Best Francis Ngannou UFC Fights

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is arguably the hardest puncher in the promotion’s history, and his nine TKO/KO wins in 12 fights under the banner can back up this claim. He has amassed an impressive professional MMA record of 17 wins and three losses.

The hardest hitting man on the planet: Francis Ngannou 😳💥

📹: @francis_ngannou pic.twitter.com/4dHe1nfa9w

— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) February 26, 2024

This one-punch knockout power is also the main reason why he’s a favourite among fans in online sports betting through the MMA odds. Today, let’s look back at the best Ngannou fights that made him a top name in combat sports.

Best Francis Ngannou UFC Fights

Francis Ngannou vs. Luis Henrique – UFC on Fox: Dos Anjos vs. Cerrone 2

In December 2015, UFC fans witnessed the punching power of Ngannou when he defeated Luis Henrique in his promotional debut at UFC on Fox: Dos Anjos vs. Cerrone 2 card. Before this, he had already amassed five wins and one loss in his MMA record.

5. Ngannou v Luis Henrique

What a debut! pic.twitter.com/mbSwr5IsfM

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) January 19, 2022

Ngannou displayed his raw talent by inflicting significant damage against Henrique that made him bleed. Eventually, “The Predator” landed a picture-perfect left uppercut that floored his opponent, and the referee stopped the fight, securing r the knockout victory.

Francis Ngannou vs. Alistair Overeem – UFC 218

The hype train of Ngannou was at an all-time high when he won his next four fights in the UFC. Due to this, he was pitted against former UFC heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem in a gigantic showdown in December 2017.

#OnThisDay in 2017…

🇨🇲 @Francis_Ngannou delivered an ALL-TIME GREAT KO vs Alistair Overeem. pic.twitter.com/4wYWsKQPxt

— UFC (@ufc) December 2, 2020

Overeem was expected to challenge Ngannou in a competitive match, but the latter ended the bout quickly with a perfectly timed uppercut straight to the former’s chin that instantly flattened him. This win significantly boosted Ngannou’s popularity.

Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstriuk – UFC 249

In May 2020, Ngannou was working his way back to title contention, and so was then-undefeated contender Jairzinho Rozenstriuk. This prompted the UFC to book a title-eliminator match between the two hard-hitting heavyweights.

But Ngannou proved that “Bigi Boy” wasn’t on the same level as him. He only needed 20 seconds in the opening round to send him to the shadow realm with a vicious knockout to officially book his second shot for the championship.

Francis Ngannou vs. Stipe Miocic II – UFC 260

Following his win over Rozenstriuk, Ngannou was granted a second title shot against Stipe Miocic in March 2021. It was the second installment of their rivalry, as Miocic defeated Ngannou in January 2018 during their first world title match at UFC 220.

FRANCIS NGANNOU IS THE UFC CHAMPION! 🏆

🇨🇲 @Francis_Ngannou has knocked out Stipe Miocic! #UFC260 pic.twitter.com/N7MyDF1s1V

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 28, 2021

It was sweet revenge for Ngannou after he added Miocic to his victim list and capped it off with a highlight-reel finish in the second round. This fight also confirmed Ngannou’s improved grappling game, which made him a more well-rounded fighter.

Francis Ngannou vs. Ciry Gane – UFC 270

In what proved to be his final UFC fight after not re-signing his contract with the promotion, Ngannou defended his UFC belt against the tough challenge of Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 270 in January 2022. The defending champion competed in this title match even though he was injured, which he revealed after unanimously defeating “Bon Gamin.”

That injury didn’t seem to bother Ngannou, as he went on to outstrike the challenger on the feet. He also dominated him in the grappling department by taking Gane down to the mat, threatening him with submissions, and raining down ground-and-pound strikes.