Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou is the main event for UFC 260 betting on Saturday, March 27.
This is a highly-anticipated rematch between the two-time heavyweight champion Miocic and No. 1 contender and knockout specialist Ngannou. Despite a dominating decision win over Ngannou in their first matchup three years ago, UFC betting lines have Miocic installed as a slim +112 underdog for the rematch.
With the UFC Heavyweight title on the line, here are our best picks and predictions for UFC 260: Miocic vs. Ngannou 2 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Miocic vs Ngannou 2 fight odds
| Method of Victory | Stipe Miocic | Francis Ngannou |
|---|---|---|
| Win Outright | +112 | -138 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +230 | -110 |
| Win by Points | +460 | +1,400 |
| Win by Submission | +1,800 | +2,500 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Miocic vs Ngannou 2 betting preview
Miocic, the current heavyweight champion, enters this fight as an underdog even though he used his wrestling to shut down Ngannou in a unanimous decision win in 2018. Since that fight, Miocic has fought three consecutive bouts against Daniel Cormier, most recently earning a decision win last August.
Miocic is 20-3 in his career, with 15 wins via knockout and a UFC-record four heavyweight title defenses. The 38-year-old is a very well-rounded fighter that combines strong technical boxing with good wrestling, excellent cardio, and a high fight IQ.
Francis "The Predator" Ngannou is eager for revenge after that previous loss to Miocic. Ngannou followed up on that defeat with a tentative (and strangely boring) performance in a decision loss against Derrick Lewis.
Since then the Predator has returned to his dominant ways with four consecutive first-round knockouts. That span includes victories against former champ Cain Velasquez and three highly ranked heavyweights in Curtis Blaydes, Junior dos Santos, and most recently Jairzinho Rozenstruik last May.
Miocic vs Ngannou 2 tale of the tape
| Stipe Miocic | Francis Ngannou | |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | Age | 34 |
| 6-foot-4 | Height | 6-foot-4 |
| 233 lbs | Weight | 261 lbs |
| 80 inches | Reach | 83 inches |
| 20-3-0 (14 KO) | Record | 15-3-0 (11 KO) |
Miocic vs Ngannou 2 UFC predictions and betting picks
PREDICTION: Stipe Miocic (+112) - Ngannou is brutally strong and is capable of knocking any fighter out cold with a single punch. Not only have his last eight wins all been by KO/TKO but they've all come within the first two minutes of the fight.
It's natural to assume the Ngannou has evolved as a fighter since his first fight versus Miocic, but he hasn't been able to show any improvements since he's been steamrolling his opponents as soon as the fight begins. While the Predator could end this bout with a single punch, Miocic is still the superior all-around fighter.
The reigning champ is the more accurate and polished striker, the superior wrestler, and has terrific cardio. He also has the movement and granite chin to weather Ngannou's attacks.
Another factor to consider is the psychological edge. Ngannou is at his best when he doesn't hold back and swings for the fences, but he might be second-guessing that approach after the previous result. An overly cautious Ngannou is an unimpressive Ngannou as we saw in that disappointing bout with Lewis immediately after his first loss to Miocic. Bet on Miocic to outlast Ngannou once again.
PREDICTION: Miocic by KO/TKO (+230) - No, I don't see Miocic one-punching Ngannou but there are plenty of ways to pick up a knockout victory and the champ unleashing a series of unanswered strikes on a tired Ngannou in the later rounds is a definite possibility.
As is Miocic gaining top control on the mat and finishing off the fight with ground-and-pound. Miocic might not have the incredible power of Ngannou, but there's a reason that 15 of his 20 career wins have come by KO/TKO, and that gives value to this prop.
PREDICTION: Fight to start Round 3 Yes (-112) - In reflecting on his previous loss to Miocic, Ngannou has said, “I think I rush for the first round. Now I’m like, damn, I had five rounds. Why should I rush and run out of gas?"
If Ngannou wants to avoid a repeat of the first matchup he will pace himself in the first few rounds. Likewise, if Miocic wants another win he will need to stick to his conservative game plan in the early going and avoid getting into a brawl. With both fighters likely leaning toward caution in what could be another five-round battle, expect this fight to last at least 10 minutes.
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