Now known as the hardest recorded puncher in the world, and the 5th pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC rankings, Francis Ngannou, the heavy-weight champion of the world, lived a much different life before making his way to MMA stardom. To take a deep dive into the life he once lived, it’s essential that we go back a few years to the time of baby Francis, born on September 5, 1986, in the Batié village in Cameroon.
As a kid, Francis Ngannou and his family lived in poverty, and he had very little formal education. This made things worse for his parents, and when he turned six years of age, his parents got a divorce and sent him to live with his aunt.
At just age 10, Francis got a job at a sand quarry in the Batié village in the hope of making some extra income for himself and his family. A sand quarry is a place where sand is extracted so it can be sold to other users. Just as you would expect, this is an arduous job, especially since sand becomes quite heavy in large amounts. This is the kind of back-breaking work that Francis was doing from age 10.
During his childhood, Francis’ father was a street fighter and was very well known in the village for getting into brawls on the streets. People in the village would mock Francis and his family over his father’s behavior. As Francis grew up, he was approached by a couple of street gangs in his village who wanted him to become a part of their gangs. He refused and used his father’s negative rep as a street fighter as the motivation he needed to pursue something more respectable.
Fast forward to 12 years after he started working at the sand quarry, Francis Ngannou decided to start training in boxing, even though his family was against it. This didn’t stop him from training, and he kept at it for one year until he had to stop due to illness. From the age of 23 to 26, Francis Ngannou did various odd jobs to survive and make ends meet.
As he became an adult, he ended up frustrated with his life's direction. He saw no opportunity with the life he had, and he came to believe that there was hardly any chance of him achieving greatness in Cameroon. He always wanted a better life for himself, a way to provide and take care of his family, and the opportunity to fulfill a dream he had deep inside as he always believed that he was destined for greatness. With that in mind, at 26 years old, he decided to migrate to Paris, France, to pursue a career in professional boxing.
Talking about his life in his village and his migration to Cameroon has never been pleasant for this MMA superstar. He usually speaks in a quiet voice that drops to almost inaudible levels when he’s hard-pressed to remember the trouble that drove him to seek a new path. Clearly, he doesn’t particularly enjoy talking about his decision to leave a life of abject poverty in the hopes of finding something-literally anything-better in a foreign land.
He once said, “I left Cameroon just to try and have a life, to survive. When I was in Cameroon, I just didn’t see a way. I could survive, but that’s about it.” With that notion and a little more than a dream, one most people would have considered an unrealistic one at that, Francis Ngannou packed up his bags and made the journey of over 3,100 miles from Cameroon to France in the hopes of finding a better life. In a country where the average citizen takes home roughly $1,300 per year, he believed the prospects of a bright future were slim, but they existed nonetheless.
Francis Ngannou’s dream of becoming a professional boxer was fueled by a love for watching prime Mike Tyson, and this made him think that boxing might provide a way out of poverty. He said, “He was the youngest guy to be the champion, 18 or 19 or something like that, and I knew I couldn’t do what he did. But I still believed that I could do something great.” Francis planned at least to take a shot at the life he always dreamed about, and if it didn’t work out, he would move on. However, he knew that he needed persistence and perseverance. He said, “It won’t happen if you don’t try. I said to myself to give some time to my dream. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m going to try.”
Family Friendly, PG
Who is here after his fight with Fury? Francis big RESPECT!
Fury out pointed him, despite the cheating from fury and the reff, and bad judges as usual, but make no mistake, francis won the fight, and won the night. Francis was beating fury in damage, and if the fight had no time limit, francis would have likely finished fury. That's what I mean by he won the fight for any hater that wants to play dumb 😉
I'm here with you buddy
Me
He really beat tyson fury
Joshua is going NIGHT NIGHT! What do you think?
Who actually dislikes Ngannou??? He is the poster man for nice, respectful, gentle giant who could literally rip your life out of your body, but I'm sure if he was your friend, and there probably would be little he wouldn't do for you! Love this human!! Who deserves this more??
I don’t care for him, but that’s because I don’t care for any of the men I need to run through to earn that UFC heavyweight championship belt. He’ll be short and easy work for an elite striker like myself.
Nobody could’ve said this better
It's an amazing story from start to finish. And for tyson to prepare him for fury was the icing on the cake. He's very coachable keen and he's been through hard times. Harder than fury. A born warrior.
@@SmoltingWassielol funny
@@SmoltingWassielmfao your a Clown you’d get slept first seconds of the round
Look at him now after the fury performance, he will be known when he retires as one of the best athletes/fighters in combat sports. He deserves all the praise with his humility and how he conquered all the obstacles in his life.
When Francis becomes heavyweight boxing champ of the world I will literally cry out of pure happiness. Come on Francis, you know you can do it. Show the world.
He has an amazing backstory. He saw Mike Tyson on KZhead, so his dream was to become a boxer. Then, he drops the WBC heavyweight champion in his first professional fight..wow. Even if Francis loses to AJ, he would have made $30 million in two boxing matches. That’s almost 10X his total earnings in the UFC.
Lmao
Lol
Mad respect to Mr.Ngannou, especially coming from such hard childhood. Such an inspiration to all.
He’s one of the greatest athletes we have ever seen. This beast is so strong and flexible and fast it’s amazing to watch the size of him do the things he does…
If he beats AJ then beats Fury in the rematch, Francis will go down as one of the greatest athlete of all time.
He seems like a very intelligent and very nice man. I hope he succeeds and he deserves everything he has fought for!
world champion ufc heavyweight so he succeed already
This was a recommended watch after his fight with Tyson Fury. As a fellow Cameroonian, I applaud Francis for overcoming all the odds stacked against him. We're yet to see the best of him for sure. Peace from Cape Town
Fury lost hurt and he was lucky to go 10rds he is fast patient has hardest punch out of all humans . Sneak attack fast patient smart counter fury was hurt and took him soft
I have no idea what you just wrote.
Absolutely a legit role model for humanity
Ngannou's story is nothing short of amazing. I hope he succeeds in this next chapter of his career in whatever he does boxing or mma. Respect to the champ!
his story is BS like a majority of UFC stories they are like WWE they make up shit for it to sound good at the fights like Nigerian Nightmare but he is from Nebraska!
@@2stroketyson79 you are very stupid.
@@2stroketyson79 ok
@@2stroketyson79since the story is not Eurocentric, it's BS. Ok😂
@@2stroketyson79 i can tell you for free.His story is real.He went to Europe by boat.that should tell you something unless you are just hating.
I will root for Francis forever. Told the UFC to eff off. Got the Tyson Fury fight. Win or lose Will cheer for this man forever. He is a symbol of preserving and having faith in yourself and your dreams. “The Captain “ of the boat into Spain. The captain of his career. The Captain! Salute this man.
I’m here to remind you that he didn’t disappoint you, he fucked Tyson up 😂😂😂
Glad to see he had other avid supporters
I never knew who Francis was before the Fury fight, sadly,I wrote him off, now he became my favourite sportsman and an example to anyone out there that nothing is impossible and his story should make all realize just how blessed we are And is such a Humble gentleman.Francis is a inspiration
Great documentary, very happy for Francis he deserves all the best and wish him more.
the life story of this guy looks like a movie script, the strenght that he has to overcome all thoses dificulties is really impressive, he is a source of inspiration for all the people who have to face struggle in their own lives : " do whatever you have to do to achieve your goals and continue to go forward, the time will reveal the truth of who you really are and what lives inside of you".
His story is BS for the fans to say what u just said! Francis is a spoiled racist piece of sht
Buddy that’s like every other dude in 3rd world countries 😂😂 you must be born in the states
@@Aesthetics622 You can be born anywhere and have a compelling live story. As for francis, this is his destiny and his path in live. That is why I never doubted him. This is destiny at work and we are just spectator to how it unfolds.
Your WATCHING THE Prequel LIVE to the MOVIE. GRAB YOUR POPCORN.
Huge respect for this man.
And now, he knocked down the greatest heavyweight in Boxing this last couple of decades. Clearly besting Tyson Fury. Legend.
How amazing will it be if he now persues boxing and wins the title belt?! (which should be his already)
Every champ has a story!! Going to the top and being the world's greatest isnt easy!! Poverty, broken homes, homelessness etc... it takes one good samaritan to give them an opportunity in life and all is history. They've used the hardships as fuel to push them to the top and to never look back. Keep thriving Francics Ngannou!! Well done brother. Love from PNG 🇵🇬
You can see the writing on Stipé's face. Stipé gave Francis a good 20mins beatdown but Stipé face looked like the man on the receiving end of the beatdown
Virtually all Boxing Champs are from the Ghetto. Meaning there's an element of good in every bad situation. But what is heartening in Ngannou's case is his self-belief, his ambition and his persistence to pursue his goal. And he's getting there. Gradually. So inspirational a man
Man… what a story! Got my eyes teary,not gonna lie. Francis said without those hard days during his childhood, he wouldn’t have come this far. What a beautiful and humble statement
The worst ghetto in America is heaven to people in Africa.
Love this fellow African! Wish him nothing but endless success. ❤❤
one of the greatest to ever do it, and i literally mean it as he has just won against fury. wat a world we live in
True absolute robbery
@@weekyle1529 utter robbery but the world knows who the true champ is
I want to see him against jon jones. That fight will put him in the goat category
First time spending 55mins watching a KZhead video nonstop, and it was worth it.
My God, Francis is beyond an inspiration. Oh, yeah, I just found out we have the same birthday, September 5th, so you know he's the best. In all seriousness though, for real, his life and his perseverance through every situation really touches your heart. I wish him the absolute best in life, Francis, you deserve all the goodness that comes to you, your hard work has payed off
one of the best documentaries ive seen on KZhead.
Vernon definitely deserves a great deal of respect for not only directing Ngannou down the right path in terms of MMA vs boxing, but also seeing that he was homeless and caring enough to help him out of that situation. Clearly Ngannou helped himself though. Say unlike someone like Cus D'Amato raising/training Mike Tyson, the fact that Ngannou's biggest impact is coming from a guy who just helped him find a home, says how much Ngannou is also a self made champion... Well deserved considering he wasn't ever given an easy road to that belt. He earned it every step...
Vernon ?? Fernand it says in the sub titles ….. but I’m not too sure either way 😂
The bro makes me proud of my Cameroon roots! Thank you brother!
I know, me too!
Blessings to Francis, and more blessings to those that helped him in his journey.
I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE✊🏾🇨🇲🔥🖤What a Great Man. May Chiukwu keep Guiding and Protecting you.
Imagine generating a power that is equivalent to a small family car ! Francis is the energy.
Travelling at what speed?
@@Clawbbq30 miles per hour
@@daltonshane3890 haha. And how much does the small car weigh?
@@Clawbbqask your friends to hit you with a small car at 30 mph.
@@boyimbornal the small car could be a toy car which wouldn't hurt very much, which is why I asked for the weight. However, make and model of car could also work?
Absolute fantastic upload. What a life story. I was near tears in parts. This guy is nothing short of an ultimate warrior. And not just in the ring. He’s an inspiration. And a great guy. 🙏🏻💯❤️💯🙏🏻. Nothing but love and respect for Francis Ngannou. Legend already in my opinion. 🥊🙏🏻👍
Me too, I got teary-eyed watching this.
All those kids who didn’t want to be Francis’ friend missed out big time.
Francis is incredible, inspiring, intelligent, and a beautiful human being who beat the odds but can deliver absolutely brutal knockouts. So much respect and admiration for him
Thanks for representing a country Cameroon we are very proud of you bro 🙏🇨🇲✊
Francis put Cameroon on the map to many people around the world.
I have really loved this documentary. We need to believe in ourselves. Well done Cameroon's Francis🎉👏
The man with arguably the most unique genetics in combat sports history. A man mountain, an absolute tank and yet as gentle as a dove. he knows how to keep it light till its time to get dark, then he gets pitch black.
Francis is really super strong guy and I can't believe how calm he is. Super respectful, fast learning guy. Having Mike on his side is just perfect combination. I believe if he sticks to Mike he will achieve great records. Best of luck.
THE KING OF MMA HEAVYWEIGHT
That's jon jones buddy
@@tonymontona2284 nope he is the legit hw legend. Bones is a legend himself but not in the hw.
@theknightking4379 I wouldn't call Francis a legend of any division. The guy only has one title defense. He doesn't even deserve to be in the ring with a legend like bones. I thinks bones should just retire undefeated.
How's he king of HW? His record with guy against who he won the belt is 1-1, and his only title defense went to decision, while current HW champion finished same dude in 2 minutes.
Hands up to the Champ and also thank you to those beautiful souls who made Francis Ngannou his dream come true.
He will bring the excitement back to heavyweight boxing know one will beat him
This is guy life is motivated me to keep working hard to make my dream come true
I think ngannou has good character and I'm proud of him. He deserves to do well in life.
Jone Jones would be fighting with a Monster if he fight Ngannou. This guy had a Tough Life; he's got nothing to loose
This guy is ruthless big love bro
Hope he is still with the coach that helped him
Here just after Ngannou got robbed against Fury. Just the fact that the fight happened ks already a huge win, but I’d put my money on a win from Frances on an eventual rematch.
Next time with the belt on the line
I’m glad he didn’t give up on his dreams!! Never give up! Dreams are hope
If you everfind Fracis in the forest fighting with a grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR!!!
😂😂😂
theres no fucking Grizzlies in Africa. smh. they teach you people nothing in schools anymore, China's kids are studying Physics by high-school lol Americans wanna focus on genders and racism. Franny lives in Africa just incase you didn't know. and this country isn't going to last much longer when Gen. X is gone.
😂😂😂😂😂
Maaaaan im legit excited to watch this while i work. Legit prepping up my sparkling water and doobie. Lfg!
Haha hope it didn't disappoint🙏
Legit
Brilliant video loved it
Thank you💯
2-1 Heavyweight championship fights. 17-3 record. No Heavyweight is better in history!! He is the GOAT. Unbelievable resume, and he can do everything! Box, wrestle, jiu jitsu, good cardio, and insane fight IQ! 😂😂😂😂
@@cslocal330 I was obviously joking bro
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..
try beating one of this 20
"If there's something that cannot be resolved by force, consider whether it's because your strength was not enough." -Francis Ngannou
I think people r massivly underestimating Nganou's skill and fight IQ. GSP is a GOAT but started training befor even being a teenager. Nganou started in his mid 20's. Even tho he's in the later years of a "prime", imo he's just enterig HIS prime.
He has the absolute worst technique, worse than any other professional fighter
He’s a brute Not a mma artist Not a boxing technician Jst a freak that technically can’t fight🤷♂️ If he touches you though 🤷♂️😊😎
@@deejay2294 🧢
Is that the guy who ran from the ufc to avoid fighting jones ?
@@deejay2294You scumbag, fighting is not only about technique...What about stamina? Strength? Psychology?...
Francis is blessed by God with talent and strength. He is very humble as well, a good man with a good heart.
Thanks that was very very informative and helpful and very good. GOD BLESS HIM.
Big respect to anybody that steps onto a boxing stage or octagon. Takes a lot to show up knowing the life could be on jeopardy
I have followed several black talents that have risen from zero to a great icon I believe and respect the black man's talents May Jah almighty bless you and you will knock out fury In round 2 Onelove brother
A word to anyone doing heavy physical work, like Francis in the sand quarry: If you use proper technique and use your full body properly to complete the task, your body will become very strong and co-ordinated. If you don't, you will just ruin your back and knees and start walking like a crab. Obviously you need to eat plenty as well. What I see in Francis is someone with fantastic genes, who also mastered his body from an early age and that's what gives him his immense power both in striking and wrestling. It's just so hard to keep that guy down when he's wrestling you with all the muscle-fibres in his massive body firing in unison.
Still, the Gypsy King lives not far away from me and watching him fight makes me laugh because of how ridiculously large and skilled he is. I literally laugh out loud watching this giant bobbing and weaving and confounding the opponent. So that's gonna be a great fight, but I'm supporting Fury.
After Francis retires from fighting, he can absolutely start a career as a narrator, his voice is so smooth and soothing
The crazy thing is when he started fighting in the UFC he didn’t know English and needed a translator
wow brother i have very high respect for you, what a journey you had. To come from where you were to where you are now. Truly amazing and inspirational. You are a great champ in the combat world and i really hope you beat Tyson Fury in your upcoming fight brother. Much respect...
“Francis ngannou is the best argument to carry a gun”
Excellent storytelling, thanks
"Ngonou's the best case for carrying a gun" 🤣🤣🤣
“Francis ngannou is the best argument to carry a gun” that shit hits deep
It is amazing what someone with a dream can do. I often wonder what my life would’ve been if I would’ve followed mine.
Never to late man just believe in yourself at anytime like Francis is doing
Amazing work!
This is why he has heart to win. Deserves it, wish him the win over Fury. I am a big fan of Fury but think it’s time for another champ now in the boxing world.
You just know theres a Film being written just now for the Big Screens all about this guys Journey, Determination and Success Well Done Big Guy even everything he has went thru not once has he ever said a Bad Word about anybody, Humble and Respectful, Youve Got To Love Him and His Story SO FAR
Wow the narrator's interview with Ngannou was probably amazing.
Great video keep it up much love from seoul, korea 🇰🇷
My Cameroonian brothers, drop likes here 🤜🤛
ANYONE who gets to the TOP of the UFC has obviously worked their ASS OFF....Gotta Respect that...GSP !
👊 Thanks for this documentary
Long live Africa Long live Black Man Long live Lumumba Black love Black ✊❤
I love what his done! God bless him🙏
What a guy!! where there’s a will there’s a way!!!💯
Thank you so much for this.
😂atleast he floored Fury, I like that.
What people don't realize not only is he genetically Superior Francis is highly intelligent and I love him
Best doc yet, this was a movie
Very nicely done!
Francis Respect to you ,you are a very intelligent,determined,real ,special and a soldier this is your time your moment salute bro
The biggest ‘could have been’ in MMA
MMA's Golden Athlete
A story about determination and resilience.
Francis my man!!! Very beautiful documentary was emotional 😭 was excited at the same time! He has been through a lot in life, I love him ❤ thank God he still alive doing well ❤❤🙌🏾💯💪🏾💪🏾
He seems like a beautiful man mindfully
Francis Ngannou well done. - (Arabie venue) Well done Yaounde, Cameroon + West Africa.
He is The Man. Stoic, challenging, humble, family & culture oriented . Thee TopBoy gladiator. May he reign💯
FRANCIS you've got my respect
How would I like to be remembered? "As a free man who did whatever he wanted to do," Yooooo!!!!! 🔥
good man ✊❤
Wow! Amazing inspirational true story of a legend champion martial arts warrior fighter and human seemingly immortal God of combat his story should become a movie!
And they say Francis can't box but boxing was his first love before the UFC 🥊❤️
He can definitively box though, maybe he won't be the most experienced and therefore, skilled. He's such a badass fighter and a monstruous puncher. While a guy like Tyson Fury could not last one round with Francis Ngannou in MMA, would never have the courage to backup his words and meet him in an Octogon, Francis Ngannou is willing to go outside of his environment with so much handicaps to give a good beating to Fury. Even if Francis Ngannou doesn't win, he will do better in boxing than Fury would do in MMA.
Amazing journey of survival n toughness Where there's a wheel there's a way
Francis is a hero. Dude came from nothing literally and made it out the gutter. Congrats to that man.
He’s a good example for youngsters and people who struggling financially, he came from nothing and became champion, all the best for everybody!
Ngannou, the man that beat the unbeatable Fury and battered his face. What a champ you are bro.
What a great story of perseverance, focus,and having a dream and living that dream!This is one of the most inspirational stories I've heard in awhile,it makes me want to fulfill the dreams I have...Thank you...
Inspirational is in understatement wat a man never knew his back ground story tip my hat to francis 👊👊
GOOD JOB FRANCIS , You made history . Cameroon Flag is shining because of you.