BEN ASKREN VS. JORGE MASVIDAL, FRANCIS NGANNOU VS. JUNIOR DOS SANTOS BOOKED FOR UFC 239
The UFC recently announced the initial batch of bouts for the upcoming UFC 239 blockbuster card that takes place July 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In last week’s MMA Odds and Ends, I gave my first thoughts on the two title fights at the top of the bill containing Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos for the UFC light heavyweight title and Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm for the UFC women’s bantamweight title. I also gave my thoughts on an intriguing light heavyweight matchup between Luke Rockhold and Jan Blachowicz.
Well, it appears the UFC would like to truly have a particular card for this year’s International Fight Week occasion, because according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, two more exciting conflicts have been booked for UFC 239. One is a welterweight matchup involving Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal, and the other is a heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Junior dos Santos. Below are my first ideas on the fights
Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal, UFC 239
Welterweight contenders Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal fulfill at UFC 239 using an expected title shot at stake. UFC president Dana White originally told reporters after UFC 235 the advertising proposed a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but after Lawler was booked in a rematch against Tyron Woodley at UFC on ESPN 4 it opened up the door for Askren to combat an original face. Many figured that the UFC could take the bait and book Masvidal against Leon Edwards following their backstage scuffle at UFC London, however, the promotion has instead decided to match Askren and Masvidal up at a potential No. 1 competitor’s bout.
Askren (19-0, 1 NC) had an odd UFC debut against Lawler, but ultimately did end up getting his hand raised. After living a difficult slam and an early onslaught of floor punches, Askren managed to place Lawler in a bulldog choke, coaxing a phantom tapout out of referee Herb Dean. Fans did not wish to see a rematch, however, along with the UFC ultimately listed, giving”Funky” a new opponent. The former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is undefeated in his profession and is currently riding a five-fight win streak that includes four victories via stoppage. Together with his ability to talk a big game, Askren has rapidly become fan favorite amongst UFC fans, and the advertising has evidently taken note.
Masvidal (33-13) is 10-6 overall in the UFC and is coming off of possibly the biggest win of his career, a brutal KO victory over Darren Until in the main event of UFC London. Masvidal had become a gatekeeper at 170lbs and had no fought in over a year following back-to-back decision losses to Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. However, all of us understand MMA is a”what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” sport and the win over Till raised Masvidal’s stock to the maximum degree it’s his whole career. He was due for a huge struggle, and the UFC considers this matchup against Askren is the best fight possible.
I adore this matchup, and I’m thankful the UFC chose to book it since it’s an intriguing battle involving two veterans of the sport who are seeking to acquire a title shot. Given Askren’s undefeated record along with his impressive wrestling pedigree, I believe you have to give him the status of betting favorite going into this particular bout. However, with Masvidal having strong takedown defense and a superior striking assault, he will be a live dog once more.
Francis Ngannou vs. Junior dos Santos, UFC 239
At the same time, a heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Junior dos Santos is famous for UFC 239, together with the winner likely stepping into the role of No. 1 rival to champion Daniel Cormier’s belt.
Ngannou (13-3) is 8-2 in the UFC and is coming off of back-to-back knockout wins over Curtis Blaydes and Cain Velasquez. After two dreadful performances against Derrick Lewis and Stipe Miocic, it appears Ngannou has found his groove in the heavyweight division.
Dos Santos (21-5) is 15-4 at the UFC and is currently riding a three-fight win streak over Lewis, Blagoy Ivanov and Tai Tuivasa. The former UFC heavyweight champ is starting to seem just like his old self once again, and at this point might be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame place.
Both men are on a roll at the moment, however given the fact Ngannou has taken far less harm in his profession and has got the hype train behind him again, I would venture to guess he will be a small favorite here.
Fantastic fight, also UFC 239 is starting to form up as the best card of the year without Conor McGregor accessible to battle.
Disclaimer: This page includes affiliate links and MMA Odds Breaker is going to be paid if you make a purchase after clicking on the hyperlinks.
Read more: http://www.feldschloessli-hornussen.ch/?p=15525