The UFC recently announced the initial batch of spells for the upcoming UFC 239 blockbuster card that 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 at the peak of the bill 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. I also gave my thoughts on a fascinating light heavyweight matchup involving Luke Rockhold and Jan Blachowicz.
It seems the UFC would like to truly have a special card for this season’s International Fight Week occasion, since according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, two more exciting conflicts have been 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 initial thoughts on the fights
Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal, UFC 239
Welterweight contenders Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal meet at UFC 239 with a potential title shot on the line. UFC president Dana White initially told reporters after UFC 235 that the promotion proposed a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but after Lawler was booked at a rematch against Tyron Woodley in UFC on ESPN 4 it opened up the door for Askren to fight a fresh 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 promotion has instead decided to match Askren and Masvidal up at a prospective No. 1 competitor’s bout.
Askren (19-0, 1 NC) had an odd UFC debut against Lawler, but finally did wind up getting his hand raised. After living a difficult slam and an early onslaught of ground punches, Askren was able to place Lawler in a bulldog choke, coaxing a phantom tapout out of referee Herb Dean. Fans didn’t wish to see a rematch, however, along with the UFC ultimately recorded, giving”Funky” a new competitor. The former 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. Together with his ability to speak a big game, Askren has quickly becoming fan favorite amongst UFC fans, and the promotion has taken note.
Masvidal (33-13) is 10-6 overall from 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 turned into a gatekeeper in 170lbs and hadn’t any fought in over a year after back-to-back decision losses to Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. But all of us understand MMA is a”what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” sport along with the triumph over indefinitely increased Masvidal’s stock to the highest degree it has his entire career. He was due for a huge fight, and the UFC believes this matchup against Askren is your best fight possible.
I adore this matchup, and I am thankful the UFC decided to book it as it’s an intriguing battle involving two veterans of the game that are seeking to acquire a title shot. Given Askren’s undefeated record and his remarkable wrestling pedigree, I think you need to give him the standing of betting favorite heading into this bout. But with Masvidal having solid takedown defense and a superior striking assault, he’ll be a live dog once again.
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 at the UFC and is coming from 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 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 starting to look just like his old self once more, and at this point could be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame place.
Both guys are on a roll right now, however given the fact Ngannou has taken much less damage in his profession and gets the hype train behind him , I’d venture to guess he’ll be a tiny favorite here.
Fantastic fight, also UFC 239 is starting to shape up as the ideal card of the year without Conor McGregor available to battle.
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