“People Sleep on Him”-Francis Ngannou Discloses the ‘Upcoming Fighter’ He Put His ‘Money’ On

Recently, the UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, uploaded a video on his YouTube channel, enlisting his favorite combat sports professionals. Notably, the Cameroonian’s list included big names of the industry, such as 205-pound GOAT Jon Jones and his forthcoming opponent, Ciryl Gane. The 35-year-old also had special mentions, where he showed Yair Rodriguez as an ‘Upcoming fighter’, on whom he put his ‘money’ on.

In the video snippet, Ngannou portrayed Rodriguez as an exceptional fighter. However, Ngannou believes he doesn’t get the attention he deserves.

“Yair Rodriguez, I think that people sleep on him. But I put my money on that guy all day long. Pretty good fighter.” Ngannou said.

‘El Pantera’ has been fighting professionally for over a decade. Meanwhile, he is currently 13-3 in his professional MMA career, with notable wins over the likes of Jeremy Stephens, ‘The Korean Zombie’ among others.

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At present, he is coming off a unanimous decision loss against Max Holloway. However, this didn’t surprise ‘The Predator’, as he knows Rodriguez was against a robust opponent as ‘Blessed’. Later, Ngannou also acknowledged the Hawaii native as the ‘fastest striker’ in the game.

Francis Ngannou reveals he can watch Justin Gaethje ‘all day long’

‘The Highlight Reel’ may not have inducted himself into Ngannou’s ‘best’ fighters’ list. However, Gaethje has a special place in the Cameroonian’s mentions.

The UFC heavyweight champion revealed that he really enjoys watching Gaethje fight in the octagon. As the lightweight immerses himself into the game and goes to ‘war’ against his opponents without concerning himself about the results.

“When I have Justin Gaethje, all day long, I am watching that fight… Whether he lose, or he win or he lose… You enjoy his fight because he goes for war. He doesn’t work there like, play with you, win the fight. You go to fight for real, like against him. I like watching him all day long.” Ngannou on Justin Gaethje.

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Francis Ngannou will face his former sparring partner and interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane, in their title unification bout at UFC 270 in January.

Do you agree with Ngannou‘s pick? Do you believe Yair Rodriguez is the real deal? Tell us in the comments below.