Francis Ngannou: How I Escaped The Sand Mines & Became a World Champion Fighter
Sharing his extraordinary life journey, Francis Ngannou delves into the layers of dedication, discipline and motivation it took to achieve his dreams.
A formidable force in both mixed martial arts and boxing, in 2021 Francis Ngannou became the UFC Heavyweight Champion. In this episode, Francis reflects on his childhood in Cameroon marked by financial instability, his parents’ divorce, and feeling like a “black sheep” in his community.
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Francis shares how he was different from his peers at a young age, and how having his own vision of the world made his upbringing even tougher. He opens up about how creating an imaginary family provided the best coping mechanism to the loneliness he experienced as a child, and how this difficult upbringing provides constant strength.
At the age of 9, Francis began working in a sand mine, before migrating from Cameroon to Paris at age 22 to begin his MMA and boxing career. Francis delves into what fuelled his drive and determination throughout those difficult but transformative years. He discusses how his life transformed after moving to Paris, allowing him to finally pursue his dreams.
Francis also reflects on losing his fight with Tyson Fury to a split decision, and how he sees it as a win. As he prepares for his upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua, Francis lifts the lid on his motivations and determination to win.
0:00 Introduction
0:58 What Is High Performance?
2:19 Thinking Differently To Others
8:50 Try WHOOP
9:50 Attachment Theory
15:25 Visualising Success
17:07 The Impact On Relationships
19:38 Working In a Sand Mine Aged 9
22:17 Did You Like Your Life?
25:23 The Photo With Your Dad
28:15 Heights
29:08 The Love For Boxing
36:14 Coming To Europe
46:40 Getting Into MMA
50:18 Leaving The UFC
52:11 Tyson Fury
55:00 Anthony Joshua
55:46 Dream Chaser
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#francisngannou #tysonfury #boxing #AJ #anthonyjoshua #boxing #riyadhseason #knockoutchaos
Can Francis Ngannou defeat Anthony Joshua? 🥊
All day long and twice on a Sunday
Hell yeah and this is coming from someone who didn't think ngannou would make it due to how bad boxing is nowadays. Saudi changed that I guess
No chance
For sure, or at least AJ getting dropped
@@user-sr8hs1ix4u Joshua won't take the power from Ngannou, he has a glass jaw, we've all seen more than once
OMG look at perfect interviewers who let the guest talk.
Omg look at Francis Ngannou more like
And they barely managed it. I'm surprised Francis did so well with such bad questions.
no amount of words is enough to explain the strength, resolve and resilience that Francis Ngannou possess. A once in a generation human being and it is almost surreal to be existing in the same timeline as this man
You took the words right out of my mouth...literally. I could not have put it more perfectly.
True. I'm Scottish and this guy will be like William Wallace-folk will talk about him hundreds of years from now.
@@Azad_2024_I'm an Englishman. And I'm too, hoping for success against a.j. even though I guess I'm supposed to be cheering on the English dude. Francis is just a living legend
You just said my thoughts he is a genius indeed
I'm Nigerian and grew up in England so I should probably support AJ too, but well you already said it😅 @@farmermope7914
As a big mma and UFC enthusiast, I have been following Francis for a while. This guy is different man. Not only did he with stand the toughest conditions in Africa growing up, escape across the most dangerous terrains for a better life, become homeless in Europe only to reach the highest heights in combat sports. This guy couldn't speak a lick of English around 2020. He needed a translator in every interview. Francis learned and mastered a language in a matter of 3 - 4 years. Most people would give up. There are other athletes who have been in the same sport for over 10 years and still can not say a sentence in English. It's not that I'm saying English is important but I am showing how it is a testament to the mental fortitude and resolve of this man. This guy is just built different physically and mentally. Most people would crumble having to endure half of what he has endured. It is insane to witness.
Great summary 👌🏾
There are English sport stars that still can’t speak English properly!!!! Love Francis - an inspiration
@@docca123 Harry Kane?
Weren't you upset when you would hear people say that, "Francis stood no chance against Fury?"
@@EternalMelody yeah obviously!!!!
The guy was not ashamed to say he is naturally a lonely person. Most of us can never say that in public
True
i think it's somewhat of a mistranslation tbh. i don't think he's necessarily feeling the negative feelings often associated with loneliness. he just likes to be by himself as he adapted through life that way. i get it. i think everyone can do it if they get used to loneliness enough. i think 99% of people need some kind of interaction/positive feedback from humans but you can get to the point where you need less than most people. i think it often comes from being deprived of it though. you just learn to adapt.
💯 and it's a really peaceful place to be in when you can attain that mindset; the mindset where you can truly be as happy in solitude, as you are in company.
Its frowned upon in west. West is extraverted
Hes going to be extra lonely now because nobody is tuning in to watch this clown fight again.
I notice Francis is a genuine person.
Not so many people are genuine these days everyone is acting & playing roles
@@CensoredSheepChannel I work in aviation and people will never say anything but go behind your back and report you. Sometimes what you say is professionally acceptable but the twisting of your statement will have an averse effect.
"I'd rather have a dream without a life than having a life without a dream" I like the quote Francis! He risked his life crossing an ocean on a makeshift boat to pursue his dream of becoming a true champion. If he didn’t take the risk would have meant living a hard life in his Village submitting to life and giving up on his dream. That life to him was worse than dying 🥲
What a man!
He crossed the biggest desert on earth too
39:17 39:23 😂😂
It wasn't actually an ocean, it was the Mediterranean which is a sea.
He said the opposite. You misquoted him.
Francis is an introvert. I'm aswell and i also daydream a lot and i love spending time alone and i rarely feel lonely when I'm alone. Francis is an inspiration not just for introverts but for the whole of humankind.
Same here. I'm not nearly as talented as Francis but I can hold my own in life. If someone thinks I'm cool like Francis says, then fine. If they don't, fine too. I couldn't care less. I don't need other people's validation. The proof is in the pudding.
The interesting thing is how he describes "introversion" is textbook perfect, although he didn't use the term. A lot of people think of introversion as shyness. It is not. Introversion is best described as energy being replenished when alone and being drained when in large groups. Extroversion is best described as energy being drained when alone and being replenished in groups. It is NOT so much about your communication skills or your body language. It is really about energy. An introvert CAN function in social settings, just as an extrovert can be alone. The only thing is there is a limit to how long they can do it before feeling drained. An introvert can be the life of the party, they just would not want to do it for too long. An extrovert might feel like they cannot get enough of it. There is not really some sort of disadvantage to being introverted. It has its strengths just as extroversion does. It is NOT some sort of 'problem' to be solved as many think, like shyness or anxiety. In fact the only problem that introverts face is simply from extroverts MISUNDERSTANDING what both extroversion and introversion are. An introvert that is understood has no problems whatsoever.
@@TopeA8 i agree one hundred percent. My friends always tell me that I don't talk enough and when I'm quiet they assume something is wrong with me and then i have to talk to let them know I'm alright. It's not like i never talk or something like that. if i find their topic of discussion interesting or if it's my area of interest, i do indulge in their conversations. I listen to whatever they have to say even if that topic is not my area of interest. I actively listen and I don't simply nod my head so I don't understand why people think that only talking is communication, listening is also a big part of it. To add to your point, a little empathy from the extrovert community would be nice. To all the extroverts, we both have our strengths and weaknesses so keep an open mind and please stop saying stuff like, "you're so quiet, you're shy" and stuff like that. Us introverts don't say, "you talk too much" or whatever. And I'm not saying all extroverts are like that.
The media and politics is dominated by extroverts, for obvious reasons, but we are all the worse for it.
Dude is confident and humble in the right way...he will dethrone them all
After the Fury fight no one will be taking him for granted and I can see some actively avoiding having to fight him.
lmao
I hope so. He clearly has the hunger for it.
Francis Ngannou, is the living proof, that a person can genuinely be EXTREMELY full of confidence, when at the same time practice complete humblity at the same time..😊 #GoooTeamFrancis🏆🥊
Why do all African fighters travel to France to pursue combat sport? Carlos Takam, Francis Nganou, etc. The UK has a much better boxing platform than any country in Europe.
@@hassnatahmad5339maybe language barrière
@@hassnatahmad5339did you know that ngannou and takam had a boxing fight in france?
I agree with you entirely his humility is humbling to behold, what a glorious human being!
@@hassnatahmad5339because he speaks french and he doesn't like rain
Ngannou is the perfect role model
I have to be honest brother i put francis on before going to sleep the way he speaks that patois and way of explaining just snooooze❤
He really is. Great man. In and out the ring.
No one is a perfect role model.
I subsribe to Francies Ngannue lolines do YOU understand yourself spend tine with yourself. When I was child am teeager I love my friends when to play raound make fun and mistekes. But when I seek for myself I discover lonlines and self control self development was freedom and straight. To much people waste their life do others can never discover their true straight and potentail until some one else does he live in resentyment. Beside sociaty and movie brainwashed we have to get out of that MATRIX and see our self what is life about.
@@gardyjeanplong3638joe joyce vs dubois press conference 😂🥱
In this day and age it is rare to see a man like Francis Ngannou who has honor, respect and integrity as his core principles...
The interviewers couldn’t relate at all and their questions are telling. He is so gracious and calm and so patient, Francis Ngannou’s sentiments all the way through = 👌🏿This was so powerful!He spoke so openly and freely. The interviewers did a great job getting this aired!
The gulf of life experience of the other side of the microphones is utterly unimaginable. But they let him talk, to be fair. I could have listened to him for another hour. Truly an indomitable spirit.
Honestly almost cried I couldn’t survive what the man went through
Me too
You haven’t been through it to know. You probably could…
yeah well, francis is a mighty man of valor, well-favored by God. Are you a total alpha male freak of nature like Francis? That's why he did it all, God gave him so many gifts
I live in Africa Namibia and I've been a huge fan of Francis for quite a long time now. I relate my life to his story a lot so one day I'm gonna have my favorite shirt printed with this man Francis on it just to honor him. That's the least I can do so yeah. Honestly Francis, all the best buddy. You are the truth.
I'm a white Englishman. Not an MMA fan. But even before the fury fight happened. Just become a huge francis fan. As a man, and a fighter. Such a dude. I hope he succeeds against a.j. I think he will.
Waooo beautiful comments, go and visit is village and see for yourself the village and all the things Francis is doing for younger generations is absolutely amazing. Stay blessed brother
This man is a legend
Anybody Francis fights even if he loses he will always be seen as the winner
i REALLY LIKE NGANNOU, HE REMINDS ME OF uSYK IN THE WAY HE RESPECT THE SPORT, A REAL ROLE MODEL
I honestly can’t think of a better human being than Francis ❤
Jeffrey Epstein..... ?
powerful man, powerful story, powerful life
Dana had the Ultimate Athlete who could have excelled in cross over fight sports and allowed his greed and ego to destroy his relationship
Francis is astoundingly good at storytelling i already know theres going to be a lot of documentary footage on this man in the future
Hollywood will make a movie out of this hero, documentaries of him broadcasted all over the world about how resilience are human can ever be to excel so far.
Just when you think you have scratched the surface of Francis’ mind you hear these childhood memories of the spirit inhabiting his body. Mind blowing human being. And the way he describes his loss to Tyson as a win: pure indomitable spirit.
An example of true mental toughness this man is uncommon among uncommon people if this don't inspire you, you are crazy
Hate is the worst kind of cancer. How can you hate Francis Ngano?
Francis is very eloquent with his words.
Francis has a shot of being undisputed. Crazy
This man is just a beautiful human being.
Beautiful indeed.
Ngannou is an exemplary human being
I knew he had a hard life. Didn't expect it was that bad. I got quite emotional listening to that. Unbelievable humble guy. Always been a fan but now much more so. ❤
Francis, a very humble man. everyone likes him. a true gentleman 👍 deserved to be the champion an excellent role model for kids 👍💯
He is another gladiator that God has blessed to be a champ and example of hard work ......
I like Francis, he's a nice guy he doesn't deserve to be lonely.
He's not lonely at all haha that's a stupid bs clickbait thumbnail.
Francis. You are all class. I've been hurt too. You inspire people to be calm and gentle...until it's time for action. Lonely is better than betrayed.
Most loved warrior, humble...
Some will never understand that feeling of not trying to fit in...a simple way of life than being a follower...it takes time for one to accept and realize that power of self humbleness..
I love the ASMR effect he does when he speaks, his voice is so soft while he is an absolute crushing machine
He's a real big guy and comes across so gently spoken. Top man!
Francis Ngannou’s mindset is as strong as his body and I really admire his determination to see how far he can go in boxing. He’s not doing it on a whim or ego trip, he’s doing it because he loves boxing and has always wanted to be a boxer. I would love to see him go all the way. I think Anthony Joshua will a big challenge. We’ve seen his recent difficulties coming through a bitter loss to Usyk and his determination to get back on track with wins against opponents carefully picked to boost his confidence. Joshua has skills and definitely has power, but he also knows he has a vulnerable chin. You might as well paint a bullseye on it because if Ngannou can hit it Joshua is finished. That’s got to give Ngannou a lot of confidence going into the fight. I quite fancy Ngannou’s chances.
THIS WAS HIGH PERFORMANCE BEST INTERVIEW TO DATE.
This interview was very inspirational and insightful. He needs to make a movie of his life!
he will for sure
Francis you will be never alone no more! We are here with you big man!
Have been really waiting for a proper interview with Francis, he's got such a unique story, great job!
You will forever have my support on your journey brother Ngannou win, lose or draw. A true african king, plenty plenty love from your Nigerian brothers ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
Hope Francis keeps winning and makes a hundred million this year. Really think that he is capable of beating all the heavyweights.
Well he beat Fury who is his worst stylistic match up, told people years ago that he would beat every Boxer on the planet, they are overrated to the Moon.
@@HellBlazerMNE07 Facts. I don't think much about this lame boxing era, especially the heavyweight era where everyone has been around for over a decade now and still not fought each other, so hope Francis does really good.
@@alcottdevalte7440I agree. But must say, I think usyk is great. Not a natural heavyweight. But bad skills. And will literally fight anyone. Proper warrior. I'd imagine Francis could be a nightmare for him mind. Just so damn strong, tough, and determined.
@@alcottdevalte7440 Francis beats every era. This is no insult to other eras but the man is naturally 272 pounds heavy, pure muslces. Heck Ali and Tyson were 216-220 pounds heavy. Before that they were even lighter.
@@farmermope7914 I like Usyk and it's awesome that he wants to fight the best of his era unlike the others. Fury has 3 lame title defenses in 16 years as a pro heavyweight while Usyk already has , 2 title defenses. They all just need to fight each other at this point.
This guy is the epitome for what a human should be. Sounds so humble and intelligent
My respect goes out to him, because he stood up against the UFC and its inhumane contracts and practices, despite not knowing if his outcome will be good.
This interview should have 1M views at least. But the worlds value system is warped.
Dude is brilliant
This is the defination of a winner. Born with nothing but hope and willing to die or cross oceans for a dream is a testament of the man. Tyson Fury couldnt beat that will and this is why
If any man deserves all the money in the world it’s this man
There is a sand mine in a more ancient part of the world, a pit where men are thrown to suffer and die. But sometimes a man rises from the darkness. Sometimes the pit sends something back.
You can understand Francis more better when you grow in African village life. I understand him very well. For me Francis is really very very nice person. God bless Francis keep up I'm sure you will a heavyweight boxer champion in the world
Confident enough to know he can get whatever he want and humble enough to know he where is coming from. That’s a definition of a high value man
Francis is the definition of the "Sigma Male"
did you really needed to write that?
@alanciurzynski33 Did you really need to make a comment? You don't like it, skip. Very simple. Get help, you need it
@@nattiemania do you fr expect people to like some sigma alpha skibidi shit
Francis is the most divine soul. The human spirit cannot be broken as he has so incredibly proved- I could listen to him all day. 💕🙌✨✨✨✨
Fascinating account on the strengths of visualising and creating your own reality.
WOW! Wow! Wow! What an interview. The way he talks about the spirit and his perspective on his life and past experiences. An incredible and very interesting man. Never come across a boxer who speaks like this.
Francis is an absolute tank of a human being and he has the most inspirational story that no fighter had before him. Let's go Francis, knock them all out!
Don't think I've ever found myself routing for someone to do well in boxing as much as I hope this guy does
Francis, your English over the years has developed so much. Sooo much. It's amazing. I remember the early days of ufc, your language progress is incredible and no doubt from hard work.
Loneliness is a state of mind. Alone is a state of being.
I'm blown away by this interview... What an inspiration to all. Never give up on your dreams. When's the movie coming out? Unreal, what a story and we have only scratched the surface in the life of Francis.
Amen!
Yo this histor of Francis need to be shared on a bigger platform like Oprah or some big platform. This will encourage alot of kids and people who have given up
His mental fortitude can only be likened to that of CR7. Only they know who they really are: Champions.
Remarkable human being, portrait of strength of character and class
The Fury fight put him firmly on the map and I can see fighters wanting to avoid him.
He's not a lonely person He's a person who can be alone
Jon Jones this....Francis that...I don't give 2 fucks who would win that fight. Francis has a dope soul and I love his story.
The drive and hunger from Africa is unmatched
best interview yet, every boy should listen to this, a true system beater
Superb interview, how can you not love this guy.
Highly Spiritual Massage Thank You Francis
I love this guy! A great role model for many, especially young men, that broke free from constraints and carried out his own vision for life. He rose up against the odds and made himself a great sportsperson but, more importantly, a great person!
This man’s a real like hero ❤
Ngannou is so real and simple
POWER OF IMAGINATION
What I Realky Respect about this Man, is his HONESTY about how imperfect his life was and even today! How guarded he is, and how growing up in poverty affected him. This is an AMAZING TESTIMONY
The little things many people take for granted mean the world to others... Touching story
This is an incredible podcast featuring Francis Ngannou. Both Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes showcase their remarkable ability to interview with grace and compassion. Witnessing their conversation with Francis Ngannou was genuinely inspiring. They created a safe and uplifting space for him to express himself while asking thought-provoking questions. It's a powerful reminder of the positive impact that meaningful conversations can be.
The man's story is just next level, so much to walk away with in this. So many gems 💎. This is really such a story wow
Francis Ngannou is hero. I am such a huge fan of this guy. What a fantastic human being. I like AJ but damn LETS GO FRANCIS
Could listen to this man all day. Super smart, experienced in life and humble af.
This man maybe the greatest modern warrior we have at this moment, mentally physically and spiritually a demigod amongst mortals.
You can't make a movie yet when the story is still being written ❤
He is really incredible person
Francis can damn sure fight 👊🏾
I have the highest amount of respect for the poise and the strive within this mans heart. It is something we all once had or at least wished we possessed but were to scared to act upon. To find fullfilment we need to rediscover what we are and what our dreams were about and act upon them with unwavering courage. And a moment of silence is needed for those who could not make it out of misery like the *Unbreakable Francis Ngannou*
Francis is very wise and people who dn't realize how intelligent he is. At school ,when he wasn't in sand mines he had very good notes and was passionate about architecture ( still now , he has built a house by his own ) A great spirit in an great (!!) body Ps: And he is very good at asmr 😅!
He is always speaking life, wisdom and he deserve the credit
what a frigging inspiration!
Can actually relate to his outlook and attitude
Francis is a very genuine person open and wears his heart on his sleeve
Martial arts produces interesting characters who really inspire: Mike Tyson (one of the greatest contemporary philosophers), Fury with bpd, Usyk and also Francis with his bigger than life story. Before Prince Naseem, Ali and Duran etc.
This interview more than any training video convinces me that this guy can go all the way. His state of mind is right where it needs to be.
I have to listen to this multiple times. Much respect to Ngannou🙏
Francis has Virgo energy for real introspective introvert ❤
Best interview he did speaks from his heart
I admire Francis, we all know he won the Fury fight. He is a perfect role model for young black men.
Francis ngannou humbled everyone. They all come to him with maximum respect.
Americans don’t have shit on Francis.