Danger In The Desert
UFC Fight Night Ngannou vs Velasquez
UFC fight night is ready to heat up the desert as two heavyweights collide in combat. As the UFC begins it’s partnership with ESPN all eyes will be on the comeback of Cain Velasquez but standing in his way is Francis “The Predator” Ngannou. These two heavy handed fighters bring one punch power as Ngannou (12-3) will throw down with Velasquez (14-2).
Ngannou comes in ranked number 3 in the world and will prove to be a tough test for a Velasquez comeback. At 6’4″ and 250 pounds he is an intimidating force. Coming off a big first round KO of Curtis Blaydes who was the number 4 ranked heavyweight and finishing 11 of his 12 wins (7 by knockout and 4 via submission) Ngannou has earned the nickname “The Predator” and now looks to make Cain his prey. Clearly there is danger in the desert for Velasquez .
Velasquez 6’1″ 240 pounds last fought in July of 2016 finishing Travis Browne with a first round KO. While he does have plenty of punch he also gives up 6 inches of reach to Ngannou and will have to find a way to get inside on Francis. Unfortunately for Cain getting inside can prove extremely dangerous as the heavy right hand of the predator is always locked and loaded.
My prediction is Ngaanou by KO/TKO
Also keep an eye on the semi main event as two of the top lightweight prospects face off. James Vick is ranked number 10 in the UFC lightweight division and holds an record of 13-2. While Paul Felder 15-4 looks to crack the rankings with a win over Vick. I had the pleasure of meeting Vick n Texas when he was training at the Powerhouse training facility in Ft Worth. Durwyn Lamb aka Coach D has worked with Vick on the Lamb striking system. A unique and efficient striker you can see the system at work when you watch him fight. Another UFC rising talent Kevin Holland also trains with Coach D at Powerhose. Shug Dorsey is the boxing coach there as well and the combination of those two coaches makes these fighters a must watch.
My prediction is Vick via KO/TKO
Other fights on the card include
Cortney Casey 8-6 vs Cynthia Calvillo 7-1
Alex Caceres 14-11 vs Kron Gracie 4-0
Vicente Luque 14-6-1 vs Bryan Barberena 14-5
Andre Fili 18-6 vs Myles Jury 17-3
