This time around, Francis Ngannou, 34, did not miss his chance.
The Cameroonian-born Las Vegas resident got the job done on his second attempt to snatch the UFC heavyweight title from Stipe Miocic (20-4) on Saturday night.
Ngannou (16-3) knocked out the 38-year-old two-time champion in the 52nd second of the second round with a final left hook to grab the title in the main event of UFC 260 in Vegas. without appeal 58 shots thrown for 36 significant, one take-down, two knock-downs ...
Power like no other ... # UFC260pic.twitter.com / 5VKidSGMeu
- UFC (@ufc) March 28, 2021
Miocic had beaten Ngannou in their first fight at UFC 220. But Ngannou was patient early on Saturday, using a much improved defense to avoid takedowns.
In the second round, the Cameroonian launched into the fight by sending lefts several times until Miocic, still tough, finally let go.
A series of hammer blows to the ground finally ended the fight.
Ngannou said the lessons learned from his first fight against Miocic, which the latter won by a one-sided unanimous decision, helped him learn where he needed to improve.
It was his second attempt to snatch the UFC heavyweight title.
After his loss to Miocic, Ngannou lost on decision to Derrick Lewis.
He went on to win four consecutive bouts by knockout, the longest of which only lasted 1'11, to take revenge for the heavyweight title.
Just a kid from Batié, Cameroon # UFC260pic.twitter.com / 7ipT9YFzkQ
- UFC (@ufc) March 28, 2021
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