Francis Ngannou News

Justin Golightly - December 30, 2017

Stipe Miocic is about to step into the Octagon with a force that the UFC is hyping more than any other heavyweight since Brock Lesnar. After a devastating knockout of Alistair Overeem, the promotional power seems to be warranted. The UFC has found the beast it has been looking for and they needed it, especially with Cain Velasquez being out and Miocic beating everyone else. Perhaps this is the reason why Miocic just doesn’t seem intimidated by Francis Ngannou. That and the fact he runs into burning buildings when he’s not fighting the Earth’s baddest men. “This is what I signed up for. Why would I be intimidated by another man? Good for [Francis Ngannou]. Let him get all the hype he wants. I’m going to do what I do and keep winning.” Francis is an amazing fighter. Him starting in so fast. He’s got great power, he’s very athletic. He’s a big heavyweight. He’s definitely showing it and that’s why he’s here. I think everyone [wants to see another knockout by Ngannou] but that ain’t gonna happen. He can do it to someone else, but it ain’t gonna happen to me. I’m the underdog. What do you expect? That’s what the betting line says, right? But I like being underdog because I shut people up.” — Stipe Miocic at the UFC 220 press conference.

Chris Taylor - December 23, 2017

Stipe Miocic receives some NFL support prior to his UFC 220 title fight with Francis Ngannou. UFC heavyweight champion of the world Stipe Miocic will attempt to make his third consecutive title defense at January’s UFC 220 event in Boston when he squares off with surging division contender Francis Ngannou.

Drake Riggs - December 22, 2017

A pretty odd pairing to say the least! Strange enough alone just considering the difference in weight with Francis Ngannou being a Heavyweight and Uriah Hall a Middleweight. It’s especially odd when considering how different each’s styles are compared to that of their upcoming opponents. But hey, sparring is sparring and surely not many are too willing to spar with Ngannou these days. But damn, would you just look at the big man move!

Justin Golightly - December 21, 2017

Francis Ngannou is one fight away from fulfilling the prophecies of being the next big thing. He’s scheduled to fight Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title in Boston on January 20th. Coincidentally, on the same card as Daniel Cormier’s title defense against Volkan Oezdemir. Aside from one loss and one no contest to Jon Jones, DC is perfect in his career, both at light heavyweight and heavyweight. As his career reaches its peak and cuts get harder, Cormier could go back up to heavyweight to end his career with a bang. This could set up one of the biggest fights in UFC history. “It would be the most amazing thing in the world [to challenge the UFC heavyweight champion as my final fight], but that would take some thinking, some talking and a real solid plan to try to get back to the type of weight that I would need to compete against [Stipe Miocic or Francis Ngannou]. Because, again, I’m not going in there to lose and say I gave it my best shot. If I go in there with Miocic or Ngannou, I’m going to win. That’s just who I am. So that would just be me and my team really coming up with a solid plan on how I’m going to get up to a healthy, strong, 245, 235, 240 pounds to go and fight those dudes.”

Justin Golightly - December 13, 2017

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. All finishes. Everyone Francis Ngannou has tested his record-breaking power on has not been able to take it. The latest victory over former K-1 grand prix champion Alistair Overeem, earned the surging contender the biggest fight of his career. At UFC 220 in Boston early next year, he will fight Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title. The full-time firefighter isn’t phases though. He spoke to Joe Rogan today about the match-up and claims no one — not even Ngannou — will take the belt from him. “I think [Francis Ngannou]’s a great fighter, you know? Definitely. He brings it. He hits hard. Unfortunately, nothing’s going to change. I’m walking out with the belt still wrapped around my waist. I’m excited for him. You know, he’s getting a shot, but as long as I’m here no one’s going to be the champ. His power I guess, [stands out] but I think everyone hits hard in the heavyweight division. A 260-pound man, 250-pound man — you’re not supposed to be hit by something like that. I fought [Junior dos Santos]. I fought Roy Nelson. I fought Mark Hunt. I mean, I fought guys who threw hard. He’s a little wild, too. That’s tough. Sometimes you can’t prepare for that because there are punches you don’t see.”

Justin Golightly - December 12, 2017

He did it. Francis Ngannou held all of his hype on his shoulders and knocked out Alistair Overeem. Still, the people say what’s next? Stipe Miocic is what is next. Ngannou is one of the quickest catapults to the #1 contender in UFC history, allowing him to challenge Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title. Meanwhile, Fabricio Werdum looms just around the corner. He predicts that the rising heavyweight will indeed capture the title, only to lose it to him in his next fight. “[Francis] Ngannou has a lot of power, but I don’t think he’s very technical. However, I still believe he’ll surprise [Stipe] Miocic and knock him out. They both enjoy trading shots, so if Miocic doesn’t have the right strategy, that big black guy will knock him out. Ngannou is very confident and that can make a difference, if he really connects, you’re going down, as we saw with [Alistair] Overeem. I can already see myself submitting [Ngannou], though, and becoming champion again. That’s my goal, to have a third belt on my wall and I really do believe it’ll happen. I’m sure I’m next. I’ll be waiting for him in April or so.”

Russell Ess - December 9, 2017

It’s on! The UFC announced late Saturday that UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will meet Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 on January 20 in Boston at the at the TD Garden.

Justin Golightly - December 7, 2017

The kind of hype train that Francis Ngannou and the UFC has created hasn’t been seen in quite some time. It’s not even just a train anymore, we’ve got hype planes, trains and automobiles here. Whether proven or not, it doesn’t even matter, the only thing that can slow all this momentum now is Stipe Miocic in January. With their fight in almost a month to the day, Ngannou has now been elevated to the very top of the heavyweight heap. Less than 2 years in the UFC!@Francis_Ngannou is now your number one ranked heavyweight! 🇨🇲🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/90uyL74xgH

Russell Ess - December 6, 2017

According to UFC commentator Joe Rogan, we could be seeing a resurgence of days similar to the likes of when “Iron” Mike Tyson was the most feared man to step into the ring with. Over the weekend at UFC 218, rising heavyweight star Francis Ngannou put together a highlight reel knockout over the always dangerous Alistair Overeem. With the win, Ngannou has earned a shot at the UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and the two are reportedly being targeted to fight at UFC 220 in January.

Russell Ess - December 6, 2017

The last time we saw a UFC heavyweight title fight was back in May when champion Stipe Miocic successfully defended his belt against Junior dos Santos. In doing so, Miocic scored another first-round finish and avenged a 2014 decision loss to dos Santos. With Francis Ngannou’s insane highlight knockout over Alistair Overeem that took place over the weekend at UFC 218, the rising heavyweight knockout specialist has earned a shot against Miocic.

Tom Taylor - December 6, 2017

Francis Ngannou, a French-Cameroonian juggernaut with c-4 packed into each of his gloves, is now the top contender in the UFC heavyweight division. He is expected to take on the promotion’s heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic some time in the near future – perhaps as soon as UFC 220 this January in Boston. Whenever this massive heavyweight title fight occurs, Ngannou’s striking coach Dewey Cooper – a former boxer and kickboxer – assures his student will be ready.

Justin Golightly - December 6, 2017

We are all still catching our breath from UFC 218 as we land in the middle of yet another fight week. That Detroit card is one of those line-ups of fights where you lose your voice from screaming and your legs are sore the next day from jumping on and off the couch reacting to the action. Nothing can compare to the undisputed king of reactions, Joey Diaz though. On Sunday, Diaz took to Periscope to give his reaction to the fight and it didn’t disappoint. You may want to make sure there are no children in the room when you blast this spirited review. “The fights were tremendous last night. I just want to give my f-cking shout out to my man Mr. [Eddie] Alvarez. I didn’t think he could do it, but he f-cking did it. That Jason Strahan [Justin Gaethje] dude is the f-cking – what’s his name? Jason Gadahoop, whatever – He’s a f-cking savage with heart. [Alistair] Overeem? That Magoomba – whatever his name is – Ngaio? Let me tell you something, I don’t even want [Francis Ngannou] blowing out the candles at my birthday party. Next thing you know, the cake is all over the f-cking place, you follow me?”

Tom Taylor - December 5, 2017

Though the fight itself is not confirmed just yet, the early odds for UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic’s fight with surging contender Francis Ngannou have been released – and they’re pretty surprising. Though Stipe Miocic has already established himself as one of the most impressive heavyweight champions in UFC history, he has actually opened as the underdog against the streaking Francis Ngannou.

Tom Taylor - December 4, 2017

Last Saturday night, in the co-main event of the action-packed UFC 218, surging French-Cameroonian heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou picked up the biggest win of his career thus far, punching Alistair Overeem’s head into stratosphere with a rocket-fuelled uppercut. With this absolutely destructive victory, the surging heavyweight juggernaut seems to have positioned himself for a fight with dominant UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. Miocic, who is reported to have squashed his contract issues with the UFC, was evidently watching Ngannou’s fight with Overeem. And while Ngannou might just be the most fearsome challenger of his title reign thus far, he doesn’t seem too worried about it. At least, that’s the impression one of his recent Twitter posts gave.

Russell Ess - December 3, 2017

Francis Ngannou delivered one of the most memorable one punch knockouts last night at UFC 218 against the always dangerous Alistair Overeem. Despite sending Overeem to the canvas in a state of unconsciousness, Ngannou was not awarded with a “Performance of the Night” bonus. White announced two “Fight of the Night” bonuses that went to the amazing fights featuring Eddie Alvarez vs. Justin Gaethje and Yancy Medeiros vs. Alex Oliveira.

Tom Taylor - December 3, 2017

Last night, in the co-main event of the stacked UFC 218, surging French heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou picked up the best win of his career thus far, knocking out the always dangerous Alistair Overeem in the very first round. With this win, the streaking contender seems to have set himself up for a shot at UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. Speaking to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter post-fight, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Ngannou will get the next shot at the belt, and suggested that the fight could headline UFC 220 this January 20 in Boston.

Chris Taylor - December 2, 2017

Alistair Overeem issues statement following brutal KO loss to Francis Ngannou. The former Strikeforce and Dream heavyweight champion, Overeem, squared off with dangerous knockout artist Francis Ngannou in the co-main event of tonight’s UFC 218 fight card in Detroit, Michigan.

Chris Taylor - December 2, 2017

Former Strikeforce and Dream heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem took on surging division contender Francis Ngannou in the co-main event of tonight’s UFC 218 fight card in Detroit. As expected with two heavyweight knockout artists in the cage, the fight did not last long as “The Predator” was able to catch “The Demolition Man” with a crushing left hook that sent Overeem crashing to the canvas.