Hold onto your seats, fight fans, because Dana White just dropped a bombshell that’s shaking up the MMA world: he’s confirmed that Arman Tsarukyan’s infamous headbutt incident was absolutely a factor in his title shot snub. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many are quick to blame the UFC for the decision, Tsarukyan’s own actions last year might have sealed his fate. Let’s dive into the latest MMA madness and unpack the stories that have everyone talking.
Midnight Mania Highlights: January 9, 2026
Kicking things off, we’ve got three major stories that dominated the headlines on Thursday, January 8, 2026. First up, NCAA Heavyweight Champion Greg Kerkvliet is officially making the leap to MMA, signing with a management team that could pave his way to the UFC. And this is the part most people miss—if the UFC wants to stay on top, recruiting more NCAA wrestling phenoms like Kerkvliet could be the secret sauce. Next, Chael Sonnen is calling out Justin Gaethje for what he claims is a ‘cover-up’ worse than the alleged ingrown hair excuse. Sonnen’s take? It’s as flimsy as claiming allergies when you’ve got the flu—nobody’s buying it. Finally, Diego Lopes is confident his adjustments will lead to a victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325. After all, he did rock Volkanovski twice in their last fight, so could this be his year?
Insomnia: The MMA World Never Sleeps
Speaking of controversies, Arman Tsarukyan’s missed opportunities last year are still haunting him. While fans are eager to see him face Ilia Topuria, Tsarukyan’s own missteps—like that headbutt—have undoubtedly played a role in his title shot delay. Here’s a bold question for you: Should fighters be held more accountable for self-inflicted setbacks, or is the UFC too quick to punish? Let’s debate in the comments.
In other news, PFL CEO Peter Murray has stepped down after eight years, leaving many to wonder about the organization’s future. Kamaru Usman has apologized for leaking a private conversation with Anthony Joshua, but the ‘slipped my mind’ excuse isn’t sitting well with everyone. Meanwhile, Johnny Walker’s shadowboxing in Nevada’s Calico Basin is giving us major cinematic vibes, and Stephen Thompson is defying age at 42—seriously, how does he do it?
Slips, Rips, and Knockout Clips
Shoutout to Bas Rutten, one of MMA’s unsung heroes. His front kicks from 27 years ago? Still outrageous. Plus, we’ve got a textbook example of spinning off a caught kick and an elbow-for-elbow exchange that’s pure MMA poetry.
Random Land & Midnight Music
For something completely different, check out these mesmerizing hognose snakes. And in honor of David Bowie, whose birthday was just two days before his passing, we’re revisiting Black Star—a hauntingly beautiful final album released a decade ago today.
Sleep tight, Maniacs! The MMA world never stops spinning, and neither do we. What’s your take on Tsarukyan’s situation? Is the UFC too harsh, or did he bring this on himself? Sound off below!
