'Freak of nature' knocks out UFC great in 26-second beatdown
Francis Ngannou has ended Cain Velasquez’s comeback in a shocking 26-second fight at UFC Phoenix.
Velasquez, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, stepped back into the cage for the first time since July 2016.
But he was done almost immediately as Ngannou chased the 36-year-old and easily ended the fight.
“I didn’t even realise what happened. It was very fast. I feel good, I feel good,” the 32-year-old said.
“I’m just here now to have fun, just relax and enjoy my fight.”
Velasquez, considered one of the promotion’s greatest heavyweights and a future Hall of Famer, appeared to injure his knee after being collected by Ngannou’s heavy punches.
The victor was jeered by the Phoenix crowd for his win over the Arizona local, who called for the audience to applaud his rival.
“Give it up to Francis. He came in here and did his job,” Velasquez said.
The fight was Ngannou’s second successive victory under a minute after November’s 45-second TKO win over Curtis Blaydes.
Ngannou is a freak of nature #UFCPhoenix
— Mark Fernando (@Da_MShark) February 18, 2019
Wait did he hurt his knee or does Ngannou have super powers 😂🤔
— Isiah Ocasio (@FaZe_Sensei) February 18, 2019
Just to be clear: Francis Ngannou's power shot is what caused Cain's knee to buckle. That was an honest win.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) February 18, 2019
Ngannou is an absolute freak. I hate to see Cain lose like that. #UFCPheonix
— Jake Riggio (@jqriggio21) February 18, 2019
Wow. Unforgiving sport. I hope cain is ok. Great work to the predator!!!@francis_ngannou !!! So happy for him 👊🏾👊🏾
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) February 18, 2019
Also, why would any human being want to fight Francis Ngannou?
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) February 18, 2019
Francis Ngannou just dominant. wow very impressive @ufc
— dee🦅 (@_deeeidre) February 18, 2019