Fights To Watch Before UFC Minneapolis

Look Back At Eight Stand-Out Fights From The Stars Of UFC Minneapolis

By Gavin Porter • Jun. 27, 2019

UFC has made its way to the land of 10,000 lakes and tomorrow top heavyweights are set to go to war at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Francis Ngannou will take on Junior Dos Santos in a highly anticipated match-up that will likely shape the heavyweight title contender picture.

Elsewhere on the card, longtime flyweight title contender Joseph Benavidez looks to earn his second win over the rising Jussier Formiga. The winner of this showdown will be the next gentleman to line-up across from double champion Henry Cejudo at 125-lbs. UFC veteran and welterweight title challenger Demian Maia will take on Minnesota’s own Rocco Martin in a battle of submission specialists and gritty competitors.

Get ready for UFC Minneapolis by watching the past performances of some of the card’s biggest stars and prospects. Watch the full collection here: https://www.ufc.tv/category/ufc-minneapolis-fights-to-watch

Francis Ngannou vs Curtis Blaydes 2

UFC Beijing - November 24, 2018

BEIJING, CHINA - NOVEMBER 24: (R-L) Francis Ngannou of Cameroon punches Curtis Blaydes in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Cadillac Arena on November 24, 2018 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

NOVEMBER 24: (R-L) Francis Ngannou of Cameroon punches Curtis Blaydes in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Cadillac Arena on November 24, 2018 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via

It's no secret that Francis Ngannou has another level of power. He has shown that time and time again. But after his disappointing fight with Derrick Lewis at UFC 226, Ngannou had a lot to prove. He did just that, defeating the surging Curtis Blaydes for the second time.

Junior Dos Santos vs Tai Tuivasa

UFC Adelaide - December 2, 2018

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: (L-R) Junior Dos Santos of Brazil punches Tai Tuivasa of Australia in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 2, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

DECEMBER 02: (L-R) Junior Dos Santos of Brazil punches Tai Tuivasa of Australia in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 2, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Jef

Putting together a win streak is an important thing in the UFC. Just under six months removed from fighting Blagoy Ivanov at UFC Boise, former heavyweight champion took on the undefeated Tai Tuivasa on his home turf. "Cigano" would extend his win streak to two straight as he took care of business down under.

Jussier Formiga vs Ben Nguyen

UFC 221 - February 10, 2017

FEBRUARY 11: (L-R) Jussier Formiga of Brazil knocks down Ben Nguyen in their flyweight bout during the UFC 221 event at Perth Arena on February 11, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Jussier Formiga has shown flashes of excellence during his UFC tenure. He might of shined brightest against the exciting Ben Nguyen though. Formiga displayed his punching power and submission game in route to a nice finish.

Joseph Benavidez vs Alex Perez

TUF 28 Finale - November 30, 2018

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 30: (L-R) Joseph Benavidez punches Alex Perez during The Ultimate Fighter Finale event inside The Pearl concert theater at Palms Casino Resort on November 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

NOVEMBER 30: (L-R) Joseph Benavidez punches Alex Perez during The Ultimate Fighter Finale event inside The Pearl concert theater at Palms Casino Resort on November 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC vi

If you're looking to pick a poster child for career longevity, look no further than flyweight Joseph Benavidez. The guy has been around since the beginning of the division and has done nothing but stay the top contender. Last November, Benavidez made waves at TUF 28 Finale as he took out a tough opponent in Alex Perez.

Demian Maia vs Carlos Condit

UFC Vancouver - August 27, 2016

VANCOUVER, BC - AUGUST 27: Demian Maia of Brazil (top) controls the body of Carlos Condit of the United States in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Rogers Arena on August 27, 2016 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

AUGUST 27: Demian Maia of Brazil (top) controls the body of Carlos Condit of the United States in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Rogers Arena on August 27, 2016 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Demian Maia is one of the most respected athletes in the mixed martial arts community, both for his personality and for his grappling ability. Maia and his special submissions worked against former champion Carlos Condit in Vancouver.

Rocco Martin vs Jake Matthews

UFC Adelaide - December 2, 2018

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: (R-L) Anthony Martin punches Jake Matthews of Australia in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 2, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

DECEMBER 02: (R-L) Anthony Martin punches Jake Matthews of Australia in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 2, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari)

Rocco Martin doesn't lack in confidence - and why should he? Martin trains with some of the best in the world at American Top Team and has some of the slickest submissions in the division. Jake Matthews found that out the hard way.

Alonzo Menifield vs Vinicus Moreira

UFC Brooklyn - January 19, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 19: (L-R) Alonzo Menifield punches Vinicius Moreira of Brazil in their light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Barclays Center on January 19, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

JANUARY 19: (L-R) Alonzo Menifield punches Vinicius Moreira of Brazil in their light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Barclays Center on January 19, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Josh Hedges)

Alonzo Menifield made a big impression on Dana White's Contender Series, knocking out his opponent with a single strike. Next on the docket for the undefeated light heavyweight was Vinicius Moreira at UFC Brooklyn. Let's just say that Menifield didn't disappoint.

P.S. If you haven't heard the story behind Alonzo Menifield, do yourself a favor and check out this article on UFC.com.

Paul Craig vs Magomed Ankalaev

UFC London - March 17, 2018

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: (L-R) Paul Craig of Scotland kicks Magomed Ankalaev in their light heavyweight bout inside The O2 Arena on March 17, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

MARCH 17: (L-R) Paul Craig of Scotland kicks Magomed Ankalaev in their light heavyweight bout inside The O2 Arena on March 17, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

It's not over until the clock hits triple zeroes. Paul Craig, who might need to change his name to "The Last Minute Finisher", showed true heart by securing a come-from-behind victory with just one second remaining in his bout with Magomed Ankalaev.

Check out the full UFC Minneapolis collection here: https://www.ufc.tv/category/ufc-minneapolis-fights-to-watch

Make sure you tune in to watch the entire UFC Minneapolis card. The ESPN prelims begin at 6pm/3pm ETPT and the main card starts on ESPN at 9pm/6pm ETPT.

Gavin Porter is a digital producer and writer for UFC.com, follow him on Twitter at @PorterUFCNews