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What’s the story?
The UFC Heavyweight Champion, Stipe Miocic will defend his championship against surging challenger and current number one contender, Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 on January 20th at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
In case you didn’t know...
Francis Ngannou, viciously knocked out Alistair Overeem - previously number one contender - at UFC 218 last month in the very first round to become the next person in line to try and dethrone Miocic.
Ngannou has long been touted to be the next big superstar in the division, prompting comparisons to Brock Lesnar for the manner in which he dominates fights and finishes in ruthless fashion too.
Both men are riding impressive win streaks inside the Octagon. Ngannou is undefeated in six matches inside the octagon (and 10 including other promotions) while Miocic's last defeat came against Junior dos Santos in 2014 and is on a five-match streak, which includes two title defences.
The heart of the matter
Francis Ngannou has finished all his opponents inside the octagon and his freakish power is something Miocic will have to deal with. Before the Overeem fight, the Frenchman finished off former heavyweight champion, Andrei Arlovski, in the first round too.
On the other hand, Miocic is one of the most well-rounded fighters. With two title defences to his name, he is tied for the most in division history and could further cement his legacy as the greatest heavyweight champion of all-time by defending his title once again in the new year.
It is an impressive feat, one which has eluded past greats including Randy Couture, Cain Velasquez and the aforementioned Lesnar.
This should be as exciting a match as any in the division, which is set to propel the winner to superstardom.
What's next?
With two title fights and a host of other exciting talents on display, UFC 220 is a card you will not want to miss.
Should Ngannou prevail, it will justify the faith placed in him by the UFC's top brass while Miocic has a great opportunity to further assert his ability while earning praise as one of the all-time best in the process.
Author's take
If Ngannou is to take the title home, he has to finish this match in the early rounds - that is where his strengths lie. Miocic's cardio is excellent and his all-round game will prove a huge asset if the fight continues into the championship rounds.
