
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon prepares to fight Stipe Miocic in their UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon prepares to fight Stipe Miocic in their UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Francis Ngannou versus Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 was a spectacular fight. Ngannou’s wrestling skills shocked the world. Further, the history with Ciryl Gane and ex-coach Fernand Lopez made it even more interesting. While the champion may have bad blood with his ex-coach, his current coaches believe in his abilities.
Just before the champion went in for his fifth round against Gane, coach Eric Nicksick and Dewey Cooper had a few things to tell Ngannou. While Cooper gave technical instructions on how to win against Gane, Nicksick had an emotional moment with the fighter.

via Imago
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: (L-R) Opponents Francis Ngannou of Cameroon and Ciryl Gane of France face off during the UFC 270 ceremonial weigh-in at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 21, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
Dewey Cooper said, “Head movement, straight punches, take his punk a** down”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After Cooper, Nicksick said, “I believe in you motherf*****. Okay. We’ve been through so much sh*t together. This is you. Do you understand me? This is you kid. Let’s go. Pull it off.”
#RT @espnmma: Ngannou's corner gave him the boost he needed before round 5 🗣️ #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/kVU6jXnxiU
— MMA VIEWS by Ben Neumann (@mmainthenews) January 23, 2022
Having different approaches, both the coaches were successful in motivating Ngannou. The heavyweight champion’s wrestling took the audience by surprise. So it is clear that his team left no stone unturned to train Ngannou. As a result, he was successful in defending his title for the first time.
Many noticed that now 17-3-0 MMA record holder wore knee pads during his UFC 270 bout. But it was only later on that he revealed the extent of his knee injuries. In fact, he was about to pull out because of it. According to ‘The Predator’, his MCL, MPFL, and ACL were torn and damaged.
READ MORE- “Stop Tweeting and Start Fighting” – Michael Bisping Has a Stern Message for Jon Jones After UFC 270
However, despite such injuries, he was able to perform well. Plus, the motivation he received from his coaches must have surely helped.
What’s next for Francis Ngannou after UFC 270?
Ngannou’s future in the UFC is uncertain. He had openly stated that he is unwilling to compete further under the same contract. However, after defending his belt, it would be interesting to see whether the promotion lets him go away or they are able to come to a point of mutual understanding.
Watch This Story: Five Biggest Fight Purses of Jon Jones in UFC
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
If Ngannou somehow stays in the UFC, a fight against Jon Jones would be intriguing.

ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, even Dana White isn’t sure when Jones will return. Further, a fight against Stipe Miocic would be a tough one. What do you think about Francis Ngannou’s coaches motivating him between rounds? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT