UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou, left, and UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis are separated by UFC President Dana White during a face-off at the UFC 226 Press Conference at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas on Thursday, July 5, 2018. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Francis Ngannou is expected to fight Derrick Lewis next
Having demolished Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 with a brutal short left hook, Francis Ngannou clinched heavyweight gold for the first time in his UFC career.
The Cameroonian was tipped to face heavyweight newcomer and light-heavyweight GOAT Jon Jones next. But, a payment dispute between UFC President Dana White and Jones resulted in the fight being handed to number 2 ranked heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis.
However, the fight between Lewis and Ngannou has still not been made official yet, despite repeated confirmation from White.
In a recent interview with the Schmo, number 3 ranked heavyweight Ciryl Gane was asked who he would like to see Ngannou face next.
‘Bon Gamin’ replied that he preferred Ngannou fighting the ‘Black Beast’ despite claiming that a fight against Jones would be massive.
“I prefer Derrick Lewis. I think this makes sense – Derrick Lewis. Okay, Jon Jones, I think it’s a big fight, big preview, big dollars but I prefer to have Derrick Lewis get the title shot.”
Gane is set to headline UFC Vegas 30. He will be taking on the massive Alexander Volkov in a high-voltage clash.
Just three years ago, Lewis defeated Ngannou at UFC 226 via. unanimous decision. He then went on to challenge Daniel Cormier for the heavyweight title at UFC 230, but was unsuccessful.
Lewis then lost to Junior dos Santos in his next fight. He made a strong comeback after that, and is currently on a four-fight win streak.
He has once again climbed to the top and it will do him justice only if he gets to fight ‘The Predator’ in a rematch next.
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