When did Francis Ngannou start training?

Francis Ngannou is a professional mixed martial artist and a professional boxer active on the professional fight scene as of October 2024. He made headlines in the premiere professional mixed martial arts organization, where he made a reputation for himself as a powerful puncher. Ngannou ruled as a champion in the UFC's heavyweight division, a title he won by defeating Stipe Miocic via second-round KO on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260.

After a fallout with UFC President Dana White, Francis Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023. The promotion stripped him of his heavyweight title. After his exit from the UFC, Ngannou signed with the PFL and featured in two high-profile boxing bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in losing causes. He is scheduled to return to the professional MMA against Renan Fereira on October 19, 2024.

Francis Ngannou's Training

Francis Ngannou had a rough childhood marred with poverty, which prompted him to take up odd jobs to help himself financially. He started quite late when it came to training for professional combat sports. Ngannou picked up training in boxing when he was 22 and after a brief stint, medical issues forced him to stop. He eventually relocated to Paris, France, where he intended to start his professional boxing career. However, he ended up competing in professional mixed martial arts, starting his career in the local French promotion at 100% Fight: Contenders 20 on November 30, 2013.

Francis Ngannou's MMA Debut

Francis Ngannou walked inside a professional mixed martial arts cage for the first time on November 30, 2013. He took on Rachid Benzina in the bout at 100% Fight: Contenders 20. Ngannou produced a dominant performance in the fight and dispatched Benzina in the first round by clutching him in an armbar and submitting him to win the fight.

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