Cain Velasquez vs. Francis Ngannou Set for UFC on ESPN 1

The first UFC event on ESPN finally has its main event. At heavyweight, former champion Cain Velasquez will meet former heavyweight title contender Francis Ngannou. You can check out UFC’s announcement on Twitter for the match-up below.

The upcoming event is set for February 2019. It will be broadcast live on ESPN. This will mark UFC’s first event on the network in history.

This will be Cain Velasquez’s first fight after a hiatus that will have lasted for more than two-and-a-half years. He last fought at UFC 200 in July 2016, beating Travis Browne by knockout in the first round. Velasquez has not stepped into the Octagon since that fight.

Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou was able to bounce back from a two-fight losing streak after knocking out Curtis Blaydes in the first round at UFC Fight Night 141, which was held last month. This fight is a potential opportunity for both men to quickly re-enter the heavyweight title picture. Additionally, reigning UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, a close friend and training partner for Velasquez, previously announced plans to retire and leave the sport after he turns 40, which would be March 2019.

UFC on ESPN 1 is set for February 17 at the Talking Stick Resort Arena. The event will be held in Phoenix, Arizona. The card will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Velasquez is BACK!@CainMMA returns to face @Francis_Ngannou in the main event at #UFCPhoenix Feb. 17 on @ESPN! pic.twitter.com/TUsrLNc6r5

— UFC (@ufc) December 26, 2018