Cageside footage shows Francis Ngannou folding Stipe Miocic in half with monstrous KO to win UFC title
07/03/2024 17:00
Francis Ngannou's biggest win came in typically explosive fashion.
'The Predator' got his revenge over Stipe Miocic and became a UFC champion with one devastating punch at UFC 260 in March 2020.
After working his way back into title contention following a decision defeat to Miocic three years prior, Ngannou showed off his rapidly evolving ground game against the heavyweight king.
The Cameroonian, who is known for possessing ‘world record‘ knockout power, displayed vastly improved wrestling in the first round of his second UFC title bout.
In round two, Ngannou dropped Miocic with a leaping jab and went looking for the finish before being caught with a counter shot that momentarily stiffened his legs.
Rather than back off and give the most successful heavyweight champion of all time his due respect, the 37-year-old stood his ground and caught Miocic rushing in.
A clean left hook instantly put Miocic to sleep and caused his legs to painfully collapse underneath him as he awkwardly fell to the canvas where he ate an unnecessary follow-up strike from Ngannou.
The iconic knockout seemingly started an exciting new reign, but Ngannou only made one defence of his title – against Ciryl Gane – before leaving the UFC following a contract dispute.
After being told by many people, including Conor McGregor, that he'd made the wrong decision, Ngannou proved them wrong by making millions in boxing.
In October, Ngannou shocked the world when he dropped WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and pushed him the full 10-round distance.
Ultimately, he came away with a split-decision defeat, but his performance was enough to earn him another big payday against Anthony Joshua.
They'll box at 'Knockout Chaos' in Saudia Arabia on Friday night.
Miocic still hasn't returned from his devastating defeat to Ngannou.
The 41-year-old is expected to face current heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who won the title vacated by Ngannou by submitting Gane in March 2023.
Jones vs Miocic was originally scheduled for last November, but an injury to 'Bones' delayed the matchup, and it will now take place later this year.
Whatever happens in his fight with AJ, Ngannou won't be returning to the UFC for a fight with Jones, Miocic, or any other heavyweight on Dana White's roster.
Ngannou has signed an MMA deal with PFL and is being lined up for a fight with Renan Ferreira, but he might end up boxing Fury or Oleksandr Usyk instead.
The winner of Joshua vs Ngannou will put himself in line for a shot at all the heavyweight marbles after Fury and Usyk face off in a historic fight on May 18.
