The former UFC heavyweight champion opens up about his harrowing journey, mental health, and the significance of pursuing dreams in the face of adversity ahead of his return to the cage at PFL’s ‘Battle of the Giants.’
In the world of mixed martial arts, few names resonate as powerfully as Francis Ngannou. Known for his devastating knockouts and unparalleled determination, Ngannou’s story transcends the octagon, embodying the essence of perseverance and resilience. As he prepares for his much-anticipated return to the cage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for PFL’s “Battle of the Giants,” Ngannou opens up about his tumultuous journey, the demons he faces, and the transformative power of dreams.
From Humble Beginnings to Fighting Champion
Born in Batié, Cameroon, Ngannou’s childhood was marked by extreme poverty. At just 10 years old, he began working in sand quarries to support his family, nurturing dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Inspired by legends like Mike Tyson, Ngannou’s passion for combat sports burned bright, despite the challenges of limited infrastructure and resources in his rural village.
At 26, driven by an unrelenting desire to pursue his boxing dreams, Ngannou made the life-altering decision to leave Cameroon and embark on a perilous journey through Europe. “It wasn’t just about sitting on a boat; it was over a year-long struggle to get to Europe,” he recalls. “By any means necessary, we were moving—whether by transportation, walking, running, or even crawling if needed.”
Through every setback, Ngannou clung to his dreams. “When I left my country, it wasn’t because I wanted to escape. It was solely to find a better opportunity in boxing,” he emphasizes. Even in his lowest moments, he held on to the belief that something awaited him on the horizon, stating, “I was always driven by one dream—one goal, one vision of a life I didn’t have but could have.”
Confronting Demons and Finding Strength
Ngannou’s path to success was not without its demons. He candidly admits, “I’m fighting my demons,” acknowledging the mental health struggles that often accompany the relentless pursuit of greatness. In a world where the weight of expectation can be overwhelming, Ngannou encourages young people to understand their goals and find clarity in their aspirations. “The struggles we see today among young people often stem from a lack of direction and a clear understanding of priorities,” he explains.
He draws an analogy to navigating with a GPS: “Imagine leaving your home without a plan. If you had entered a destination into your GPS, you could navigate obstacles, recalibrating your route as necessary. But without that initial goal, you may find yourself turning back, feeling exhausted yet achieving nothing.”
A Bold Exit and the Taste of Freedom
Ngannou’s journey reached a pivotal moment in 2023 when he made the bold decision to leave the UFC over contractual disputes related to fighter pay and the desire to pursue boxing. This audacious move sent shockwaves through the fighting world, yet Ngannou views it as a necessary step toward personal growth. “It was just a step into the next level,” he asserts. “Sometimes, you have to stop and refuel, change your tires, and reset to continue your journey.”
His recent signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) represents not just a career shift, but a reclamation of his identity. “I left UFC because I didn’t want to be bound by any organization. I just want to be Francis Ngannou, a name that speaks for itself, independent of any label,” he states. For Ngannou, true strength lies not solely in victories, but in resilience: “In every setback, there lies an opportunity for growth. Embracing challenges and pushing through obstacles are what truly define a champion.”
The Power of Dreams and Inspiring the Next Generation
As Ngannou reflects on his extraordinary journey, he emphasizes the importance of dreams. “Dreams are free. You can allow yourself to dream as much as you want. It keeps you motivated and pushes you forward.” He urges today’s youth, particularly Gen-Z, to embrace their aspirations, reminding them that it’s never too late to chase their dreams. “I decided that I was going to show everyone who ever looked down on me that I wasn’t worthless,” he recalls, emphasizing the empowerment that comes from defying societal expectations.
Now, as he steps back into the cage, Ngannou stands as a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream. “As soon as you have freedom, the rest of the world is open to you. Freedom is priceless,” he asserts, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination. In Ngannou’s world, every setback is an opportunity, and every dream is a stepping stone toward greatness.
As he prepares for his next fight, Ngannou’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and belief, anyone can rise above adversity to carve their path to success.
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