BEN ASKREN VS. JORGE MASVIDAL, FRANCIS NGANNOU VS. JUNIOR DOS SANTOS BOOKED FOR UFC 239

The UFC recently announced the initial batch of spells for the upcoming UFC 239 blockbuster card which takes place July 6 in 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 featuring 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 thoughts onto a fascinating light heavyweight matchup involving Luke Rockhold and Jan Blachowicz.
Well, it appears the UFC wants to truly have a particular card for this year’s International Fight Week occasion, since based on ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, two exciting conflicts are reserved 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 first thoughts on the fights
Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal, UFC 239
Welterweight contenders Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal meet at UFC 239 using an expected title shot on the line. UFC president Dana White initially told reporters after UFC 235 the advertising proposed a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but after Lawler was reserved in a rematch against Tyron Woodley in UFC on ESPN 4 it opened the door for Askren to fight an original face. Many figured that the UFC could take the bait and publication Masvidal against Leon Edwards following their backstage scuffle at UFC London, however, the advertising has instead decided to match Askren and Masvidal up at a potential No. 1 contender’s bout.
Askren (19-0, 1 NC) had an odd UFC debut against Lawler, but ultimately did wind up getting his hand raised. After living a difficult slam and an early onslaught of floor punches, Askren managed to place Lawler at a bulldog choke, coaxing a ghost tapout out of referee Herb Dean. Fans didn’t wish to see a rematch, however, along with the UFC ultimately recorded, providing”Funky” a new competitor. The former 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 speak a big game, Askren has rapidly becoming fan popular amongst UFC fans, and the advertising has evidently taken note.
Masvidal (33-13) is 10-6 overall in the UFC and is coming from possibly the biggest win of his career, a brutal KO victory over Darren Till in the primary event of UFC London. Masvidal had turned into a gatekeeper at 170lbs and had no fought over a year after back-to-back decision losses to Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. However, we all know MMA is a”what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” sport along with the win over indefinitely increased Masvidal’s inventory to the maximum level it’s his entire career. He had been due for a big struggle, along with the UFC considers this matchup against Askren is your best fight possible.
I love this matchup, and I am thankful the UFC chose to reserve it as it is an intriguing battle involving two veterans of the sport that are seeking to get a title shot. Given Askren’s undefeated record along with his remarkable wrestling pedigree, I think you have to give him the standing of betting favorite heading into this particular bout. But with Masvidal having solid takedown defense and a superior striking attack, he’ll be a live dog once more.
Francis Ngannou vs. Junior dos Santos, UFC 239
As well, a heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Junior dos Santos is slated 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 off of back-to-back knockout wins over Curtis Blaydes and Cain Velasquez. After two awful performances against Derrick Lewis and Stipe Miocic, it appears Ngannou has found his groove again in the heavyweight division.
Dos Santos (21-5) is 15-4 at the UFC and is currently riding a three-fight win series over Lewis, Blagoy Ivanov and Tai Tuivasa. The former UFC heavyweight champ is starting to seem like his old self once more, and at this stage could be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame place.
Both guys are on a roll right now, but given the reality Ngannou has taken far less harm in his profession and has got the hype train behind him again, I’d venture to guess he will be a small favorite here.
Fantastic fight, also UFC 239 is starting to form up as the ideal card of this year without Conor McGregor available to fight.
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