Ngannou (right) defeats Velasquez (left) at UFC Phoenix. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc
Cain Velazquez He was away from the Octagon for 953 days due to a series of injuries. But the former heavyweight champion's return lasted just 26 seconds. The Cameroonian Francis Ngannou frustrated the fans of Mexican descent, who filled the Talking Stick Resort Arena, by knocking out their representative right at the beginning of the dispute. The duel was the main attraction of UFC Phoenix, held this Sunday (17), in Arizona (USA).
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The end of the fight had additional drama for Velasquez, as before being knocked out he twisted his knee. The injury paved the way for Ngannou's triumph.
As a result, Velasquez, who was once considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, suffered his third defeat as a professional in 17 fights. On the other hand, Ngannou further proves his meteoric rise in MMA. The Cameroonian, who debuted in the sport in 2014 and competed for the heavyweight title last year, once again beat a great rival and recorded 13 wins and three defeats.
The fight
With a clear physical disadvantage against Ngannou, Velasquez knew he had to use his movement to work on his strikes and escape the power of the Cameroonian's punches. The American of Mexican descent even started that way when he worked with a kick to avoid a right bomb thrown by his rival. But rocked by the screams of the crowd, Cain didn't take the necessary precautions and shortened the distance to the fall, opening up space for Francis. However, when he grabbed Ngannou's legs, the former champion's knee twisted (see the moment below).
Velasquez lost his balance and the Cameroonian took advantage to win the fight. He applied pressure, put his rival on the canvas and with two more punches he achieved a quick technical knockout in just 26 seconds.
Cain just crumpled. Hard to watch. Hope he's alright. #UFCPhoenix pic.twitter.com/NLiJ9hkokQ
— GIF Skull – #WWEChamber Go Kofi (@GIFSkull) February 18rd, 2019
UFC Phoenix results
Main Card
Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou derrotou Cain Velazquez by technical knockout at 26 seconds. from R1
Lightweight: Paul felder defeated James Vick via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Straw weight: Cynthia calvillo defeated Cortney Casey via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Feather weight: kron gracie finished Alex Caceres with a rear naked choke at 2m06s of R1
Welterweight Weight: Vincent Luque derrotou Bryan barberena by technical knockout at 4m54s of R3
Feather weight: André Fili defeated Myles Jury via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Bantamweight: aljamain sterling derrotou Jimmie rivera in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Manny Bermudez submitted Benito Lopez with a hand triangle at 3:09 of R1
Fly weight: Andrea Lee defeated Ashlee Evans-Smith via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lightweight: Nik lentz derrotou scott holtzmann in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Straw weight: Jessica penne x Jodie Esquibel – fight canceled
Bantamweight: Luke sanders derrotou Renan Barao by knockout at 1m011s of R2
Straw weight: emily whitmire submitted Alexandra Albu with a rear naked choke at 1m01s of R1
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