UFC Fight Night: “Ngannou vs. Dos Santos” Preview & Predictions

by Damon Smith · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated June 28, 2019

Event: UFC Fight Night on ESPN: “Ngannou vs. Dos Santos”
Date: Sat., June 29, 2019
Venue: Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Francis Ngannou (13-3) returns to the cage against veteran striker Junior Dos Santos (21-5) with a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Title looming large for the winner. Daniel Cormier has dominated in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight division and while Jon Jones is breathing down his neck DC is looking to defend the heavyweight strap before he does the light heavyweight so both Ngannou and Dos Santos feel this fight sets them up for a shot at the champ. Both men suffered a loss to Stipe Miocic (who many believe deserves a rematch with DC) and then bounced back with big wins to get back on track. This collision in the heavyweight division could set the stage for a monster title bout. Both men have knockout power and both have shown they can go 5 rounds in a war, which sets up a potential dog fight that promises to be both entertaining and explosive.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT MAIN EVENT

265 lbs.: Francis Ngannou (13-3) vs. Junior dos Santos (21-5)
Both men go 6’4″ but Ngannou will have about 12-15 pounds and a 6″ reach advantage. Vegas has him a -275 favorite and I expect him to get the win but don’t sleep on Dos Santos. Power is there for JDS to land a knockout if he catches the button on Francis. Junior has the skill set to to make Ngannou work for 5 rounds and could earn a decision victory out scoring the big man. If he works his angles and can stick and move. Ngannou will look to keep Dos Santos at distance and land the big shot to put him to sleep. “The Predator” has one punch power and is scary dangerous. He can also brutalize the body and beat you senseless in the ground and pound. Should be one helluva fight Saturday night.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT MAIN CARD

125 lbs.: Joseph Benavidez (27-5) vs. Jussier Formiga (23-5)
A freaking WAR. These two should be letting the hands fly early and often. I expect a fast paved slugfest from two skilled strikers. I like Benavidez in this one but Formiga has all the tools to take this fight. I will just sit back and enjoy this one.

170 lbs.: Demian Maia (26-9) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (16-4)
Maia is a big favorite but don’t sleep on Martin in this one while all signs point to Maia I have a feeling Rocco might steal this one.

155 lbs.: Roosevelt Robert (8-0) vs. Vic Pinchel (11-2)
I like Roosevelt via submission but I am not sure where his head is at after landing in trouble with the law. This fight will tell us a lot about him.

155 lbs.: Drew Dober (20-9) vs. Marco Polo Reyes (8-5)
I think Dober wins this one rather easily but Reyes will come to fight, I just don’t think he has the skill set to take out Dober.

205 lbs.: Paul Craig (11-3) vs. Alonzo Menifield (8-0)
Alonxo gets truly tested in this one. I think Menifield stays undefeated via TKO but Craig is no joke this could be a war worth watching.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS

135 lbs.: Journey Newson (9-1) vs. Ricardo Ramos (12-2)
Should be a great fight. I think Ramos walks away with the win, maybe lol

205 lbs.: Eryk Anders (11-4) vs. Vinicius Moreira (9-2)
Anders has lost 3 straight fights but against really good opponents. I think Eyrk ends the streak with a highlight reel knockout

155 lbs.: Jared Gordon (14-3) vs. Dan Moret (13-5)
Both coming off 2 straight losses I think Gordon gets the decision win

205 lbs.: Dalcha Lungiambula (9-1) vs. Dequan Townsend (21-8)
Townsend has the experience but my gut says Dalcha lands the moster shot and gets the knockout

115 lbs.: Emily Whitmire (4-2) vs. Amanda Ribas (6-1)
Ribas has the better record but Whitmire has faced the better competition. I like Emily in this one.

265 lbs.: Maurice Greene (7-2) vs. Junior Albini (14-5)
Albini is on a 3 fight losing streak and Greene should add to that streak with a solid win.

Solid night of fights on tap for one helluva Saturday night so buckle up buttercup and let’s get ready to rumble UFC Fight Night style.