Curtis Blaydes was looking for revenge at UFC Beijing, but it was Francis Ngannou once again coming out on top as the pair met for the second time.
Two years after their original meeting, Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes met again at UFC Beijing on Saturday. With a potential title shot for Blaydes on the line, it was a key match-up for ‘Razor’ Blaydes. Ngannou, meanwhile, was looking to snap a two-fight losing streak and get back on track in the main event of UFC Beijing.
Ultimately, it was Ngannou’s night, and it was over in a flash.
A right hand over the top, above the ear sent Blaydes face-first onto the canvas. The wrestler recovered somewhat, forcing his way back to his feet, but he was still rocked. Ngannou began pounding away at the side of the head. Blaydes wasn’t happy with the stoppage, but Ngannou clearly had him hurt.
Wow!!! @Francis_Ngannou puts Curtis Blaydes away early at #UFCBeijing!! pic.twitter.com/VfndLlSXzA
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 24, 2018
“I’m back,” Ngannou said after the victory. Later, he added that “I have learned more in this year than I think in my whole career.” He admitted that his last fight, against Derrick Lewis, for which Ngannou was much-derided, was a very tough one for him. So, he said, he did not want to leave anything to chance in Beijing.
On who comes next, “Junior Dos Santos owes me one fight,” Ngannou said. “And then I’m looking for Volkov. Alexander Volkov. Also revenge against Stipe Miocic,” he added, saying he wanted to fix that loss.
Francis Ngannou def. Curtis Blaydes by TKO, Round 1, 0:45
