Summary
Ngannou promotes a fight in the PFL. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/francisngannou
Last Saturday (16), on Netflix, Francis Ngannou He once again demonstrated why he is considered by many to be one of the best heavyweight fighters (up to 120,2 kg) in history. At the streaming giant's first MMA event, held in California (USA), the fearsome Cameroonian lived up to expectations by knocking out his opponent. Philip Lins Brutally defeated in the first round. With yet another victim added to his record, the athlete saw his hype increase and established himself as the number one in the prestigious weight class. However, despite his excellent track record, the veteran faces top-tier competition.
Currently, in addition to Ngannou, the heavyweight division also features prominent fighters. Jon Jones e Tom aspinallIt is quite true that Alex Poatán e Cyryl Gane They will compete for the interim title in UFC White HouseThe event is scheduled to take place on June 14th, but they are behind the trio. The Brazilian will be making his debut in the division, while the Frenchman was defeated by 'The Predator' and submitted by 'Bones'.
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Interestingly, while the heavyweight division is far from its best days, at the top, it's not a simple task to point out the best fighter. Ngannou left the UFC as champion, also winning the PFL superfight belt, but, being outside the world's largest MMA organization and having knocked out athletes without as much prominence as... Renan Problem e Philip LinsMany people have difficulty seeing him as number one.
Jon Jones Celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones
Jones, who is still unsure if he is retired, has only had two fights in the category (submitting Gane and knocking him out). Stipe Miocic), the last one held in 2024. Aspinall, in turn, was highly regarded, to the point of being considered by many as the future of the division, but when he had the chance to consolidate his position as the top fighter, he had a tough time against the Frenchman before the duel ended in a 'no contest' due to unintentional eye pokes he received from his rival, and saw his hype diminish. To make matters worse, the trio could have resolved the issue by fighting each other in so-called superfights, but when everyone was calling for them to happen, something happened and none of them materialized.
Jones was close to facing both Aspinall and Ngannou. Regarding the former, the American, as the undisputed champion, refused to fight him, even though Ngannou held the interim title, because he was aiming for a fight with Poatan at the White House. Later, 'Bones' changed his mind, asked for a high price to deal with the Englishman, and according to Dana White, an agreement was reached, but it was broken by his withdrawal. Jon was so determined not to face Tom that he relinquished the belt. On the other hand, negotiations involving the MMA legend and the Cameroonian were always complicated, with unimaginable figures involved. Thus, the UFC's top brass did not yield to the fighters' wishes.
Tom aspinall During training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/tomaspinallofficial
Hammer hit
Given this scenario, it's difficult to pinpoint who is currently the best heavyweight fighter in MMA. Since Aspinall, Jones, and Ngannou all have strengths and weaknesses, anyone could be considered the leader of the division, which is understandable. However, there's only room for one professional on the throne, and the Cameroonian has a significant advantage to be seen as the division's main representative: his long journey at the top and the trail of destruction he's left behind over the years.
Read More about: Aspinall, Champion, belt, Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones, Jones, fight, MMA, Netflix, Ngannou, Knockout, heavy, weight, Heavyweight, title, Tom aspinall, UFC
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