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 initial thoughts on both title fights on top of the invoice 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. I also gave my ideas on an intriguing light heavyweight matchup involving Luke Rockhold and Jan Blachowicz.
It appears the UFC would like to have a special card for this season’s International Fight Week event, because based on ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, two more 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 first thoughts on the fights
Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal, UFC 239
Welterweight contenders Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal fulfill at UFC 239 with an expected title shot on the line. UFC president Dana White initially told reporters after UFC 235 the promotion proposed a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but once Lawler was booked in a rematch against Tyron Woodley at UFC on ESPN 4 it opened the door for Askren to fight a fresh face. Many figured the UFC could take the bait and publication Masvidal against Leon Edwards following their backstage scuffle in 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 wind up getting his hand raised. After living a difficult slam and an early onslaught of floor punches, Askren was able to put Lawler in a bulldog choke, coaxing a phantom tapout out of referee Herb Dean. Fans did not wish to see a rematch, however, and the UFC ultimately recorded, giving”Funky” a new opponent. The prior Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is undefeated in his career and is now riding a five-fight win streak that includes four victories via stoppage. With his ability to speak a big game, Askren has rapidly become fan favorite amongst UFC lovers, and the advertising has taken notice.
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 Until in the main event of UFC London. Masvidal had become a gatekeeper at 170lbs and hadn’t any fought over a year after 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 win over Till raised Masvidal’s inventory to the maximum level it’s his entire career. He had been due for a huge fight, along with the UFC considers this matchup against Askren is the best fight possible.
I love this matchup, and I’m glad the UFC decided to reserve it since 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 think you have to give him the status of gambling favorite heading into this bout. But with Masvidal having strong takedown defense along with 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, together with the winner likely stepping into the part 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 now riding a three-fight win series over Lewis, Blagoy Ivanov and Tai Tuivasa. The former UFC heavyweight champ is starting to seem just like his old self once again, and at this stage could be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame spot.
Both guys are on a roll at the moment, however given the reality Ngannou has taken far less harm in his profession and gets got the hype train behind him , I would venture to guess he’ll be a small favorite here.
Great fight, also 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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