The UFC recently announced the first batch of spells for the upcoming UFC 239 blockbuster card which 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 both title fights on top of the bill containing Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos for the UFC light heavyweight title and Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm for your UFC women’s bantamweight title. Additionally, I gave my ideas on a fascinating light heavyweight matchup between Luke Rockhold and Jan Blachowicz.
It seems the UFC wants to have a special card for this season’s International Fight Week occasion, since according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, two exciting fights are booked for UFC 239. One is a welterweight matchup between Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal, and the other is a heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Junior dos Santos. Below are my initial thoughts on the fights
Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal, UFC 239
Welterweight contenders Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal meet at UFC 239 with a potential title shot on the line. UFC president Dana White originally told reporters following UFC 235 that the advertising proposed a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but after Lawler was reserved at a rematch against Tyron Woodley in UFC on ESPN 4 it opened the door for Askren to combat a fresh face. Many figured that the UFC would take the bait and book Masvidal against Leon Edwards after their backstage scuffle in UFC London, however, the advertising has instead decided to match Askren and Masvidal up in a potential No. 1 contender’s bout.
Askren (19-0, 1 NC) had an odd UFC debut against Lawler, but finally did end up getting his hand raised. After surviving a difficult slam and also an early onslaught of ground punches, Askren managed to put Lawler at a bulldog choke, coaxing a phantom tapout out of referee Herb Dean. Fans did not wish to find a rematch, however, along with the UFC ultimately listed, giving”Funky” a fresh competitor. The prior Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is undefeated in his career and is currently riding a five-fight win series that includes four successes via stoppage. With his ability to talk a big game, Askren has rapidly become fan popular amongst UFC fans, and the promotion has taken notice.
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 primary event of UFC London. Masvidal had turned into a gatekeeper in 170lbs and hadn’t any fought over a year following back-to-back decision losses to Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. But all of us know MMA is a”what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” sport and the triumph over Till raised Masvidal’s stock to the highest level it’s his whole career. He was due for a big struggle, along with the UFC believes this matchup against Askren is the best fight possible.
I adore this matchup, and I’m thankful the UFC decided to book it as it’s an intriguing fight between two veterans of the sport that are looking to acquire a title shot. Given Askren’s undefeated record along with his remarkable wrestling pedigree, I believe you need to give him the status of betting favorite heading into this bout. However, with Masvidal having strong takedown defense along with a superior striking attack, he’ll be a live dog once again.
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, with the winner likely stepping into the role of No. 1 contender to champion Daniel Cormier’s belt.
Ngannou (13-3) is 8-2 in the UFC and is coming from back-to-back knockout wins over Curtis Blaydes and Cain Velasquez. After two awful performances against Derrick Lewis and Stipe Miocic, it seems Ngannou has found his groove again in the heavyweight division.
Dos Santos (21-5) is 15-4 at the UFC and is now riding a three-fight win series over Lewis, Blagoy Ivanov and Tai Tuivasa. The former UFC heavyweight champ is beginning to look like his old self once again, and at this stage might be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame spot.
Both men are on a roll right now, however given the fact Ngannou has taken far less damage in his profession and has got the hype train behind him again, I’d venture to guess he’ll be a tiny favorite here.
Fantastic fight, also UFC 239 is starting to form up as the best card of this year without Conor McGregor accessible to fight.
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