Midnight Mania! Alexander Volkanovski is absolutely shredded ahead of UFC 314 return

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Let’s start the night off by taking look back over the three biggest stories of Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Diana Belbita retires after her UFC Vegas 105 loss: Belbita retires with a 2-6 record inside the Octagon and 15-10 record overall.

Kayla Harrison admits weight cut is torturous, calls Julianna Pena stupid: Based on this headline alone, I’m going to give Harrison credit for voicing the obvious on two accounts. I’d be shocked if she makes 135-pounds more than five times …

UFC signs Aaron Pico: Between Pitbull and Pico, it feels as if UFC is the big winner of the Bellator buyout. Why spend all that money to let the top talent leave?

Insomnia

Alexander Volkanovski is coming to get his belt back.

Noche UFC’s production is getting some recognition in the awards circuit. It’s fun when the promotion tries!

We’re overdue for a Khamzat Chimaev fight announcement.

All the best to Geoff Neal in his recovery.

Carlos Prates belongs to the Derrick Lewis’ school of not wanting to fight (or train for) five rounds.

Darren Elkins, who faces Julian Erosa on the “Prelims” this weekend, is the most difficult man to guillotine that I’ve ever met.

Everything new in fighting is old.

Jon Jones is 37 years old.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

A look back at some of Jean Silva’s vicious regional finishes:

Twister from the body triangle is diabolical.

Charged forward with her chin in the air …

Random Land

Impressive strategy, balance, and core strength.

Midnight Music: My Mom is once again visiting Sactown, and as is tradition, I’ll be passing the aux in her direction.

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.