The UFC returns May 9 for the first of three events in a one-week stretch in Jacksonville, Fla. There are two title fights atop the bill. But below those championship bouts are some great other matchups.
So which one of those fights is the most appealing? MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun, Nolan King and Danny Segura give their opinions in the latest edition of Triple Take.
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Farah Hannoun: Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
There is no doubt that this is the No. 1 contender fight at heavyweight, and the stakes are very high.
Francis Ngannou has been chomping at the bit to get another crack at the title, having knocked out his last three opponents in the first round. He’s had a tough time finding opponents, but undefeated prospect Jairzinho Rozenstruik has stepped up.
Rozenstruik is coming off an incredible comeback win over Alistair Overeem and finds himself with a massive opportunity to knock off the top-ranked Ngannou and leapfrog the rest of the division for a title shot.
With nearly a 100 percent finish rate between them, it’s likely that one of them will go down in a matchup that pits two of the hardest hitters in the division.
The trilogy bout between champion Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier is yet to be booked, prompting both Ngannou and Rozenstruik to request that their fight be for the interim title. But the UFC was not on board.
Either way, the next title challenger will most definitely emerge from this fight.
Next page – Nolan King: Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
Nolan King: Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
Unquestionably, Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje casts a major “violence potential” shadow over the entire UFC 249 card.
If it was on any other card, however, Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens would be the “Fight of the Night” lock. Two of the most exciting fighters on the roster, seemingly neither man is capable of putting on a boring fight.
Not to mention, this isn’t a preliminary card matchup between two exciting UFC newcomers. This high-level fight has a lot on the line for both men. Despite a losing effort vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov in November, Kattar’s stock seemingly grew from the fight. With a win over Stephens, he’ll potentially elevate himself into a top-five matchup.
As for one of the longest-tenured fighters on the promotion’s roster, Stephens needs a win now more than ever. While time and time again he’s proven he belongs at the top the division, Stephens hasn’t picked up a win in over two years. His last victory came against Josh Emmett in February 2018. This fight is pivotal for him.
On a card oozing with fun, meaningful fights, Kattar vs. Stephens is flying grossly under the radar. When the two finally meet May 9, the UFC audience is in for a real treat.
Next page – Danny Segura: Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price
Danny Segura: Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price
I have to agree with Farah. Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik is the fight I’m looking forward to the most outside the UFC 249 main event. However, there is another fight that follows close behind it – Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price.
This intriguing welterweight matchup might not have the same title implications as the heavyweight contest, but it promises just as much action if not more.
Throughout his five-year stint with the UFC, Luque has picked up nine finishes and five $50,000 bonus awards. He’s also 6-1 in his past seven bouts, so he’s no journeyman just looking to entertain the crowd. Luque is a legit contender at 170 pounds and he’s still developing.
Luque’s dance partner has a somewhat similar trajectory. Price has been with the UFC a little more than three years, but within that short time he’s managed to get four bonus awards and six very wild finishes. He might not be in the official UFC rankings like Luque, but he’s certainly a threat to anyone in the division.
The winner here won’t be a title contender any time soon, but I’m sure will be in a good position for future opportunities against top contenders. Just this fight alone has the potential to make up for all the good fist fights we’ve missed so far during this pandemic. Luque vs. Price is a fantastic matchup and I can’t wait to see this scrap go down.
