>> 2018 marks 25 years of UFC.
To kick off our first pay-per-view,
we are going to Boston with one of the baddest
heavyweight fights in a very, very long time.
>> Daniel: Two of the most dangerous men,
walking the face of God's green Earth.
>> Bruce Buffer: UFC heavyweight champion of the world!
>> Narrator: For a quarter century,
no UFC heavyweight has accomplished what champion
Stipe Miocic will set out to do at UFC 220.
>> Jon Anik: Oh!
>> Joe: Stipe Miocic is a monster.
>> Announcer: Defend the division's belt
for a third consecutive time.
>> Let's go, champ! 35 seconds!
>> Anik: He has tied the record for successful
heavyweight title defenses.
>> Announcer: But standing in his way is number one contender
Francis Ngannou.
>> Jon Anik: Francis Ngannou has arrived!
>> Joe: Oh!
That's how scary Francis Ngannou is.
>> Joe: Good, Lord.
>> I can throw hard too-- we'll see what happens.
>> Announcer: UFC 220's co-main event presents
another towering title bout with heavy handed challenger
Volkan Oezdemir...
>> Referee: Are you ready? Let's go!
>> Announcer: Who has finished his last two fights
in a combined 70 seconds.
>> Anik: Volkan Oezdemir does it again!
>> Oezdemir: I'm explosive.
>> Anik: Switzerland stand up.
>> Oezdemir: Fast
and full of knockouts.
>> Anik: You got to be kidding me!
>> Announcer: But the power in his hands doesn't shake
the champion, Olympic wrestler and pound-for-pound
great Daniel Cormier.
>> It doesn't scare me one bit.
If you can't out-work me, Volkan,
you can't compete against me Volkan.
He's just way in over his head now.
He's going to get beat.
>> Narrator: Before the UFC kicks off 2018
with monumental championship fights...
>> Trainer: Go! As explosive as you can.
>> Narrator: ... first, get ready, for UFC 220...
Countdown.
>> Dana White: I can't for that fight.
I can't wait for that fight.
>> Narrator:: The sun scorched desert sands of Nevada
have become the new home to an African born
fighter on the cusp of MMA greatness.
But UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou did not picture this
life when he first pursued his dream in combat sports.
>> Narrator: Ngannou was simply too gifted an athlete
not to attempt an MMA career,
and less than three years
into training and competing,
the UFC took notice of his potential,
just as his first coaches did.
[bell rings]
>> Daniel Cormier: Look at this specimen,
6'4" 250 pounds of explosive, raw power.
>> Trainer: He's scary.
>> Cormier: The heavyweight division doesn't get guys
like this very often.
>> Buffer: Ngannou!
>> Joe: Big, heavy guy with a lot of power in him.
He's done, that's it. That's it.
That left uppercut was nasty.
>> Trainer: Let's go, champ.
Jab.
One-two.
>> Brian Stann: The right eye of Curtis Blaydes is near shut.
>> Trainer: One-two-three, champ.
>> Francis is an enigma.
>> Stann: Four years ago, this dude didn't even know
what MMA was.
I mean that's incredible.
>> Trainer: He's very athletic,
especially for a man as gigantic as he is.
>> Stann: This guy is super strong-- look at this.
Another huge, eye-opening victory.
>> In boxing we've seen the great Muhammed Alis'
and the great Mike Tysons'.
>> Anik: That is a plus athlete right there and he's
just getting going.
>> Trainer: Now we're going to see a great heavyweight
in the UFC landscape.
>> Anik: Oh!
Ngannou knocks Arlovski down!
That is it!
>> Francis Ngannou is that guy.
>> Anik: The scariest heavyweight
on the roster at present.
No argument here.
[ singing] "I'm trying to do something that's
never been done"]
>> Narrator: By 2017, the entire world recognized
the potential of Francis Ngannou,
and it was time to test the hype
against a heavyweight legend: multiple time kickboxing
and MMA champion Alistair Overeem.
>> Anik: And as decorated a heavyweight as there has been
in mixed martial arts,
"The Demolition Man" Alistair Overeem.
>> joe: This man's a warrior, ladies and gentlemen.
Without a doubt, one of the best technical strikers
in the heavyweight division.
>> Referee: You ready, sir?
Let's go.
>> Joe: This is going to be skill and experience,
versus unbelievable firepower.
Oh, old school-- going to the stomps.
>> Referee: Alright, break. Time, separate.
Hands up, hands up, hands up.
>> Anik: Not a lot of people burning up Mick Maynard's
phone to try to get a matchup with Ngannou.
Down goes The Reem!
Francis Ngannou has arrived!
>> Joe: He hit him with a left hook and picked him off
his feet with one shot.
That's how scary Francis Ngannou is.
I mean that's like a scene in a movie.
>> Anik: Looks like he said, "Where is the belt?"
It's in Cleveland, Ohio.
>> Narrator: Ohio's greatest MMA fighter can be found
on the outskirts of Cleveland,
where home offers a daily reminder,
of the journey that brought Stipe Miocic
to the UFC heavyweight title.
>> Miocic: When I started training for MMA,
I had a few extra fights and I took a year and a half just
to do standup, just boxing with the golden gloves,
with the nationals.
This is my man cave and I got a bunch of cool posters
here and there.
This is my Golden Gloves when I won in Cleveland.
A little dusty.
This is Fighter of the Year:
Pro Former Boxing Associations.
It's a pretty cool group of people.
I did all that which is an amazing experience
and I just missed MMA.
I mean you look at all these fights I've been in so far--
I had that one uneven, I got to fix that one.
It's going to bother me now.
Ooh.
They all have their stories and it's pretty neat.
A lot of people send me stuff--
my aunt sends me stuff-- articles.
Actually it was my first UFC fight against Joey Beltran--
the ticket.
>> Narrator: In 2011, Miocic brought fast hands
and a furious pace to the UFC heavyweight division,
and outmatched his opponents with superior boxing.
>> Kenny Florian: Big right hand from Stipe Miocic!
This fight is over!
>> Mike Goldberg: Stipe Miocic remains unbeaten!
Big connections by Miocic!
>> Joe: Excellent combinations by Miocic!
Stipe is going off here.
>> Mike: And the knee.
>> Anik: Oh, big right hand there!
Stipe Miocic looking for the quick finish and he's got it!
>> Mike: His technical boxing is outstanding.
>> Anik: His star continues to shine.
>> Joe: Oh, good right hand by Stipe.
Arlovski's hurt.
He's hurt!
>> Mike: This could be it!
It is all over!
Just like that!
>> Joe: He's screaming at Dana White,
"Give me my shot.
Give me my shot."
>> Narrator: 8 UFC wins brought Miocic
to Curitiba, Brazil in 2016,
where more than 45 thousand fans
witnessed Miocic capture the belt,
from the Brazilian champion Fabricio Werdum with ease.
>> Stann: Oh, that's it!
>> Mike: It is all over!
Stipe Miocic is the new UFC heavyweight champion!
>> I'm the world champion!
I'm the world champ!
>> Narrator: A new day had dawned in the UFC
heavyweight division,
as Miocic began a historic reign.
>> Buffer: And new!
>> Narrator: Guided by the coaches and teammates at
Strong Style MMA.
>> Miocic: I've been here since day one.
If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I'm at.
I wouldn't be the champ.
So whatever they want, we do.
>> Narrator: The dedication of gym owner Marcus Marinelli
and his core group of coaches,
has always kept their star pupil ready for any challenge.
>> We want the toughest fighters in there,
you know that's Marcus' approach for any of his
athletes that come into this place.
That's the bottom line.
We are going to be prepared to fight whoever they put
in front of us.
>> Marcus: The journey has been awesome,
because he's that person-- he doesn't care who it is.
Whoever the UFC puts in front of him, he wants.
>> Narrator: Miocic would welcome the UFC back to Ohio
for his first title defense, and the hometown hero would
not disappoint.
>> Mike: Stipe on top.
Big ground and pound.
>> Joe: Alistair's in all sorts of trouble here.
Oh, he's out! He's out!
>> Mike: He wins at home!
>> Joe: Outstanding!
And what a victory for Stipe Miocic.
>> O-H!
[crowd yells "Ohio!"]
>> Narrator: And after defending the belt in Cleveland,
Miocic would then travel to Dallas, Texas
for a highly anticipated rematch.
Former heavyweight belt owner Junior Dos Santos was
the last man to defeat the champion,
and Miocic not only had a chance to tie the title defense record,
he had his shot at redemption.
>> Anik: No fighter in the history of this division
has more knockdowns.
No one has landed more significant strikes.
Here he is, Junior dos Santos.
>> Cormier: This guy is an assassin too.
When the door closes, these dudes are going to go after it.
It's going to be amazing, I can't wait.
>> Buffer: It's time!
>> Anik: Miocic in the black and gold, befitting a champion.
Junior dos Santos is in white.
>> Cormier: This is a big key for Junior,
not being against the side of the Octagon.
He puts himself in danger there.
>> Joe: Nice leg kick by Junior.
>> Cormier: After only two kicks,
you can see Stipe already kind of walking gingerly
on that leg.
>> Joe: Yep, he's having a hard time with that left calf--
it's giving out on him.
Ooh.
Oh, he tagged him.
He tagged him twice.
>> Cormier: Stipe's doing a good job of just getting
after him, knowing that he's taking that damage to the leg.
>> Joe: Exactly you were saying about Junior putting
his back to the cage. >> Cormier: Yep.
>> Anik: Oh!
Down goes dos Santos!
>> Joe: That's it. That's it.
Fight's over.
>> Buffer: And...
still the undisputed!
>> Anik: One of the greatest heavyweights of all-time.
He has tied the record for
successful heavyweight title defenses.
>> Narrator: In order to break the heavyweight title
defense record, Miocic must defeat the incredibly
dangerous Francis Ngannou, at UFC 220 in Boston.
>> Miocic: I've worked way too hard to get
this belt, I'm not giving it up.
I don't really care who I fight,
I'm going to win.
>> Narrator: As heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic
prepares to defend his belt for a record third time,
training camp for UFC 220 is backed by the people of
Cleveland, Ohio, and the homegrown fighter embraces
the support at every turn.
>> Male Reporter: When you talk about Cleveland,
you really embrace the city like no other athlete.
Why is that Stipe?
>> Miocic: Because Cleveland is awesome, man.
I love Cleveland.
People don't understand it.
It's a different culture here and like I said,
the loyalty and the love that people show for
their sports team-- anything in general.
We love it.
>> Stipe really epitomizes Cleveland.
He's a hard working, humble individual.
So the people have really gravitated toward that.
>> Stipe, thank you very much as always for the time.
I greatly appreciate it, brother.
>> Thank you.
>> Narrator: One of the staple franchises that border
Lake Erie, is the NFL's Cleveland Browns,
and their star wide receiver Josh Gordon,
takes time to keep in touch with his friend
and fellow pro athlete.
>> Hey, man. How you doing, buddy?
Thanks for coming. >> No problem.
>> Miocic: How you doing?
>> Good, man. Good.
>> I'm going to start here in a
little bit, if you want to hang out for a little bit.
I can show you around and stuff.
It's great to see Josh-- I met him before.
Super quiet guy, super nice.
Super nice guy is what I liked about him.
>> Josh Gordon: I met him a few years back,
but that was before he was even champion and had no clue
that this was his trajectory.
I wanted to make sure we linked up and I was able
to see him and see if he was ready to go.
>> Narrator: As Miocic readies for a showdown
with challenger, Francis Ngannou on January 20th...
>> Distance is off, so your body position is very good.
>> Narrator: ... his visitor gets a first hand look,
at how the baddest man on the planet prepares for fight night.
>> Gordon: Any aspect of fighting-- you know,
the intensity-- it correlates to exactly what I do,
the mentality that you have to be in to go out there
and have to execute.
>> Trainer: Nice, beautiful.
>> Gordon: It's one of the best things to watch.
>> Good! Let's go, champ!
35 seconds!
>> Miocic: To meet all these players,
it's just been a blessing.
Very grateful for everything that has happened.
>> Ain't nobody getting that [bleep] belt.
Let's go, man!
>> On January 20th, I'm walking out and still with the belts
wrapped around my waist.
>> Trainer: Time!
That's what I'm talking about!
>> Narrator: The heavyweight champ has grown accustomed
to fame and recognition brought on by UFC superstardom,
and as his opponent's notoriety continues to grow...
>> How you doing, brother.
>> Narrator: Francis Ngannou has begun to experience
a similar shift in lifestyle.
>> Dana White: This is our first ever sports drink sponsor.
It's a perfect fit all the way around and we
couldn't be more excited.
>> Female Reporter: What's your favorite flavor?
>> Orange Mango.
>> You got a company like BodyArmor that's using you
as a national brand ambassador.
What does it mean for you for a company to put you
front and center, that they want you to represent their company.
>> Narrator: Endorsement opportunities are a welcome
bonus for athletic success, but a true professional never
loses focus on the task at hand.
For Ngannou, that means an opportunity
to seize the belt from champion Stipe Miocic.
>> I think people know that if it's a striking fight,
you're very dangerous.
But people think he might wrestle.
Are you expecting him to wrestle a lot?
How prepared are you for that.
>> Joe: He's got the shine, Jon Anik.
>> Anik: Absolutely incredible where this man is
on the cusp of UFC glory.
>> Joe: Oh!
Whoa!
>> Narrator: While Ngannou's punching power
earned him a title shot,
he remains dedicated to rounding out his game,
and a relative lack of experience in wrestling,
is made up for by his gifted athleticism,
and brute strength.
>> He's got good hips, so he's able to maintain
pressure the entire time and when he wants to turn it on,
it's like flipping a switch and you can just feel that
power come over you.
He's [bleep] strong.
He's strong, man.
>> Joe: Very interesting.
Alistair with the clinch, but Ngannou,
tremendously strong.
>> Referee: Alright, break. Time. Separate.
>> Joe: That's what we were talking about,
ladies and gentlemen.
>> Anik: Absolutely frightening power from
Francis Ngannou.
>> Joe: Good Lord.
>> Narrator: The UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada,
welcomes local fighters like heavyweight
title challenger Francis Ngannou,
on a daily basis.
>> Trainer: Let's jog around two times and then we'll
warm up back here.
>> Narrator: For strength and conditioning director
Bo Sandoval, whose extensive experience training athletes,
ranges from collegiate national champs to Olympians...
>> Bo: Come outside the door.
Yeah, push. Push.
>> Narrator: ... Ngannou performs among the best.
>> He's easily top four athletes in my career that
I've ever seen.
>> Bo: Two-- one more.
Good. Okay.
Alright, we're going to take the 100 pound ball
over the shoulder.
Full lift, drop over the shoulder,
turn around, other shoulder.
Good.
We judge that looking at a variety of different things;
skill-set but then also adaptability--
strength and power-- speed.
Just the sheer size of him is the other big factor.
I want speed, as fast as you can.
Let's go.
Good. Hustle.
As explosive as you can like that championship belt
is attached to it.
To watch him develop and to watch him grow has
been really amazing.
Draw quick-- hands and feet.
He just does it faster than most people do.
Good. Back! Back! Back! Back!
This guy is just killing it.
Come on, Francis stay on it.
Stay on it.
>> Narrator: Ngannou's previously untapped potential
shines through in this state of the art facility...
>> Bo: Pull hard.
Nice.
>> Narrator: ... as indicated by his recently
documented world record,
for the hardest punch on earth.
>> Three, two, one.
Hard. Hard. Hard. Hard.
>> Narrator: But for all of the progress Ngannou has made...
>> Bo: Sprint. Sprint.
>> Narrator: ...his UFC 220 title shot against Stipe Miocic,
is all that matters now.
And he believes his time has come.
>> Bo: 30 seconds.
Very nice.
>> Bo: Sprint right away. Right away.
>> Bo: He gets stronger as the time goes. Here we go.
>> Bo: Relax, good job.
Well done brother.
>> Narrator: Nearly two thousand miles away from UFC
headquarters, the champion optimizes performance at
the facility he has always called home,
with the agility coach who knows him best.
While Bobby Kaleal recognizes Ngannou's power,
he believes Miocic is the most well rounded
and experienced heavyweight on Earth,
with athleticism far superior to any challenger.
>> I think Stipe could have been a tight end in the NFL--
I totally think so.
He definitely has an athletic advantage.
Quick hands, stay low.
Good.
Beautiful.
Back it up. Last ten.
When you think of an athlete, there is sport specific
athletes and all-around athletes.
And he's a multi-functional all-around athlete.
Switch. Switch! Switch! Time.
He has so much explosion built up that people don't
realize that when it comes, it comes like a freight train.
Good move.
You're going to see Stipe being able to do whatever he
needs to do to win this fight like he always does.
It doesn't matter if he's got to go five rounds,
you've seen him do that before.
Come back with a combo.
Okay-- once you see the opening.
Good move.
We're prepared to do whatever it takes to win.
Oh, that would have drilled me.
Like I'm a little nervous right now-- got me that time.
>> Stann: The sky's the limit for this guy-- massive power.
>> Joe: A dangerous man.
>> Narrator: For number one contender Francis Ngannou,
all it takes to win a fight is one punch...
>> Anik: Francis Ngannou-- man!
>> Narrator: ...but the champion is his greatest challenge.
And when the bright lights shine in Boston, Massachusetts
at UFC 220...
>> Stann: Incredible determination.
>> Joe: And he's just tough.
He's just tough as nails.
>> Narrator: ... the entire world will
bare witness to a clash between
the greatest warriors on Earth.
>> This is what it's all about-- you get this new up
and coming young giant that comes in there,
that's explosive, can knock people out in one punch,
versus a guy who has fought them all.
>> Unfortunately for Francis, I'm the heavyweight champ,
I'm not giving it up.
So he ain't going to be champ until I leave.
>> Stann: Look how much power you have to have on your heel
to deliver that kind of blow.
>> Stann: That is one intimidating man.
>> Mike: Oh, my! >> Joe: Oh, he's done.
>> Stann: This man is scary.
[Ngannou speaking]
>> Joe: Stipe Miocic looks spectacular.
>> Miocic: I don't really care if it's a decision,
knockout, submission-- I'm going to win the fight.
>> Joe: And another and another.
Oh, he's out! He's out!
>> Joe: Absolutely spectacular knockout.
>> Joe: Alistair Overeem is still out cold like he just
got electrocuted.
>> Narrator: Another knockout for Ngannou would begin
a new era at heavyweight...
>> Joe: He shut him completely off.
>> Narrator: ...and for Miocic,
one more title defense breaks the heavyweight record.
>> I'm going to keep winning and I'm going to
break it and it's going to happen.
It will happen, I will break it the next fight.
>> Joe: And what a victory for Stipe Miocic.
>> O-H!
[crowd yells "Ohio!"]
Stann: That's how powerful this man is.
>> Joe: Oh, good right hand by Stipe.
Hammerfists by Stipe.
>> Mike: Vicious uppercut.
>> I'm not going anywhere--- and still.
>> Joe: Wow, it's about as definitive as it gets.
>> Narrator: UFC 220's co-main event will feature
the return of light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier,
whose journey to the pinnacle of the sport began
well before he arrived at "AKA" in San Jose, California.
Prior to learning mixed martial arts,
Cormier was a two-time Olympian and six-time
US wrestling national champion.
>> Javier Mendez: Right cross again.
So, boom-- boom, step.
Boom.
[grunting]
>> Javier: There you go.
Nice.
>> You know when I showed up in San Jose in 2009,
I had no idea what was in store for me.
>> Javier: Right-left-right.
That's what I want.
He was very fortunate that when he came into the MMA world,
he had a two-time Olympian to his credit.
>> Ring Announcer: Daniel Cormier!
>> Narrator: Cormier was a phenom.
>> Mauro Ranallo: There he tags him with a left!
>> Narrator: He compiled an undefeated record
at heavyweight...
>> Mauro: Jab from Cormier.
>> Frank Shamrock: Uppercut. >> Mauro: Uppercut!
Daniel Cormier has done it!
>> Narrator: ... which lead to a
Strikeforce Grand Prix title...
>> Mauro: And a slam takedown by Cormier!
Wow!
>> Pat Miletich: This kid is dangerous for everybody.
>> Narrator: ... before he dropped to 205 to
chase the UFC championship.
>> Joe: Oh, big right hand by Cormier.
Oh, he's hurt. He's hurt.
He got tagged with that uppercut.
>> Mike: Look at that. >> Joe: Wow.
Just complete rag dolling him.
>> Buffer: "DC" Cormier!
>> Narrator: Although he came up short in his first title shot...
>> Mike: This ultimate grudge match.
>> Buffer: And still!
>> Mike: Goes the distance!
>> Narrator: ...the indiscretions of Jon Jones
allowed Cormier to capture and twice defend
the title with his patented dominance...
>> Joe: Daniel's got it under the neck.
The new light heavyweight champion of the world.
Daniel Cormier is made of glue.
Don't come close to him, don't let him touch you
because you're going to get stopped.
He's under the neck.
Oh, my goodness. >> Cruz: That's it.
>> Anik: And still!
Daniel Cormier has done it!
>> Joe: Wow!
>> Narrator: ...until his rival returned from
multiple suspensions, for the high profile rematch.
>> Joe: I mean these are easily the two best light heavyweights
of all-time.
Oh, he caught him!
>> Cruz: Big punches landed by DC.
>> Anik: Oh! >> Cruz: Big uppercut.
>> Anik: Looked like he knocked a mouthpiece out.
>> Joe: He did.
This is absolutely a different Daniel Cormier than
their first fight.
And he's talking trash.
>> Narrator: A new and improved Cormier brought
the fight to Jon Jones...
>> Joe: Beautiful two shots.
>> Very nice, we got this one.
We got the round.
>> Narrator: ... but it still wasn't enough to avenge
his only career defeat.
>> Buffer: The new undisputed...
>> Narrator: Once again, DC and his team had fallen short,
of defeating the greatest light heavyweight
the world has ever known.
>> My whole world just shattered and then to top it
off to find out the bad news later.
>> Kenny Florian: I'm glad you're here, DC,
because Jon Jones tested positive for Turinabol from
a sample the day before your guys' fight of course
at UFC 214 in July.
California State Athletic Commission has overturned
the bout to a no-contest due to the failed test.
So what does this mean for you, DC?
>> Dana White called me today and he said,
"The championship is getting returned to you."
So once again I'm the UFC champion.
The reality is, I lost the fight.
People will say stuff like, "Well you got handed the belt."
And it's an unfortunate situation.
I feel like I carry a stench from that fight, right?
Like I know I lost and I become the champ again and I
need to go and beat someone in order to clear myself of that.
>> Javier: He has to defend that title
in order for people to recognize him again as the true champ.
That's just the way it's gonna be.
[Dramatic music]
>> Cormier: Once it was time to get going,
it was like, "Well, who's it gonna be?"
>> Narrator: Cormier's next opponent is the first fighter
from Switzerland to challenge for a UFC title.
Number two-ranked light heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir
is the first of his kind to emerge from a nation
known more for longstanding industries than martial arts.
>> Switzerland is known for basically the banks,
the chocolates, and the watches.
MMA is a-- is still developing.
>> Narrator: Oezdemir's interest in kickboxing
drew him towards a career in fighting at an early age,
guided by a pioneer of Swiss MMA.
>> Nelson Carvalho: Ten or eleven years ago,
I opened the gym because in Switzerland, we have nothing.
We have a little bit of kickboxing, karate, judo,
but jiu-jitsu, MMA, nothing.
I travel a lot in Thailand, Brazil, USA to learn
some new techniques and to take back to Switzerland.
I start, like, with one student, two students.
Six or seven hundred people now is training.
>> Narrator: Although Oezdemir is now training stateside,
the Fight Move Academy in Switzerland continues to thrive
from MMA's rapid growth,
and the team recalls Oezdemir's place
in that expansion of the sport.
When Volkan arrives, he's a really good striker.
He grow really fast.
One-two-three. Let's go!
>> Every time he goes to a training,
he's gonna try to learn something from anyone.
It can be from a taekwondo guy,
from a guy doing judo, anything.
Like, he's always trying to improve and he's never scared.
>> Narrator: After winning his first 6 fights...
>> Announcer: Coming straight outta Switzerland...
>> Narrator: Oezdemir entered a one night tournament
in Denmark in 2013...
>> Announcer: Six fights and six wins...
>> Narrator: Where he combined fearlessness with power,
for a quick night of work.
>> Announcer: Volkan Oezdemir!
>> Carvalho: Some people born with one talent,
Volkan's is knockout power.
>> Announcer: Oh, Volkan!
>> Narrator: With three first round knockouts in the same night,
Oezdemir earned his first championship belt in MMA.
>> Announcer: Volkan Oezdemir!
♪♪
Oezdemir has since become a recognized athlete
across all of Switzerland,
and his biggest fans can be found right at home.
>> He won the tournament and the press talk about it.
Every young boy see Volkan as a big champion.
>> Proud. >> Proud.
>> Narrator: Although MMA is growing in Switzerland,
Oezdemir felt that in order to reach the top of the sport,
he needed to relocate to South Florida,
a hub for elite MMA talent.
>> Oezdemir: There was a point where I wasn't earning enough money,
for sure, with the fighting,
and I wasn't able to sustain my family with what I had.
[Ringing]
[Dramatic music]
>> Narrator: Oezdemir's relocation to the United States
allowed him to fully commit to fighting,
and his new home offered the staff and facilities necessary
for him to bring Swiss MMA into the spotlight.
>> Set everything up today, Volkan.
We got a little bit of strength, a lot of conditioning.
Be explosive with these. Give me six.
>> Volkan's kind of a trailblazer for Switzerland,
you know.
There's not a lot of fighters coming from that area.
>> Rolling to our left.
Set, go!
>> Algieri: And there might be more of these.
Seeing how he's coming out here and doing what he needs to do.
He's doing what it takes to be a champion.
>> Coach: Nice and reactive. Everything's off my cue.
Be quick, keep the body nice and tense.
Go!
Nice.
>> Narrator: Once he was able to train full time,
Oezdemir prepared for bigger and better fights...
>> There it is.
>> Narrator: Which eventually meant a call from the UFC,
sooner than expected.
>> Corey Peacock: I was just finishing up a camp with Volkan
to fight for a heavyweight title
on a smaller promotion.
I get a phone call that says, "I have an opportunity
to fight a top ten opponent in the UFC at 205.
React!
Can I make it?
There it is!
One more, that's it!
I have Chris Algieri sitting next to me.
I say, "Chris, can we do it, yes or no?"
Last one.
Keep it there.
Everything there.
>> I said, "Yeah, sure.
We can make it."
>> Anik: The first fighter born in Switzerland
to make this walk to the octagon.
He's certainly proud about it.
>> Narrator: The short notice opportunity would come
against Ovince Saint Preux,
a former title challenger with powerful finishing ability.
>> Anik: Oezdemir's got a little bit of a mean streak here.
>> Stann: This is a high-pace fight.
>> Come on, Volkan, pressure!
Yes, pressure!
>> Narrator: The big stage and top ten opponent
didn't faze the newcomer.
>> Anik: Switzerland is on the UFC map
courtesy of the 27-year-old Volkan Oezdemir.
>> Narrator: Oezdemir had arrived, but the best was
yet to come.
>> Narrator: For UFC light heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir,
relocating from Switzerland to the United States
was a process that began in 2011...
>> Get ready here. Get ready here.
Get him. Get it! Get it! Get it! Good!
>> Narrator: When he was recruited by the newly formed
Blackzilians fight team in South Florida.
>> Hooft: Fight with the hands and sometimes show your knee
a little bit.
Start and bop!
One-two-three!
>> All: Blackzilians!
>> Narrator: When Oezdemir finally made the permanent
stateside journey four years later,
the team had disbanded,
but a core group stayed together
with kickboxing coach Henri Hooft,
whose star pupil Anthony Rumble Johnson,
always needed sparring partners.
>> Joe: That man right there, Henri Hooft
is one of the most talented striking coaches in MMA today.
>> Are you hitting proof?
Take a side step. To the side.
>> Joe: Anthony Johnson is a terrifying force.
>> Evans: When Volkan came in, he came in
as a Anthony Johnson sparring partner.
Five-minute rounds.
Kickboxing.
Then we're gonna do some MMA rounds.
I've seen a lot of guys come and go at that time,
and I'm thinking, "Oh, he'll be just like the rest."
He went in there and he took some good shots.
But what was more important is that he gave some.
And he kept coming back.
One minute!
Watching him work in here, coming in day after day,
I can see in his mind,
he had the utmost confidence in his hands.
Time!
Alright, guys, MMA rounds one.
MMA rounds in.
I want to start him on the fence and work off the ground,
in a frustrated position, okay.
>> I was always knew I was there with them.
You know, it just I didn't have the opportunity.
>> Punch him there, Volkan.
Punch him!
>> Sparring with all those big guys, big names.
It was tough, but I think that's what built me up too.
>> I want you to move, okay.
>> Narrator: Before he entered the UFC...
>> Announcer: Volkan Oezdemir!
>> Narrator: Oezdemir had finished 10 of his 12 victories
in the very first round, 9 by way of knockout.
>> Stann: Oezdemir coming out very aggressive.
>> Narrator: And after a short notice decision victory
in his UFC debut,
it was time to translate that early career success
to the big stage.
>> John Gooden: From Switzerland, but fighting out of
Florida, USA,
that is Volkan Oezdemir.
This man wants to be the prospect of 2017.
He is fast on his way to becoming that.
>> Dan Hardy: Oh, Cirkunov went down!
He's down!
Wow!
>> The end comes officially 28 seconds, round number one.
>> Oezdemir: I was end of my fight, really quick knockout.
And people were telling me it was the level of competition,
but in the UFC, the same stuff happen.
>> Joe: He's a talented guy
and this is a really interesting fight to get things started.
He's a very good striker.
You see him use a lot of traditional martial arts skills,
kicks on the outside, very good punches as well.
He's fighting a guy that a lot of people avoid in Jimi Manuwa.
Jimi Manuwa is a scary man and gets scarier every day.
>> Referee: Fighter, you ready?
Fight!
>> Anik: Number three vs number five
in this UFC light heavyweight division.
>> Joe: Oh, he hurt him! >> Dominick Cruz: Huge punches!
>> Joe: Oezdemir hurt him!
>> Cruz: Awesome! >> Anik: Oh!
Oezdemir pushes Manuwa down, he's out!
Volkan Oezdemir does it again!
You gotta be kidding me!
>> Buffer: At 42 seconds of the very first round:
by knockout...
>> Joe: You are now 3-0 in the octagon
against world class competition.
>> I don't know what's happening in my hands,
but that's dynamite!
>> Narrator: With the division's contenders laid to waste,
Oezdemir has earned a shot
against light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier,
who resumes training camp at the American Kickboxing Academy,
where he fills one of the most gratifying leadership roles
he has ever held.
>> Outside!
Backwards.
All the titles in the world--
Grab somebody!
Hand fight him!
Olympic team captain
and the captain of the American Kickboxing Academy,
those are two that I hold very dear to my heart
because you're chosen by your peers.
For the guys to feel confident that I will represent this team
and be the type of leader that they can call captain...
Guys!
Get some water and be ready to go.
Two groups.
I'm very proud of it.
Alright guys, let's go!
Go!
>> Narrator: The team captain leads by example,
and the grueling output required
to survive Cormier's wrestling practice
will prepare the champ to counteract
Oezdemir's extraordinary knockout power at UFC 220.
>> Cormier: The worst thing to happen to him was
getting those fast knockouts,
because he won't be ready
for what's next when it doesn't happen.
Can Volkan go through the grind?
>> No.
>> Volkan can't go through the grind, can he?
So, what else, Volkan?
What happens when you don't knock me out,
and I'm constantly pursuing you?
If you can't outwork me, Volkan,
you can't compete against me, Volkan.
And I'm throwing you down.
And I'm pushing you against the fence.
Volkcan't win the fight against me.
Volkcan't win the fight against me.
And I'm just making you work for 25 straight minutes,
what next?
Push ups!
Two, three, four, five.
He just does not know what he's in store for.
One, two, three.
One, two.
One. Walk.
>> Narrator: UFC light heavyweight title challenger
Volkan Oezdemir
boasts an extensive resume of first round knockouts,
but a mixed martial artist at the highest level
must be dangerous in more areas than one.
>> Jog! Jog! Jog!
Roll back, sprawl, shoot.
Roll back, sprawl, shoot.
Yes!
>> Narrator: In preparation for his championship bout
with Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier,
the Swiss light heavyweight fine tunes his grappling
with coach Mario Sperry, and an army of training partners.
>> When he stands again, I stand, or look.
I always end up in the same position.
I fed him my submission.
Here in US and especially in Florida,
we have outstanding opportunity to train
with different wrestlers, jiu-jitsu fighters.
So I think it's a very good environment
for him to develop his skills.
First, control.
Then submission.
Prepare!
Go!
Yeah, move! Move! Move!
Good job, Volkan!
Move! Move! Move!
Nice! Nice, Volkan!
Nice, Volkan.
Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!
>> Oezdemir: I'm training every area of the game
and wrestling right now is a little bit more focus
because of Cormier wrestling pedigree.
>> Go! Keep going! Keep going! Keep going! Keep going! Yes!
>> He's a two-time Olympian and that's why I need to get ready
for the worst spot I can end up.
>> Yes! That's it!
You're the boss!
You're the boss!
Go!
Take him down, come on! Nice!
Get the position! Get the position!
>> Oezdemir: He can try to do whatever he wants.
I'm gonna be there strong, and I'm gonna impose my will.
>> Time!
>> Narrator: Oezdemir's preparation is intelligent game planning,
but Daniel Cormier knows the difference
between gym mats and the Octagon floor.
>> Cormier: It's easy to watch from afar and think that,
"Oh, I can apply this and do this and do that."
But it's not as simple when that cage door closes.
I'm gonna smash this dude.
>> Narrator: The light heavyweight champion draws
confidence from experience...
>> There you go.
>> Narrator: And stays ready for everything the challenger will bring.
>> Ooh.
>> If I wanted to, I can wrestle him, I can grapple him.
If I don't, I'll stand with him.
There's no part of me that's afraid of Volkan Oezdemir,
any way, shape, or form.
>> That's it.
DC is a different animal.
He's got great boxing.
For a guy who came from a wrestling background.
That's it.
He touched his last few opponents pretty well.
>> Cruz: Big punches landed by DC.
>> Anik: Oh!
>> Joe: Beautiful left hook.
And a right hand over the top by DC.
>> Cruz: It's a different Daniel Cormier right now.
>> Joe: Oh! He caught him!
[Grunting]
>> Narrator: UFC 220 is just around the corner.
And when number one contender Francis Ngannou
challenges champion Stipe Miocic
for the world heavyweight title
both know that one punch could be the difference
between victory, and defeat.
>> Anik: Francis Ngannou has arrived!
>> Reporter: Francis, do you think that Stipe is going to be
willing to stand and trade hands with you,
or do you feel like he's gonna go to wrestling right away?
>> Joe: Oh!
That's what we were talking about, ladies and gentlemen.
>> He can have all they hype he wants.
I'm gonna do what I do and keep winning.
>> Anik: The path to the UFC heavyweight title
still goes through Cleveland, Ohio!
>> Narrator: As Miocic aims to set the division's
title defense record,
the light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier aims to dispatch
another dangerous contender,
whose confidence and heavy hands pose a familiar threat.
>> Anik: Oh! Oezdemir pushes Manuwa down!
He's out!
>> Joe: Wow!
>> Anik: Volkan Oezdemir does it again!
You gotta be kidding me!
>> Cormier: So many guys go into the fight with the idea
that they're just gonna get me outta there.
But what happens after five minutes of them
still pressing you?
They turn over.
They present their neck.
>> Joe: He's under the neck.
Oh, my goodness.
>> Cormier: And they tap out.
>> Anik: Daniel Cormier has done it!
>> Cormier: And that's about to happen to Volkan Oezdemir.
>> Oezdemir: I got heart, man.
It's not gonna be that easy.
All my fights were so fast and you're not gonna be different.
>> Narrator: For these larger than life warriors,
two UFC world titles will be on the line,
when heavy hands collide in title town.
[Cheering]
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