Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Betting odds work in mysterious ways.
Indeed, I don’t think many would have predicted that Rafael Fiziev would open as the favorite over Justin Gaethje. The recently put together UFC 313 co-main event is less than two weeks away, and Fiziev just accepted the bout on Wednesday! Not only will this be Fiziev’s first bout back since tearing his ACL, but the two have already fought previously … and Gaethje won the decision! Their first fight took place in March 2023 at UFC 286, meaning it’s been just less than two full years since Gaethje bloodied up “Ataman.”
Despite all these apparent negatives, Fiziev has widely opened as the favorite ahead of their rematch. For example, DraftKings lists Fiziev at -135 compared to a +114 comeback on Gaethje. That’s not a huge gap, but it’s still fairly surprising given the history and circumstance.
Back when the duo first fought, Fiziev was actually a major favorite at more than two-to-one odds. Surely some Gaethje bettors won big that evening, and perhaps lightning strikes twice here? Of course, there’s always the chance that the oddsmakers know more first than meets the eye.
What say you, Maniacs? Is there money to be made with this line?
Insomnia
Khalil Rountree working with an expert Muay Thai coach seems like a great combination.
Christian Knowles announces he will be the striking coach for Khalil Rountree Jr’s upcoming fight against Jamahal Hill.
Knowles is also the head coach of ONE Kickboxing Champion, Jonathan Haggerty & WBC Heavyweight Muay Thai Champion, Lyndon Knowles
Lyndon Knowles will… pic.twitter.com/H1G0353Xte
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) February 27, 2025
Mateusz Gamrot wanted the Gaethje fight, but he’s instead getting dunked on by Fiziev and called out by streaking Ludovit Klein.
Hey @gamer_mma tough luck not getting picked for the co-main event of UFC 313, styles do make fights, do you think your style can challenge me? 7 fight unbeaten streak, I feel like I deserve a shot at the rankings, are you willing to accept a fight vs me?April/May i am ready @ufc
— Ľudovít “Mr.Highlight” Klein (@LajoskoMma) February 27, 2025
It’s outrageous that Robert Whittaker vs. Sean Strickland hasn’t happened yet.
Rob Whittaker on Sean Strickland’s trash talk
“I feel like trash talking has lost its skill/finesse. There used to be more thought involved, hes just saying anything. It’s crude, it doesn’t pair with anything, it’s off topic. Trash talking is a skill.”
via @SubmissionRadio pic.twitter.com/Cvlf470Hll
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) February 27, 2025
Heavyweight wrestler vs. striker match up … and they’re actually pretty decent? Should be fun.
A nice show of respect between Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.
I was just running back the crazy 48hrs I went through. I was not trying to imply any of you guys would not fight me. Arman was too heavy, same with charles. UFC obviously has plans for you at a later date so they said that’s a no go.
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) February 27, 2025
All good bro!! Glad you got a opponent! Can’t wait to watch!!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 27, 2025
Ryan Garcia looks out of shape and is still wicked fast.
Only the best on Contenders Series.
MMA fighters are never too far from randomly wrestling one another. On a related note: has GLF hit up Wanderlei yet?
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Shoutout the ex-UFC Light Heavyweight Tyson Pedro for getting the job done in his professional boxing debut.
A great example of staying tight and low with the left hook in the pocket.
Unconscious but propped up by the fence is a bad spot.
Random Land
An old map.
Midnight Music: Country, 1977
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
