Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian-French professional mixed martial artist and professional boxer who is currently signed to the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
He also competed in the Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion at the time of his departure from the promotion.
Francis Ngannou Biography
Francis Ngannou was born Francis Zavier Ngannou on September 5, 1986and raised in the village of Batié, Cameroon. He lived in poverty and had little formal education growing up.
He did various odd jobs to make ends meet, until age 26 when he decided to head to Paris, France, to pursue professional boxing.
However upon reaching Europe, he was jailed for two months in Spain for illegally crossing the border.After he reached Paris, he had no money, no friends, and no place to live.
After living homeless on the streets of Paris, Ngannou found his way to a boxing club where he met coach Didier Carmont (cousin of Francis Carmont) who was understanding towards his situation.
Carmont convinced the gym to let him train at no cost, and introduced Ngannou to the sport of MMA. Additionally, Ngannou became a volunteer at Lo Chorba, a non-profit organization in Paris.
When his boxing gym closed for the summer, Lo Chorba’s director Khater Yenbou introduced Ngannou to Fernand Lopez and the MMA factory.
Being a fan of Mike Tyson, Ngannou was originally interested in learning how to box but Lopez saw his potential in MMA and convinced him to try MMA instead.
Lopez gave Ngannou some MMA gear and allowed him to train and sleep at the gym for no cost thus starting Ngannou’s MMA career.
Francis Ngannou started his MMA career in 2013 and joined the UFC in 2015.
He became the UFC heavyweight champion in 2021 by knocking out Stipe Miocic in the second round.
He left the UFC in 2023 and signed with the Professional Fighters League.
Some of the highlights of his MMA career are:
His hard-hitting UFC debut against Luis Henrique, where he won by a second-round knockout.
His first-round knockout of Alistair Overeem, where he landed a devastating uppercut that sent Overeem flying to the canvas.
His rematch with Curtis Blaydes, where he stopped Blaydes in 45 seconds with a flurry of punches.
His first title defense against Ciryl Gane, where he won by a unanimous decision in a close and technical fight.
Francis Ngannou VS Tyson Fury
Francis Ngannou took on the undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a professional boxing match billed as “Battle of the Baddest” on October 28, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou was able to knock down Fury in the third round, taking the fight all the way to the scorecards, in which the judges awarded Fury the victory in a split decision.
Francis Ngannou Wife
Francis Ngannou is not married, but he is dating someone.
He is in a relationship with Miesha Tate, a former UFC women’s bantamweight champion and current PFL commentator.
They have been dating since 2022.
Francis Ngannou Children
Francis Ngannou does not have any children as of 2023.
Francis Ngannou Parents
Francis Ngannou’s parents are Emmanuel Fosso and Mamma Ngannou.
His father was a notorious street fighter who died of a chronic illness when Francis was .
His mother still lives in Cameroon in a new house that Francis built for her.
Francis Ngannou Siblings
Ngannou has three brothers and a sister. However, their personal details are not available to the public.
The MMA fighter worked in the sand mines with his oldest brother to support his family. But now times have changed, and his brothers are no longer just workers but business owners.
His youngest brother Michel recently attained his diploma and is a big fan of his champion brother.
Ngannou and his siblings are very close and often share their love and support for each other on social media.
They are proud of Ngannou’s inspiring story of overcoming adversity and poverty to become one of the best fighters in the world.
Francis Ngannou Family
Francis Ngannou has a large and supportive family. Here is a list of his family members:
Mother, Mamma Ngannou, who lives in Cameroon in a new house that Francis built for her.
Father, Emmanuel Fosso, who was a notorious street fighter and died of a chronic illness when Francis was 15.
Brothers, one of whom is a mechanic and truck owner, another one is a business owner, and the youngest one is Michel, who recently attained his diploma.
Sister, whose personal details are not available to the public.
Girlfriend, Miesha Tate, who is a former UFC champion and a PFL commentator
Francis Ngannou Net worth
Ngannou’s net worth is estimated to be more than $5 million.
He has earned most of his wealth from his MMA and boxing career, as well as from some endorsement deals.
gannou has a remarkable story of overcoming poverty and hardship to become one of the most feared fighters in the world.
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