Welcome to Midnight Mania!
On Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2025), a Tesla Cybertruck exploded just outside of the main entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sole occupant of the vehicle was active United States Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Livelsberger, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The explosion injured at least seven bystanders and was fueled by fireworks and gasoline.
As it turns out, Livelsberger once worked closer with retired UFC fighter Tim Kennedy. Prior to climbing the Middleweight ranks, Kennedy was a Green Beret himself, and the two teamed up for a History Channel Ultimate Soldier Challenge over a decade ago.
Check it out:
“I saw a ‘Matt Burg’ with an older photo of him,” Kennedy explained on how he realized Livelsberger was his former partner. “I was like ‘Oh no, I know that guy.’ Then it just like tore my heart out, because he was a really great Green Beret. He was charming, he was talented. He was personable. He was kind — he was all the things you’d expect from a Green Beret … it just categorically does not make sense. From everything I’ve heard, he was universally valued by his team, by his peers. I don’t understand, it doesn’t make sense, and it’s horrifically heart-breaking.”
Kennedy officially retired from MMA in 2017 after consecutive losses to Yoel Romero and Kelvin Gastelum with an 18-6 professional record. Prior to those defeats, Kennedy advanced into the Top 10 on the strength of a four-fight win streak that included a clear-cut decision over Michael Bisping. Kennedy has been active outside of fighting, hosting multiple television programs and recently helped rescue victims of war-torn environments in the Middle East.
He’s also advised military veterans suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to “stop being a pu—y.”
Insomnia
A bit more: Kennedy explains further why he didn’t immediately recognize Livelsberger.
He went by a different name when I met him 13 years ago. I put it together when I saw an old photo of him last night.
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) January 4, 2025
More additions to the GFL roster, including a handful of names that are pretty recognizable.
We’re thrilled to announce 58 extraordinary athletes that have signed with the GFL to shape the future of MMA in the first-ever co-ed, team-based league. These athletes are ready to make history at the January 24 Draft, where they will have the opportunity to be selected… pic.twitter.com/vD8aobnPL4
— Global Fight League (@mmagfl) January 3, 2025
Fedor’s hand speed and clinch trips remain unmatched by any Heavyweight however many years later.
I’m a on a big judo kick so I’m watching a bunch of Fedor
He was so ahead of his time
Fedor hops in with punches
They clinch on the ropes
Goodridge walks forward
Fedor frames to make space for a knee
Goodridge tries to pummel
Fedor repummels and runs through a knee tap pic.twitter.com/ViI6RVNVMY— William – Open Note Grappling (@OpenNoteGrapple) January 3, 2025
If you’re going to Power Slap Alex Pereira OR Glover Teixeira, you better win that freaking coin flip …
Paul Hughes responds to Khabib’s comments about Ireland, and it’s really the only viable comeback right now.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is too successful and too retired to still be allowing Ali to tweet for him.
Real fight news for real fight fans.
Belal Muhammad became champion and Kevin Holland is suddenly interested in Welterweight gold again.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Kickboxing in the sand sounds like a nightmare. An instant -5 points to any natural quickness!
Perfect form in ultra slow-mo is beautiful to watch.
There will never be another Kazushi Sakuraba.
Random Land
There might be something wrong with whoever dreamed this one up.
Midnight Music: Country, 1979
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
