5 special rules fights to make with UFC fighters
We recently saw former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson compete in a special rules fight at ONE Championship X. He defeated Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a bout that alternated between rounds of Muay Thai and MMA.
Leading up to the fight, fans speculated whether it would be Rodtang or Johnson who would have the greater advantage competing in their specialty. Ultimately, it proved to be 'Mighty Mouse' as he submitted his opponent via rear naked choke in the second round.
Demetrious Johnson put Rodtang Jitmuangnon to SLEEP at ONE X!
@MightyMouse #ONEX #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship https://t.co/K9LVlRNPs5
The special rules fight is a unique event that could create a number of interesting match-ups in the future. It opens the door to competition between different combat sports and could be something we see more of in the future. Perhaps we could soon see UFC fighters competing in these bouts.
With that in mind, here are five special rules fights to make with UFC fighters:
#5. UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou vs. Gable Steveson
Francis Ngannou established himself as the best heavyweight in the UFC when he defeated Ciryl Gane despite being seriously injured. Gable Steveson is every bit as good in the wrestling world and he proved as much when he won Olympic gold at just 21-years-old.
A special rules between these two bouts could be an interesting showcase of the best heavyweights in MMA and wrestling. For this to work, the first round would definitely have to be wrestling focused and with the very real possibility of Steveson securing a technical fall in that round.
It would be interesting to see if Ngannou's improved grappling would be enough to see him survive that round. There could then be a round of MMA, potentially with head gearand shinguards, where we could get a taste of Steveson's potential in tthesport. He has teased a move to the UFC but is currently signed to the WWE.
Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson said hello to Dana White 👀
(via @GableSteveson) https://t.co/3N3dHKOdia
Ultimately, this bout doesn't rank higher as Ngannou is such a dangerous striker that it would likely not make sense to put Steveson in there against him. Even with extensive safety measures, the risk of being injured by Ngannou would likely be enough to put Steveson off this hypothetical bout for the moment.