UFC 270: Ngannou Vs. Gane Preliminary Card & PPV Live Results, Highlights: Moreno And Figueiredo Meet For The Third Time
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has been on a path of destruction in his last five fights, knocking out everyone in his way. Prepared to square off with “The Predator” at UFC 270, is the French Muay Thai technician and interim champion, Ciryl Gane.
Gane is predicted to be the biggest test yet for Ngannou due to his advanced movement and distance control, coupled with a sophisticated striking background. But you can never count out a heavyweight with the kind of knockout ability that Francis possesses. Regardless of the result, this is a must-watch event for combat sports fans across the board.
Francis Ngannou (16-3) holds notable knockout victories over high level heavyweight competitors such as Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, and Junior dos Santos. But, his most recent bout, a dismantling of Stipe Miocic back in March, has certainly been his most impressive moment so far. Not only was Ngannou successful in winning the UFC heavyweight belt and knocking out Miocic with a nasty left hook, but he also further showcased his ability to execute a counter punch-based game plan against another highly ranked opponent.
Ciryl Gane (10-0), a past training partner of Ngannou, is coming off a dominant TKO victory over Derrick Lewis in August. This resulted in him earning the interim heavyweight title as well as an opportunity to face his former gym mate. Since the beginning of his time with the UFC, no one has been able to find an answer for the way Gane utilizes skilled footwork to move in and out of his opponent’s reach, while unloading powerful and dynamic strikes. Prior to Gane’s decision to pursue a career in MMA, he cut his teeth competing in Muay Thai, where he began to craft the high-level striking prowess that he now puts on display in the UFC.
Considering the otherworldly power of Ngannou and the threat of Gane’s tactical precision striking, anything could happen in this heavyweight title unification match.
The battle of the 𝑩𝑨𝑫𝑫𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑴𝑬𝑵 𝑶𝑵 𝑷𝑳𝑨𝑵𝑬𝑻 𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑯 🌎@Francis_Ngannou vs @Ciryl_Gane goes down TOMORROW NIGHT
[ #UFC270 | TOMORROW | Main Card LIVE on E+ PPV: https://t.co/Nr2IHwgXWX ] pic.twitter.com/PLoJhIQCRN
— UFC (@ufc) January 22, 2022
The co-main event that will precede this heavyweight matchup, is the highly anticipated trilogy bout between current flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, and the former titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 🤜🤛
[ #UFC270 | TOMORROW | Main Card LIVE on E+ PPV: https://t.co/Nr2IHwgXWX ] pic.twitter.com/EaS71IzMlv
— UFC (@ufc) January 22, 2022
Live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, the early prelims are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass, with the preliminary card following on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET. Finally, the main card will go live at 10 p.m. ET on PPV.
Main Card 10 p.m. ET (PPV) Live Results:
In the co-main event tonight in Anaheim, Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo put on an amazing flyweight title bout for the crowd. The two traded hard shots back and forth for five straight rounds and displayed exemplary technique. In the end, it was Figueiredo who was able to walk away with the unanimous decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 48-47), and regain the UFC flyweight title. This match was extremely close, and when it was finished, both fighters were exclaiming that they would like to run it back a fourth time.
WHAT. A. FIGHT! 🤯
How do you have it scored?
[ #UFC270 | Main Card LIVE on E+ PPV: https://t.co/Nr2IHwgXWX ] pic.twitter.com/PStVGpwKrC
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
Andre Fialho clearly had the edge in the first round, but once round two got started, Michel Pereira found his rhythm and started landing a wide variety of hard strikes. Both fighters stood toe to toe, throwing shots right until the final bell. But, it was ultimately Michel Pereira that would walk away with the unanimous decision victory (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), adding a 27th win to his professional record.
Throwin’ DOWN til the last bell!! 🔔 #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/ZrXpAkPO3E
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
Said Nurmagomedov came out strong right away, landing a skillful spinning back kick. Cody Stamann ate the kick and shortly after decided to execute a takedown, but Nurmagomedov had other plans. As soon as Cody ducked his head with a hold of Said’s leg, the Russian competitor grabbed a hold of his neck and tightened up a skillful guillotine choke. This led to the submission finish that came at only 0:47 seconds of the very first round.
Nurmagomeov with the 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐓 victory.
Where have we heard that before? 🤔 #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/byAcivYre7
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
Michael Morales improves to 13-0 at only 22 years-old, with a first round (4:06) TKO stoppage of Trevin Giles (14-4). Morales was able to drop Giles with a stiff counter right, and ultimately sealed the deal via punches from the top position.
OH. MY. GOOOOOOOODNESSSSS!!!!!!
[ @MichaelMMA21 | #UFC270 ] pic.twitter.com/opi0uE3vJ3
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
Preliminary Card 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) Live Results:
Victor Henry defeats Raoni Barcelos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jack Della Maddalena defeats Pete Rodriguez via Counter Left Cross (Round 1, 2:59)
OH MY, OH MY 😳
🇦🇺 Jack Della Maddalena came with a PURPOSE! #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/ghZwK85WF1
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
Tony Gravely defeats Saimon Oliveira via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Matt Frevola defeats Genaro Valdéz via Ground Strikes (Round 1, 3:15)
Early Prelims 7 p.m. ET (UFC Fight Pass) Live Results:
Vanessa Demopoulos defeats Silvana Gómez Juárez via Armbar (Round 1, 2:25)
WHAT A COMEBACK! @Monster_Demo gets the first round submission!
[ #UFC270 | Early Prelims LIVE on @UFCFightPass & E+ ] pic.twitter.com/A8uKo6Qtld
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
Jasmine Jasudavicius defeats Kay Hansen via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)