Francis Ngannou, known as “The Predator,” is one of the most inspiring figures in combat sports. Rising from poverty in Cameroon to become a UFC heavyweight champion and a high-profile boxer, Ngannou’s story is about resilience, power, and determination. Here’s a comprehensive look at his personal life, career, earnings, and more.
Francis Ngannou’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Francis Zavier Ngannou |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Date of Birth | 5 September 1986 |
| Age | 38 years |
| Place of Birth | Batié, Cameroon |
| Nationality | Cameroonian, French |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight | ~257 lbs (117 kg) |
| College | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
| Salary | High seven-figures per fight |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Relationship Status | Private |
| Children | N/A |
| @francisngannou |
Early Career
Francis Ngannou grew up in poverty in Batié, Cameroon, working in a sand quarry as a child. Inspired by his father’s reputation as a street fighter, he dreamed of becoming a boxer like Mike Tyson. At 22, he began boxing but paused due to illness and lack of support. At 26, he moved to Paris, France, facing homelessness before finding a gym and coach who introduced him to MMA, setting the stage for his future success.
Professional Career
Ngannou turned professional in 2013, quickly making a name in French regional MMA circuits. He debuted in the UFC in 2015, earning a reputation for his devastating knockout power. After a string of impressive wins, he challenged Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title in 2018 but lost. He rebounded with a series of first-round knockouts, capturing the UFC heavyweight championship in 2021 by defeating Miocic in a rematch.
Ngannou defended his title against Ciryl Gane before leaving the UFC in 2022 due to contract disputes. He then signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), securing lucrative fight purses and equity stakes. In 2023, he made his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury, shocking the world by knocking Fury down and losing only by a close split decision. He faced Anthony Joshua in 2024, suffering a knockout loss but further cementing his crossover star status.
Francis Ngannou’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Ngannou’s net worth is estimated at $15 million, reflecting his MMA, boxing, and endorsement earnings, as well as his business ventures and foundation work.
Fight Purses
| Fight/Opponent | Year | Reported Purse |
| UFC Debut | 2015 | $22,500 |
| vs. Alistair Overeem | 2017 | $90,000 |
| vs. Stipe Miocic I | 2018 | $500,000 |
| vs. Derrick Lewis | 2018 | $105,000 |
| vs. Curtis Blaydes II | 2018 | $255,000 |
| vs. Stipe Miocic II (UFC 260) | 2021 | $580,000 |
| vs. Ciryl Gane | 2022 | $600,000 |
| vs. Tyson Fury (Boxing) | 2023 | $10,000,000 (approx.) |
| vs. Anthony Joshua (Boxing) | 2024 | $20,000,000 (approx.) |
| PFL Fights | 2024–2025 | High 7-figures per fight |
Endorsements
- Gymshark
- Phya
- CBD Research Labs
- Cryo Pain Relief
- The Fight Game
- Gym King Fight Division
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Date | Event/Notes |
| Tyson Fury | Loss (Split Decision) | Oct 28, 2023 | Boxing debut; knocked Fury down |
| Anthony Joshua | Loss (KO) | Mar 8, 2024 | Second professional boxing match |
| Ciryl Gane | Win (Unanimous Decision) | Jan 23, 2022 | UFC Heavyweight Title Defense |
| Stipe Miocic | Win (KO/TKO) | Mar 27, 2021 | Won UFC Heavyweight Title |
| Stipe Miocic | Loss (Unanimous Decision) | Jan 20, 2018 | First UFC Title Shot |
| Derrick Lewis | Loss (Unanimous Decision) | Jul 8, 2018 | UFC |
| Alistair Overeem | Win (KO/TKO) | Dec 2, 2017 | UFC; Knockout of the Year |
| Junior Dos Santos | Win (KO/TKO) | Jun 29, 2019 | UFC |
| Cain Velasquez | Win (KO/TKO) | Feb 17, 2019 | UFC |
| Curtis Blaydes | Win (KO/TKO) | Nov 24, 2018 | UFC |
FAQs
1. Who is Francis Ngannou?
Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian-French professional mixed martial artist and boxer, currently competing in the Heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he is the inaugural PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion. He was previously the UFC Heavyweight Champion and is renowned for his exceptional punching power.
2. What is Francis Ngannou’s fighting background and how did he start his career?
Ngannou grew up in poverty in Batié, Cameroon, and began working in a sand quarry at age 12. He started boxing at 22, moved to Paris at 26 to pursue professional boxing, and after a period of homelessness, was introduced to MMA at the MMA Factory in Paris, launching his professional career in 2013.
3. What are Francis Ngannou’s most notable achievements in MMA?
Ngannou became the UFC Heavyweight Champion by defeating Stipe Miocic in March 2021 and successfully defended the title against Ciryl Gane. He is known for multiple first-round knockouts and holds the record for the hardest punch ever measured.
4. Why did Francis Ngannou leave the UFC?
Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 after contract disputes, seeking more freedom and better terms. He then signed with the PFL, where he became their first Super Fights Heavyweight Champion.
5. What is Francis Ngannou’s professional fight record?
In mixed martial arts, Ngannou has a record of 21 fights, with 18 wins (13 by knockout, 4 by submission, 1 by decision) and 3 losses (all by decision). He has also competed in professional boxing and kickboxing.
6. What is Francis Ngannou’s reputation as a striker?
Ngannou is widely regarded as one of the most powerful punchers in MMA history, with several of his UFC wins coming by knockout in the first round, and he holds the world record for the hardest punch ever recorded.
7. What is Francis Ngannou’s height and weight?
Ngannou stands 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall and typically competes at around 257 pounds (117 kg).
8. Has Francis Ngannou competed in boxing?
Yes, Ngannou made his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October 2023, losing by split decision in a closely contested bout where he knocked Fury down in the third round.
9. What is known about Francis Ngannou’s personal life?
Ngannou keeps his personal life private. He speaks Ngemba, French, and English. In April 2024, he tragically lost his 15-month-old son, Kobe, due to a brain malformation.
10. What philanthropic work is Francis Ngannou involved in?
Ngannou founded the Francis Ngannou Foundation, which runs the first MMA gym in Cameroon and provides educational resources, including computer labs, to underserved communities. The foundation has reportedly benefited over 26,000 people.