Francis Ngannou has made his way up to the top of the heavyweight division and earned the title of the UFC heavyweight champion. However, to come this far, the fighter has gone through a lot of struggles and he’s seen some difficult times. Not many know about his struggle and his inspirational rags to riches story. 

‘The Predator’ made a guest appearance on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Ngannou spoke about his life in Africa. He mentioned the problems he faced when he tried to make his career as a boxer in Cameroon. 

He said,” I was the subject of embarrassment, so I didn’t want to be embarrassed anymore. So, therefore, I decided that I need to do something that is going to out stand me from all those kids. And so they can see that I’m not worthless, you know.

That is when I came across with boxing. And I was 13 years old. But the problem, there is not a gym, boxing gym in the hundred miles radius. So how can I do boxing? Nowhere. Then after years go by I left school, then stay in the village a couple of years. I was 22 by that time. And that dream was still inside of me… I decided then to move on to the city, go chase my dream,” added Ngannou.

READ MORE: “You Don’t Remember?” – Francis Ngannou Goes After Ciryl Gane at the UFC 270 Media Day

Ngannou was born and raised in the Cameroonian village of Batié. He grew up in poverty and did not receive a complete formal education. The fighter saw extreme poverty and often struggled to get food.

When he went to Europe to pursue his dream as a fighter, he got involved with the law in Spain. After which, he went to France and joined the MMA factory, where he built his foundation as a fighter.

What’s next for Francis Ngannou?

‘The Predator will take on his former teammate Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 270. The event will take place on the 22nd of January, 2022, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Both the heavyweights will fight to unify the title of the prestigious UFC heavyweight championship. The fight is bound to be a nail-biter, knowing the history that both fighters share.

Who do you think will walk away with the title at UFC 270? Let us know in the comments section below.

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