Career Timeline of Francis Ngannou: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Francis Ngannou made an impact.

Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist and professional boxer. He is the inaugural PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion. Previously, he competed in the UFC from 2015 to 2022, holding the UFC Heavyweight Champion title upon his exit. Renowned for his exceptional punching power, Ngannou was considered one of the most devastating punchers in UFC's heavyweight division. He secured seven UFC victories by knockout within the first two minutes of round one. He is also recognized as the lineal heavyweight champion in mixed martial arts.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: First reigning champion to leave the UFC

On January 14, 2023 Ngannou became the first reigning champion to leave the UFC since B.J. Penn in 2004.

November 2013: MMA Career Start

In November 2013, Ngannou started his MMA career, fighting mostly in the French promotion 100% Fight and other regional promotions in Europe, compiling a record of 5–1 before signing with the UFC.

December 2015: UFC Debut Victory

In December 19, 2015, Ngannou made his UFC debut against Luis Henrique at UFC on Fox 17 and won the fight via knockout in the second round.

2015: UFC Career Start

In 2015, Francis Ngannou began his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight division.

April 2016: TKO Victory Over Curtis Blaydes

On April 10, 2016, Ngannou faced Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night 86 and won via TKO, due to doctor stoppage at the end of the second round.

July 2016: TKO Victory Over Bojan Mihajlović

On July 23, 2016, Ngannou faced Bojan Mihajlović at UFC on Fox 20 and won via TKO in the first round.

December 2016: Submission Victory Over Anthony Hamilton

On December 9, 2016, Ngannou faced Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night 102 and won the fight by submission in the first round, earning his first UFC Performance of the Night bonus.

January 2017: TKO Victory Over Andrei Arlovski

On January 28, 2017, Ngannou faced Andrei Arlovski at UFC on Fox 23 and won via TKO in the first round. He earned his second Performance of the Night bonus.

September 2017: UFC 215 Fight Cancellation

In September 2017, Ngannou was scheduled to face Junior dos Santos at UFC 215, but the fight was cancelled after dos Santos was notified of a potential USADA violation. Ngannou was removed from the card because a suitable opponent could not be arranged.

December 2017: Knockout Victory Over Alistair Overeem

On December 2, 2017, Ngannou faced Alistair Overeem at UFC 218 and won via knockout in the first round. After the fight, Ngannou signed an eight-fight contract with the UFC.

2017: Hardest Punch Record

In 2017, Ngannou set the world record for the hardest punch ever recorded on the PowerKube, at 129,161 franklin.

January 2018: UFC Heavyweight Championship Loss

On January 20, 2018, Ngannou faced Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 220 and lost via unanimous decision.

July 2018: Loss to Derrick Lewis at UFC 226

On July 7, 2018, Ngannou faced Derrick Lewis at UFC 226 and lost via unanimous decision. The fight was criticized for a lack of offense.

November 2018: TKO Victory Over Curtis Blaydes

On November 24, 2018, Ngannou rematched Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night 141 and won via TKO in the first round. He earned a Performance of the Night bonus.

February 2019: Knockout Victory Over Cain Velasquez

On February 17, 2019, Ngannou headlined the UFC's inaugural event on ESPN, UFC on ESPN 1, against Cain Velasquez and won via knockout in the first round.

June 2019: TKO Victory Over Junior dos Santos

On June 29, 2019, Ngannou faced Junior dos Santos at UFC on ESPN 3 and won via technical knockout in the first round. He also received the Performance of the Night award.

March 2020: Scheduled Fight Postponement

In March 2020, Ngannou was initially scheduled to face Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Rescheduled Fight Postponement

In April 2020, the fight between Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik was rescheduled for UFC 249, but the event was again postponed.

May 2020: Victory Over Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249

On May 9, 2020, Ngannou fought Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249, winning by knockout in just 20 seconds. He earned the Performance of the Night award.

March 2021: UFC Heavyweight Championship Win

On March 27, 2021, at UFC 260, Ngannou rematched Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship and won via knockout in the second round. He also earned the Performance of the Night award.

January 2022: UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane

On January 22, 2022, Ngannou faced Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 for his first title defense. Despite having injured knee ligaments, Ngannou won the fight by unanimous decision, marking the first decision win of his career.

2022: Departure From UFC

In 2022, Francis Ngannou departed from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where he was the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion.

January 2023: UFC Championship Stripped

On January 14, 2023, Ngannou was stripped of the UFC Heavyweight Championship after he and the UFC could not agree to a new contract. He became a free agent after his contract expired in mid-December and the UFC waived its matching rights. He had requested health insurance, sponsorships for all UFC fighters, and fighter advocates during contract negotiations.

May 2023: Signs with PFL

In May 2023, Ngannou signed a multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The contract included provisions for Ngannou to compete in other sports and guaranteed opponents at least $2 million, setting what some called "a new standard" in MMA free agency.

October 2023: Boxing Match Against Tyson Fury

In October 2023, Ngannou fought Tyson Fury in a professional boxing match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou knocked Fury down in the third round but ultimately lost via a controversial split decision.

2023: 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion

Ngannou faced Renan Ferreira, the 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion, on 19 October 2024.

January 2024: Francis Ngannou Foundation Beneficiaries

In January 2024, the Francis Ngannou Foundation reported that it had 26,000 beneficiaries. The foundation runs the first MMA gym in Cameroon and donates educational materials, including setting up computer labs.

February 2024: MMA Return Announcement

In February 2024, it was announced that Ngannou would make his MMA return against the winner of Renan Ferreira vs Ryan Bader heavyweight bout at PFL vs. Bellator on February 24, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

March 2024: Fight against Anthony Joshua

In March 2024, Ngannou faced Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and lost by a second-round knockout.

October 2024: Victory at PFL Super Fights

In October 2024, Ngannou defeated Renan Ferreira by knockout in the first round at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants to win the PFL Heavyweight Superfight Championship.