Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal: Recapping the historic BMF title fight
Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are undoubtedly two of the biggest superstars in the world of mixed martial arts. The two iconic fighters, who dedicated more than a decade each to the UFC, faced each other for the one-of-a-kind ‘BMF’ title. This article closely examines the BMF title, their epic fight, and their legacy in the UFC. The BMF Title In the MMA world, few accolades are as coveted or controversial as the UFC’s BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title. The symbolic title combines the excitement of spectacle and sport, embodying the boldness, daring, and unwavering fighting spirit that characterizes the UFC. Interestingly, it was Nate Diaz who is to be credited for conceptualizing the BMF title. Immediately after the Stockton slugger’s win over Anthony Pettis at UF 241, Diaz brashly proclaimed himself the “baddest mother f***er in the game” before calling out Masvidal, who stood cage-side. While the UFC wasn’t initially interested in making that fight happen, the organization couldn’t ignore that a fight between two superstars like Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal was a guaranteed pay-per-view success. Ultimately, Dana White announced that Masvidal would challenge Diaz’s claims of being the “baddest motherf***er,” and the two would fight each other in a welterweight barnburner. The Historic Fight Nate Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal for the BMF title in the headliner of UFC 244 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main event was considered one of the most exciting fights of the year, and everyone watched closely as the street-fighter-turned-professional Jorge Masvidal and the gritty, never-backing-down brawler, Nate Diaz, locked horns. Diaz and Masvidal engaged in a war of attrition from the opening bell, showcasing their incredible skills, tenacity, and durability. The Stockton native relied on his high-volume boxing to pressure ‘Gamebred’ but was constantly out-struck by Masvidal’s superior striking accuracy and power. While Diaz’s legendary durability certainly lived up to its name, a gash that Masvidal’s elbows and knees opened right above the Stockton slugger’s right eye ended the contest just before the fourth round began. Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) to take home the black and gunmetal-grey BMF belt. Aftermath and Legacy While the fans saw the BMF title as a marketing gimmick, no MMA fan could resist indulging in a barnburner involving Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. While the title fight had a controversial ending, the intense battle between the two MMA superstars became an instant classic that showcased the heart and toughness of both fighters. Conclusion The BMF belt is a unique entity in combat sports that was incidentally created by Nate Diaz and later co-opted by the UFC. While the title was merely symbolic, it elevated fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz to new heights of stardom. The two hard-as-nails sluggers continue to be icons of the sport.
When did Nate Diaz leave the UFC?
Nate Diaz is one of the most well-known fighters in the mixed martial arts world, and the Stockton native is undeniably among the UFC’s biggest superstars ever. Diaz enthralled fans with his impressive fighting abilities, raw personality, and tank-like durability until the day he left the UFC after 15 years of service. This article closely examines when Nate Diaz left the UFC, his last fight, and his legacy. Nate Diaz’s Last Fight After facing Leon Edwards at UFC 263, Nate Diaz had one fight left on his contract. Desperate to enter the realm of free agency as soon as possible, Diaz accepted the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev as his final opponent at UFC 279, much to the chagrin of many fight fans. While it was clear the UFC intended to bid him a painful farewell, the Chechen-born Swede failed to make weight by a considerable margin and was replaced by Tony Ferguson on short notice. The shuffling of the UFC 279 card pleased most fans, who got their wish to see the two UFC veterans fight granted. The fight between the two UFC stars was relatively even. Ferguson’s unrelenting kicks caused significant damage to Diaz, but despite this, the Stockton slugger still managed to hurt ‘El Cucuy’ with his exceptional boxing skills. In the fourth round, Nate Diaz managed to capitalize on an ill-advised takedown attempt and secured a guillotine choke to submit Tony Ferguson. Nate Diaz defeated Tony Ferguson via a round-four submission, which marked the end of his 15-year-long journey with the UFC since he opted not to re-sign with the promotion. Aftermath and Legacy Nate Diaz is widely considered one of the UFC’s biggest draws, and the younger Diaz sibling garnered quite a cult following during his time in the promotion, much like his elder brother Nick Diaz. The Stockton native also fought several world-class fighters during his tenure in the UFC, like Conor McGregor, Donald Cerrone, Michael Johnson, Anthony Pettis, and Rafael Dos Anjos. Conclusion Nate Diaz left the UFC in September 2022 after fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. The Stockton legend fought in the promotion for 15 years and established himself as one of the most adored fighters in the UFC with his unique fighting technique, relentless pressure, and impressive endurance to withstand hits. He remains one of the most widely beloved fighters in mixed martial arts.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz: All the details behind the rivalry
The rivalry between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor is one of the most compelling and storied rivalries in MMA history. Having faced each other twice in their UFC careers, their contrasting fighting styles, polar opposite personalities, and reputations for intense octagon battles enthralled MMA fans worldwide. This article delves into their legendary rivalry, how it began, their fights, and their legacy. The Rivalry The Nate Diaz vs. Conor Mcgregor rivalry surprisingly began with Rafael Dos Anjos’s broken foot and some unintentionally excellent matchmaking on the UFC’s part. The rivalry began when Diaz was roped in to replace Dos Anjos on short notice to face McGregor at UFC 196 in March 2016. The Brazilian was forced to pull out due to a foot injury. The fight took place at welterweight, which meant that reigning featherweight champion Conor McGregor had to move up two weight classes to fight Nate Diaz. Considering their contrasting fighting styles and personalities, the fight was an intriguing challenge for both men. The First Encounter Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor went head-to-head for the first time at UFC 196 in March 2016. The Irishman was a hot favorite going into fight night and was highly expected to extend his unbeaten streak in the UFC. The fight began with McGregor peppering Diaz with hard and accurate shots, looking to find that sweet spot on the Stockton native’s chin. However, Diaz weathered the storm and showcased his legendary durability despite being dropped a few times. In the second round, Diaz applied relentless pressure on McGregor and used his superior boxing skills to hurt the Irishman. Eventually, Diaz hit a gassed-out McGregor with a hard left that stunned him. The dazed McGregor then attempted a sloppy takedown, resulting in Diaz securing a rear-naked choke submission victory. The defeat marked McGregor’s first loss in the UFC and Diaz’s biggest win ever. The Second Encounter The first fight between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor laid the foundations for their rivalry to escalate. Given the massive upset that Diaz caused the first time around, fans were eager for an instant rematch, and that’s exactly what the UFC arranged. At UFC 202 in August 2016, the two rivals fought for the second time. The buildup to the fight was marked by bitter verbal sparring and personal insults, which escalated the tension between them. The fight was an epic five-round back-and-forth war, with McGregor throwing leg-kicks early on. While Diaz remained steadfast and kept piling on the pressure, McGregor displayed clear improvements in his game and utilized effective counter-punching and head movement. The fight ultimately ended with a close unanimous decision victory for Conor McGregor. Aftermath and Legacy The rivalry between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor is among the UFC’s most memorable ones. Beyond the octagon, Diaz and McGregor continued to fire shots at each other for an extended time, generating a buzz that heightened the anticipation for a trilogy fight. Facing Conor McGregor twice also undoubtedly helped take Diaz’s career to new heights, raise his profile, and make him a truly global superstar. Meanwhile, it allowed McGregor to introspect and make necessary improvements to his game. Conclusion The Nate Diaz-Conor McGregor saga undoubtedly showcased the essence of competition, the drive for redemption, and the ability of two fighters to bring out the best in each other. Diaz and McGregor remain two of the biggest superstars in MMA and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of all combat sports fans.
Nate Diaz’s biggest UFC wins: A quick recap
Nate Diaz is undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars ever to grace the UFC octagon, and this article takes a closer look at the Stockton native’s biggest career wins. Nate Diaz’s Biggest Wins Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 1 – UFC 196 – 05/03/2016: There is no doubt that the fierce rivalry between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor was one for the UFC’s history books, and their first fight ended with the biggest win of Diaz’s 15-year-long career in the UFC. The then-unbeaten McGregor started the fight strong and seemed to bank on his knockout power to fold Diaz. While McGregor managed to bust Diaz’s right eye, the Irishman couldn’t finish the Stockton native. Unsurprisingly, McGregor seemed gassed heading into the second round. As Diaz’s confidence grew, he stunned McGregor with hard-hitting punches that forced the former two-division champion to shoot for a takedown. The grappling savant lost no time sweeping McGregor, mounting him, and sinking a choke in as soon as the Irishman gave his back. Diaz submitted McGregor at 4:12 mins of the second round in one of the wildest upsets in UFC history. Nate Diaz vs. Donald Cerrone – UFC 141 – 30/12/2011: Nate Diaz faced a red-hot Donald Cerrone, who was on a four-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC, in his second fight after returning to lightweight, after beating Takanori Gomi at UFC 135. In classic Nate Diaz fashion, he got under Cerrone’s skin before the fight, which caused ‘Cowboy’ to become easy prey for the Stockton slugger. Cerrone started the fight too aggressively and got punished by Diaz’s quicker, more volume-based counter boxing. Diaz dismantled Cerrone in the first round with a series of brutal combinations that left ‘Cowboy’ gasping for air with a broken jaw. While the lionhearted Donald Cerrone survived all three rounds, the fight belonged to Diaz from the start. Nate Diaz defeated Donald Cerrone via unanimous decision. Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino – UFC Fight Night 13 – 02/04/2008: Nate Diaz faced Kurt Pellegrino in his third UFC fight while the jury was still out on whether he was an elite-level fighter. A superior wrestler and an accomplished jiu-jitsu black belt, Pellegrino was Diaz’s toughest test at that point. In the first round, Kurt Pellegrino brutally hurt Nate Diaz with his ground-based striking and nullified any grappling threat that Diaz posed. In the second round, Diaz tried to impose his striking on Pellegrino but saw himself getting picked up and slammed down onto the mat. However, as soon as Nate Diaz hit the floor, the Stockton native locked his opponent in a triangle choke and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Nate Diaz defeated Kurt Pellegrino via second-round submission while throwing up his famous double middle-fingers at the cameras. Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson – UFC 279 – 10/09/2022: This list would be incomplete without mentioning Nate Diaz’s last outing in the UFC against fellow veteran Tony Ferguson. While Diaz was initially booked to face Khamzat Chimaev in his last contractual fight in the UFC, the Chechen-born Swede failed to make weight and was replaced by Ferguson. Fans lauded the new matchup, considering how unfavorable Chimaev would’ve been as an opponent for Diaz. The fight between the two fan-favorite fighters was quite evenly contested. Diaz displayed his incredible boxing skills as Ferguson’s relentless kicks caused significant damage to Diaz. In the fourth round, Nate Diaz managed to capitalize on a mistimed takedown attempt and secured a guillotine choke to submit Tony Ferguson to end his last UFC fight. Conclusion Nate Diaz’s 15-year career in the UFC solidified his status as an all-time great in MMA’s history books. With his signature fighting style, relentless pressure, and remarkable ability to withstand punishment, Diaz carved a niche for himself as one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC.
When Nate Diaz won The Ultimate Fighter: Recap of TUF 5
Nate Diaz is undeniably one of the biggest superstars in the sport of MMA, and his time in the UFC made him an absolute fan-favorite fighter. The Stockton slugger began his journey in the promotion as a contestant on the fifth installment of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show, which he ended up winning. This article delves into Diaz’s journey as a TUF contestant, his season-winning finale fight, and its aftermath. Nate Diaz in TUF 5 Nate Diaz was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 5, which exclusively featured lightweights. The fighters were split into two opposing teams coached by UFC veterans, Jens Pulver and B.J. Penn. The Stockton native was a part of Pulver’s team of lightweights and submitted all four of his opponents in the tournament bracket phase of the series. In the elimination rounds, Nate Diaz beat Rob Emerson via second-round submission before going on to face Corey Hill. Diaz brushed Hill aside with a brutally quick first-round submission. With his incredible grappling skills and outspoken personality, Nate Diaz won fights and won over fans. In the semi-finals, Nate Diaz was up against Gray Maynard. The Stockton legend once again relied upon his grappling abilities to beat Maynard. The fight ended with Diaz securing a spot in the season finale via second-round submission. Nate Diaz’s Season Finale Victory In the season finale of TUF 5, Nate Diaz faced fellow teammate Manny Gamburyan in a bout in Paradise, Nevada. The fight was slightly anti-climatic, considering the torrid battles that fans usually expect from the final bouts of the series. Gamburyan started strong in the TUF 5 championship fight and won the first round with relentless ground-and-pound attacks. He successfully nullified Diaz’s size and striking advantages and looked well set to win the fight. In the second round, Manny Gamburyan shot for an unlucky takedown and ended up dislocating his right shoulder during the landing. He tapped out due to the excruciating injury just 20 seconds into the second round, with Diaz taking home the six-figure UFC contract and the TUF lightweight championship. Aftermath and Legacy During his career spanning over 15 years, Nate Diaz cemented his legacy as an icon in the UFC. Diaz’s unforgettable journey in TUF 5 and the subsequent championship victory kickstarted his rise in the UFC. The Stockton native later grew into one of the biggest stars in MMA. Conclusion Nate Diaz was a contestant in the fifth installment of The Ultimate Fighter, and the Stockton slugger won the lightweight competition at the end of the series. His unfiltered and raw personality was on full display in the show, making him an instant fan favorite. He went on to become one of the UFC’s biggest superstars ever.
When did Nate Diaz make his UFC debut?
Nate Diaz is unquestionably one of the most adored fighters to have ever competed in the UFC. In this article, we delve into Diaz’s momentous UFC debut, shedding light on the event, his opponent, and the impact he had on the sport. Nate Diaz’s UFC Arrival Nate Diaz began his journey in the UFC as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 5, where he won the lightweight tournament against Manny Gamburyan via second-round TKO in June 2007. The Stockton slugger made his official UFC debut against Junior Assuncao on September 19, 2007, at UFC Fight Night 11. The event took place at the Palm’s Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event marked the beginning of Diaz’s incredible UFC career that spanned over 15 years and saw him enter the octagon a whopping 26 times. Nate Diaz’s Incredible Debut During his fight against Manny Gamburyan in the TUF 5 finale, Nate Diaz walked into the octagon brimming with confidence and swagger. Gamburyan sunk a deep guillotine early as the fight began, but Diaz slipped out and pulled guard. Diaz attempted to get back on his feet, but Gamburyan took his back, and the fight went to the ground again. Whenever Nate Diaz pulled guard, he attempted to submit his opponent, changing between triangle chokes, kimura, omaplata, and armbars for the final two minutes. In the second round, Diaz stunned Gamburyan early with his iconic 1-2 before Gamburyan shot for a takedown that caused his shoulder to dislocate. Nate Diaz won the fight via second-round TKO. Likewise, in his first official UFC outing against Junior Assuncao at UFC Fight Night 11, Nate Diaz put his incredible technical abilities on full display. Diaz went for an early clinch and secured a standing kimura lock that he used to throw Assuncao. After that submission attempt failed, Diaz went for another kimura, ending in a half-guard. When they both returned to their feet, Diaz rocked Assuncao and locked him up in a guillotine choke. Junior Assuncao tapped out at 4:10 minutes into the first round. Aftermath and Legacy After his debut, Nate Diaz became one of the UFC’s most beloved and fan-favorite fighters. Diaz became known for his incredible submission abilities and unbelievable “tank-like” durability as a fighter. While the Stockton native never won a title in the promotion, fight fans worldwide gravitated toward his unfiltered authenticity and unapologetic demeanor. During his incredible 15-year run in the UFC, Diaz faced world-class fighters like Conor McGregor, Donald Cerrone, Benson Henderson, Jorge Masvidal, and Tony Ferguson. Nate Diaz continues to enjoy a cult following in the MMA world alongside his elder brother Nick Diaz. Conclusion Nate Diaz’s UFC debut marked the beginning of an illustrious career. With his incredible skills and durability inside the octagon, Diaz achieved unprecedented success and became one of the most popular fighters in UFC history.
Why did Francis Ngannou leave the UFC?
Francis Ngannou is undeniably one of the most feared heavyweight fighters in mixed martial arts. The former UFC heavyweight champion, who became a household name after his historic title win over Stipe Miocic, shockingly left the UFC in January this year. This article closely examines Ngannou’s exit and why he chose to leave the promotion. Ngannou’s UFC career Francis Ngannou began his professional journey in November 2013 and stacked up a record of 5-1 before the UFC signed him in 2015. Following an emphatic second-round TKO victory on his debut, Francis Ngannou went on an incredible five-fight winning streak which saw him beat world-class heavyweights like Curtis Blaydes, Andrei Arlovski, and Alistair Overeem. His unbeaten run came to an end after he lost his title bid via a unanimous decision loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 220. However, Ngannou bounced back with another win over Curtis Blaydes and went on a four-fight win streak to earn a shot at Miocic again. At UFC 260, Francis Ngannou redeemed his first unsuccessful title bid via a second-round knockout over Stipe Miocic to become the UFC heavyweight champion. He then defended his title once against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Ngannou’s Surprise UFC Exit Francis Ngannou sent shockwaves through the MMA community when UFC president Dana White announced the Cameroonian’s departure from the promotion on January 14 earlier this year. After his first successful title defense, Francis Ngannou took some time off to recover from injuries he suffered during his training camp. While he did not fight that year, he was in the process of negotiating contract renewal terms with the UFC executives. However, the two parties failed to find a middle ground during their talks. The promotion ultimately decided to strip Ngannou of his title and waive its one-year matching rights clause, making Ngannou an unrestricted free agent in mid-December. Why Francis Ngannou Left The UFC After the shocking announcement, Francis Ngannou revealed that while the UFC offered him record-breaking amounts of money for a new deal, his demands were beyond just money. Going into the negotiations with the UFC, Ngannou asked the promotion to allow all fighters to get in-cage sponsorships and give them health insurance. He also wanted an athlete representative in place to help fighters. Apart from that, Francis Ngannou also wanted the freedom to pursue his boxing dreams outside the UFC independently and the promotion to waive its exclusive negotiating window following the duration of the contract. When the UFC refused to agree to these demands, Francis Ngannou decided not to renew his contract. He was subsequently stripped of his title and became the first reigning champion to leave the UFC since B.J. Penn in 2004. Conclusion Francis Ngannou is undoubtedly one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA, and his incredible journey in the UFC justified his moniker, ‘The World’s Baddest Man.’ Ngannou exited the UFC earlier this year due to unresolved contract disputes and was stripped of his title. In May, Francis Ngannou announced that he had signed a historic deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Francis Ngannou’s UFC career: All the details
Francis Ngannou is one of the most well-known heavyweight fighters in the world of MMA, and the hard-hitting Cameroonian’s UFC career has been nothing short of remarkable. This article takes a closer look at Ngannou’s UFC career, notable opponents, and his legacy. Ngannou’s UFC debut After Francis Ngannou made his professional fighting debut in 2013, he compiled a record of 5-1 before signing with the UFC in 2015. ‘The Predator’ made his promotional debut against fellow newcomer Luis Henrique at UFC on Fox 17 at the Amway Center in Florida on December 19, 2015. He defeated the Brazilian via second-round knockout. Notable Opponents As Francis Ngannou’s incredible journey in the UFC progressed, ‘The Predator’ defeated world-class fighters to earn the title of UFC heavyweight champion. Here are some notable opponents who faced Ngannou in the octagon: Curtis Blaydes: Francis Ngannou has faced Curtis Blaydes twice in his career, emerging victorious via a TKO knockout on both occasions. The two bouts against Blaydes helped Ngannou showcase his exceptional punching power and striking prowess. Andrei Arlovski: Francis Ngannou faced Andrei Arlovski at UFC on FOX 23 in January 2017, and the then-rising star faced one of his toughest tests against the former heavyweight champion. Ngannou defeated the perennial heavyweight via first-round knockout, marking his fifth consecutive win in the UFC. Alistair Overeem: Francis Ngannou fought Alistair Overeem in a pivotal contest at UFC 218 in December 2017. Both fighters were considered top contenders for the heavyweight title at the time, and the bout carried significant implications for the title picture. Ngannou defeated Overeem via first-round knockout to further solidify his reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous strikers and propel himself into title contention. Stipe Miocic: Ngannou faced Stipe Miocic twice, with the legendary American heavyweight handing the Cameroonian his first octagon loss. In their first meeting, Ngannou challenged Miocic for the heavyweight title at UFC 220. ‘The Predator’ was thoroughly outwrestled, and Miocic successfully neutralized his striking to win via unanimous decision. Three years later, Ngannou rematched Miocic for the heavyweight title at UFC 260 and took home the belt after knocking the American out in the second round. Aftermath and Legacy Francis Ngannou’s reputation as a heavyweight fighter with an unmatched aptitude for delivering powerful knockouts preceded him, and his exceptional skill and remarkable precision set him apart from his contemporaries. Despite his humble beginnings, the Cameroonian’s tenacity and drive toward becoming the UFC heavyweight champion are genuinely inspiring, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the sport. Conclusion Francis Ngannou has had an incredible journey from the streets of Batie, Cameroon, to earning the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ tag in the UFC. The former heavyweight champion defeated world-class opponents on his way to the top and earned the respect of many fans when he chose to leave the UFC on his own terms in January 2023.
Which fighters have beaten former UFC champion Francis Ngannou?
Francis Ngannou is renowned for being one of the most menacing heavyweights in the history of MMA, but even the mighty Cameroonian’s unbeaten streak was brought to an end. This article closely examines Ngannou’s professional record, his defeats, and the opponents who beat him. Ngannou’s Losses Zoumana Cisse: Before signing with the UFC in 2015, Francis Ngannou had compiled a record of 5-1 across various MMA promotions in Europe. Ngannou’s maiden career loss came against Zoumana Cisse, who beat him via unanimous decision in his second professional fight at 100% Fight: Contenders 20 in December 2013. Stipe Miocic: After joining the UFC and making his promotional debut in December 2015, Ngannou went on an incredible six-fight winning streak before securing a title shot against Stipe Miocic at UFC 220. Miocic defeated Ngannou via unanimous decision to hand him the second loss of his career. Derrick Lewis: After his failed title bid, the Cameroonian heavyweight was booked to face Derrick Lewis at UFC 226. ‘The Black Beast’ defeated Francis Ngannou via a unanimous decision to hand him his third career loss. Aftermath and Legacy Despite losing three times as a mixed martial artist, Francis Ngannou never lost sight of his goal to become the UFC heavyweight champion. He eventually beat Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in March 2021 to take home heavyweight gold. Ngannou’s impressive physique, athleticism, and raw punching power have enthralled MMA fans since his debut, and his rags-to-riches story of success has inspired many budding martial artists to pursue their dream. Conclusion Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has lost three times in his professional MMA career. ‘The Predator’ faced defeat at the hands of Zoumana Cisse at 100% Fight: Contender 20 in December 2013, Stipe Miocic at UFC 220 in January 2018, and Derrick Lewis at UFC 226 in July 2018. Fans worldwide have been moved by Ngannou’s story of resilience, triumph over adversity, and impressive fighting skills. His journey from modest beginnings to reaching the pinnacle of success has inspired many, and he is now regarded as a model for upcoming fighters.
When did Francis Ngannou make his UFC debut?
Francis Ngannou is widely known as one of the most dangerous heavyweights the sport of MMA has ever seen, and the Cameroonian’s devastating striking power has struck fear into the hearts of many opponents. This article closely examines Ngannou’s first fight in the UFC, highlighting the event, his opponent, and his legacy in the sport. Ngannou’s UFC Arrival Ngannou started his MMA career in November 2013 and compiled a record of 5-1 before signing with the UFC in 2015. Ngannou made his promotional debut at UFC on Fox 17 at the Amway Center in Florida on December 19, 2015. The Historic Fight In his UFC debut, Francis Ngannou faced fellow newcomer Luis Henrique and defeated the Brazilian submission artist via second-round knockout. ‘The Predator’ opened with some brutal leg kicks that hurt Henrique, who then took the fight to the ground and remained heavy on top. Once back on their feet, the two engaged in a back-and-forth striking sequence till the bell ended the round. The second round saw Luis Henrique trying to close the distance on Francis Ngannou but ultimately couldn’t capitalize on his position. Ngannou took advantage of that and threw a few tricky combos from range before landing a devastating left uppercut that sent Henrique crashing. Francis Ngannou followed up with a hammer fist that sealed his first victory in the UFC. Aftermath and Legacy Francis Ngannou masterfully showcased his incredible striking skills, punching power, and imposing presence in the octagon to announce his arrival in the UFC. After his first successful outing in the UFC, Ngannou went on an incredible five-fight winning streak which saw him defeat heavyweight contenders like Curtis Blaydes, Andrei Arlovski, and Alistair Overeem. His run came to an end after he lost his title bid via a unanimous decision loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 220. Ngannou bounced back with a second win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night 141 and went on a four-fight win streak to earn a title shot against Stipe Miocic at UFC 260. This time the Cameroonian secured a second-round knockout to become the UFC heavyweight champion. He defended his title once against Ciryl Gane before leaving the UFC in January 2023. With his electrifying fighting style, exceptional knockout power, and remarkable journey, Francis Ngannou established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of MMA, and he remains one of the most inspirational stories in the sport. Conclusion Francis Ngannou made his UFC debut against Luis Henrique at UFC on FOX 17 in December 2015. This fight marked the beginning of Ngannou’s incredible journey in the UFC, which saw him become the undisputed heavyweight champion.