Andrew Richardson is a professional fighter who trains at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, Calif., providing MMAmania.com (and its readers) with expert technical fighter breakdowns, insight and analysis you can’t get anywhere else.
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.
- Yair Rodriguez releases statement after dropping out of Noche UFC fight against Jean Silva: If you withdraw as often as “Pantera,” your statement better include an x-ray if you want anyone to take it seriously.
- Despite new sparring footage, Shavkat might be ‘done’ with UFC — ‘I don’t think he’s ever gonna fight again’: The rest of the Welterweight division better hope this is true, because Rakhmonov is still a nightmare matchup for most of ‘em.
- Ilia Topuria next fight? ‘Easy’ Michael Chandler, according to UFC matchmaker Arman: If Topuria comes back any time in the next six months, it has to be Paddy Pimblett. There’s too much money to be made!
Insomnia
Nobody on the UFC’s panel seems impressed by Din Thomas’ quick return from corner retirement.
I have seen zero indication that UFC has any real interest in Aljamain Sterling as a Featherweight title contender. Wish he was fighting Jean Silva next month …
You gotta love Mike Perry’s genuine excitement here.
Can Azamat Bekoev get back on the right track after two violent upset losses? This is a good rebound matchup.
Cool stuff from Arnold Barboza Jr! His interactions with King Green have made me a fan.
Namo Fazil is apparently one of the most hated guys to ever come anywhere near the UFC roster.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
You cannot give away initiative and expect good things to happen.
It’s rare, but the arm triangle from back mount can be really powerful.
Clubbing power from Carrillo:
Random Land
A beautiful mind.
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Midnight Music: Hip-hop, 2000
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
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