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 initial thoughts on the two title fights at the top of the invoice featuring Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos for the UFC light heavyweight title and Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm for the UFC women’s bantamweight title. Additionally, I gave my ideas onto a fascinating light heavyweight matchup involving Luke Rockhold and Jan Blachowicz.
It appears the UFC wants to truly have a particular card for this year’s International Fight Week occasion, because according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, two exciting conflicts have been 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 fulfill at UFC 239 with a potential title shot on the line. UFC president Dana White initially told reporters following UFC 235 the promotion proposed a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but after Lawler was reserved at a rematch against Tyron Woodley at 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 book Masvidal against Leon Edwards following their backstage scuffle at UFC London, but the promotion has instead decided to match Askren and Masvidal up in 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 surviving a difficult slam and also an early onslaught of ground punches, Askren was able to put Lawler at a bulldog choke, coaxing a phantom tapout out of referee Herb Dean. Fans did not want to find a rematch, however, along with the UFC ultimately recorded, providing”Funky” a new opponent. The prior 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. With his ability to speak a big game, Askren has quickly becoming fan favorite amongst UFC lovers, and the advertising has taken notice.
Masvidal (33-13) is 10-6 overall from 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 turned into a gatekeeper at 170lbs and had no fought over a year following back-to-back decision losses to Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. However, all of us know MMA is a”what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” sport and the triumph over Till raised Masvidal’s inventory to the maximum degree it has his whole career. He had been due for a huge struggle, and the UFC believes this matchup against Askren is your best fight possible.
I adore this matchup, and I’m thankful the UFC chose to reserve it as it is an intriguing battle involving two veterans of the game who are looking to acquire a title shot. Given Askren’s undefeated record and his remarkable wrestling pedigree, I believe you have to give him the standing of gambling favorite going into this bout. However, with Masvidal having strong takedown defense along with a superior striking assault, he’ll 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 slated for UFC 239, together with the winner probably stepping into the part 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 in the UFC and is currently riding a three-fight win series over Lewis, Blagoy Ivanov and Tai Tuivasa. The former UFC heavyweight champ is beginning to seem just like his old self once more, and at this stage could be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame place.
Both men are on a roll at the moment, but given the fact Ngannou has taken much less harm in his profession and gets the hype train behind him , I’d venture to guess he’ll be a tiny favorite here.
Fantastic fight, and UFC 239 is beginning to form up as the best card of this year even without Conor McGregor accessible to battle.
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