Since his UFC debut in 2015, Francis Ngannou scored one highlight reel knockout after another, defeating the likes of Curtis Blaydes, Andrei Arlovski, and Alistair Overeem along the way. This has led to him being granted a title shot against Stipe Miocic at UFC 220 in January, a fight he lost via unanimous decision.
Many were left in awe of Ngannou’s performances, particularly his finish of Overeem at UFC 218 last December. His upcoming opponent Derrick Lewis, however, is not one of them.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour, “The Black Beast” believes Ngannou’s ascent up the ladder was driven by luck, more than anything else.
“Beating on Francis is really not going to really do too much for me anyway, because the guy got to where he’s at right now on luck,” Lewis said (via MMA Fighting). “He fought Overeem — Overeem doesn’t have a chin. He fought Arlovski — Arlovski doesn’t have a chin.”
“Fight somebody that’s tough. Fight a Mark Hunt, somebody like that who’s real tough. Don’t fight these old guys who are already on the downside of their career.”
Lewis has been vocal about not being interested in a title fight, but if the opportunity does come his way, it is something he would not say no to.
“Really, Stipe already beat just about everybody in the top five anyway, so it wouldn’t really make sense for them to get the next shot, besides me or Francis, because he’s the No. 1 contender, but everyone else is really not even worthy enough to fight Stipe again.”
UFC 226 is scheduled to take place on July 7th in Las Vegas.
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