UFC Minneapolis takes place next Saturday 29th of June and the provocations of the protagonists of the main event are becoming more intense. Francis Ngannou , in a conversation with reporters, challenged Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Junior Cigano Dos Santos , his opponent in the main event. The former champion was promoted to black belt by his professor Carlton before the rematch against Cain Velasquez in 2012, when he had the UFC Heavyweight belt.
Ngannou said:
“First of all, I don’t believe that jiu-jitsu black belt,” Ngannou said (h/t MMA Weekly). “I don’t believe in dos Santos’ jiu-jitsu black belt. I don’t know where he’s from, but I don’t believe that. And I don’t mind that at all.
“But you never know what some fighter is gonna come up with. I always keep thinking maybe he’ll try some wrestling, takedown, but it’s not his comfort zone, but I don’t know. He might try everything. But the most important is I’m prepared for every little (thing).”
In his long career in MMA (26 fights) Cigano only has one submission win, against Eduardo Maiorino in December 2006, in his second fight as a professional. Cigano countered the provocations telling MMA Fighting:
“I honestly don’t know what’s his strategy with saying something like that, but if he’s trying to avoid getting punched in the face, that didn’t work, “And he came to that conclusion based on what? Come on.” “
Junior Cigano is known for his excellent boxing game – considered one of the best in MMA – and for knockouts.
