This Saturday, UFC 220’s main event sees the Heavyweight title in action as Stipe Miocic (17-2 MMA; 11-2 UFC) defends against Francis Ngannou (11-1 MMA; 6-0 UFC). The UFC rankings have the challenger as the division’s #1 contender, with Miocic sitting at #7 on the pound for pound list. UFC 220: Miocic vs. Ngannou airs live from Boston this Saturday night, January 20. The main card airs on PPV with a fight time of 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT, with the prelims starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 and 7:00 p.m. ET on Fight Pass.
This is being billed as a titanic Heavyweight clash, and it’s easy to see why. Both men are heavy hitters, with some impressive KOs to their names. Miocic also has a wrestling game that could be a factor here. Adding an extra degree of intrigue is the potential for history to be made. Miocic looks to make the 3rd defense of the UFC Heavyweight title here – dating all the way back to the dawn of that title in 1997, no man has ever defended more than twice.
How do these two stack up?
Miocic: 35 years old | 6’4″ | 80″ reach
Ngannou: 31 years old | 6’4″ | 83″ reach
What have these two done recently?
Miocic: W – Junior dos Santos (TKO) | W – Alistair Overeem (KO) | W – Fabricio Werdum (KO)
Ngannou: W – Alistair Overeem (KO) | W – Andrei Arlovski (TKO) | W – Anthony Hamilton (Sub)
How did these two get here?
Stipe Miocic made his UFC debut in 2011. At first, he looked like a good prospect but not more, but he steadily improved over time. In May 2016, he won the Heavyweight title with an upset KO of Fabricio Werdum, and he’s made two defenses since. Miocic is a skilled boxer with a not often used but strong wrestling game. He’s currently on a 5 fight win streak that includes some impressive names, and looking to keep the title in Ohio after this one.
Francis Ngannou has had a fast run through the UFC with a series of dominating performances since his UFC debut just 2 years ago. Ngannou is a KO machine, and demonstrated that last time out when he completely blew away Alistair Overeem in 2017’s KO of the Year. He also has a decent submission game. One question mark for the challenger is his cardio – not because he’s ever looked gassed, but because he’s never had a fight go past the 10 minute mark.
Why should you care?
This is everything you want in a Heavyweight title fight. It’s a must watch.