Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is undeniably a massive success in mixed martial arts (MMA), but it has never felt like the retired UFC champion particularly enjoyed fighting.
In the cage, “The Eagle” was incredibly dominant, hardly losing a round as he climbed the ranks, captured the Lightweight belt, and defended his crown three times. He retired on top and quickly transitioned to a coaching role, immediately finding success in taking over his father’s role as team patriarch. The Nurmagomedov fight team quickly began picking up world titles, including Islam Makhachev essentially inheriting Khabib’s former throne.
Even in coaching, however, Nurmagomedov has been visibly stressed on more than one occasion while watching his athletes from afar or in the corner. At one point, he even tried to walk away from the sport entirely, though it didn’t stick. When it was announced that his teammates Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov would be competing back-to-back for UFC titles, Khabib wasn’t exactly thrilled about the opportunity.
Speaking with Demetrious Johnson recently, Nurmagomedov confessed that while he doesn’t enjoy coaching or the stress involved, he feels an obligation to assist.
“I don’t like [coaching] but I have to be here,” Khabib explained (via Home of Fight). “It’s gonna be a very big night for us on UFC 311, with Tagir [Ulanbekov], Umar for the title and Islam defends his belt. I cannot be home, I have to be here, but I don’t like this.”
Like it or not, Nurmagomedov is committed to his corner work. If he can coach this generation of champions a bit longer, perhaps someone else can take over when their own time at the top is over?
Insomnia
Rodtang becoming a star is one of the best aspects of One Championship.
Googled the quote and didn’t find anything — Jose Aldo peak warrior poet?
“I have a soul that is made of dreams” — Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior)
Ikram Aliskerov isn’t impressed by Paulo Costa’s recent behavior or fight results.
“When UFC offered you a fight with me, you said that you don’t even know my name. Now you are 1-4 in your last 5 fights and you are posting stupid photoshop pics to attract attention. I have unfinished business on February 1st. And after that I am ready to ask @ufc for your head…” — ikram_aliskerov (@ikram_aliskerov)
Win by KO in four seconds and somebody will still hate on ya!
This video is about a week old, but Sean Strickland has quite a bit of weight to lose before he makes the 185-pound limit.
“Sean Strickland currently weighs 223lbs ahead of his bout vs. Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312. Strickland cuts almost 40lbs to meet the middleweight limit, and used to cut to 170lbs to reach the welterweight limit.” — Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight)
Based on this clip (and his boxing matches and his final MMA fights), Tyron Woodley doesn’t have much business returning to the cage.
Movsar Evloev must have a neck like an owl.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Aleksander Emelianenko is back in the win column. Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a while …
Zerhouni caught his foe on one leg and then absolutely swarmed him.
A lovely pair of lead leg head kicks turn the tables.
Random Land
The power of water.
Midnight Music: Art pop, 1975
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
