FRANCIS Ngannou is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and is considered one of the best in his sport.
Here is everything you need to know about the man who is set to make his boxing debut against Tyson Fury on October 28, 2023.
Francis is set to take on Tyson Fury.Getty Images – Getty
Who is Francis Ngannou?
Francis Zavier Ngannou was born on September 5, 1986, in Batie, Cameroon.
He lived in poverty and had little formal education growing up.
His parents divorced when he was six, leading him to be sent to live with his aunt.
He got his first job at the age of 10 working in a sand quarry due to the family’s lack of money.
Ngannou was approached by several gangs in his village to join them.
However, he refused using his father’s negative reputation as a street fighter to do something positive, leading him to pursue boxing .
Despite his family’s reservations, Ngannou began training in boxing at the age of 22.
He later decided to train in Paris but was jailed for two months in Spain for illegally crossing the border.
Upon reaching Paris he was homeless, had no cash, and no friends.
He later met Francis Carmont who introduced him to Fernand Lopez and the MMA factory.
Fernand managed to persuade him to try MMA and allowed Francis to train and sleep at the gym at no cost.
Why did Francis Ngannou leave the UFC?
Ngannou made his UFC debut in December 2015, but departed as world champion in January 2023.
He stated he wanted “freedom” and not money which led to his UFC departure.
He stated: “It doesn’t matter how much [money] is in that contract, I am not free.
“I have no power. I hand all the power over to you guys [the UFC] and I don’t want that to happen.
“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 had previously tried to negotiate a deal with the UFC where they would provide health insurance for all of its fighters.
The deal also included having their own sponsorship deals , but the terms were rejected during contract negotiations.
Ngannou reflected on this stating: “I can pay my health insurance but some of the fighters can’t.
“This is very important, dignity and freedom.
“I need freedom and to control my destiny, not have people control it for me.”
After quitting the UFC ended his reign as heavyweight champion.
What is Francis Ngannou’s record?
Ngannou has been the UFC Heavyweight Champion and managed to successfully defend his title once.
He is the first Cameroon UFC champion.
He’s won Performance of the Night six times and has a world record for the hardest punch.
He has won Knockout of the Year seven times.
Ngannou’s MMA record is:
12 wins by knockout.Four wins by submission.One win by decision.Three losses by decision.
His first boxing match will be against Tyson Fury in an exhibition match on October 28, 2023.
It will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What is Francis Ngannou’s net worth?
GiveMeSport predicts that Ngannou’s net worth is about $3million (£2.33million).
This has risen from $1.2 million (£93,000) in 2022.
It is unknown how much money he earns from endorsements but according to GiveMeSport is sponsored by:
CBD Research Labs Cryo Pain ReliefGym King Fight Division The Fight Game.
How much will Francis Ngannou earn from his clash against Tyson Fury?
Ngannou is set to pocket more money than ever for his fight against Tyson Fury.
Speaking on that, his manager Martin told MMA journalist Ariel Helwani: “The bag is so big, he may just drop it on the way to the bank, let’s just say that.
“I don’t know what the haters are trying to say right now, but they’ll be proven wrong again, this is life-changing.
“This is exactly what we planned and visualised, so we’re happy.”
Martin also confirmed that Ngannou will be earning more than he did in all 14 of his UFC fights combined.
In Ngannou’s final fight with the organisation, he only took home £440,000.
Meanwhile, Fury’s last fight which was against Derek Chisora saw him pocket £20 million.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
