Nine years ago today, Francis Ngannou secured a performance bonus with an unforgettable finish. Over his 12-year career in martial arts, few fighters have become as feared for their knockout power as Ngannou. Leading up to his knockout victory over Stipe Miocic to claim the 2021 UFC Heavyweight Championship, “The Predator” amassed a series of devastating KOs, solidifying his reputation as one of the most powerful hitters in MMA history.
However, Ngannou’s skills extended beyond striking. Nearly a decade ago, at UFC Albany on December 9, 2016, Ngannou surprised fans by submitting Anthony Hamilton with a kimura, earning a $50,000 performance bonus for showcasing technical grappling skills. This submission victory was just the second of his career, as he primarily returned to his knockout style in subsequent UFC fights, finishing notable opponents like Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Stipe Miocic with his sheer power.
While Ngannou’s UFC tenure ended on a complicated note, talks about his return continue amid uncertainties about his MMA future. Plans for a second fight in the PFL have stalled as he shifts focus toward boxing, increasing calls for a reconciliation between Ngannou and the UFC. In recent comments, Ngannou claimed that the biggest fight ever in the sport would only happen if he faces Jon Jones, dismissing other high-profile matchups as lesser.
Fan Take: This milestone highlights Ngannou’s evolution as a fighter, emphasizing that his threat in the cage isn’t limited to brute force but includes technical skill as well. His potential return and matchups like a Ngannou vs. Jones fight could reignite fan excitement and elevate the sport to new heights.
