Three Times Francis Ngannou Was Defeated in His Professional MMA Career

Francis Ngannou is the current heavyweight champion. Ngannou has accrued 17 wins in his career and 12 of them have been knockouts. He is currently on a hot 6-game win streak after defeating Ciryl Gane to defend his heavyweight championship belt.

The Cameroonian is a heavy-hitting machine who rarely lost in his career as a professional MMA fighter. However, there have been three names that turned ‘The Predator’ into their prey. These 3 fighters can claim the rare honor of beating the biggest bully in the 265-pound weight class.

Francis Ngannou Vs Zoumana Cisse – 100% Fight

‘The Predator’ came across his first major hurdle as a professional combatant in the year 2013. When he faced Zoumana Cisse at 100% Fight for Contenders 21; Cisse’s approach was very direct and meaty, as he landed counterpunches and submissions on a young Ngannou. The French fighter had a great technique to dodge or counterattack his 6’3 opponent’s heavy blows. Back then, Ngannou lacked the agility to react to Cisse’s fast punches at close quarters. In the second round, Ngannou was quickly out of steam because of the hard and fast style of the experienced martial artist.

Zoumana Cisse put on a great show as he ducked and dodged many of Ngannou’s powerful strikes. And capitalized on a tired Ngannou by raining a shower of fast jabs. The current heavyweight champion stood still, as he was unable to process the sheer speed that he was operating. This was probably the match that motivated The Cameroonian to practice harder and be quicker on his feet. He trained to react quickly and not stay on the back foot as he was against Cisse. The work he put in was evident as ‘The Predator’ transformed himself into a monster after suffering the first setback in his career.

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He went on a 10-game win streak and stayed undefeated for almost 5 years. During this period, the fighter ascended to another level and garnered enough fame to enter the upper echelon of The Ultimate Fighting Championship. Where he’d face the next loss in his career.

Francis Ngannou vs Stipe Miocic – UFC 220

Heavyweight all-time great, Stipe Miocic needs no introduction. The Cleveland fighter had put a dent in the illustrious tales of Francis Ngannou at UFC 220. However, Ngannou had to face the ‘Stone cold’ in just a month after he overcame another heavy-hitter, who goes by the name of Alistair Overeem.

Ngannou managed to knock out the UFC legend Overeem but failed to do the same in his fight against Miocic. then-heavyweight title holder, Stipe Miocic was the most prestigious fight for Ngannou up until that point in his career. This historic match-up was held in TD Garden, Massachusetts, United States on Jan 20th, 2018.

The fight definitely lived up to the expectations as the two went at each other for five rounds. The towering figures each had their own set of strengths, which they had to utilize to the fullest to stand their ground. But, ultimately, ‘The Silencer’ won the decision and defended his heavyweight title. This loss had affected Ngannou deeply, as he was really close to clinching the heavyweight crown. It also ended his magnificent win streak, which disappointed the fighter.

Fans are still wondering when Miocic would return to the UFC for a rematch between them. Back then, Ngannou was but an apprentice and now he is the master. Time would tell when they’d face each other gain, but if they do, it might not go down the same way it did in 2018. Ngannou has grown immensely over the years and would probably have an advantage.

Francis Ngannou vs Derrick Lewis – UFC 226

Francis Ngannou immediately faced his third-career loss against Derrick Lewis at UFC 226. Ngannou had to get back to winning ways after suffering a rare defeat against Miocic. But Lewis was just as stubborn to get a victory. The pair faced each other on July 7th, 2018 at The T-Mobile Arena in Nevada, U.S., the hometown of UFC President Dana White. Derrick Lewis had a tussle with Francis Ngannou at the weigh-in event, as the UFC president was gasping for air between the two.

Lewis pushed Ngannou on stage and had to be controlled by the staff after the Cameroonian whispered in his ear. Fans were extremely excited to see how they’d go at each other when inside the Octagon. Ultimately, the heavy hitters failed to knock the other person out and waited each other out. Both fighters threw a combined 100 strikes in the 3-round bout.

‘The Black Beast’ threw a total of 54 significant strikes, out of which 20 landed. Ngannou threw a total of 46 significant strikes and landed only 11 of those. And thus, Lewis claimed victory against Francis Ngannou based on a unanimous decision.

These were the three men to tame the Predator in his otherwise remarkable career.

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Who amongst the current crop do you think is capable of teaching Ngannou a lesson?