No UFC heavyweight has ever successfully defended the title more than twice. However, during a recent interview with Megan Olivi, UFC president Dana White said Francis N’Gannou may change all that.
The Cameroon-born N’Gannou emigrated to France as a toddler. After experiencing homelessness, he found mixed martial arts and is now on an eight-fight win streak, three in the UFC, all within the distance and three via submission. Saturday night he fights Andrei Arlovski in a classic up and comer vs. old lion fight.
‘The Pitbull’ has been around a long time, said White, as transcribed by MMA Fighting. Obviously, Arlovski is a legend in this sport, a legend in the heavyweight division. Francis Ngannou will be. I believe that this guy has the potential to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I also believe he has the potential to hold that title for a very long time.”
I don’t know if in the history of the UFC we’ve ever had a heavyweight champion like Ngannou who actually looks like [that]. If you put this guy Ngannou next to — put him side to side with NFL players. Put him side by side with the heavyweight boxing champions throughout history. This is a massive, massive guy.
N’Gannou is 6′ 4″ and weighed in for UFC on FOX 23 at 254 pounds. When he hits you, it’s not good.
When he submits you, it’s not good.
N’Gannou with little friend Daniel Cormier.
Still working on the Fahka.
But he’ll get there.
