MMA
Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer 5y

Sources: dos Santos-Ngannou moved to June 29

UFC

A high-stakes heavyweight bout between former champion Junior dos Santos and Francis Ngannou, originally scheduled for UFC 239 on July 6, will now headline UFC Fight Night on June 29.

The UFC is close to finalizing the switch, although new bout agreements have not been signed, according to multiple sources. Once official, the bout will take place at UFC Fight Night on ESPN, at Target Center in Minneapolis.

A welterweight fight between Tyron Woodley and Robbie Lawler was supposed to headline UFC Fight Night, but Woodley was forced to withdraw with a hand injury last week. The UFC looked into replacing Woodley in the main event, but Lawler ultimately will wait for a new opportunity.

Dos Santos (21-5) has won three in a row since coming up short in a title bid against then-champion Stipe Miocic in May 2017. The 35-year-old Brazilian is coming off a second-round knockout of Derrick Lewis in March.

Ngannou (13-3) suffered the first two losses of his professional career in 2018, but has bounced back with knockout wins against Curtis Blaydes and Cain Velasquez.

The winner of this contest will have a strong case for a heavyweight title shot. Defending champion Daniel Cormier is scheduled to defend his belt against Miocic at UFC 241 on Aug. 17 in Anaheim, California.

^ Back to Top ^