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Epic UFC 260 preview: Miocic vs. Ngannou 2

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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.

Jan 20, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Stipe Miocic (red gloves) fights Francis Ngannou (blue gloves) during UFC 220 at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

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.”

August 17, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Stipe Miocic is awarded the championship belt following his TKO victory against Daniel Cormier during UFC 241 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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

Feb 15, 2020; Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA; UFC fighter Jon Jones attends the light heavyweight bout between Jan Blachowicz (blue) and Corey Anderson (red) during UFC Fight Night at Santa Ana Star Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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

Mar 7, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Sean
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.


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