The UFC recently announced the first batch of bouts 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 on top of the invoice containing 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 between Luke Rockhold and Jan Blachowicz.
It appears the UFC wants to have a particular card for this season’s International Fight Week occasion, since based on 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 first ideas on the fights
Ben Askren vs. Jorge Masvidal, UFC 239
Welterweight contenders Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal meet at UFC 239 using an expected title shot on the line. UFC president Dana White originally told reporters after UFC 235 that the advertising proposed a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but once Lawler was booked at a rematch against Tyron Woodley in UFC on ESPN 4 it opened the door for Askren to fight a fresh face. Many figured that the UFC would 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 at a potential No. 1 contender’s bout.
Askren (19-0, 1 NC) had an odd UFC debut against Lawler, but ultimately did end up getting his hand raised. After living a difficult slam and an early onslaught of ground punches, Askren managed to put Lawler at a bulldog choke, coaxing a ghost tapout out of referee Herb Dean. Fans didn’t wish to see a rematch, however, along with the UFC ultimately listed, giving”Funky” a new competitor. The prior Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is undefeated in his profession and is currently riding a five-fight win series that includes four successes via stoppage. With his ability to talk a big game, Askren has quickly becoming fan popular amongst UFC fans, and the advertising has evidently taken note.
Masvidal (33-13) is 10-6 overall in the UFC and is coming off of possibly the biggest win of his career, a brutal KO victory over Darren Until in the primary event of UFC London. Masvidal had turned into a gatekeeper in 170lbs and had no fought in over a year following back-to-back conclusion losses to Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. However, all of us understand MMA is a”what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” sport and the win over indefinitely increased Masvidal’s stock to the highest level it has his whole career. He was due for a big fight, and the UFC considers this matchup against Askren is your best fight possible.
I adore this matchup, and I am thankful the UFC chose to book it as it is an intriguing fight between two veterans of the game that are seeking to get a title shot. Given Askren’s undefeated record and his impressive wrestling pedigree, I believe you need to give him the standing of betting favorite heading into this particular bout. But with Masvidal having strong takedown defense along with a superior striking attack, he will 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 probably stepping into the part of No. 1 rival 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 seems 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 look just like his old self once again, and at this point could be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame spot.
Both men are on a roll right now, however given the reality Ngannou has taken much less harm in his profession and gets got the hype train behind him again, I’d venture to guess he will be a tiny favorite here.
Great battle, and UFC 239 is starting to shape up as the best card of this year even without Conor McGregor available to battle.
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