In the main event of UFC 260, we saw the heavyweight rematch we’ve been waiting a couple of years for. Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (20-3) took on top contender Francis Ngannou (15-3) for the second time.
The first time these two met was back at UFC 220. Despite Miocic being a dominant heavyweight champion, Ngannou was the betting favorite. The knockout artist from Cameroon had destroyed everything the UFC had put in front of him.
However, he couldn’t destroy Miocic. In fact, Miocic dominated their first fight over five rounds to defend his UFC heavyweight title. After that win, Miocic has spent the last couple of years in a trilogy with Daniel Cormier.
After that loss, Ngannou would drop another fight to Derrick Lewis in which he didn’t throw virtually any strikes. It had seemed he lost his confidence. However, he has that back in a big way.
Entering UFC 260, The Predator had won four consecutive fights by knockout. The more impressive thing is none of his opponents made it past 71 seconds. That dominant stretch had him as the betting favorite tonight despite the results of the first fight.
UFC 260 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 260 main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Both men looked patient to start this one. A massive leg kick lands for Ngannou to start the striking. A little pressure from Francis Ngannou early on.
Miocic was just gauging the range early on as another big leg kick lands for Ngannou. A massive right lands for Ngannou, but Miocic just takes the shot. Ngannou backs away and looks to reset.
Miocic shoots in for his first takedown, but Ngannou defends well then lands bombs on Miocic. Fight looks close to being stopped, but Stipe recovers and gets back to range. Ngannou breathing a little heavy, but staying patient.
The UFC champion is circling around the outside and Ngannou is looking tired already. Ngannou swings wild and doesn’t land. One minute left in the opening round and so far Stipe has taken Ngannou’s best shots.
A good low kick lands for Miocic. Ngannou lands a massive leg kick of his own. A little pressure from Ngannou, but both men were staying patient. The first round comes to a close and it was a big one for the challenger.
Round 2
The second round begins and the UFC champion had some damage around the left eye. Ngannou starts the striking with another big low kick. A solid lead left hook lands for Ngannou.
A massive left hook lands and Miocic is hurt badly. Stipe Miocic lands a good counter, but Ngannou puts him out cold with a counter shot. Francis Ngannou is Africa’s third UFC champion.
Francis Ngannou def. Stipe Miocic by KO – Round 2