Midnight Mania: Colby FINALLY Explains UFC Absence
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Three-time UFC title challenger, Colby Covington — who is still ranked No. 6 in the world at 170-pounds, by the way — hasn’t fought much lately. His last appearance was just about a year ago, a lackluster showing against Leon Edwards in December 2023. More to the point, his only victory since 2021 came opposite fading rival Jorge Masvidal, which puts some pressure on Covington to return to action.
A LOT of fighters have called out Covington in the last year. Most notably, UFC has reportedly tried to book “Chaos” opposite Ian Garry on more than one occasion, including the upcoming UFC Tampa card. Instead, “The Future” will face Joaquin Buckley in the main event, whereas Covington continues to languish on the sidelines without a fight booked.
In the interview above with Submission Radio, Covington addresses his absence and explained why he’s been busy away with the cage. According to Covington — who also says he was with Donald Trump on the night of the election — his priority hasn’t been fighting. Instead, it’s been supporting the Trump campaign.
“The most important reason why, everything I do is for God and country. That’s more important than my own selfish agenda to go win UFC fights and be a world champion in the UFC. That doesn’t matter if we don’t have a country to live in. So, the most important thing that’s been in my life the last eight, nine months is the campaign trail, being a little tiny part of the Trump campaign. Trying to help get him elected any way possible. I was traveling with the campaign a lot. I was obviously still getting healthy from my broken foot, but first and foremost is God and country.”
Since Trump won the election (with a little help from Joe Rogan and the Nelk Boys), Covington is now free to resume his career as a UFC fighter. According to “Chaos,” he’ll be back sooner than later.
“... Now I can resume business. I’m excited man, me and [UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell] have sat down and talked about a couple different options. I’m excited to get back in there, first quarter next year, 100% I’m coming back to the UFC Octagon to unleash chaos.”
It’s a lot of devotion to the Commander-in-chief, but sadly, it’s still not enough to be Trump’s favorite UFC fighter.
Insomnia
I’ll admit to being curious about Jon Jones’ game plan ahead of UFC 309. Think he primarily plans to strike at distance or wrestle?
View this post on Instagram
Favorite hobby: Partying hard.
Humanizing Athletes: Carlos Prates
Carlos lists some of his favorite things ahead of his fight this weekend at #UFCVegas100 pic.twitter.com/kvv52r5KYn
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) November 6, 2024
Joe Rogan memes go beyond MMA and beyond simple politics.
Joe Rogan right now:#USAElection2024 #MMATwitter pic.twitter.com/NiJ02ZW3AL
— Charlie Quinn (@CharlieQuinnMMA) November 6, 2024
The keys to the crescent kick:
Takeru breaks down his signature karate kick, the “Mikazuki Geri” (crescent kick):
1. It’s not a shuffle step. He brings the rear foot forward and snaps the lead foot out.
2. Lean back slightly. This lean back creates momentum and moves the head back.
3. Pull the toes back and… pic.twitter.com/YRmLllNkl6— Tetsuya (@TetsuyaMT789) November 5, 2024
Whoever runs Alex Pereira’s social media team deserves a raise. Guy is always making viral clips!
Alex Pereira dropped a Brazilian YouTuber with a brutal body shot all whilst wearing a bunny costume
@Podpah pic.twitter.com/lvkUdiOBKJ
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) November 5, 2024
It’s not going to be easy, but there’s something to be said for the idea that avoiding the pocket only plays into Ilia Topuria’s hands. He catches opponents trying to move away from him at the end of his range, where his punches are most powerful!
Diego Lopes describes how a fight between him and Ilia Topuria would look:
"[Ilia] likes to fight at close range. Although I have long arms, I do much better at close range... I think that we're both going to clash several times, and if he comes forward he's going to crash into… pic.twitter.com/X2vTtgQIkB
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 6, 2024
Khamzat is back to work training in Sweden:
Khamzat Chimaev sharpening the tools
IG / @AdamZubayraev #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/YnhhKeGigT
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 6, 2024
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Fights and fighters were this skilled 20 years ago and fans will still defend Apex slop.
Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen(12-2-1) vs Yves “Thugjitsu Master” Edwards(30-8-1)
Pride Bushido 9
September 25th 2005 pic.twitter.com/lMR1ElKFLj
— Underrated Combat Sports Tribal Chief (@MMAUnderrated) November 5, 2024
On a more positive note, Carlos Prates is genuinely one of the most exciting newcomers in years. Here’s hoping he doesn’t get Magny’d!
Carlos Prates Fight Weekpic.twitter.com/FnjxfJQRTI
— Cerebral Vigilante (@Delisketo) November 3, 2024
Adjusting on the fly!
Slip when throwing a headkick? No problem, just slap on an armbar
Slick submission win for Tural Ragimov at #ACA181 pic.twitter.com/Ov0NjnrVmp
— Steven Rae (@stevenrae_) November 2, 2024
Random Land
BKFC with a side of drowning!
View this post on Instagram
Midnight Music: Indie, 2021
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.