F. Ngannou (left) ran over S. Miocic (left) in the UFC 260 and won the heavyweight belt. Photo: Playback / Instagram
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The heavyweight division (up to 120.2 kg.) Has a new champion. In the main fight of the UFC 260, held this Saturday (27), Francis Ngannou made history and ran over Stipe Miocic in the main fight of the night. With a perfect performance, the Franco-Cameroonian dominated his rival and won the title with a knockout in the second round.
A bookmaker favorite, Ngannou has earned a reputation as a knockout champion against Miocic. Unlike the first clash against Miocic, in 2018, in the rematch, Francis knew how to measure the shares, controlling the now-ex-champion in the first round and settling the bill in the second.
As a result, the Franco-Cameroonian joins Israel Adesanya e Kamaru Usman like athletes from the African continent who wear belts. One of the most feared men in MMA, the fighter scored his 12th knockout in 16 wins as a mixed martial arts professional.
Considered by many to be the best heavyweight in the sport’s history, Stipe was unable to make his fifth title defense. Restrained in the confrontation, the American failed to impose his strategy and produced little in two rounds.
The fight
The confrontation started with Ngannou taking the initiative, delivering a low kick. Miocic moved and avoided getting into his rival’s range. The champion saved on blows, while Francis walked forward. The Franco-Cameroonian surprised the American with a cross in the head, but Stipe absorbed the blow well. The champion attempted a takedown, but the challenger defended himself well and reversed the situation. Over the top, Francis delivered a series of punches to the opponent’s head, but Miocic stood up and tried to recover. In the sequence, Ngannou attacked the American again, connecting a clean high kick to the opponent’s face. After almost four minutes, the champion produced little in the match. In the final seconds, the heavyweights exchanged low kicks, but there was no more time.
In the second round, Francis again took the initiative, this time with a crusader. Miocic tried to break free, but the challenger was dangerous in counterattacks. Next, Ngannou managed to fit a clean straight to the American’s chin, which collapsed. With Miocic on the ground, Ngannou was left to strike the opponent until the referee stopped the fight.
UFC 260 RESULTS
CARD PRINCIPAL
Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic by 52sec knockout. do R2 – Fight for the belt
Welterweight: Vicente Luque finished Tyron Woodley with a hand triangle 3m56s from R1
Cock weight: Sean O’Malley defeated Thomas Almeida by knockout at 3m52s of R3
Fly weight: Miranda Maverick defeated Gillian Robertson in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Lightweight: Jamie Mullarkey defeated Khama Worthy by knockout 46s from R1
CARD PRELIMINAR
Light heavyweight: Alonzo Menifield finished Fabian Cherai with a ‘Von Flue’ choke 1m11s from R1
Welterweight: Abubakar Nurmagomedov defeated Jared Gooden in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light heavyweight: Michal Oleksiejczuk defeated Modestas Bukauskas in the split decision of the judges (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Feather weight: Omar morales defeated Shane Young in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Average weight: Marc-André Barriault defeated Abu Azaitar by technical knockout 4m56s from R3
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