Midnight Mania: MVP Vs. Shara Bullet Just For Fun Of It?
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Shara Magomedov isn’t likely scoring the Israel Adesanya match up he wanted, but the unranked Middleweight striker is definitely generating waves. That’s what happens when you live up to the hype on a high-profile event like UFC 308 and win via something ridiculous like a double spinning backfist! People take notice, and Magomedov will likely have his pick of potential opponents for what should be a quick return to action.
Michael “Venom” Page probably isn’t anyone’s first guess as to his next opponent, but why not? In a recent interview with MMAFighting, Page revealed he’s already on weight and would love a chance to fight “The Pirate.”
“Magomedov — he just fought, did the double spinning back [fist] knockout and then he called out my boy Izzy,” Page said. “Mate, I’m at that weight right now. You don’t even have to wait too long. That one there, I’ll just take straight away just for the fun of it.”
He continued, “I’m in shape now, ready to go. So that’s a good fight for me, I think. Just a nice stand up fight for everybody, just to come back to the game. and like I said, leave my boy Izzy alone. He’s trying to get back to the belt, to the throne, so I’ll take his place.”
There’s no arguing this would be an exceptional match up. Magomedov has quickly built up a reputation for himself as an exciting and dangerous kickboxer, but that’s been the “MVP” game for a decade now. He’s just as nasty as Magomedov at distance, and he’s one of the rare athletes who can match Magomedov’s arsenal of flashy strikes.
Spinning backfist vs. flying knee is an easy sell. Unless UFC is intent on booking Magomedov vs. a ranked Middleweight next, it makes great sense. Page didn’t win his last fight versus Ian Garry, but the English veteran did still prove himself a top talent and show he’s a great test for up-and-coming prospects.
Why not Shara?
Insomnia
Khamzat’s double leg goes against serious wrestling fundamentals. He outright rejects the core ideas of eyes up, proud chest, and “where the head goes the body will follow.” Yet, it works, because the guy is an animal!
If all of Khamzat Chimaev’s takedowns are so low, why don’t they just jump up over it ☝️ pic.twitter.com/vOydCR5aLv
— Elonov (@ElonovMMA) October 28, 2024
A beautiful duck under:
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There are many viable mindsets in elite MMA, but being relaxed in the cage is such a massive advantage.
"He was already counting his money before even going into the fight. That's how relaxed he was."
Lerone Murphy on speaking with Ilia Topuria in the locker room ahead of UFC 308 pic.twitter.com/tXiu2iPw0t
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 28, 2024
This whole thread is worth a read — Ilia Topuria used to be unrecognizably different on the feet.
crazier thing this was how he looked like just a couple years ago pic.twitter.com/tfXlEBUdw2
— Wanderlei (@DoctorWanderlei) October 26, 2024
Here’s hoping a speedy recovery for Michael Bisping.
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They don’t call him “Groovy” for nothing …
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Therapeutic or unhealthy?
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Slips, rips, and KO clips
Athletes usually retire for a reason.
Rungphet, the 13th Tiger Clement champion, gets KOed by a flying knee on his comeback fight. He was retired from boxing for 3 years. pic.twitter.com/YqCQh9vENg
— Egokind (@Egokind1) October 26, 2024
Yeah, it doesn’t surprise me that the guy wearing trail runners in a cage fight got instantly erased.
One hitter quitter with a first punch at Gama Contender League X pic.twitter.com/OPKQGiMEWL
— Matysek (@Matysek88) October 25, 2024
The first overhand here is some real-deal hand speed.
OVER IN 50 SECONDS! @williamcrolla #CatterallPrograis pic.twitter.com/yw6aLwwhOf
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 26, 2024
Random Land
Grouse dance!
Midnight Music: Doo Woo, 1961
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
