Francis Ngannou, known for his ferocious knockout power and inspiring life story, has made a significant mark in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). His journey from a small village in Cameroon to becoming one of the most feared heavyweight fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has captivated fans around the globe. But the question remains: Is Francis Ngannou currently a champion? In this article, we will examine Ngannou’s career, his championship achievements, and his current status in the combat sports world.
Early Life and Background
Born on September 5, 1986, in Batié, Cameroon, Francis Ngannou grew up in a challenging environment, facing extreme poverty. He began working in a sand quarry at the age of 10 to support his family. Despite these hardships, he dreamed of becoming a professional boxer, a dream that would eventually evolve into a career in mixed martial arts.
At the age of 26, Ngannou left Cameroon to pursue his ambitions in Europe. After a grueling journey, he arrived in Paris, France, where he faced homelessness before finding a gym that introduced him to MMA. With hard work and dedication, Ngannou began training and quickly climbed the ranks in the sport.
Ngannou’s Rise in the UFC
Francis Ngannou made his UFC debut in December 2015, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. His extraordinary knockout power and physical presence made him a feared opponent, and he rapidly gained attention with a series of first-round finishes.
Notable Wins Leading to His Title Shot
- Andrei Arlovski (January 2017): Ngannou’s victory over former heavyweight champion Arlovski by first-round TKO solidified his position as a top contender.
- Alistair Overeem (December 2017): In one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history, Ngannou delivered a brutal uppercut that left Overeem unconscious, earning him a title shot against then-heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
The First Attempt at the UFC Heavyweight Championship
In January 2018, Ngannou faced Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 220. Although he was widely considered the favorite due to his knockout power, Miocic’s superior wrestling and experience prevailed, and Ngannou lost via unanimous decision. This defeat highlighted Ngannou’s need to improve his grappling skills and stamina, as he struggled to defend against Miocic’s takedowns.
Following this loss, Ngannou faced Derrick Lewis in July 2018, where he suffered another setback in a lackluster fight that ended in a unanimous decision loss. These consecutive defeats were a turning point in his career, leading him to reassess his training and mindset.
The Road to Redemption
Ngannou bounced back from these losses with a series of spectacular knockout victories:
- Curtis Blaydes (November 2018): He won via first-round TKO, proving that his confidence was back.
- Cain Velasquez (February 2019): Ngannou defeated the former champion with a 26-second knockout.
- Junior dos Santos (June 2019): Another first-round TKO victory showcased his continued dominance.
- Jairzinho Rozenstruik (May 2020): Ngannou knocked out Rozenstruik in just 20 seconds, earning another shot at the title.
Becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion
In March 2021, Francis Ngannou faced Stipe Miocic once again at UFC 260, seeking to avenge his earlier loss and claim the UFC Heavyweight Championship. This time, Ngannou demonstrated significant improvements in his wrestling defense and patience. In the second round, he delivered a powerful left hook, knocking out Miocic and securing the heavyweight title. The victory was a culmination of years of hard work, making him the first Cameroonian to win a UFC championship.
Ngannou’s Title Defense
Ngannou’s first title defense came against Cyril Gane in January 2022 at UFC 270. Gane, an undefeated French fighter, posed a unique challenge due to his technical striking and movement. Despite entering the fight with a knee injury, Ngannou showed his evolution as a mixed martial artist by utilizing his grappling skills to control Gane and win via unanimous decision. This victory marked Ngannou’s successful first title defense and solidified his status as the reigning champion.
Contract Dispute and Departure from the UFC
After defending his title, Ngannou entered a period of contract negotiations with the UFC that became contentious. He sought more favorable terms, including higher pay and the ability to engage in boxing matches alongside his UFC career. However, negotiations did not reach a favorable outcome, leading to Ngannou’s departure from the organization in early 2023. Consequently, he was stripped of the UFC Heavyweight Championship, leaving him without a title in the UFC.
Transition to Professional Boxing and Current Status
Following his departure from the UFC, Ngannou pursued a career in professional boxing, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration. He signed a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for future MMA bouts and also secured a high-profile boxing match against heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, scheduled for October 28, 2023. The bout against Fury is considered a major step in Ngannou’s quest to establish himself in boxing.
While Francis Ngannou is no longer the UFC Heavyweight Champion, his fighting spirit and achievements continue to resonate in the combat sports world. As of now, he does not hold an MMA championship title but remains a prominent figure with opportunities to capture titles in both boxing and MMA in the future.
What’s Next for Francis Ngannou?
- Boxing Against Tyson Fury: The outcome of his boxing match with Tyson Fury could potentially open more doors in professional boxing. A victory would elevate Ngannou’s profile and possibly lead to more high-profile boxing bouts.
- Return to MMA with PFL: With his deal in place, Ngannou is set to compete in MMA under the PFL banner in 2024. There is speculation that he could aim for the PFL heavyweight championship, which would make him a champion in a new organization.
- Pursuing Multiple Combat Sports Titles: If Ngannou succeeds in both boxing and MMA, he could become one of the few fighters to hold titles in different combat sports, further cementing his legacy.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion who captured the title in 2021 and defended it successfully in 2022. While he is not currently a champion in any organization following his departure from the UFC, his journey is far from over. His upcoming ventures in boxing and MMA indicate that he remains driven to reclaim championship status in the world of combat sports.
Ngannou’s story continues to inspire as he pursues new challenges and opportunities. Whether in the boxing ring or the MMA cage, the “Predator” still has the potential to become a champion once again and solidify his legacy as one of the most dominant fighters in history.
