Francis Ngannou's UFC Fights: A Complete History

Hey guys! Ever wondered about the journey of Francis Ngannou in the UFC? From his explosive debut to becoming the heavyweight champion, it’s been a wild ride. Let's dive into a detailed look at each of his UFC fights, highlighting the key moments, strategies, and outcomes that defined his career. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this comprehensive overview will give you a solid understanding of Ngannou's path to the top.

Early UFC Career: Knockout Artist Emerges

Francis Ngannou made his UFC debut on December 19, 2015, against Luis Henrique at UFC on Fox 17. Right from the start, Ngannou showcased his incredible power and ferocious striking ability. He secured a knockout victory in the second round, announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. This fight was a clear indication of what was to come – a series of spectacular finishes that would captivate audiences worldwide. His raw power and intimidating presence quickly made him a fighter to watch.

Following his debut, Ngannou faced Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night 86 on April 10, 2016. This fight further solidified his reputation as a knockout artist. Ngannou's relentless pressure and devastating strikes led to a doctor's stoppage between the second and third rounds, marking another significant win on his record. Blaydes, known for his wrestling prowess, couldn't withstand Ngannou's striking, highlighting the Cameroonian's ability to neutralize different fighting styles. The victory over Blaydes propelled Ngannou further up the heavyweight ranks.

Ngannou continued his ascent with a fight against Bojan Mihajlović at UFC on Fox 20 on July 23, 2016. This match was another showcase of Ngannou's brutal efficiency, ending in a first-round TKO victory. Mihajlović simply couldn't handle Ngannou's overwhelming power and aggression, adding another impressive finish to Ngannou's growing highlight reel. Each fight demonstrated Ngannou's improving technique and tactical approach, making him an increasingly dangerous opponent. Fans and analysts began to see him as a potential future champion.

The streak continued as Ngannou faced Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night 102 on December 9, 2016. This fight was perhaps one of his most memorable early performances, ending with a unique first-round kimura submission. While Ngannou is primarily known for his striking, this win demonstrated his well-rounded skill set and ability to finish fights in unexpected ways. Hamilton, a seasoned veteran, was caught off guard by Ngannou's grappling, further cementing Ngannou's status as a versatile and unpredictable fighter. This victory added another layer to his persona, showing he was more than just a one-dimensional power puncher.

His early UFC career was marked by these impressive wins, each highlighting different facets of his fighting ability. The knockouts, the technical knockouts, and even a submission win showcased his potential and set the stage for bigger challenges ahead. These initial fights were crucial in building his confidence and experience, preparing him for the higher echelons of the heavyweight division. The momentum from these victories propelled him into title contention, setting up a highly anticipated clash with one of the division’s top contenders.

Stepping Up: Title Contender Series

As Francis Ngannou climbed the ranks, his fights became more challenging and significant. A pivotal moment was his bout against Andrei Arlovski at UFC on Fox 23 on January 28, 2017. Arlovski, a former UFC heavyweight champion, presented a significant step up in competition. However, Ngannou dispatched him quickly, securing a first-round TKO victory. This win not only added another former champion to his list of defeated opponents but also cemented his status as a legitimate title contender. The speed and power with which Ngannou finished Arlovski sent a clear message to the rest of the division: he was ready for the belt.

Following the Arlovski victory, Ngannou faced Alistair Overeem at UFC 218 on December 2, 2017. This fight is arguably one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history. Ngannou's devastating left uppercut sent Overeem crashing to the canvas, leaving fans and analysts in awe. The KO was so brutal that it immediately went viral, transcending the sport itself. This victory not only earned him a title shot but also solidified his reputation as the scariest man in MMA. The sheer force and precision of the knockout highlighted Ngannou's unparalleled power and ability to end fights in an instant.

These fights were critical in establishing Ngannou as a top contender. Facing seasoned veterans and former champions like Arlovski and Overeem tested his skills and resolve. Each victory demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome challenges, proving that he was not just a one-hit-wonder. The Overeem knockout, in particular, elevated his status to superstar level, making him a household name in the MMA world. The anticipation for his upcoming title fight reached fever pitch, with fans eager to see if he could capture the heavyweight crown.

Ngannou’s journey through the title contender series was marked by explosive performances and dominant victories. He showcased not only his physical attributes but also his mental toughness and strategic growth. These fights were essential in shaping him into the fighter he would become – a calculated and devastating force in the heavyweight division. As he prepared for his first title shot, he carried the momentum and confidence gained from these crucial wins, ready to challenge for the ultimate prize.

First Title Shot and Subsequent Bouts

The culmination of Francis Ngannou's early success led to his first title shot against Stipe Miocic at UFC 220 on January 20, 2018. This fight, however, did not go as planned. Miocic, known for his well-rounded skills and tactical approach, weathered Ngannou's early storm and then outmaneuvered him over five rounds. Miocic's superior wrestling and cardio were key to his victory, exposing some vulnerabilities in Ngannou's game. This loss was a humbling experience for Ngannou, forcing him to reassess his training and strategy. Despite the defeat, the fight provided valuable lessons and highlighted areas for improvement.

Following the loss to Miocic, Ngannou faced Derrick Lewis at UFC 226 on July 7, 2018. This fight was highly anticipated due to the explosive power of both fighters, but it turned out to be one of the most uneventful bouts in UFC history. Both fighters were hesitant to engage, resulting in a lackluster performance that was heavily criticized by fans and analysts. Ngannou later admitted that he was mentally affected by the loss to Miocic, which contributed to his cautious approach in this fight. The bout against Lewis served as another learning experience, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation and strategic adaptability.

After these setbacks, Ngannou bounced back with a renewed focus and determination. He faced Curtis Blaydes in a rematch at UFC Fight Night 141 on November 24, 2018. This time, Ngannou left no doubt, securing a quick TKO victory in just 45 seconds. The rematch showcased his improved striking accuracy and aggression, demonstrating that he had learned from his previous mistakes. The win over Blaydes was a significant step in rebuilding his confidence and re-establishing himself as a top contender in the heavyweight division.

Ngannou continued his resurgence with a fight against Cain Velasquez at UFC on ESPN 1 on February 17, 2019. Velasquez, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, was considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. However, Ngannou dispatched him quickly, winning by TKO in just 26 seconds. This victory was a statement win, proving that Ngannou was back to his devastating best. The speed and power with which he finished Velasquez sent a clear message to the rest of the division: he was a force to be reckoned with once again.

These fights after his first title shot were crucial in shaping Ngannou's career. The loss to Miocic and the disappointing performance against Lewis forced him to evolve as a fighter. The subsequent wins over Blaydes and Velasquez demonstrated his growth and resilience, setting the stage for another title run. He had learned from his mistakes and emerged stronger, both mentally and physically. The journey back to title contention was a testament to his dedication and perseverance, proving that he was capable of overcoming adversity and reaching the pinnacle of the sport.

The Road Back to the Title

Francis Ngannou's journey back to title contention was marked by a series of impressive victories that showcased his evolving skill set and renewed focus. Following his win over Cain Velasquez, Ngannou faced Junior dos Santos at UFC on ESPN 3 on June 29, 2019. Dos Santos, a former UFC heavyweight champion, presented another significant challenge, but Ngannou secured a TKO victory in the first round. This win further solidified his position as a top contender and demonstrated his ability to consistently finish fights against high-caliber opponents. The efficiency and power with which he dispatched Dos Santos underscored his readiness for another title shot.

Ngannou continued his winning streak with a fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 on May 9, 2020. This fight was one of the shortest and most brutal in UFC history, with Ngannou securing a knockout victory in just 20 seconds. The sheer speed and force of the knockout were a testament to Ngannou's unparalleled power and ability to end fights in an instant. This victory not only added another impressive finish to his record but also cemented his status as the most feared striker in the heavyweight division. Fans and analysts marveled at his ability to generate such devastating power in such a short amount of time.

These victories were crucial in building momentum and confidence as he approached his second title shot. Facing former champions and top contenders like Dos Santos and Rozenstruik tested his skills and resolve. Each win demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome challenges, proving that he was not just a one-dimensional fighter. The Rozenstruik knockout, in particular, highlighted his evolution as a striker, showcasing his improved accuracy and timing. The anticipation for his rematch against Stipe Miocic reached fever pitch, with fans eager to see if he could avenge his previous loss and capture the heavyweight crown.

Ngannou's road back to the title was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He had learned from his past mistakes and emerged as a more complete and dangerous fighter. The wins over Dos Santos and Rozenstruik demonstrated his growth and resilience, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch against Miocic. He carried the momentum and confidence gained from these crucial wins into the title fight, ready to challenge for the ultimate prize and prove that he was the true king of the heavyweight division.

Becoming the Champion: Ngannou vs. Miocic 2

The defining moment of Francis Ngannou's career came at UFC 260 on March 27, 2021, when he faced Stipe Miocic in a rematch for the UFC heavyweight title. This fight was highly anticipated, as it was seen as Ngannou's opportunity to avenge his previous loss and finally capture the championship. Ngannou entered the fight with a clear game plan, utilizing his improved striking technique and strategic patience to counter Miocic's wrestling and grappling. From the opening bell, Ngannou displayed a more composed and calculated approach, carefully selecting his strikes and avoiding the early mistakes that had cost him in their first encounter.

In the second round, Ngannou's patience and preparation paid off. He landed a devastating left hook that dropped Miocic, followed by a series of powerful ground strikes that forced the referee to stop the fight. Ngannou had finally achieved his dream, becoming the UFC heavyweight champion. The victory was a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. It was a moment of immense pride for Ngannou, his family, and his home country of Cameroon. The win over Miocic not only erased the memory of their first fight but also cemented Ngannou's place in UFC history as one of the most dominant and feared heavyweights of all time.

This victory was significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated Ngannou's growth as a fighter. He had learned from his past mistakes and developed a more well-rounded skill set. Second, it showcased his mental toughness and resilience. He had overcome adversity and doubters to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Finally, it solidified his legacy as one of the greatest knockout artists in UFC history. The rematch against Miocic was not just a fight; it was a statement. Ngannou had proven that he was capable of overcoming any challenge and achieving his goals through hard work and determination.

The journey to becoming the champion was a long and arduous one, filled with obstacles and setbacks. However, Ngannou never gave up on his dream. He continued to train, learn, and evolve as a fighter. The victory over Miocic was a testament to his unwavering dedication and belief in himself. As the new UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou inspired countless people around the world with his story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. His reign as champion promised to be an exciting chapter in the history of the heavyweight division, with fans eager to see who would be the next challenger to step into the Octagon with the Predator.

Title Defense and Departure

As the UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou faced another significant challenge in his title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 on January 22, 2022. This fight was particularly intriguing due to Gane's status as a former training partner of Ngannou, adding a layer of familiarity and strategic complexity to the matchup. Ngannou entered the fight with a knee injury that required surgery afterward, which significantly impacted his mobility and striking power. Despite the injury, Ngannou displayed a remarkable level of grit and determination, relying heavily on his wrestling and grappling skills to control the fight.

Ngannou surprised many by utilizing his wrestling to neutralize Gane's striking, securing takedowns and controlling the fight on the ground. This strategic shift demonstrated his adaptability and willingness to evolve as a fighter, even under challenging circumstances. After five hard-fought rounds, Ngannou was declared the winner by unanimous decision, successfully defending his UFC heavyweight title. The victory over Gane was a testament to his resilience, mental toughness, and ability to overcome adversity, solidifying his legacy as a true champion.

Despite the successful title defense, Ngannou's relationship with the UFC became increasingly strained due to contract disputes and disagreements over fighter pay and autonomy. After failing to reach an agreement on a new contract, Ngannou departed from the UFC in January 2023, relinquishing his heavyweight title. His departure marked the end of an era in the UFC heavyweight division and left fans wondering what the future held for both Ngannou and the organization.

Ngannou's decision to leave the UFC was a bold and principled one, driven by his desire to advocate for better treatment and compensation for fighters. He believed that fighters deserved a greater share of the revenue generated by the sport and more control over their careers. His departure sparked a wider conversation about fighter rights and the need for reform in the MMA industry. While his time in the UFC was over, Ngannou's impact on the sport extended far beyond his accomplishments in the Octagon. He became a symbol of empowerment and advocacy for fighters everywhere, inspiring them to stand up for their rights and demand fair treatment.

Conclusion

Francis Ngannou's journey in the UFC was nothing short of extraordinary. From his explosive debut to becoming the heavyweight champion and his subsequent departure, his career was filled with unforgettable moments and significant milestones. He not only showcased incredible power and athleticism but also demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to fighting for what he believed in. His fights were always must-see events, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to MMA, Ngannou's story is one of perseverance, growth, and the pursuit of greatness. As he embarks on new challenges in his career, his legacy as one of the most exciting and influential heavyweights in UFC history remains secure.