanese wrestling ace Rei Tsuruya is training with Henry Cejudo after his first pro loss. Reminder: he’s still just 23 years old!
Rei Tsuruya traveled from Japan to Scottsdale, Arizona to train at Fight Ready for the next few months! He has an incredible wrestling background and I will be working with him to help polish his skills and maximize his UFC potential
Let’s work brother #UFC315 pic.twitter.com/13MwdbdM7d
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) May 9, 2025
It’s good to see Rory MacDonald seemingly happy and content with his MMA retirement.
Rory MacDonald has no plans for a UFC comeback and admits MMA “is not for me anymore.”
“I’m that kind of person anymore. I don’t have the drive, the intensity.” pic.twitter.com/BFF9DuHcR1
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 9, 2025
Welterweight has too many contenders right now between Shavkat, Islam, Sean Brady, Ian Garry, and Joaquin Buckley. How do you unravel that pile?
Sean Brady says the moment he sees Ian Garry on the contract, he’ll sign it.
“If Belal loses, Islam will move up, and me and Ian Garry should fight. Even if Belal wins and he’s not able to fight for a while, let me and Ian fight. If they send me a contract that says Ian Garry,… pic.twitter.com/nwhFVLaT4q
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 9, 2025
Some interesting technical looks from Jack Della Maddalena! He has one of the most unusual approaches to escaping bottom position of any top-ranked contender.
Jack Della Maddalena utilizing the underrated turtle guard like this makes me wonder if he’s an Eduardo Telles fan…
He combines the threats of Peterson roll variations to step-behind reversals that play well off each other depending on the weight the opponent gives you. #UFC315 pic.twitter.com/Cp1p01pJVU
— Dan Tom (@DanTomMMA) May 8, 2025
UFC’s broadcast shows seem increasingly unhinged as of late.
An excellent Flyweight booking! I predict great scrambles and huge overhand swings.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
A picture-perfect left kick to the liver:
Winning via KO with your literal SECOND strike of the fight must be an amazing feeling.
Getting trapped in crucifix and elbowed into oblivion is a brutal way to lose.
Random Land
It’s time for some more friendly gorilla content.
Midnight Music: Rock, 2008
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
