A matchup many fight fans had clamored for is one pitting Derrick Lewis against Francis Ngannou. But after Lewis suffered a devastating loss to Mark Hunt, their combat sports careers took them on different paths.
While “Black Beast” looks to get back on track against Marcin Tybura at UFC Fight Night 126 on Feb. 18, 2018, Ngannou will fight for the heavyweight strap against Stipe Miocic at UFC 220 on Jan. 20 in Boston, Massachusetts.
It’s a fight Derrick says Ngannou will win, setting up the much-anticipated scrap between he and Francis.
“I believe it’s going to be a good fight,” Lewis told MMA Junkie. “Stipe has been rocked before; Francis, he hasn’t really been touched before, so it’s going to be an interesting matchup. But hopefully Francis wins, and then I’m going to come in line and I’m going to take Francis out.,” he added.
“That’s the fight I want after this fight (against Tybura). Hopefully, everything goes good, and that’s the fight I want.”
Of course, Tybura could derail those plans in Austin, Texas.
Plus, theres a certain former champion who is hoping to get a crack at reclaiming the 265-pound strap, too. Nevertheless, should both Ngannou and Lewis keep racking up wins, thier paths are bound to eventually cross.