In one of the most pressurized main events ever in the heavyweight division, UFC champion Francis Ngannou surprised just about everyone at UFC 270 after putting on a wrestling clinic against challenger Ciryl Gane.
The heavyweight title match was more than just a fight. As the two combatants were former teammates at one point, this main event turned personal for a multitude of reasons. In the midst of tense contract negotiations, Ngannou dug his heels into the ground and continually advocated for a better contract. Adamant that he deserved better remuneration, “The Predator” bet on himself at UFC 270 and won. Not only was he fighting Gane, but it was the last fight on the heavyweight’s contract, and animosity between UFC president Dana White has been felt in the air for the entirety of the California fight week.
The fight itself stunned just about every fan following the sport. Francis Ngannou had a 100% finish rate heading into UFC 270 so after the Cameroonian put on his wrestling shoes in the third round, it took many by surprise. The first two rounds were somewhat uneventful with Gane sticking on the outside looking to potshot or attack Ngannou’s legs.
After dropping the first two rounds on the judge’s scorecards, Ngannou left no doubt after demonstrating total domination in rounds 3,4, and 5. With over 8-minutes of control time and at least four successful takedowns, Ngannou certainly showed a new wrinkle in his ever-evolving MMA game. Ngannou’s victory marked his first decision victory with the organization. In the end, the heavyweight champion unified his belt and leaves the ultimate proving grounds at UFC 270 with some legitimate leverage.
In the co-main event, the flyweight trilogy between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo saw Figueiredo reclaim his belt in a dramatic back and forth war with Moreno. Leading into the showdown, it appeared the former champion Figueiredo came in tremendous shape. With the assistance of former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in his corner, Figueiredo got the job done by having the more impactful striking moments throughout the contest.
The fight was ultimately close, and Figueiredo became a two-time UFC flyweight champion. However, in the aftermath, many believe the fight should have been scored for Moreno. Some are of the school of thought that Moreno won due to his activity and volume but the judges awarded Figueiredo likely because of the several knockdowns he scored throughout the 5-round affair. Immediately following the co-main event, social media exploded at the idea of the two flyweights running it back for a historic fourth fight.
Here’s What Fighters Had To Say Following The UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane Main Event
A dominant performance from your HW champ 👏🏆 #AndStill
[ @Francis_Ngannous | #UFC270 ] pic.twitter.com/mZfbX8Qrdf
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
If this is the Apex of heavyweight fighting, I’m excited about it. Got some more records to break
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 23, 2022
#andstill the champion @francis_ngannou great job by the champion. Who would have thought it would be wrestling and grappling that got him the victory. Congrats champ!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) January 23, 2022
That’s why I love combat sports. It’s all about betting on yourself. Your preparation and attitude when you step in to compete, is everything!! https://t.co/wbIz5pSqgl
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 23, 2022
AND STILLLLLL!! 🌍🤴🏿 🏆 #ufc270
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) January 23, 2022
Everyone always thought Francis only had a plan A (knock them out) now he showed a plan b (wrestling) imagine once he gets a plan c (pull guard) 👀👀👀
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 23, 2022
If playing with fire was a picture, it would be Gane moving around with his hands down , all of round 2 #UFC270
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 23, 2022
Francis cookin to the bone? ..
— Bryce Mitchell (@ThugnastyMMA) January 23, 2022
They didn’t know about that wrestling!!!
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) January 23, 2022
This fight is so far from what I expected. @francis_ngannou showing such a diversity of skill! @ufc
— Lando Vannata (@GroovyLando) January 23, 2022
Dana White advises Jon Jones to stay home for UFC 270 when speaking with @bokamotoESPN
“It’d be great for Jon to be here, but I think Jon would probably be better off at home,”#UFC pic.twitter.com/4AJEJSkPJI
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) January 20, 2022
What was your favorite moment from UFC 270?
