798 days on from the last time they faced each other, Francis Ngannou shared the octagon with the reigning world heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic once again. After being dominated by Stipe Miocic in his first title shot, ‘The Predator’ succumbed to another loss against Derrick Lewis. Subsequently, he went on a four-fight KO streak which saw him earn another title shot.
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Meanwhile, Miocic came into the fight on the back of two impressive wins over ‘DC’ and established himself firmly as the ‘GOAT’ in the heavyweight division.
Francis started off the fight well and had the champion rocked. Furthermore, he stuffed takedowns as well. ‘The Predator’ maintained control throughout the first round.
He started the second round well and landed some pin-point punches that had the champion hurt. He then landed a check left hook just as Miocic was rushing in and closed the fight in style to become the new UFC champion.
Read: VIDEO: 46-second knockout kick starts UFC 260 with a bang
Twitter reacts as Francis Ngannou becomes the new UFC heavyweight champion
Actor Jeremy Piven tweeted in excitement for the fight.
And still?! Can @stipemiocic put out that fire ?! Here we go …@UFC #ufc260
Goosebumps anyone!?!— Jeremy Piven (@jeremypiven) March 28, 2021
UFC fighter, Tatiana Suarez, shared her feelings moments before the main event at UFC 260.
I’m legit scared to watch this fight. #UFC260
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) March 28, 2021
Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, who was supposed to be the co-main event tonight, tweeted in excitement for the main event.
Biggest Baddest Rematch….here we go!! #UFC260
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) March 28, 2021
Rapper, Machine Gun Kelly, tweeted in support of fellow Ohio native Stipe Miocic.
i’m gonna help Stipe carry home the belt to Cleveland. FACTS
😤💪🏼🏆 @ufcthe Land is in the building tonight
— blonde don (@machinegunkelly) March 28, 2021
Israel Adesanya commented on a head kick landed by Ngannou in round one.
HEAD KICK!!!
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) March 28, 2021
Rob Tatum scored the first round for Francis Ngannou.
10-9 Ngannou. Patient attack from the challenger, who landed some heavy punches on the champion in that round. #UFC260
— Rob Tatum (@RobTatum303) March 28, 2021
Israel Adesanya tweeted after Ngannou secured a stunning knockout win.
KING KONG!! KING KONG!! KING KONG!!
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) March 28, 2021
Jamahal Hill commented on a stellar main event.
Daaaamn And New!!!#UFC260
— Jamahal “Sweet Dreams” Hill (@JamahalH) March 28, 2021
Belal Muhammad’s reaction summed up the main event for all of us.
Ohhhhhh myyyyyyyy gawwwwd
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 28, 2021
Brad Tavares congratulated Francis for his accomplishments.
What a finish!!!! Congrats little brother! Well deserved!!! @francis_ngannou #UFC260
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) March 28, 2021
Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou in Africa? Jeremy Stephens is in for it.
Imagine Jon jones and Francis in Africa, be monumental!!!
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) March 28, 2021
Francis Ngannou became the third African-born UFC champion, and soccer star Daniel Sturridge was quick to point it out.
3 @ufc champions from Africa is incredible btw. I can’t think of many Africans who’ve actually competed in the ufc in the 15 plus years I’ve been watching so to have so many champions in the sport is unbelievable.
— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) March 28, 2021
Aaron Bronsteter shared Dana White’s thoughts on a potential fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou.
Dana White at the post-fight press conference: "If I'm Jon Jones and I'm at home watching this fight, I'm moving down to 185"
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 28, 2021
What did you make of Francis Ngannou’s performance tonight? Let us know in the comments below!