On this day in 2018, UFC 226 was held, promising intense fights filled with powerful punches and knockouts. The event, held on July 7, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, remains one of the most unforgettable UFC events, especially due to its dramatic conclusion. In the main event, Daniel Cormier, then the light heavyweight champion, defeated heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic by knockout, becoming the UFC’s first two-division champion.
The co-main event featured heavy hitters Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou, two of the most formidable strikers in UFC history. However, despite high expectations, their bout turned into a disappointing display with only 31 combined strikes over three rounds, ending in a unanimous decision win for Lewis. Ngannou, who ignored his corner’s advice to engage more, suffered a crushing defeat, marking a low point in his career before he rebounded with several first-round knockouts and eventually claimed the heavyweight title in 2021.
Color commentator Joe Rogan openly criticized the Lewis vs. Ngannou fight, calling it the worst heavyweight fight he had ever witnessed, while UFC president Dana White admitted he nearly released Ngannou after back-to-back losses. Fortunately, others convinced White to keep Ngannou, a decision that paid off given Ngannou’s later success in the sport.
Fan Take: This event is a pivotal moment for fight fans because it highlights how even the biggest matchups can sometimes fall short of expectations, emphasizing the unpredictability of MMA. It also underscores the importance of resilience and growth, as Ngannou’s journey from this disappointing fight to becoming a champion inspires fighters and fans alike.
