Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
- That’s a wrap! Conor McGregor says goodbye to UFC lightweight division — ‘170 is a comfortable cut’: Well, when you can convince Lightweights to move up to 155 pounds, why not?
- Conor McGregor opens as betting underdog against powerful Paddy Pimblett for post-UFC 329 showdown: If McGregor has any of his prior athleticism and timing, he would smoke Pimblett.
- Conor McGregor wants a quick turnaround after UFC 329 fight: ‘We plan on getting busy here’: We will all believe it when we see it!
Insomnia
Does anyone believe Conor McGregor’s born-again beliefs? It seems like part of the classic media playbook when accused/liable of sexual assault. At least the elephant in the room has finally been addressed in some form?
I must admit that I enjoy the Russian attitude towards random brawls at press conferences and after fights. Too much “Oh the humanity!” when it happens here …
Vinicius Oliveira vs. Steve Garcia? Yeah, sign me up.
Shem Rock will try to rebound in PFL after his winless UFC run.
Rodtang will be returning to action this fall, but for what promotion?
Sounds like there’s a bit of bad blood between King Green and Terrance McKinney?
Chris Curtis never takes easy fights, but I worry for him here.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Gray Maynard didn’t have a long peak, but he was clearly good enough to be a UFC champion at his best.
Koe was showing that spin from both stances and still surprised his opponent.
Win or lose, Jordan Wright can be counted upon for a quick finish.
Random Land
Who’s hype for Dune 3?!?
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Midnight Music: Rock, 1975
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.