feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

Francis Ngannou versus Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 was a spectacular fight. Ngannou’s wrestling skills shocked the world. Further, the history with Ciryl Gane and ex-coach Fernand Lopez made it even more interesting. While the champion may have bad blood with his ex-coach, his current coaches believe in his abilities.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Just before the champion went in for his fifth round against Gane, coach Eric Nicksick and Dewey Cooper had a few things to tell Ngannou. While Cooper gave technical instructions on how to win against Gane, Nicksick had an emotional moment with the fighter.

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

Imago

Dewey Cooper said, “Head movement, straight punches, take his punk a** down”.

After Cooper, Nicksick said, “I believe in you motherf*****. Okay. We’ve been through so much sh*t together. This is you. Do you understand me? This is you kid. Let’s go. Pull it off.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Having different approaches, both the coaches were successful in motivating Ngannou. The heavyweight champion’s wrestling took the audience by surprise. So it is clear that his team left no stone unturned to train Ngannou. As a result, he was successful in defending his title for the first time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Many noticed that now 17-3-0 MMA record holder wore knee pads during his UFC 270 bout. But it was only later on that he revealed the extent of his knee injuries. In fact, he was about to pull out because of it. According to ‘The Predator’, his MCL, MPFL, and ACL were torn and damaged.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE- “Stop Tweeting and Start Fighting” – Michael Bisping Has a Stern Message for Jon Jones After UFC 270

However, despite such injuries, he was able to perform well. Plus, the motivation he received from his coaches must have surely helped.

ADVERTISEMENT

What’s next for Francis Ngannou after UFC 270?

Ngannou’s future in the UFC is uncertain. He had openly stated that he is unwilling to compete further under the same contract. However, after defending his belt, it would be interesting to see whether the promotion lets him go away or they are able to come to a point of mutual understanding.

Watch This Story: Five Biggest Fight Purses of Jon Jones in UFC

ADVERTISEMENT

If Ngannou somehow stays in the UFC, a fight against Jon Jones would be intriguing.

article-image

However, even Dana White isn’t sure when Jones will return. Further, a fight against Stipe Miocic would be a tough one. What do you think about Francis Ngannou’s coaches motivating him between rounds? Let us know in the comments below.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Rohini Kottu

832 Articles

Rohini Kottu is a Newsroom Editor at EssentiallySports, bringing years of expertise in sports journalism and editorial leadership. With many editorials under her byline, she has worked across combat divisions and is now a key part of the Newsroom team, shaping coverage across the site’s 14 category pages. Her editorial command lies in balancing sharp news judgment with compelling storytelling, ensuring every article resonates with sports fans while maintaining ES’s brand voice.

Know more

ADVERTISEMENT