Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian and French professional mixed martial artist and boxer.
Born on September 5, 1986, in Cameroon, he overcame poverty and challenges to pursue a career in combat sports.
Ngannou’s journey led him to Paris, where he transitioned from boxing to MMA under coach Fernand Lopez.
He became the UFC Heavyweight Champion and successfully defended his title.
Ngannou’s record includes 12 wins by knockout, four by submission, and one by decision.
Known for his exceptional punching power, he holds the world record for the hardest punch.
Beyond his fighting career, Ngannou is dedicated to giving back to his community in Cameroon, supporting children’s dreams through initiatives like opening an MMA gym.
Net worth | $10 million |
Profession | Boxer, mixed martial artist |
Date of birth | September 5, 1986 |
Nationality | Cameronian |
Early life
Ngannou’s early life was marked by hardship and resilience. Growing up in poverty in the village of Batié, Cameroon, Ngannou faced challenges from a young age.
At 12, he started working in sand mines due to financial constraints, enduring grueling and dangerous conditions.
Despite being approached by gangs, Ngannou refused and instead turned to boxing as a positive outlet, inspired by his father’s troubled past as a street fighter.
His dreams of becoming a professional athlete were met with skepticism and laughter from his community, but he persevered.
At 22, he began boxing training and later transitioned to MMA in Paris under coach Fernand Lopez.
Ngannou’s journey from homelessness in Paris to becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion showcases his determination and commitment to success.
Net worth
In 2024, Ngannou’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Despite his humble beginnings in Cameroon, where he faced poverty and challenges, Ngannou’s success in combat sports has significantly increased his wealth.
His transition from the UFC to professional boxing has been financially rewarding, with his fight against Anthony Joshua set to boost his net worth considerably.
Ngannou’s earnings from boxing have surpassed what he made during his UFC career, with significant paydays from fights like the one against Tyson Fury. earnings from boxing have surpassed what he made during his UFC career, with significant paydays from fights like the one against Tyson Fury.
His success in combat sports and strategic investments are contributing to a substantial increase in his net worth, positioning him as one of the highest-paid athletes in MMA and boxing.
Endorsement deals
Ngannou has secured several endorsement deals with various brands, enhancing his financial portfolio.
Some of the notable endorsements associated with Ngannou include In The Fight Game, Cryo Pain Relief, CBD Research Labs and Gym King Fight Division.
These endorsements reflect Ngannou’s growing influence in the world of combat sports and his ability to attract partnerships with diverse brands ranging from recovery to nutrition.
Additionally, Ngannou’s transition to professional boxing has likely expanded his endorsement opportunities, further solidifying his status as a marketable athlete in the sports industry.
The Fight Game deal
Ngannou’s deal with The Fight Game, a brand associated with his transition to professional boxing, was a significant move in his combat sports career.
This deal came after Ngannou’s departure from the UFC due to contract disputes and his subsequent signing with the PFL.
Ngannou accused the UFC of playing “dirty games” and not allowing him to fulfill his existing contract without signing a new one, which led to his decision to leave the promotion.
Despite criticism from UFC President Dana White regarding his move to the PFL, Ngannou’s deal with The Fight Game and the PFL marked a new chapter in his career, offering him opportunities in both MMA and professional boxing.
The partnership with The Fight Game reflects Ngannou’s determination to pursue his combat sports career on his terms and seek new challenges outside of the UFC.
Cryo Pain Relief deal
Ngannou’s endorsement deal with Cryo Pain Relief signifies his involvement with a brand focused on pain relief solutions.
He promoted Cryo Pain Relief on his social media, encouraging fans to purchase the product while acknowledging those fighting on the front lines.
This partnership showcases Ngannou’s alignment with brands that offer solutions for pain management and recovery, reflecting his commitment to health and well-being in combat sports.
How much did Francis Ngannou make from his fight with Tyson Fury?
Ngannou earned a guaranteed $10 million from his fight with Tyson Fury.
This significant payday far exceeded what he made in the UFC, marking a career-high for Ngannou in the world of combat sports.
Despite being a newcomer to professional boxing, Ngannou’s earnings from this fight were substantial, reflecting the magnitude of the event and his transition to a new sport.
In comparison, Tyson Fury was set to earn around £41 million ($50 million) for the fight, showcasing the disparity in earnings between the two fighters.
The financial rewards from this bout highlight the lucrative nature of high-profile boxing matches and the substantial sums involved for top athletes like Ngannou and Fury.
Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua
In a highly anticipated bout, Anthony Joshua faced Ngannou in a heavyweight boxing match in Saudi Arabia.
The fight ended with Joshua delivering a spectacular knockout victory over Ngannou in the second round.
Despite Ngannou’s resilience, Joshua’s powerful right hand strikes proved decisive, leading to a dramatic finish that showcased Joshua’s boxing prowess.
The fight was part of a significant event in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, drawing attention from fans and experts alike.
Joshua’s victory set the stage for a potential future match against the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, highlighting the stakes and excitement surrounding the heavyweight division.
This match solidified Joshua’s position as a dominant force in boxing and left an impact on Ngannou’s career trajectory in the sport.
How much did Francis Ngannou make from his fight with Anthony Joshua?
Ngannou is set to earn approximately $17 million from his fight with Anthony Joshua, a significant increase from his previous earnings in the UFC.
This substantial payday reflects the lucrative nature of high-profile boxing matches and the financial rewards associated with top-level combat sports.
Ngannou’s transition to professional boxing has proven to be financially rewarding, with his fight against Joshua offering him a substantial sum that surpasses his previous earnings in the UFC.
Transition to professional boxing has proven to be financially rewarding, with his fight against Joshua offering him a substantial sum that surpasses his previous earnings in the UFC.
The estimated earnings do not include potential additional bonuses or pay-per-view sales, indicating that Ngannou’s total income from the fight could be even higher.
Francis Ngannou’s boxing entry
Ngannou began training in boxing at the age of 22 in France, despite initial reluctance from his family.
However, after training for a year, Ngannou stopped due to an illness.
His interest in boxing stemmed from his admiration for Mike Tyson, and he initially believed his combat sports career would be in the ring.
Yet, his coach at the time suggested that he was better suited for MMA, leading Ngannou to transition to mixed martial arts at the MMA Factory in Paris.
This shift marked the beginning of Ngannou’s successful career in MMA, where he gained recognition for his exceptional punching power and knockout abilities.
His journey from boxing to MMA showcases his adaptability and determination to excel in the world of combat sports.
MMA career
Ngannou’s MMA career started in November 2013 when he made his debut at 100% Fight Contenders 20 against Rachid Benzina, whom he submitted inside 2 minutes via armbar.
He initially fought in the French promotion 100% Fight and other regional promotions in Europe before making his professional debut under the UFC in 2015.
Ngannou’s early MMA career saw a mix of victories and losses, with notable wins over fighters like Curtis Blaydes, Andrei Arlovski, Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
His journey in MMA culminated in becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion after defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in a rematch where he secured a knockout victory in the second round.
This victory marked a significant milestone in Ngannou’s MMA career, solidifying his position as one of the top fighters in the heavyweight division.
How much did Francis Ngannou make from his MMA fights?
Ngannou made approximately $3,779,500 from his MMA fights.
However, his transition to professional boxing has significantly increased his earnings, with a reported net worth of around $15 million in 2024
MMA to professional boxing
Ngannou’s transition from MMA to professional boxing was a significant move in his combat sports career. Ngannou, known as The Predator, made his boxing debut against Fury in Saudi Arabia, a fight that marked his first boxing match to date.
Despite being a massive underdog, Ngannou impressed many by scoring a third-round knockdown of Fury and giving the British boxer a much closer contest than expected, ultimately losing by split decision.
This transition showcased Ngannou’s versatility and determination to excel in different combat sports disciplines.
Following the fight, Ngannou expressed interest in continuing his boxing career, with ongoing talks for potential future bouts with notable boxers like Deontay Wilder.
This move signifies Ngannou’s ambition to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional boxing, building on his success and reputation from his MMA career.
UFC vs PFL
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) differ significantly in their structures and formats.
The PFL operates in seasons, unlike the UFC’s year-round events and rankings system.
In the PFL, fighters compete in a league-style format, earning points based on bout results, with the top four fighters per division advancing to playoffs.
Points are awarded for wins and bonus points for finishes via knockout or submission.
The PFL uses a SmartCage with 10 sides instead of an octagon like the UFC.
Notably, the PFL has a recruitment scheme similar to the UFC’s Dana White’s Contender Series, where winners earn spots in the PFL tournament.
Fighters in the PFL have the opportunity to earn a significant share of pay-per-view revenue, with some top athletes like Ngannou making seven-figure purses per fight and having freedom to pursue boxing bouts.
The acquisition of Bellator MMA by the PFL further solidifies its position in the MMA landscape.
Family
Ngannou was born into a relatively poor household. His parents, Emmanuel Fosso and Mamma Ngannou, divorced when he was six years old.
His family background was marked by financial struggles, and his pursuit of a career in combat sports faced initial resistance from his family.
Despite the challenges, Ngannou’s determination and hard work led him to success in MMA and later in professional boxing.
His family’s initial skepticism about his career choices, particularly in boxing, did not deter Ngannou from pursuing his dreams.
Overcoming obstacles and hardships, Ngannou’s journey from poverty in Cameroon to becoming a world-renowned fighter reflects his resilience and commitment to achieving greatness in the world of combat sports.
Relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo
Ngannou has developed a friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned footballer.
The two athletes met in Saudi Arabia, where they engaged in conversations and shared mutual respect for each other’s sports.
Ronaldo, known for his football prowess, expressed admiration for Ngannou’s achievements in MMA and boxing, showcasing a deep understanding and appreciation for combat sports.
During their encounter, Ronaldo gifted Ngannou an expensive wristwatch worth approximately $133,288.22, symbolizing their growing bond and camaraderie.