UFC Phoenix video recap: Ngannou spoils Velasquez’s return

In the main event of UFC Phoenix, Francis Ngannou defeated Cain Velasquez by knockout in just 26-seconds.

Cain Velasquez’s return to the octagon didn’t go as planned, as he was knocked out in just 26-seconds by Francis Ngannou in the main event of UFC Phoenix.

What was the high point of the fight?

Straight after the opening bell, both men began to throw strikes early with Velasquez throwing some kicks but Ngannou narrowly missing with a right hand on the return.

When Velasquez started to back Ngannou up against the fence in an attempt to secure a takedown, Ngannou landed a short series of punches including a short right uppercut that dropped Velasquez. After going down awkwardly on his knee, Ngannou landed some follow up shots and referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight just 26-seconds in.

Where do these two go from here?

The win means Ngannou has now successfully rebounded from the consecutive losses he picked up last year by winning two fights on the bounce. It’s two knockout victories in under a minute for Ngannou, last defeating Curtis Blaydes in just 45-seconds in November 2018. If he doesn’t get a title shot next, a rematch with Stipe Miocic makes sense for Ngannou.

Velasquez suffered his first knockout loss in almost eight years, last being knocked out by Junior dos Santos in 2011. It’s a hugely disappointing result for the 36-year-old after his layoff of over two years, so maybe Velasquez should take a fight with a lower-ranked heavyweight for his next bout, whenever that may be.

Watch it now, later or never?

Watch it now to see Ngannou’s 26-second finish over the former champion.