MMA fighter Francis Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion who is currently signed to the Professional Fighters League’s ‘Super Fight’ division. Known as the Predator, he began his MMA career in 2013, first appearing in the 100% Fight promotion in France.
After four bouts and a record of 3-1, Ngannou appeared in the Strength & Honor Championship (SHC) promotion in Switzerland and the KHK MMA Tryouts in Bahrain before heading to the United States to fight in the world’s premier MMA promotion, the UFC.
Ngannou took the UFC heavyweight division by storm, winning his first six fights via stoppage. These included four first round finishes including back-to-back first round knockout wins over legendary heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Alistair Overeem. But luck ran out on the Predator as he lost back-to-back fights against Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis.
Francis rebounded with four consecutive first round knockout wins to earn a shot at the UFC heavyweight title which was then held by Miocic. In a rematch, Ngannou stopped Miocic in the second round of the UFC 260 main event to become champion. He went on to successfully defend the belt against Cyril Gane at UFC 270. After beating Gane, Ngannou improved his professional MMA record to 17-3 with 12 knockouts and four victories by way of submission.
After Ngannou fought out his contract with the UFC, he signed with the PFL and has since fought two professional boxing bouts. He lost via split decision to lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last October and was knocked out by former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua last month. Ngannou has a professional boxing record of 0-2.