Francis Ngannou vs. Junior dos Santos On Deck For UFC 239:
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| (Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Title eliminator on the cards for UFC 239. |
Once scheduled to throw down at UFC 215 before a USADA violation against JDS, top tier contenders Francis Ngannou and former division best Junior 'Cigano' dos Santos have once more been matched, this time for International Fight Week's UFC 239, in what so far is forming into a behemoth event. It's somewhat of a title eliminator with both men eager to face Daniel Cormier and the apparent delay surrounding a potential Brock Lesnar return, could see either Cameroon native Ngannou or Brazilian veteran dos Santos leapfrog the WWE superstar. Both men dislodged fellow title tilt hopefuls in each of their last Octagon visits, with Ngannou picking up a first round uppercut victory over the returning Cain Velasquez, the consensus greatest Heavyweight of all time, while dos Santos scored a second round finish of a compromised Derrick Lewis.
It seems more a matter of time rather than if, that we see the Heavyweight gold strapped around Francis Ngannou's waist. Arguably the most imposing Heavyweight to step into the Octagon since the UFC's inception in 1993, one time title challenger Francis Ngannou has unmatched stopping power. The boxing oriented striker is one of the most genetically gifted athletes to compete in mixed-martial arts and has blazed a trail rarely seen before since his promotion introduction in late 2015. Dropping just two losses to then champion Stipe Miocic, and Derrick Lewis in a forgetful meeting, Ngannou's youthful résumé is jam packed with big names and dominant victories. Perhaps the most shocking stoppage on his win column is his first round bludgeoning of Alistair Overeem, which ultimately earned him a title shot. The wily 'Demolition Man' initiated a clever clinch attempt early only to be shrugged off, before eating a brutal left hook-come uppercut from 'The Predator', instantly separating him from his senses. Ngannou's ability to take a shot is impressive to say the least, displaying a solid chin against Stipe in some exchanges.
One time world champion Junior dos Santos has recovered from his latest title tilt in eye catching fashion, to possibly earn one final challenge before he hangs up his gloves. Despite only finding himself staring up at the bright lights of the Octagon on three occasions, JDS has collected some really significant damage throughout his Octagon stint, case in point his memorable back and forth with Cain Velasquez in their rematch and subsequent rubber match. The aforementioned Overeem also shut off the Santa Catirina native's lights in devastating fashion, along with former foe Stipe Miocic. Despite Ngannou's unrivaled power, dos Santos is clearly the more technical boxer, one of the cleanest on the roster in fact, but his tendency to eat significant shots similarly to Cain, should cause concern. Falling victim to Francis Ngannou is almost inevitable, and falling into one of his shots is a realistic possibility for the weathered dos Santos. The 35 year-old also doesn't offer the threat of grappling exchanges, another reason why this match up may prove detrimental.
UFC 239 takes place on July 6th. during International Fight Week, with a main event title clash between Jon Jones and the dangerous Thiago 'Marreta' Santos all but confirmed, while two division queen Amanda Nunes returns to Bantamweight to defend her crown against Holly Holm, who looks to achieve champion status for the second time. The well rounded Luke Rockhold returns this summer also, as he makes the jump to Light Heavyweight and is welcomed by former KSW champion Jan Blachowicz, and somewhat of a title eliminator takes place at 170lbs, as Florida's Jorge Masvidal takes on the polarizing Ben Askren.
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