[brid autoplay=”true” video=”688450″ player=”23231″ title=”UFC%20Purge%205%20fighters%20who%20may%20get%20released” duration=”121″ description=”UFC president Dana White recently rang the bell on an upcoming 60-fighter purge for the promotion; now all we can do is sit back and nervously await whom the bell tolls.With many notable names in the fight game already released, many more are likely to follow. Here are five household name UFC fighters who may be released before the new year.” uploaddate=”2020-12-08″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/688450_t_1607403758.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/688450.mp4″]
A heavyweight rematch for the ages
A heavyweight mixed martial arts blockbuster is around the corner. The highly anticipated UFC 260 PPV event commences on Saturday, March 27th, at 10 pm ET on ESPN+.
The UFC Heavyweight title is on the line. Reigning champion Stipe Miocic is set to defend his title against the challenger, Francis ‘The Predator’ Ngannou. This epic headliner will be the second time the two meet inside the octagon. The first bout took place back in 2018. Miocic was defending his title against the then up-and-comer Ngannou. Miocic managed to defeat his opponent via a decision victory.
Ngannou has been on the warpath for the belt ever since his original loss to Miocic. Perhaps, one of the most frightening fighters in the sport, Ngannou has reigned an unmatched fury and power upon his opponents. He has won his past four fights, all via a first-round knockout. The Predator’s epic highlight reel includes shutting the lights on Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Junior Dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Curtis Blaydes, Alistair Overeem, and many more. An impressive 15-wins under his belt before his hopes to claim his latest and with it the title.
Who will be the UFC’s ‘Baddest Man on the Planet?’
The champion promises that Ngannou will come up short on Saturday, making predictions that he successfully defend his title no matter in what fashion. Miocic has a history that backs up these claims, having defended his belt on many occasions while defeating elite competitors such as Daniel Cormier in their epic trilogy fight, along with many others. Miocic has truly earned the title of UFC’s “Baddest Man on the Planet.”
UFC 260 Betting odds & predictions
Even though the champ has proven himself time and time again, he just so happens to be the betting underdog. Many believe Ngannou isn’t the same fighter he was back in 2018, plus he has the legendary one punch punching power to turn off anybody’s lights. If his skill now is equal to his power, it’s a scary combo. If he connects, it’s game over.
YahooSports lists Ngannou as the favorite at -135 to win and -135 to win by KO/TKO/DQ/submission. Compared to Miocic, who is slated at +110 to win. The first two rounds will be the riskiest for Miocic. This is Ngannou’s prime time for brutal knockout annihilations. But the further the bout goes on, Miocic has better chances of wearing the belt at the end of the fight.
Future heavyweight championship fights to make
Looking forward to future heavyweight championship fights, the UFC has already announced interest in a matchup between whoever wins on Saturday and former Lightheavyweight champion Jon Jones, who is set to make his debut to the heavyweight scene. It is also safe to imagine that whoever loses on Saturday will face fan-favorite and epic power-puncher Derrick Lewis. He has demolished his past four challengers and is quickly gunning for a chance at the title.
UFC 260 is stacked with epic fights
O’malley (red gloves) fights Jose Quinonez (blue gloves) during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
If having this epic rematch wasn’t enough, the rest of the card is also stacked. We finally get to witness Sean O’Malley‘s return to the octagon after his first loss back in August against Marlon Vera. Expect him to put on a ‘Suger Show’ when facing Thomas Almeida in their Bantamweight matchup. O’Malley has had a chip on his shoulder since his last fight and will look to prove his only loss was just a fluke.
A welterweight bout between Tyron Woodley and Vicente Luque will serve as the co-main event. Former champion Woodley has lost his past three fights. Ff he can’t pull off the win against Luque this Saturday, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the UFC decides to part ways with him.