Francis Ngannou’s story is one of the most fascinating and well-documented stories throughout combat sports.
When Francis Ngannou debuted in the UFC over 10 years ago, fans didn’t know much about ‘The Predator’, apart from the fact that he possessed supernatural power and an unwavering determination to make it to the top.
Since then, the colossal heavyweight has reached the top of the MMA mountain, becoming the UFC heavyweight champion and reaching superstardom.
Although Ngannou subsequently left the UFC, his journey in combat sports continues and he is looking to make a return to the boxing ring to take on Deontay Wilder after two unfortunate losses.
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Ngannou names actor he wants to play him in potential Hollywood movie
Before being forced to work at the age of 10, Ngannou used to walk six miles to school every day in Batie, Cameroon.
Wanting to help out his family financially, he then began to work in the sand mines for seven years. Whilst there, he found a love for boxing but wasn’t able to pursue his dream until he turned 26.
Deciding to try and change his and his family’s lives, he decided to travel to France to pursue his dream but it proved to be an incredibly strenuous 14-month journey, which saw him cross the Sahara Desert and subsequently spend months in prison.
With ‘The Predator’s’ life being completely unimaginable, it has garnered interest from Hollywood producers who are potentially looking at making a movie about his life.
“They’re buying it, I got a good offer now,” Ngannou told Sportsbook Review.
“I got a good offer from production. But I think it’s not time yet. I think the story is not done yet. I think we are maybe in the last chapter, but it’s not done,” he continued.
With the 38-year-old hopeful of securing a fight against Wilder, he believes that could be the final chapter of his combat sports story, one that has been filled with major ups and downs.
However, Ngannou knows exactly who he’d want to play him when the movie about his life does begin production.
“I always used to say Idris Elba (would play me) but (Israel) Adesanya said to me the guy in Creed, Jonathan Majors,” he stated.
Ngannou remains confident a fight against Jon Jones could happen
One of the biggest what-ifs in Ngannou’s sporting career is what would have happened if he fought Jon Jones.
Prior to his exit from the UFC, Dana White claims that he attempted to make the superfight but Ngannou didn’t want it. White’s words have caused an ongoing feud as Ngannou claims otherwise.
Despite that, having worked closely with the powerful Turki Alalshikh over the past few years, Ngannou believes the combat sports mogul could facilitate the fight against Jones, he just needs to get past the obstacle that is Dana White.