MMA Fight Opinion: UFC on ESPN 3 Ngannou vs. dos Santos: Fight Card & Half-Assed Prognostications

June 29, 2019
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Main Card on ESPN (8pm/CT):

#4 Francis Ngannou vs. #3 Junior dos Santos

Aw dammit c'mon! This isn't the type of fight we want to see "The Nicest Guy In MMA" compete in! JDS has earned his title shot winning 4 of his last 5 and the only losses he has suffered in his career came against current or former champions. "Cigano" is only 35 but he has had more brutal wars than most in the big boy division. The physical wear on his body and the 3 (T)KO losses worry us but MMAFO is also a big worrier over such a great person. Dos Santos is an amazing boxer in the cage and likely the best technical striker the heavyweight division has ever had.

All our praise falls by the wayside when "The Destructor" arrives. Ngannou has the power of a super nova in his hands and though he lacks a ground game, JDS ain't looking to do mat work either, and though he doesn't have the technique of JDS, he's got more goddamned power than the sun.

JDS is going to need to be on his bike and tread carefully for 25 minutes and that just isn't going to happen. At some point, Francis decapitates dos Santos and we weep.

WiNNER-Francis Ngannou by Rd.3 KO

MMAFO Loves Dogs!
Joey with BENNY!
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#4 Jussier da Silva vs. #3 Joseph Benavidez [Rematch]

"Joe B-Wan Kenobi" has been toiling in obscurity for the last 4 years putting in work and continuing to grind without any hope for another title shot against Pound4Pound great Demetrious Johnson who had already beaten him twice. There was no light at the end of the tunnel until Henry Cejudo defeated "Mighty Mouse" who then left the UFC for ONE in the 1st ever MMA trade! The Gods of MMA seem to finally be smiling down on the "Jomosapien" who has been a perennial #1 contender and professional bride's maid, and then, the talk of the UFC closing the Flyweight division comes in and "President JObama" goes back to putting his head down and doing the work.

"Formiga" has had a similar path to "Reno (the biggest little man on the planet)" nearing the pinnacle but never quite reaching the apex. His resume is packed with stellar competition and he has won his last 4.

Look, MMAFO and Joe go waay back. Dude is a great example of class in the sport and we just want him to rematch the champ he's already beaten. Ride or die "Beefcake" style!

WiNNER-Joeseph Benavidez by Decision

Demian Maia vs. Anthony Martin

Maia had a rough couple of years there and then shocked us dispatching Lyman Good last out in a single round so we're glad to see the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace get a less physically dangerous opponent. "Rocco" is alright and all but he's getting tapped here.

WiNNER-Demain Maia by Rd.1 Submission

Roosevelt Roberts vs. Vinc Pichel

We don't "get it." What's the big deal with Roberts? He may be something someday but the hype attached to him by UFC President Dana White has yet to be seen. Vinc is no easy-out and he surprises here.

Upset Pick WiNNER-Roosevelt Roberts by Decision

Drew Dober vs. Marco Polo Reyes

"DoberMan" embraces the grind because that phrase hasn't been run into the ground /s.

WiNNER-Drew Dober by Decision

Alonzo Menifield vs. Paul Craig

Menifield may not have faced anyone worth a shit to date, but goddamned if he isn't a mountain of a chiseled man with scary power. That, and the fact that the "Bearjew" is turrible (sic) and we'll pick the new guy.

WiNNER-Alonzo Menifield by Rd.1 TKO

Prelims on ESPN (6pm/CT):

Ricardo Ramos vs. Journey Newson

WiNNER-Ricardo Ramos by Decision

Eryk Anders vs. Vinicius Moreira

Omigod we're still doing the Eryk Anders thing? Jesus this guy has been nothing but a disappointment talking a big game coming in, yet he's lost his last 3 and has never inspired. The UFC is desperately handing him a "gimme" fight here but we wouldn't be shocked if he fucked it up.

WiNNER-Eryk Anders by Decision

Jordan Griffin versus Vince Murdock is CANCELLED.

Jared Gordon vs. Dan Moret

Speaking of disappointments (which seems to be the theme of the card), we have Jared Gordon.

WiNNER-Jared Gordon by Rd.2 TKO

Dalcha Lungiambula vs. Dequan Townsend

A couple of unproven physical specimens on the come up from the minors. There's potential here for both men and this could be real entertaining but we're not going to pretend we know who these guys are and break the fight down. Just enjoy it.

WiNNER-Dalcha Lungiambula by Rd.1 KO?