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Francis Ngannou retained his title with a unanimous decision win.
In the main event of UFC 270, Francis Ngannou won a back-and-forth match to retain his title. There is a time and a place for it.
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Francis Ngannou is the scariest power puncher in UFC history. He reminded everyone that he is more than that. The champion he is, Ngannou showed off a well-rounded game.
In the main event of UFC 270 at Honda Center, the hardest-hitting man in MMA went to his wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu to get a unanimous decision win over his opponent. Ngannou unified the UFC undisputed title. He was the interim champ.
Ngannou said in his postfight interview that his ground game is evolving.
Outside of the high stakes, the fight had a rich back story. Ngannou had a public falling out with their coach, Fernand Lopez, who was their sparring partner at MMA Factory. When Ngannou moved his training permanently to Las Vegas, the two spent a lot of time at the Paris gym. Lopez was in the other person's corner.
Lopez and Ngannou have had disagreements over money. Ngannou thinks Lopez has taken too much credit for his success, while Lopez thinks Ngannou has stopped acknowledging MMA Factory as a key part of his development.
Ngannou is tied for fourth on the pound-for-pound top MMA fighters list. Ngannou and Gane are the top two at the weight.
Ngannou said he tore his MCL, but could not withdraw because he wanted to "remind people I'm the champ."
Ngannou said it's been an incredible journey. It's been a tough training camp. It was a very difficult 10 months. A lot of s---.
His contract situation with the UFC was a problem. At some point, Ngannou plans on entering the boxing world. Ngannou doesn't plan on competing again under the current deal.
Ngannou would have become a free agent if he lost Saturday. He is still under the UFC contract because of a champion's clause. Ngannou said he could sit out an entire year.
"Boxing is always in the back of my pocket," Ngannou said after the fight. I have to do it at the end of my career. I don't think I have a lifetime here.
Ngannou won the UFC title at UFC 260. Prior to tonight, the Cameroonian native had won six straight byKO/TKO. The force of Ngannou's punch is estimated to be the same as hitting a small car.
At UFC 265 in August, Gane won the interim title after stopping Lewis in the third round. The France native had a perfect record in the UFC. He is a former Muay Thai star and MMA champ.
"I'm disappointed," he said. I'm a little sad. It's a good experience. I think I've arrived in this game. The future is in front of me.
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