Who Are Francis Ngannou’s Coaches and Training Partners?

Francis Ngannou is all set to take on Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 260. Both Heavyweights will meet in a highly anticipated rematch after three years. Miocic won the first fight where he outclassed his opponent for five rounds.

A lot has changed since then. ‘The Predator’ has split up with his former coach Fernand Lopez. Now, he is training with Eric Nicksick, awarded the 2020 MMA coach of the year, at Team Xtreme Couture MMA.

Nicksick has a lot of experience as he has cornered many UFC fighters like Dan Ige and Paul Felder. Now he has another giant task in his hands in preparing Francis Ngannou for the championship bout at UFC 260.

Nicksick is observing Stipe very carefully. He said, “The last few fights we’ve watched with Stipe, he’s really done a really good job of movement and setting traps, getting guys to chase him. By maintaining center and cage control, that kind of leaves all of our options open.”

Francis Ngannou and Nicksick have been wrestling, striking, and working on submissions in the gym.

‘The Predator’ is also training with ‘The Black Cobra’, the 2008 Master of martial arts hall of fame inductee and 2-time World Champion kickboxer. Dewey Cooper is the striking coach of Francis Ngannou. He had also cornered the latter when he faced Miocic for the first time. Naturally, the 8-time world champion boxing coach will love to get the job done this time.

International Heavyweight boxer Carlos Takam is also a part of the team and has been sparring with ‘The Predator’ in the gym.

Francis Ngannou is training with ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’

Another guy that has been recently spotted with Ngannou is ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, Kamaru Usman. Usman is the current welterweight champion of the UFC and is sharing his championship experience and training methods with the heavyweight. Usman is physically smaller than him, but can really help him with his techniques and game approach.

Power is not a thing to worry about as stats show that Ngannou punching power is equivalent to 96 horsepower, which is like getting hit by a Ford Escort at full speed. Fighting with Ngannou is like walking in a field of land mines. You have to place your feet carefully, or he will shut the lights off in a flash.

Also read: Marvin Vettori Unhappy After Being Leapfrogged by Derek Brunson in the Updated UFC Middleweight Rankings

With all the top coaching and experience, Francis Ngannou is ready to dive into the deep waters with Stipe Miocic. They will battle for the Heavyweight championship in the ‘Biggest Baddest Rematch’.