Welcome to Midnight Mania!

The UFC bantamweight title picture was thrown into chaos today with news that TJ Dillashaw had relinquished his title after the results of a drug test. While details remain murky, the top contenders at 135 have rushed to pitch themselves as the best candidates for the vacant title.

Marlon Moraes seems a lock for one side of the title fight, coming off three dramatic finish wins over top contenders Aljamain Sterling, Jimmie Rivera, and Raphael Assuncao.

However, who he faces is an open question. Pedro Munhoz, 7-1 in his last eight, with a knockout win over former champion Cody Garbrandt, is a worthy choice. Aljamain Sterling has turned things around since his loss to Moraes, also putting together a three-fight winnings streak, and is 5-1 in his last six. Dominick Cruz hasn’t fought in an epoch, and Petr Yan isn’t quite there yet, so Munhoz and Sterling are first in line to face Moraes.

Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo is trying to jump both those contenders in line, off the strength of his win over an emaciated TJ Dillashaw. Marlon Moraes has sent him a warning, however — ended with the perfect reference to Cejudo’s cringeworthy public pursuit of WWE star Nikki Bella.

Stay humble my friend take care of your business I will take care of mine or You’ll strike out with me worse than you did with that WWE girl #bantamweightdivision — Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) March 21, 2019

Aljamain Sterling was quick to state his case as well. For the sake of the flyweight divison, and for my personal desire not to see any more of Cejudo’s awkward schtick than I have to, let us hope the UFC opt for a 135-lb. contender and leave the flyweight champion at flyweight. If he cares about his fellow flyweights, Henry Cejudo should defend his flyweight title against either Joe Benavidez or the winner of Formiga-Figueiredo. The UFC still haven’t committed to keeping the division.

Don’t you dare tweet that silliness! I’m the fucking guy! https://t.co/uQGx926pHX — Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) March 20, 2019

Insomnia

Ben Askren wishes former Olympic teammate Daniel Cormier a happy 40th birthday

This is unbelievably touching

Cody Garbrandt is enjoying the tea today. He did tell us all that TJ Dillashaw taught him and his teammates to cheat.

☕️ — Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) March 20, 2019

Sure feels like one of these supplements could be at fault.

Here’s one more shot TJ Dillashaw’s teammate and Bellator bantamweight Juan Archuleta, who fights next weekend, just sent me of dinner. Steak salad, and a dollop of almond butter for dessert. pic.twitter.com/LUpCWbOC03 — Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 18, 2019

Team Alpha Male’s business is just out in the wind today

Mr. Faber himself told me in person once that his former team mate abuses from substances and of course other members that we know as well. — Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) March 20, 2019

Francis Ngannou compliments Roy Nelson’s son on his bravery. I certainly wouldn’t spar Ngannou.

I enjoyed playing with Jackson he's very brave actually ‍♂️. https://t.co/ua3KNPAu9J — Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 20, 2019

Anthony Pettis appears to be preparing to kick Stephen Thompson in the legs a lot. That is my authoritative analysis from these five seconds of footage.

Tony Ferguson has a holistic focus now- let us hope his mental health does improve.

ESPN gets to set the price of Pay-Per-Views now? Listen to the full interview for details.

I just spoke with UFC Senior VP of International and Content David Shaw, who tells me that as part of the new deal with ESPN+, it will be ESPN who set the price of each pay-per-view event and that disclosure of buyrates is at ESPN's discretion.



Full interview coming soon. — Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 20, 2019

Who does this guy think he is? Black Widow?

☕️ — Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) March 20, 2019

Here’s one more shot TJ Dillashaw’s teammate and Bellator bantamweight Juan Archuleta, who fights next weekend, just sent me of dinner. Steak salad, and a dollop of almond butter for dessert. pic.twitter.com/LUpCWbOC03 — Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 18, 2019

Curtis Blaydes with a helpful questions-to-avoid-asking-a-pro-fighter list.

Thanks for the list of things not to ask Bro https://t.co/NsmZjd6DAD — Curtis Blaydes (@RazorBlaydes265) March 20, 2019

Easy Sumo

Terunofuji moves to 6-0 in his return pic.twitter.com/VbHHNcGiVw — MEGATON (Shemetov To RIZIN) (@BasedDongeezus) March 20, 2019

Sleep well, Maniacs! A better tomorrow is always possible. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @Vorpality