Francis Ngannou Losses: Everything You Need To Know About Ex-UFC Star’s Setbacks in MMA

Francis Ngannou has the hardest punch of any mixed martial artist ever. Dana White, in happier times between the pair, would brag over the Cameroonian-French fighter’s power in a press conference before his rematch with Stipe Miocic, who handed Ngannou his first loss in the UFC. However, despite his frightening power, this was not the first or only loss in his career.

His first MMA loss came in his second professional fight at the hands of Zoumana Cisse at 100% Fight: Contenders 21 back in 2013. His other two losses, however, came in the UFC, taking his tally to 17-3 so far. These losses have, however, undoubtedly helped him evolve as a fighter and become the heavyweight champion. So let’s dig deeper into his record.

Francis Ngannou’s first loss in the UFC

Francis Ngannou, who had decimated his opponents up to Stipe Miocic, was defeated soundly in his first-ever championship fight. He lost to the then-champion Miocic via a unanimous decision, where the American dominated the bout from the first round itself.

Using his much superior wrestling, Miocic took the heavyweight down in the first round and started his war of attrition. Ngannou looked tired by the end of the first round, and things only went downhill from that point, ending in a 50-44, 50-44, 50-44 loss.

He avenged his defeat in their UFC 260 rematch in 2021, Using his almost-mythical power to knock the proud father and firefighter out in the second round. This victory made him the UFC heavyweight champion.

Derrick Lewis hands Ngannou his second straight loss

Ngannou, just tasting his first defeat in the UFC, must have wanted to have a strong showing in his next fight against Derrick Lewis. ‘The Black Beast’, however, proved to be too much for the heavyweight in one of the strangest MMA bouts. The two fighters, known for their knockout power and exciting brawler style, refused to stop.

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Lewis, the victor via another unanimous decision, landed a paltry 20 strikes, which was still nearly double that of Ngannou’s. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, a setback for Ngannou as he was handed a second loss on the trot.

Ngannou has yet to avenge this defeat, however. Ngannou left the promotion after disagreements over issues such as fighter pay, health insurance, and personal sponsorships early this year. Lewis, on the other hand, has signed an eight-fight deal with the UFC, which means he will probably end his MMA career with the promotion. Which is why the chances of a rematch between the two powerhouses are slim.

But now, Ngannou stares down the barrel of another possible defeat in his upcoming boxing debut against Tyson Fury on October 28. There are serious questions being raised about his speed and boxing ability after he put up a dismal open workout and looked equally sluggish in his training videos. However, Ngannou will need just one well-placed punch to knock Fury out. And whether or not Ngannou shocks the world will be known in just three days when the two will fight in a ten-round boxing match in Saudi Arabia.

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