The first UFC PPV of the year goes in Boston when UFC 220 takes to the TD Garden on January 20.
The top of the card includes the two title fights, as Stipe Miocic attempts to derail the hype train of Francis Ngannou and Daniel Cormier looks to prove there are levels vs Volkan Oezdemir.
After those two events, most casual fans probably won’t understand another fighter on this card. Luckily, I do and I am here to help you recognize the fights and maybe pad your bankroll.
Miocic has built his match around his world boxing skills. He always probes together with his long jab, as he waits for his chance to counter. That being said, Miocic might be better when he’s fighting in a phone booth with much more energy in his short punches than most people have, period. In addition, the reigning champion is a former D1 wrestler who has adapted his style excellently to MMA. Ordinarily, these abilities are used defensively but Miocic may also use them to wear down opponents. If Miocic has one big negative, it is his defense. He’s got a bad tendency to take a hit to provide a hit.
Ngannou is basically the epitome of physical evolution. “The Predator” is a mountain of a man with an 83-inch reach and maybe the toughest natural hitting power I’ve ever noticed. A lot of people point to his ability and natural athleticism but Ngannou’s awareness and sense when to counter-strike is that of someone well beyond his years. The grappling game is still raw but his natural ability helps him bully his rivals from the clinch. The real question is if Ngannou has the capability to get off of his back if he gets pulled down from an elite wrestler.
If you were to ask me who the fighter is, I’d say Miocic. And I despise not financing a champion as an underdog. However, his tendency to take unnecessary punches is a recipe for disaster vs Ngannou. One minor error by Miocic means this battle is finished and that feels just like a”when” rather than an”if.”
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