Francis Ngannou is a well-established professional mixed martial artist and professional mixed martial artist. Known for his devastating punching power, Ngannou witnessed a meteoric rise in over a decade-long professional mixed martial arts career.
Francis Ngannou was welcomed inside the octagon by Luis Henrique at UFC on Fox: Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 on December 19, 2015. He defeated Henrique in the first round by a knockout to propel himself forward in the promotion. Francis Ngannou climbed the ladder in the heavyweight division and went on to become the champion in the division by defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 on March 27, 2021.
Francis Ngannou's UFC Exit
Francis Ngannou left UFC right after defending his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 on January 22, 2022, due to differences with UFC President Dana White. On January 14, 2023, UFC stripped him of his heavyweight belt, and after turning a free agent, he signed with PFL. In one of his interviews with Ariel Helwani after his exit, Ngannou mentioned in an interview with BBC that it wasn't just about money but his freedom, which prompted him to part ways with the promotion.
"It doesn't matter how much [money] is in that contract, I am not free."
He further added:
"I really wished it could work out, I always saw myself in the UFC. But it's a matter of principle. Money is a part of it but its not all about money."
Francis Ngannou's Championship Reign
Francis Ngannou became the UFC heavyweight champion on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260. He took on the champion, Stipe Miocic, in the bout and won the fight by a second-round knockout. Ngannou defended the championship successfully against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 by defeating him by a unanimous decision. His reign ended when his contract couldn't be renewed with the UFC and the organization stripped him of the championship on January 14, 2023. Ngannou later signed with the PFL in 2023 and will make his first appearance in the organization on October 19, 2024, in a heavyweight bout against Renan Ferreira.
FAQs on Francis Ngannou's UFC
A. No, he has left the promotion in 2024.
A. Francis Ngannou fights in the PFL as of October 2024.
A. No, he was stripped by the UFC on January 14, 2023.
A. Francis Ngannou will face Renan Ferreira in his upcoming fight.
A. Francis Ngannou fights in the heavyweight division.
