UFC

Francis Ngannou Boasts Impressive 18-3 MMA Record As Well As Having Two Super-Fights In Heavyweight Boxing

Disclosure
We publish independently audited information that meets our strong editorial guidelines. Be aware we may earn a commission if you purchase anything via links on our pages.
Francis Ngannou - Boxing

As the reigning PFL Heavyweight Champion, former UFC Heavyweight Champion and brief boxing star, we have decided to take a deep dive into both his MMA and boxing records. Here is everything you need to know about the Francis Ngannou record in both boxing and MMA.

Francis Ngannou Record

As one of the leading figures in combat sports, we have decided to take an in-depth look into the Francis Ngannou record. This includes both MMA and boxing, with ‘The Predator’ having competed professional in both forms of fighting.

Ngannou is of course predominantly known for his MMA career. This includes competing in the UFC, where he became the UFC Heavyweight Champion. Not to mention becoming the PFL Heavyweight Champion on his return to MMA on debut last time out.

That was Ngannou’s first professional MMA fight since January 2022, making a huge statement on his PFL (Professional Fighting League) debut. This came after ‘The Predator’ dabbled in boxing for two fights.

This of course includes the highly controversial contest with Tyson Fury, in which Ngannou lost a split decision. However, many fans believed the 38-year-old had done enough to win the contest, having knocked Fury down in Round 3.

Then came the Anthony Joshua fight, Ngannou’s last in boxing before moving back to MMA. Although he has had a short boxing career, he has reportedly made $30 million from the sport. These two fights in boxing have heavily enhanced Francis Ngannou’s net worth and career earnings, making him and multi-millionaire in the process.

Below we outline all there is to know about Francis Ngannou’s record in both boxing and MMA.

Francis Ngannou MMA Record

Up to now in his professional MMA career, ‘The Predator’ has barely put a foot wrong. In his 21 professional MMA fights to date, the Cameroon-born fighter has had his hand raised all but three times.

Of those 18 victories, the former UFC heavyweight king has finished 17 of his opponents inside the scheduled distance. Ngannou made his professional MMA debut back in November 2013, winning his debut before losing in his second fight. After that loss, Ngannou went on a four fight winning run before being signed to the UFC.

Ngannou impressed UFC President Dana White straight away, winning his first three UFC fights by knockout. These three knockouts were emphatic, including a huge KO victory over Curtis Blaydes. The 1986-born MMA fighter then secured his first submission victory in the UFC, submitting Anthony Hamilton via kimura choke to move to 4-0 in the UFC and 9-1 in his overall MMA record.

Francis Ngannou then stepped up the levels once again, securing two emphatic knockouts over Andrei Arlovski and Alistair Overeem. These two first-round knockouts secured Ngannou a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Title in January 2018 at UFC 220.

On this occasion, Ngannou just fell short against Stipe Miocic. It wasn’t to be for Ngannou, who then lost his comeback fight six months later to Derrick Lewis in what was a stinker of a fight.


RELATED: Who Is Francis Ngannou’s Girlfriend?


However, Ngannou didn’t let these two losses define him and instead bounced back in the best possible way. ‘The Predator’ secured four straight first round knockouts over Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos and Jairzinho Rozenstruik before finally winning UFC gold.

He knocked out the reigning champion and arguably the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time, Stipe Miocic, in Round 2 of their rematch bout in the main event at UFC 260 in March 2021. Ngannou then made one defence of his UFC Heavyweight Title against Frenchman Ciryl Gane. Ngannou defeated Gane via unanimous decision, in what ended up being his final fight in the UFC.

After a hiatus from MMA in which Ngannou had two boxing fights, the 1986-born MMA phenom returned to the octagon in October 2024 in the PFL. Ngannou defeated Renan Ferreira by Round 1 knockout, becoming the PFL Heavyweight Champion in the proces.

That victory marked Ngannou’s return to MMA, as well as announcing himself as the ‘Baddest Man On The Planet’ once again. Not only that, but Ngannou dedicated the win to his late son Kobe, who passed away in April at just 15 months old.

Who knows what the future holds for Ngannou in the PFL. He has one fight left on his contract, of which he may see out before potentially retiring from fighting once and for all. Or perhaps a return to the boxing ring could be on the cards for Francis Ngannou.

Francis Ngannou Boxing Record

After defeating Ciryl Gane in January 2022, retaining his UFC Heavyweight Title, Francis Ngannou announced he wanted to try his hand at boxing. Straight away, Ngannou went in to fight the then WBC World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.

Francis Ngannou came agonisingly close to pulling off the biggest shock in boxing history on October 28th, 2023 against arguably the best heavyweight boxer on the planet. Ngannou was the 8/1 underdog with the best boxing betting sites in the UK to beat Fury, and came so close to doing so.

Ngannou dropped Fury in Round 3 of their fight, as well as winning several rounds against ‘The Gypsy King’. Not only that, but the majority of boxing fans believe ‘The Predator’ actually won the fight, and that Fury was incredibly lucky to get the decision.

In his second boxing fight, Ngannou went in with Anthony Joshua, once again in Saudi Arabia. Just like in the Fury fight, Ngannou understandably went into this fight as a huge underdog with the majority of UK bookmakers, which turned out being clear for everyone to see.

Ngannou was emphatically knocked out by ‘AJ’ in just two rounds – an outcome that nobody saw coming that early in the fight. However, in two defeats ‘The Predator’ has shown he is more than capable of competing in a boxing ring at the highest level.

Time will tell if Francis Ngannou returns to boxing or not in the future. His boxing record consists of 0-2, but that isn’t to say he isn’t capable of beating several top class heavyweights. Boxing fans would love to see Ngannou return to the ring once again in 2025.

Be sure to claim the various combat sports betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of Francis Ngannou’s next fight.

Author photo
Paul Kelly
Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting UK. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

Get to know Paul Kelly better
Author photo
Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting UK. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

All posts by Paul Kelly