Curtis Blaydes vs Francis Ngannou — Fight recap

Francis Ngannou defeated Curtis Blaydes via TKO from a doctor's stoppage at 5:00 of round two on April 10, 2016. Blaydes landed 24 of 58 significant strikes (41%) and connected on 16 head strikes, while Ngannou out-struck him 36 of 84 (42%), landing 32 shots to the head.

Though Blaydes attempted six takedowns and converted two (33%), he managed only 1:05 of control time against Ngannou's 1:17. The fight unfolded as a striking exchange where Ngannou's output and accuracy proved decisive, accumulating damage that forced the ringside physician to halt the contest.

This victory marked a significant statement for Ngannou's heavyweight credentials and positioned him as a rising threat in a division still finding its next elite challenger.