Yeah it’s basically the same fight as before. Haha. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if Francis is much more equipped to deal with the wrestling for at least a round or two in order to keep it on the feet. That would make things interesting. Honestly, this is just an intriguing fight no matter how many times you make it. Only way I’d be shocked is if Francis outclassed him to a decision lol. I’m already dreading the hyperbole for Ngannou though. If he wins, he’s literally untouchable. If he loses, he was always overrated.
I confidently supported Stipe through both Cormier rematches with an inkling in the back of my head I would be disappointed. Seeing him come out in that third fight looking better than ever, I feel more confidently for him in this rematch than I did in either of those two. But I do like Ngannou, I think he’s truly a came from nothing type story and has remained relatively humble despite all his hype. Just always went out there and did what he does best. If Stipe retires, I’d love to see him hold the belt after.
It’s weird because I definitely think there’s a shot that we see Stipe beat Francis, Jones beat Stipe and then Francis beating Jones. I also suspect we’ll see a Gane title shot if/when he beats Lewis (assuming that’s next)
Though Francis losing this weekend may make a Gane/Francis fight which I think would be fascinating. Gane is a polar opposite fighter compared to him. Very patient and technical vs undisciplined ridiculous strength.
hopefully Usman has sharpened up Ngannou’s wrestling defense. his fight camp videos have shown a lot of leg kicks so that’s a bit worrisome
I'm not some super fan of Francis or anything, I'd be perfectly happy with Stipe winning. That first fight was way too early for Francis, it's just a fact. That's not Stipe's fault, but Francis has had four or five more camps since then to work on new skills. Stipe had some real tough fights with an all time great, it's not inconceivable that he lost a little bit in those. Everybody knocks each other out at heavyweight, but can Stipe avoid be obliterated for another 25 minutes? That's a big ask. I don't think it's as easy as running the first flight's game plan back.
I remember Ngannou’s cornermen not really knowing at the time how to treat his fatigue in between rounds too. Hopefully that’s not an issue now. They just like, tossed a towel on his back and told him to pretty much push forward iirc.
I know it’s all “winner gets Jones” but if Francis wins isn’t Stipe going to be clamouring for a 3rd fight?
He will, but I highly doubt they'll run it back. They were really reluctant to give him an immediate rematch against DC even though he had broken the record for HW title defenses. They finally gave in that time, but I doubt they'll repeat that favor again. He won the title back and then defended it against the same guy so if he gets KOed already, he'll probably have to get back into the queue.
With Jones out there there's no chance Stipe would get a rematch, unless it comes down to some Yan-level fuckery. I'd rather let rematches and trilogies breathe a little bit in-between. Personally, I'd like the winner to fight Jones, loser gets Lewis.
Yeah, like I was down for DC vs. Stipe at the time, but looking back and seeing how it basically turned into a three-year ordeal, I would have passed. Not that there was much going on in the division at the time, but I wasn't too hyped for that third fight. Now with people like Francis, Jones, Gane, Volkov, Lewis, etc. waiting right there, I'm ready for this division to get moving. You can't squander a good set of contenders whenever a division like this often has some dead periods.
She was my first favorite women’s fighter ever and is definitely one of the best to ever do it. I’m happy to read this
cool! I assumed since she was doing work with ONE that she was no longer under UFC contract. That will be fun to see!