JRE MMA Show #146 with Francis Ngannou

Added: Sep 26, 2023

Ngannou begins by expressing his gratitude for securing the fight with Fury, as many people doubted it would happen. He explains that there were frustrations with the UFC, leading him to become a free agent and explore other opportunities. Ngannou wanted certain changes in his contract, including no extensions, the ability to box, and the freedom to have his own sponsors. He felt that the UFC was not meeting his expectations and decided to explore other options.

Ngannou reveals that he had conversations with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Bellator, but ultimately decided to pursue the fight with Fury. He discusses the negotiations for the fight, expressing his satisfaction with the financial terms and conditions. Ngannou also mentions that the fight will be for 10 rounds and a new belt will be created for the bout.

During the interview, Ngannou talks about his training for the fight and his involvement with boxing legend Mike Tyson. He explains that he has been training with Dewey Cooper and a young boxing coach named John Bumba. Ngannou also shares his excitement about having Tyson in his corner for the fight, as Tyson had agreed to be there when Ngannou first met him on his podcast four years ago.

Ngannou reflects on his journey in martial arts, revealing that he initially wanted to be a boxer but was convinced to pursue MMA by a coach. He discusses the challenges he faced due to starting his MMA career late compared to others. Ngannou emphasizes the importance of learning from each fight and constantly improving his skills.

Ngannou talks about the importance of training properly and recognizing his deficiencies. He acknowledges that he may have a power advantage, but he also understands that he lacks experience and technique compared to athletes who have been wrestling their entire lives. He emphasizes the need to constantly learn and improve in order to stay competitive in the sport.

After his first fight with Miocic, Ngannou realized that he needed to change his training approach and focus on all aspects of his game, including diet and discipline. He cut out soda from his diet and started paying more attention to his overall nutrition. He also started scheduling his training and organizing his team to ensure that he was getting the most out of his training sessions.

Ngannou discusses the mental aspect of fighting and how he always thinks of himself as the underdog. He believes in the power of positive thinking and the importance of having a strong mental game. He mentions that he has never worked with a sports psychologist and prefers to rely on his own mental strength and self-reflection.

When asked about his training regimen, Ngannou mentions that he does strength and conditioning training, sparring, and focuses on his weaknesses. He listens to his body and adjusts his training based on how he feels and what he needs to work on. He also mentions that he spars with world-class heavyweights to prepare for his fights.

Ngannou talks about the changes he made in his training after his first fight with Miocic. He learned how to train properly and focused on all aspects of his game. He also mentions that he has a chef to help with his nutrition during training camps.

In terms of recovery, Ngannou uses a cold plunge and hyperbaric chamber for recovery. He also mentions that he gets massages and uses the sauna. He discusses the importance of taking care of his body and managing his injuries.

Ngannou mentions that he doesn't have to worry about making weight for his upcoming boxing match with Tyson Fury. He walks around at around 270-280 pounds and expects to fight at 265 pounds. He emphasizes the need to find a balance between losing weight and maintaining his strength.

When asked about his strategy for the fight with Fury, Ngannou mentions that he envisions being patient and composed. He acknowledges Fury's skills and size advantage but believes in his own abilities. He mentions that he has been working on his footwork and studying Fury's style to find ways to counter his moves.

Ngannou also discusses his experience training with Mike Tyson and the impact it has had on his mindset and approach to the fight. He mentions that Tyson's footwork and power have been influential in his training.

Ngannou expresses his excitement about his upcoming fight with Tyson Fury, stating that the production behind the event is insane. He talks about how he brings his entire team with him wherever he goes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his training schedule regardless of promotional obligations.

When asked about his prediction for the fight, Ngannou states that he prefers not to make predictions because he wants to focus on training properly and letting the fight unfold naturally. He believes in giving his all in the Octagon and is not afraid of any outcome.

Ngannou reflects on the skepticism he faced when trying to secure a fight with Fury, stating that it was satisfying to prove people wrong. He also discusses his difficult journey from Cameroon to Morocco and his multiple attempts to reach Europe. Despite the challenges he faced, Ngannou believes that his experiences prepared him for his current success.

The conversation then shifts to Ngannou's deal with the PFL. Rogan asks about the heavyweight division in the PFL and how they will find opponents for Ngannou. Ngannou explains that the PFL will likely recruit fighters and potentially hold a tournament to determine the next challenger. He mentions a few fighters in the division, including Rena Ferrara, whom he believes is a legitimate contender.

Ngannou expresses his satisfaction with the PFL deal, highlighting the freedom and structure it offers. He also mentions his excitement about the PFL Africa, which is set to launch in 2025. He believes that this will be a game-changer for MMA in Africa, providing opportunities for fighters and boosting the economy.

Rogan and Ngannou discuss the financial aspects of the PFL deal, with Ngannou revealing that he negotiated a minimum purse for his opponents. He wants to ensure that his opponents are fairly compensated and not just seen as stepping stones for his success. Ngannou believes in the importance of competition and options for fighters, and he sees his move to the PFL as beneficial for the sport as a whole.

They also touch on the potential merger between the PFL and Bellator, which Ngannou believes would strengthen both organizations and provide more opportunities for fighters. He mentions fighters like Johnny Eblen and believes that the merger would create a more competitive roster.

The conversation concludes with Ngannou discussing his plans for the future, including his desire to train in Africa and inspire young fighters. He talks about his foundation and gym in Cameroon and his plans to open more locations. Ngannou is passionate about giving back to his community and providing opportunities for aspiring fighters.