Ultimate plans Francis Ngannou's first title defense for August, says website

F. Ngannou won the heavyweight belt in UFC 260. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

New heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg) in Ultimate, Francis Ngannou could soon have his first title defense confirmed. According to 'Yahoo! Sports', the champion should return to the Octagon in August, making his second appearance in 2021. The opponent chosen by Ultimate will be Derrick Lewis.

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Ultimate's decision to cast Lewis as Ngannou's opponent momentarily postpones the long-awaited debut of Jon Jones in the category. Light heavyweight legend (up to 93kg.), the MMA legend faces a 'war' with the organization, demanding better pay to perform.

If the confrontation is confirmed, Ngannou will take his first step as champion of the organization. after the UFC 260, when he brutalized Stipe Miocic and won the title, the French-Cameroonian stated that his desire was to be an active champion, avoiding holding the division back.

The duel between Francis and Lewis will mark a reunion between the athletes. The fighters have already faced each other in 2018. On that occasion, Derrick emerged victorious in the confrontation, however, the duel was marred by criticism, due to the lack of combativeness between the 'giants'.

The fight against Lewis marked the last defeat of Ngannou's career. After the negative result, the fighter found himself back in the organization, winning four consecutive victories, which gave the French-Cameroonian the chance to exchange forces with Miocic.