Francis Ngannou has no shortage of highlight reel knockouts to look back on ahead of his eagerly anticipated return to the octagon this Saturday.
For his comeback, ‘The Predator’ will undoubtedly be looking to remind MMA fans of his pulverizing power when he collides with 6’8’’ giant Renan Ferreira in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Prior to his upcoming PFL debut, though, Francis Ngannou dipped his toe into the world of professional boxing following his contractual dispute with the UFC.
The 38-year-old, however, was unable to replicate his MMA success, losing a fiercely contested split decision to Tyson Fury before his second-round stoppage defeat to Anthony Joshua.
But now, Ngannou hopes to prove that he is still an elite level operator in his chosen discipline, with a potential showdown against UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones remaining firmly on his radar.
Francis Ngannou dispatches UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic with brutal finish
Ngannou, as previously mentioned, is best known for his brutal finishes.
Some might say that his knockout against Alistair Overeem – when he landed a lethal uppercut – was the most awe-inspiring of his career.
And yet, while it is difficult to pin-point his most destructive stoppage, there is one which, given the circumstances, could easily be labeled as such.
Shortly after losing to UFC legend Stipe Miocic in their first encounter, Ngannou was able to swiftly rebuild himself, securing four wins on the bounce following his defeat to Derrick Lewis.
Miocic, meanwhile, entered their rematch at UFC 260 coming off a compelling trilogy against Daniel Cormier, outpointing him twice to reclaim and retain his heavyweight title.
And so, the stage was set at the UFC Apex in 2021 for the pair to lock horns once again, with Ngannou itching to get his hands on the belt.
Before long, Ngannou took control of the fight with his superior reach, catching his opponent with several unanswered shots prior to dropping him in the second round.
It was then a sharp left hand that put Miocic down a second time, only for the ferocious Cameroonian to switch his lights off with a thundering hammer fist.
What have Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic done since their rematch
After beating Miocic, Ngannou defended his newly-acquired trinket against top contender Ciryl Gane, who he outpointed before crossing over to boxing.
As for Miocic, the American has not stepped foot into an octagon, or indeed a ring, since his crushing defeat.
And yet, now, the 42-year-old looks to get back to winning ways against none other than pound-for-pound star Jones at UFC 309.