November 2, 2024

Francis Ngannou doubts Stipe Miocic will get an immediate rematch after UFC 220

Francis Ngannou doesn’t think Stipe Miocic will be given an immediate rematch if he is dethroned in the main event of UFC 220 Saturday night in Boston.

Following his devastating showing of power in his open workout, Ngannou underlined why the champion should be “afraid” ahead of their meeting.

“Because if I’m Stipe’s place I should be afraid…I should be afraid of what’s coming on Saturday night,” Ngannou told the gathered media.

Miocic has a chance to claim the record for the most heavyweight title defenses in the history of the UFC should he take a win over the African knockout artist. Yet, Ngannou believes he brings forth “a huge challenge, one that (Miocic) has never faced.”

The Cameroonian’s sole loss to Zoumana Cisse in his sophomore professional outing is the only time he has ever been forced the distance. Ngannou doesn’t foresee the fight going the full five rounds, but insisted he has prepared for all eventualities at the TD Garden.

“I don’t want to go five rounds, but if I have to go (the distance) I will go. I’ve trained for five rounds, but I am not looking forward to it going five rounds. That is not in my game plan,” he said.

“I want to finish the fight quickly, as soon as possible, and then go home early…maybe I’ll have some party.”

Although he said that he would be happy to fight anyone should he take the belt from Miocic, he doubts the current champion would be handed an immediate rematch if he comes up short on Saturday night.

“How many contenders are there in the division right now that are waiting? I don’t why they would give the rematch to someone right away if they lost. But if he is there, I’m going to fight everyone.

“I don’t want to choose opponents, I want to fight everyone – it doesn’t matter. I don’t think he will be the first one to be the contender again.”

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