The Predator Strikes Again… Francis Ngannou Won by KO Against Cain Velasquez in 26 Seconds… Could This be the Last Time We See the Former Champion Fight in the UFC?
You just can’t look past Francis Ngannou. The Cameroonian fighter was written off by many as a one-trick pony after back-to-back defeats to Stipe Miocic in a title fight, and then one of the most underwhelming title fights of all time against fellow knockout artist Derrick Lewis.
Ngannou was the underdog coming into the main event in Phoenix, Arizona against Cain Velasquez. Velasquez is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in the history of the UFC. The two-time champion’s own body has been his worst enemy, especially his back, preventing him from fighting for two years.
This was set to be his big comeback in front of his hometown crowd. A combination of a vicious uppercut and his knee blowing out, ended his dream of a third title charge, in just 26 seconds.
WOW!@Francis_Ngannou gets it done in Arizona! #UFCPhoenix pic.twitter.com/xGF4ziuAZA
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2019
Done and Dusted
Velasquez came into this fight much lighter than Ngannou and circled around looking for the takedown. The masterplan to beat Ngannou has been laid out by Miocic, who took the Cameroonian down repeatedly, after letting him gas himself out.
He attacked Ngannou who is just so incredibly dangerous in the first round. He clipped Velasquez with an uppercut – and let’s not forget he was 40lbs heavier than the Arizona native. It’s one of those blink if you miss it shots, that caused him to stagger and that’s when he blew out his knee.
The weight of his legs went from underneath him, and then Ngannou followed up with the ground and pound, leaving referee Jason Herzog no choice but to put an end to it.
Cain Velasquez's knee blows out and Francis Ngannou beats him down in round one! Damn! #UFCPhoenix pic.twitter.com/IRom9t6wDY
— Bulgogi Jones (@Hamderlei) February 18, 2019
Silenced
Ngannou walked away with his finger held in front of his lips, in a message of defiance to the hostile Phoenix crowd – who were hostile all night, despite some superb fights. Of course, his critics will say that Velasquez lost this because of his injuries, not because of Ngannou, but as the former wrestling champion admitted, it was his own fault for getting too close to him too soon.
Now he could be just one fight away from another title fight. The future is bright for Ngannou again, after a tough 2018. Nobody is more dangerous than him.
Cain Velasquez with a slight limp on his way out of the Octagon. #UFCPhoenix pic.twitter.com/bd7j4q38CR
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) February 18, 2019
End of an Era?
Of course, this was bittersweet. Velasquez is well-loved by fans, who admire his skill and talent, as well as his sportsmanship. One of the first things he did was raise Ngannou’s hands in front of his hometown crowd and tell them to show the winner some love. This could be the last time we see him step into an octagon to fight. He told Jon Anik:
“I was super ready for this fight, I came in her super calm and relaxed. This is why this sport is so great, you never know what could happen at what time. I wish I could give you guys more. I’m sorry for this.”
He has nothing to apologize for. What a legend.
