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 professional mixed martial artist and boxer. He's the inaugural PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion and former UFC Heavyweight Champion. Ngannou competed in the UFC from 2015 to 2022, renowned for his exceptional punching power and a high rate of first-round knockouts. Often considered the most dangerous puncher in the UFC heavyweight division, he achieved victory by knockout in seven of his fourteen UFC fights before the two-minute mark of the first round. He is also regarded as the lineal heavyweight champion in mixed martial arts.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Champions leaving UFC

In January 2023, when Francis Ngannou chose not to re-sign with the UFC, it marked the first time a reigning champion had left since B.J. Penn in 2004.

November 2013: Start of MMA Career

In November 2013, Francis Ngannou started his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) career. He fought primarily in the French promotion 100% Fight and other regional European promotions, compiling a record of 5-1 before joining the UFC.

December 2015: UFC Debut and Victory

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

2015: Ngannou joins UFC

In 2015, Francis Ngannou joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and competed in the heavyweight division.

April 2016: Victory Against Curtis Blaydes

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

July 2016: TKO Victory Over Bojan Mihajlović

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

December 2016: Submission Victory and Bonus

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

January 2017: TKO Victory Over Andrei Arlovski and Bonus

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

December 2017: Knockout Victory Over Alistair Overeem and Contract Renewal

On December 2, 2017, Francis Ngannou faced Alistair Overeem at UFC 218 and won the fight via knockout in the first round. He subsequently signed a new, eight-fight contract with the UFC.

2017: World Record Punch

In 2017, Francis 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, Francis Ngannou faced Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 220, losing the fight via unanimous decision.

July 2018: Loss to Derrick Lewis

On July 7, 2018, Francis Ngannou faced Derrick Lewis at UFC 226 and lost the fight via unanimous decision. The fight was heavily criticized for the lack of offense from both competitors.

November 2018: TKO Victory Over Curtis Blaydes in Rematch

On November 24, 2018, Francis Ngannou faced Curtis Blaydes in a rematch at UFC Fight Night 141 and won the fight via TKO early in the first round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

February 2019: Knockout Victory Over Cain Velasquez

On February 17, 2019, Francis Ngannou headlined UFC on ESPN 1 against Cain Velasquez, winning via knockout in the first round.

June 2019: TKO Victory Over Junior dos Santos and Performance of the Night

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

April 2020: Rescheduling of Rozenstruik Fight

In April 2020, The fight between Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik was rescheduled to take place at UFC 249.

May 2020: Knockout Victory Over Jairzinho Rozenstruik

On May 9, 2020, Francis Ngannou faced Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 and won via knockout in just 20 seconds into the first round, earning the Performance of the Night award.

March 2021: UFC Heavyweight Championship Victory

On March 27, 2021, Francis Ngannou faced Stipe Miocic in a rematch for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 260, winning via knockout in the second round and earning the Performance of the Night award.

January 2022: Title Defense Victory Over Ciryl Gane

On January 22, 2022, Francis Ngannou faced Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 for his first title defense, winning the fight by unanimous decision despite having injured knee ligaments prior to the fight.

2022: Departure from UFC

In 2022, Francis Ngannou departed from the UFC, where he was the reigning Heavyweight Champion.

January 2023: Stripping of UFC Heavyweight Championship

On January 14, 2023, Francis Ngannou was stripped of the UFC Heavyweight Championship after he and the UFC could not agree to a new contract, making him a free agent.

May 2023: Signing with Professional Fighters League (PFL)

On May 16, 2023, Francis Ngannou signed a multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), which allowed him to compete in other sports such as boxing. He also negotiated benefits for his opponents and joined PFL's advisory board and PFL Africa league.

October 2023: Boxing Match Against Tyson Fury

On October 28, 2023, Francis Ngannou faced Tyson Fury in a professional boxing match billed as "Battle of the Baddest" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou knocked down Fury but lost by a controversial split decision.

2023: Champions title holder

On October 19, 2024, Francis Ngannou faced 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion and PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions title holder Renan Ferreira.

January 2024: Francis Ngannou Foundation

In January 2024 the Francis Ngannou Foundation claimed to have 26,000 beneficiaries. The foundation was initially run solely on Ngannou's personal funds and later combining that with donations, runs the first MMA gym in Cameroon, aiming to offer facilities for young people to have a place to train. It also donates educational materials to Cameroonian children and schools, including setting up computer labs in underserved villages.

February 2024: Announcement of MMA Return at PFL vs. Bellator

On February 22, 2024, it was announced that Francis Ngannou would make his MMA return against the winner of the Renan Ferreira vs Ryan Bader heavyweight bout at PFL vs. Bellator on February 24, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

March 2024: Loss to Anthony Joshua

On March 8, 2024, Francis Ngannou faced Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and lost by second-round knockout.

October 2024: Victory at PFL Super Fights

On October 19, 2024, Francis Ngannou faced Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants. Ngannou won the fight by knockout via ground punches in the first round.