Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
- Ilia Topuria says Islam Makhachev fight ‘has to happen’ but is not ‘under my control’: Topuria vs. Makhachev is the biggest and best fight the UFC could possibly make with its current talent, so … it probably won’t happen?
- Lando Vannata offers surprising explanation for UFC Vegas 115 knockout loss: ‘We smashed heads’: Unfortunately for “Groovy” Lando, headbutts are functionally legal during slams.
- Is MMA on the decline? Weak ticket sales, half-empty arenas plague UFC 327 and ‘Rousey vs. Carano’ fight cards: Which of these two events would you rather attend if cost wasn’t a factor? I’m torn between the idea of seeing Jiri Prochazka fight in person versus the utter spectacle of the first-ever MVP MMA card.
Insomnia
Khamzat Chimaev’s d’arce choke is legitimately so slick and powerful. Alongside Islam Makhachev, he is leading the pack in pushing that strangle into the elite meta of top control.
I don’t think Cub Swanson vs. Kevin Vallejos would play out in the veteran’s favor, but I respect the mentality.
“That guy is fat as a f—k” is the official Paulo Costa quote of the week. It’s not as good as “That’s your own personal problem,” but a quality addition to the Costa book of quotes.
More stellar quotes from the wordsmiths of UFC 327 (if that sounds sarcastic, it’s not. I love these quotes wholeheartedly):
This is the correct way to treat Josh Hokit and his schtick.
The UFC is matching Yakhyaev versus a Light Heavyweight with a pulse? Nice.
Every Chingiz Allazov setup is so cool.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Nasty way to fall …
Beautiful fake low and throw high:
I expect Horiguchi vs. Kape 2 to be a much more competitive fight, as Kape has learned how to use his athleticism in a smarter way.
Random Land
I would’ve assumed a warehouse holding toilet paper would have sprinklers? It’s a go-to source of kindling while camping …https://www.mmamania.com/post/kGgkc_DoqnH0
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Midnight Music: Rock, 1980
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
