The poster for the colossal matchup.
There is no belt in combat sports more coveted than the UFC heavyweight championship of the world. No other art can dispute that statement simply because mixed martial arts is a combination and culmination of every art and it’s progressions over time. The UFC itself houses on its roster, the creme de la creme. As the premier fight organization, they are on par with the NBA and NFL in terms of having the best in the world under their banner. There is also the consequence of competing at that weight and level, heavyweight athletes only need to connect once. They are titans and revered as such by the general population, capturing our imaginations whenever each other clash. That is why when Francis Ngannou, the number one ranked contender touched gloves with the champion Stipe Miocic last night at UFC 260, everybody and their grandmothers held their breath.
The first meeting. Courtesy, UFC
Last night wasn’t their first time meeting. Miocic, labeled by the promotion as the greatest heavyweight to ever do it, was victorious via unanimous decision back in 2018 when they first shared the octagon together. Miocic’s versatility and all around game allowed him to mitigate the risk of standing with Ngannou at UFC 220. Miocic exhausted and broke down the frightening striker, dominating with wrestling throughout the bout’s 25 minutes. The reason why the path to his victory was so incredibly crucial the picture of their second fight would be best explained by the president of the UFC himself, Dana White. "Francis is a guy who has the world record for the most powerful punch. Ngannou’s punches are equivalent to 96 horsepower. That's equal to getting hit by a Ford Escort going as fast as it can and it's more powerful than a 12-pound sledgehammer from full force overhead.” The ramifications of being hit by Ngannou may sound like hyperbole. But, when you see what, “the Predator”, does to the all time greats, you realize Dana White might not be full of you know what. In a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Ngannou explained the origins of the nuclear weapons he wields in both his hands. "I think it might have had some say in my strength. My entire life, everything I did to survive back then in Cameroon, it was a physical world. To survive, I had to be powerful. It's something that's just natural." A victim of child labour, Ngannou did not have the traditional martial arts background that many of the UFC’s elite carry in their backpocket. Making his sensational rise that much more awe-inspiring.
A young Ngannou showing fans an example of his gruelling past. Courtesy, Francis Ngannou
“With great power comes great responsibility.” Uncle Ben was spot on with Spiderman, and his advice applies here as well. Ngannou realized what many of the top minds in MMA have been preaching for years. Wrestling is king. No matter how terrifying a standup arsenal you may possess, a great wrestler is able to dictate where a fight takes place regardless. After their first matchup, both fighters went on to bolster their legacies, and skill sets respectively. Miocic had won a trilogy with the legendary two division champion and Olympian, Daniel Cormier. The belt was lost in the first bout. Cormier finished Miocic emphatically. Many believed Miocic’s run was done. But the Ohio native did not concur. Miocic recaptured the throne with a vicious technical knockout. What followed was Miocic retaining his place atop the mountain when he beat Cormier in the rubber match. And, he did all of this while serving his community as an active firefighter. As classy and respected an athlete there has ever been in the UFC. Ngannou on the other hand sustained yet another defeat. A tentative performance that saw him lose a fight with perennial contender Derrick Lewis. The manner in which he lost signalled he was still bamboozled from the first Miocic meeting. Ngannou did not throw much, and was simply outpointed on the feet. Following the Lewis fight, Ngannou looked to be doomed for failure. Curtis Blaydes, one of the most proficient wrestlers in heavyweight history was matched up with slumping Ngannou. However, within 45 seconds, Ngannou defended multiple takedown attempts and finished the fight with ferocity and confidence. Then came the Cain Velasquez challenge. Although Velasquez was older and riddled with injuries, this was his big comeback. Analysts around the sport suggested Velasquez would be able to put Ngannou on his back and put in the type of work that made him iconic during his run as champion. But the hype was short-lived, as Ngannou added another knockout to his resume. Ngannou went on to stop both former champion, Junior Dos Santos and rising contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik with ease. In total, his four consecutive wins lasted just over 3 minutes of octagon time. A surreal statistic that puts into perspective how good Ngannou truly is.
Miocic celebrates his trilogy victory in the post fight presser. Courtesy, UFC
Ngannou fighting Rozenstruik with heavy hands. Courtesy, UFC
In Quentin Tarantino fashion, we circle back to where we started. The rematch was finally ready to take place. A new and improved Ngannou stood across the seasoned Miocic as the betting favourite once again. Ngannou began marvellously. Miocic absorbed some of Francis’ best, but he was certainly getting outworked. Then the takedown attempt came from Miocic. What was once a nightmare scenario, Ngannou stuffed the attempt with assurance. Ngannou continued to dish out punishment, and won the round decisively. In the second and final round of the bout, hearts raced all the way to the finish. Ngannou took a big shot from Miocic, and the champion went in for the kill. Then the lights got put out. Ngannou caught Miocic clean, and he brutally ended the fight putting an end to a historic reign. This was a glorious victory that had Cameroon celebrating into the early hours of today. Speculation on who the first title defence will be against has fans and pundits alike in wanderlust. Nothing is for certain right now other than these two things. First and foremost, thankfully Stipe Miocic is healthy and recovering in hospital. The heavyweight, “goat”, will be afforded all the time he needs in order to decide his future. The other certainty? The baddest man on the planet is now, Francis “The Predator” Ngannou!
Ngannou has his hand lifted, after winning the heavyweight title. Courtesy, UFC
What it means to the people of Cameroon. Courtesy, UFC
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