MMA Preview – Francis Ngannou vs Derrick Lewis at UFC 226
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 226? Sunday 8th July, 2018 – 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 226? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
What channel is UFC 226 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 226? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
Are tickets still available for UFC 226? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket...
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
If Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier and Max Holloway vs Brian Ortega wasn’t enough, we are also treated to two of the biggest hitters in the UFC to set up the main events. Francis ‘The Predator’ Ngannou takes on Derrick ‘The Black Beast’ Lewis which will have everyone on the edge of their seats for however long it lasts.
From a humble background, Ngannou entered the fight world only five years ago and with a freakish natural stature and athletic ability he rocketed to 11-1, finishing every win (seven knockouts and four submissions). This led him to a title fight against Miocic which had many people picking The Predator for the upset but it was not his day and his grappling was found out as he lost via a decision.
However, this is priceless experience as he prepares for another very experienced fighter. Lewis has had 13 UFC fights (10-3) and also possesses frightening knockout power. Although less chiselled, he is also athletic and his cardio continues to improve, although this fight is unlikely to leave the first round.
THE PREDICTION
This is one of those fights that can end at any moment. When they have this much power in their hands it doesn’t matter how strong their chin is – one touch and it will be lights out. They are the same size but Ngannou has a four-inch reach advantage which will be important in the exchanges.
They are both going to aggressively but technically trade bombs and hope they land before the other. The Black Beast is arguably more rounded and Ngannou’s weakness is his wrestling but when he is on top he has a dangerous submission game. That said, if the fight goes to the floor it will likely be due to a strike and the damage will already have been done.
This is not so much a case of who the better fighter is but who can land that killer blow and it is hard not to back the killer instincts of The Predator.
Winner: Ngannou via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric
