The UFC recently announced the first batch of bouts for the upcoming UFC 239 blockbuster card which takes place July 6 at 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 peak of the invoice containing 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.
Well, it seems the UFC would like to truly have a particular card for this season’s International Fight Week occasion, because according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, two more exciting conflicts have been booked for UFC 239. One is a welterweight matchup involving Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal, and the other is a heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Junior dos Santos. Below are my initial ideas 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 following UFC 235 the advertising planned a rematch between Askren and Robbie Lawler, but after Lawler was reserved in a rematch against Tyron Woodley in UFC on ESPN 4 it opened up the door for Askren to fight an original face. Many figured that the UFC would take the bait and book Masvidal against Leon Edwards after their backstage scuffle at UFC London, but the advertising has instead decided to match Askren and Masvidal up at a prospective No. 1 contender’s bout.
Askren (19-0, 1 NC) had an odd UFC debut against Lawler, but ultimately did end up getting his hands raised. After surviving a difficult slam and an early onslaught of ground punches, Askren was able to put Lawler at a bulldog choke, coaxing a phantom tapout from referee Herb Dean. Fans didn’t wish to see a rematch, however, along with the UFC ultimately listed, providing”Funky” a fresh competitor. The former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is undefeated in his profession and is now riding a five-fight win streak that includes four victories via stoppage. Together with his ability to talk a big game, Askren has rapidly becoming fan popular amongst UFC fans, and the promotion has taken notice.
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 at 170lbs and had no fought over a year following back-to-back decision losses to Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. However, we all know MMA is a”what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” sport and the triumph over indefinitely increased Masvidal’s inventory to the maximum degree it’s his entire career. He was due for a big fight, and the UFC believes this matchup against Askren is your best fight possible.
I love this matchup, and I am glad the UFC decided to reserve it since it’s an intriguing fight between two veterans of the sport who are seeking to get a title shot. Given Askren’s undefeated record and his remarkable wrestling pedigree, I believe you need to give him the status of betting favorite heading into this bout. But with Masvidal having strong takedown defense and a superior striking assault, 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 likely stepping into the role of No. 1 rival to champion Daniel Cormier’s belt.
Ngannou (13-3) is 8-2 at 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 seems Ngannou has found his groove again in the heavyweight division.
Dos Santos (21-5) is 15-4 in the UFC and is now riding a three-fight win streak over Lewis, Blagoy Ivanov and Tai Tuivasa. The former UFC heavyweight champ is beginning to look like his old self once again, and at this point could be in contention for a UFC Hall of Fame place.
Both men are on a roll right now, but given the fact Ngannou has taken much less damage in his career and gets got the hype train behind him , I’d venture to guess he’ll be a small favorite here.
Fantastic battle, also UFC 239 is starting to shape up as the ideal card of this year without Conor McGregor accessible to battle.
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