Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes Will Create Problems in the Heavyweight Division- Says Daniel Cormier

The heavyweight division is at an interesting point at the moment. Stipe Miocic is the champion and is most likely going to face Francis Ngannou early next year. Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes also take on each other the coming weekend in what is widely regarded as a title eliminator. 

Jon Jones is moving up to the heavyweight division. At this point, it is not certain if he will directly fight Stipe for the title or take a tune-up fight before he challenges. The plethora of options for the UFC at heavyweight means that someone will miss out. It remains to be seen who will benefit from this situation and who will be affected. 

Read more: 5 surprising facts about Curtis Blaydes

Curtis Blaydes vs Derrick Lewis to decide who is next in line for the title

On the recent episode of ‘DC’ and Helwani, the two men were discussing the situation of the heavyweight division and Curtis Blaydes in particular. Helwani said, “It’s a little weird cause Ngannou is probably going to fight Stipe in March. And then if Ngannou wins somehow and Blaydes if he wins this fight, is kind of in trouble cause he already has two losses against Ngannou. So is he really going to get a third crack?”

‘DC,’ replied, “Blaydes is kind of just beating everybody off. But he just can’t get past Francis.”

‘Razor’ first faced ‘The Predator’ in 2016 on his UFC debut. The referee stopped the fight in the second round after Curtis’ right eye was shut due to swelling and was advised not to continue by the doctors. 

In the rematch in November 2018, Curtis was stopped in 45 seconds of the very first round. If Francis were to win his fight against Stipe, it would be very difficult for Curtis to secure a match against Francis for the title, given how the previous two encounters played out. 

However, if Stipe were to defend his belt yet again, it would be easier for ‘Razor’ to get the title shot given he has never faced Stipe before. 

What do you make of Curtis Blaydes’ situation? If both he and Francis were to win their respective fights, would Curtis get a third chance?