Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
- Muhammad Mokaev followed Dana White’s advice and ‘became champion somewhere else’: I would like to see Mokaev back in the mix if possible. Surely we’ve seen other ex-UFC fighters return from worse misbehaviors?
- Restless Khamzat adds three top names to middleweight hit list for UFC return — ‘I’m ready’: Khamzat getting back into the cage before the end of 2026 would be great to see.
- Sean O’Malley expects to leapfrog red-hot Song Yadong for next UFC title shot — on one condition: I agree with O’Malley’s potential matchmaking: Suga vs. Yan OR Yadong vs. Merab makes sense depending on who’s holding gold. Odd man out gets Bautista?
Insomnia
Congrats to Joe Lauzon for picking up the knockout win in Fenway park! Hopefully, that’s a one-and-done for the long time fan favorite.
It was at this moment Umar Nurmagomedov realized he was in for a fight.
While on the topic of “The KungFu Kid,” this highlight edit made me laugh.
Gable Steveson hands are coming along, but I don’t personally love how he’s rising out of his stance on every left hook …
… why the explosions, Jose?
I (wrongly) picked Kai Asakura over Alexandre Pantoja because I thought his ability to time gigantic shots (like below) would be relevant. Unfortunately for me, the Brazilian is made of steel! That shot kills a lesser man … as Aoriqileng found out.
Love him or hate him, Brock Lesnar is a one-of-one athlete.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
The Ruotolo choke becoming more common could really change the current MMA meta in making back control more offensive.
Oldest open stance trick in the book!
Perfectly timed spin!
Random Land
A bird’s eye view.
Get involved with Mania community in The Feed!
Midnight Music: Jazz, 1963
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
