Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the hurt business yesterday (Sat., Nov. 24, 2018) for UFC Fight Night141, which went down inside Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China. In the main event of the evening, Francis Ngannou steamrolled right through Curtis Blaydes in 44 seconds to score his second win over “Razor.
In the co-main event of the evening, Alistair Overeem made quick work of Octagon newcomer, Sergey Pavlovich, taking him out in the very first round via ground-and-pound (full recap here).
Biggest Winner: Francis Nganouu
Coming into his headlining rematch against Blaydes, Francis was on the wrong-end of two straight losses, coming up short against Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis in consecutive big-man showdowns. Furthermore, “The Predator’s” relationship with UFC president Dana White was on thin ice as the brash head honcho wasn’t too happy with Ngannou, blaming his rapid downfall on his out of control ego.
A third straight loss would have left Ngannou searching for some much-needed answers. Thankfully “The Predator” will live to fight another day inside the eight-sided cage after his impressive knockout win. While he won’t get back into the championship mix just yet, he can rest easy with a much-needed win in his back pocket.
Runner Up: Alistair Overeem
For as much as we made of Ngannou’s two fight losing streak, “The Reem” was in the same position going into his Beijing bout. When you break it down, a third straight loss for Alistair would’ve been much more catastrophic given his age and overall time competing in the sport.
But Overeem showed he can still hang with the young dogs, showing the previously undefeated Sergey Pavlovich that there are levels to this game, ruining his first fight inside the Octagon with a first-round destruction via ground-and-pound. Like Francis, Overeem can rest easy knowing he isn’t riding a three-fight losing streak, setting him for a few more massive paydays with the promotion.
Biggest Loser: Curtis Blaydes
You have to feel for Blaydes, as he was so close to punching his ticket to his first-ever UFC title fight after reeling off six straight wins since suffering his first loss ever at the hands of none other than Ngannou, who just so happened to be the man to welcome into the Octagon two years ago.
Now, Curtis will be forced to start from scratch in a division riddled with heavy-hitters who are one massive punch way from ending the fight. On the bright side, Curtis (27) has time on hi side and he has the skills to start another win streak. And since there will be one less man to have to compete with soon, you can’t count out “Razor” just yet.
For complete UFC Beijing results and coverage click here.