Watch UFC 220 two title fights

S. Miocic (left) catches F. Ngannou (right) at UFC 220 (Photo: Reproduction Instagram ufc_brasil)

Ultimate opens the season of major events this Saturday (20), with UFC 220. The show, which will be held in Boston (USA), features two title fights as its main attractions. At heavyweight, Stipe Miocic will try to make history against the Cameroonian phenomenon Francis Ngannou, while at light heavyweight, Daniel Cormier will look to recover from his last fight by facing the dangerous Swiss Volkan oezdemir, known for his heavy hands and quick knockouts.

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In addition to the two title fights, UFC 220 will feature four Brazilians. Opening the main portion of the event, the bantamweight Thomas almeida tries to get back into the win column against the North American Rob font, while Francimar Bodão faces Gian Villante at light heavyweight.

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In the preliminary card, the flyweight Alexandre pantoja seeks to continue his rise towards the top of the category against the dangerous Dustin Ortiz, and lightweight Gleison Tibau returns from suspension for doping against the Russian Islam makhachev, in a duel that will open the UFC 220 fight night.

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Miocic can make history

S. Miocic guaranteed that he will win the title (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/StipeMiocic)

Considered an underdog at UFC 198 in May 2016, Stipe Miocic shocked the world by knocking out Fabricio Werdum in front of 45 thousand Brazilians. The Croatian-American continued his rise into the heavyweight history books by knocking out alistair overeem at UFC 203, and then avenge his defeat over Junior Gypsy at UFC 211. In all three fights, Miocic scored a knockout in the first round.

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Before Francis Ngannou, the champion is close to becoming the first man to defend the heavyweight belt three times in a row. Historic names in the category, such as Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Cain Velásquez came close, but never surpassed the mark. Unique opportunity for Miocic to become a big star and establish his name as the most dangerous fighter in the world.

Ngannou phenomenon

Ngannou wants to become the first African champion (Photo: Reproduction Twitter ufc)

Despite starting his professional career just five years ago, the Cameroonian based in France Francis Ngannou is one fight away from becoming the UFC heavyweight champion, the most glamorous title in combat sports. Considered a phenomenon for the way he finishes his fights, Ngannou is undefeated in Ultimate, with six straight victories, with five knockouts and one submission.

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To reach a title fight, the “Predator” had to go through relevant names in the division, such as the former champion Andrei Arlovski and the decorated alistair overeem, Strikeforce, Dream and K-1 champion. It was the historic knockout against the Dutchman that put Ngannou on the path to stardom.

Against Miocic, however, the African phenomenon will have other challenges ahead. The champion has heavy hands, but he is faster than his last opponents, in addition to having an underrated wrestling game, which can pin him to the ground at any moment. If he goes through this challenge again, the sky is the limit for the Cameroonian, who will become the first African champion in UFC history.

In search of redemption

D. Cormier (left) catches V. Oezdemir (right) (Photo: Reproduction Instagram ufc_brasil)

Even though he is the current light heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier comes from a brutal knockout suffered at the hands of Jon Jones. Although the defeat turned into a no-contest fight after “Bones” ended up being caught in a doping test, DC knows that he will need to win back the fans to be considered a true champion again.

To do this, the North American will have to go through the dangerous Volkan oezdemir. The Swiss qualified to fight for the belt after three victories in three fights in Ultimate. After a split decision victory against Ovince St Preux, “No Time” honored his nickname by knocking out Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa in less than a minute both times. With only one defeat in his career, Oezdemir is the perfect opponent for Cormier to make peace with victory and with the North American public, who have booed him so many times, but seem to be on his side after the controversies with Jones.

Thominhas wants regularity

T. Almeida is coming off a defeat in Ultimate (Photo: Reproduction Instagram ufc_brasil)

After starting his career with 18 consecutive victories, the Brazilian Thomas almeida has two defeats in his last three fights. After the knockout suffered by the former champion cody garbrandt, Thominhas recovered against Albert Morales, but was defeated again in a duel against Jimmie rivera, in July last year.

Contra Rob font, which also comes in reverse, to Peter Munhoz, Almeida will find a change of heavy hands and quick footwork, and will be able to use his jiu-jitsu to get into the mix between the roosters for good. Currently in 10th position in the ranking and seen as the great hope of Brazilian MMA in the category, Chute Boxe athlete Diego Lima needs to beat number 14 in the division to show that he remains a possible future champion.

Other Brazilians in action

Pantoja seeks third victory in a row (Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc)

In addition to Thominhas, Alexandre pantoja is the other Brazilian ranked in action at UFC 220. Currently ranked 11th among the flyweights, the former RFA champion achieved two good victories after being eliminated in the semifinals of TUF 24. Against Dustin Ortiz, ranked number 10, Pantoja can place in the top-10 and already dream of higher flights towards a title fight.

In the middle of the main card, Francimar Bodão faces Gian Villante, an opponent suited to him. Currently in 15th position among light heavyweights, the North American could be the Brazilian's passport towards the ranking. Coming from defeat to Aleksandar rakic, Bodão has suffered from irregularities in his UFC career and also needs the triumph to keep his job.

Opening the show, Gleison Tibau returns from a two-year suspension for doping against Islam makhachev. A Brazilian with the most fights in the UFC (26), the lightweight knows that only a victory will give him peace of mind to continue his career with the promotion.