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Miocic vs Ngannou Preview

Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou are clashing in the headline of the UFC 260. The stake is the biggest possible – the undisputed heavyweight title, and the status of the biggest and baddest guy in the organization. This will be the second time these two have entered the octagon, with the note that Miocic defeated Ngannou at the UFC 220, defending his throne. However, the situation is different now, with Ngannou perfecting his skillset, becoming arguably the most fierce fighter there is. Still, Miocic is the record holder, and the face of the UFC, who knows how to handle situations like these. All in all, we are ahead of one of the most memorable fights.

Miocic vs Ngannou Schedule

  • Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • When: Saturday, March 26, 10pm ET
  • How to Watch: ESPN+ PPV

Miocic vs Ngannou Odds

Miocic Ngannou
+115-135

Stipe’s Path to Immortality

Even though Miocic already established himself as one of the best-ever heavyweights in the MMA sport, this win would make his legacy unprecedented. Beating Ngannou, who is according to many the most powerful hitter ever to fight in any combat sports, would put Miocic on the top of every all-time list. And not just beating him once, but two times. 

Stipe fought only against one opponent since that previous meeting between him and the Predator, and that was Daniel Cormier, Losing the first time, before trashing DC twice in a row. These three matches all took place in two years. Now some say that he might lose his touch for fighting; others are saying that he kept his body for the ultimate challenge.

We aren’t going to speak too much about his qualities. Stipe is without a doubt the best possible tactician in UFC, and he perfectly knows how to stick to a very precise and thorough gameplan. His chin is made from steel, and we saw him demonstrate that on numerous occasions. He isn’t attractive as some other fighters, but that isn’t too big of a concern for a man who has seven title fights and just one loss. 

Ngannou’s Now or Never

Following a loss to Miocic, Ngannou experienced another blow losing to Derrick Lewis, in arguably one of the worst MMA fights in history. But after that, the French-Cameroonian came out to demolish everything that stood in his way. 

One by one, he would smash and humiliate Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Jairiznho Rozenstruik, knocking out each of these guys in the opening round. When putting together the entire time of these four battles, he spent a little bit more than two and a half minutes in the octagon.

Now, that could be a problem because both of his UFC losses came in the later rounds and via decision. That is why many doubt his ability to carry his weight in the late stages of the battle. However, if he manages to hit the opponent just once, that probably means the end of the match. At least that was the case so far. 

Prediction

Stipe is the champion, and he is one of the biggest, as we said before. But in our opinion, Ngannou evolved since the last time they met, and he seems like the one who is on the rise. On the other hand, Stipe has 38 years, which is too much for a monster like Ngannou.

Free Pick: 

Ngannou wins