Francis Ngannou News
Francis Ngannou says heavyweight division is "stuck" due to lack of title fights
Tom Taylor - November 25, 2020
Francis Ngannou is frustrated by the lack of title fights in the UFC heavyweight division, and the log jam of contenders it has created. Ngannou, who is riding four-straight knockout wins over Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, is expected to get the next crack at UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in early 2021—most likely in March.
Francis Ngannou "very interested" in a potential showdown with "Rumble"
Tom Taylor - November 24, 2020
Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Francis Ngannou says he’s “very interested” in a potential heavyweight fight with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. Johnson, who has competed as low as the welterweight division in the past, achieved his biggest successes in the UFC light heavyweight division, where he twice challenged for the title. While he announced his retirement from MMA in 2017, he is now plotting a return to the Octagon, perhaps to the heavyweight division.
Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou 2 targeted for March, says Dana White
Adam Martin - October 26, 2020
UFC president Dana White says the UFC is targeting the rematch between heavyweights Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou to take place in March. Miocic defended the UFC heavyweight championship in August at UFC 252 when he won a unanimous decision over rival Daniel Cormier in the pair’s trilogy bout. White confirmed that Ngannou — who has won four straight fights by knockout — would be next in line to fight Miocic for the belt. But after Jon Jones made the announcement he would be pursuing a title shot at heavyweight as well, some thought Jones might skip by Ngannou.
Francis Ngannou frustrated with Stipe Micoic and the lack of heavyweight title fights
Cole Shelton - October 20, 2020
Francis Ngannou isn’t happy with the state of the heavyweight division. After Ngannou knocked out Jairzinho Rozenstruik in just 20 seconds to extend his winning streak to four, many figured he would be next in line for the title shot. However, after Stipe Miocic defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 252, he said he would need some time off and it now appears he won’t be returning until 2021.
Video | Francis Ngannou takes on Hoga in a charity fight
Adam D Martin - August 30, 2020
UFC heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou took on comedian Hoga in a fight designed to raise money for Ngannou’s charity. Ngannou, the No. 1 contender in the UFC heavyweight division, hasn’t fought since May when he knocked out Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the first round of their fight at UFC 249. Ngannou has won his last four straight fights by knockout and UFC president Dana White has said he’s next in line for a title shot. But with no fight currently booked, Ngannou wanted to stay busy, and he decided to set up this fight against Hoga for charity.
Jon Jones reacts after Stipe Miocic suggests he wants a "new challenge" instead of Francis Ngannou
Harry Kettle - August 28, 2020
Jon Jones has given his thoughts on UFC heavyweight king Stipe Miocic suggesting that he’d prefer a move to boxing as opposed to a rematch against Francis Ngannou. Jones has never been one to shy away from giving his opinion on something, whether it be in or outside of the mixed martial arts bubble. That’s especially true for his Twitter activity, and if anything, he’s continued to pick up the pace ever since he decided to vacate the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Francis Ngannou responds to Stipe Miocic after the champ says he wants new challenges
Adam Martin - August 27, 2020
Francis Ngannou has responded after UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic said he was looking for new challenges, which could be Jon Jones. UFC president Dana White said that Ngannou was next for Miocic in the wake of his trilogy fight victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 252, but since then things have changed. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones decided to vacate his belt and announce his move up to heavyweight, and he has already expressed interest in a fight against Miocic. White has since confirmed that Jones could be in line for an immediate title shot.
Stipe Miocic says Francis Ngannou rematch "isn't exciting," prefers a "new challenge"
Tom Taylor - August 27, 2020
UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic does not find the idea of a rematch with Francis Ngannou exciting, and would prefer a fresh challenge—perhaps even outside the sport. Miocic and Ngannou first met in early 2018. On that night, Miocic successfully defended his title with a lopsided decision victory over his highly regarded challenger.
Francis Ngannou reacts to Stipe Miocic defeating Daniel Cormier at UFC 252
Chris Taylor - August 15, 2020
Francis Ngannou was clearly watching tonight’s UFC 252 main event championship trilogy bout between Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic with keen interest. Afterall, the top heavyweight contender in Ngannou (15-3 MMA) is expected to be the next man to challenge for the promotions coveted heavyweight strap.
Junior dos Santos wants rematch with Francis Ngannou, trilogy with Stipe Miocic
Cole Shelton - August 14, 2020
Junior dos Santos hopes to run things back with Francis Ngannou and have his trilogy bout with Stipe Miocic. dos Santos is set to fight Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 252 this Saturday night. It is a very interesting bout and if the Brazilian gets his hand raised he has two names in mind to call out. But, the fight he really wants is the rematch with Ngannou as “Cigano” believes he didn’t show everything he could.
Dana White shares plan of action if Cormier wins heavyweight title, retires
Tom Taylor - August 14, 2020
UFC President Dana White has provided an update on what will happen if the heavyweight title becomes vacant in the coming weeks. The heavyweight division will take centre stage at UFC 252 on Saturday night, as the division’s reigning champion Stipe Miocic looks to settle his rivalry with the former champion Daniel Cormier, who has plans to retire post-fight.
Jon Jones believes he "just has to get through round one" to beat Francis Ngannou if they end up fighting
Cole Shelton - June 29, 2020
Jon Jones knows there is a very real chance Francis Ngannou knocks him out if they end up fighting. But, the light heavyweight champion is confident in his skill set that he would be able to get the job done against ‘The Predator’. Following Ngannou’s massive UFC 249 win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Jones talked about moving up to heavyweight to fight him. It immediately caught the fans’ attention. Jones’ coach in Mike Winkeljohn said it was time for “Bones” to go to heavyweight.
Francis Ngannou reflects on "2 months in jail" after entry into Europe
Tom Taylor - June 11, 2020
UFC heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou has one of the most incredible backstories of any fighter on the UFC roster. Ngannou was born in Cameroon, and ultimately emigrated to Europe in hopes of making a life for himself. While he eventually landed in Paris, where his combat sports career began, his arrival in Europe began with a two-month stint in jail.
Francis Ngannou reacts to news of long-awaited Cormier vs. Miocic trilogy
Natasha Hooper - June 8, 2020
Francis Ngannou has reacted to confirmation of the long-awaited trilogy bout between Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic. Cormier hasn’t fought since he faced Miocic at UFC 241 in August 2019. Cormier delivered a strong performance until the body shots administered by Miocic eventually caught up with him. He lost the fight by TKO in the fourth round and subsequently lost his heavyweight crown.
Eddie Hearn willing to co-promote with Dana White, open to Francis Ngannou vs. Dillian Whyte fight
Tom Taylor - May 29, 2020
Eddie Hearn is open to a potential heavyweight showdown between boxer Dillian Whyte and UFC star Francis Ngannou. In fact, he’s interested in working with Dana White to promote an entire MMA vs. boxing crossover fight card. Hearn was asked about a potential Ngannou vs. Whyte fight during a recent Instagram live Q&A with fans.
Jon Jones scolds the UFC for adding “salt to the wound” following failed Francis Ngannou negotiations
Natasha Hooper - May 29, 2020
Jon Jones has slammed the UFC for shutting down the possibility of a “super fight” against Francis Ngannou. Ngannou’s 20-second knockout of Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 caught the attention of the light heavyweight champion. “Bones” has since expressed his interest in a blockbuster bout against the heavyweight “Predator”.
Israel Adesanya: Francis Ngannou made Paulo Costa "s**t his pants" in UFC 248 confrontation
Tom Taylor - May 27, 2020
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya claims Francis Ngannou gave Paulo Costa a serious scare in the crowd at UFC 248. Adesanya fought in the main event of UFC 248, successfully defending his title against Yoel Romero with a decision win. Costa, who is the next man in line for a middleweight title shot, was allegedly heckling the champ from cage-side—until Ngannou intervened.
Failed Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou negotiations serve as a stark reminder of disappointing fighter pay
Chris Taylor - May 22, 2020
Reigning light heavyweight champion Jon Jones wanted to shakeup the UFC by moving up a weight class to take on dangerous knockout artist Francis Ngannou. ‘Bones’ announced his intentions on social media and instantly had fight fans salivating over the potential matchup. Even Jones’ longtime rival and former opponent in Daniel Cormier labelled the callout as being “a gangster move”.