Lewis: Ngannou Getting KTFO ‘In The First Exchange’

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Jon Jones wants “Deontay Wilder money” to fight reigning heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou, but since No. 2 ranked contender Derrick Lewis is willing to do it for far less, “Bones” is now “out of the picture” when it comes to 265-pound title shots.

And that folks, is why there will never be a fighters’ union.

Since Lewis already holds a victory over Ngannou from their UFC 226 staring contest back in late 2018, which set the Texan back “two fights,” you can expect a redemptive first-round knockout when they reconnect later this summer.

“I will say the first exchange, I’ll knock him out in the first exchange,” Lewis told ESPN (transcribed by Farah Hannoun). “I almost knocked out Curtis (Blaydes) in the first exchange, too, but he got on that bike and he took off running. I feel that in my heart, especially if he comes out the way he’s been coming out to all his other guys, especially the way he came out against (Jairzinho) Rozenstruik. If he tries to come out and fight me the same way, then I’ll knock him out for sure.”

Since they last fought, Lewis (25-7, 1 NC) put together a 5-2 record, though it should be noted “The Black Beast” is now the winner of four straight, two of which came by way of knockout. As for Ngannou (16-3), he’s on a five-fight win streak with five finishes.

Including his UFC 260 destruction of Stipe Miocic.

No word yet from the promotion on when Lewis and Ngannou will run it back. “The Predator” is currently in Cameroon enjoying his victory parade and will have to pick a date for his Octagon return, which is expected in July or August.

Stay tuned.