The most terrifying heavyweight in the UFC is working on tightening up his boxing skills. Top ranked contender, Francis Ngannou (15-3), has been working extremely hard to tighten things up for another run at the UFC heavyweight title.
Ngannou fought for the heavyweight title back at UFC 220. Ngannou came into that fight with Stipe Miocic (20-3) as a big favorite despite being the challenger. The Predator also came into that fight a little over-confident in his abilities.
Despite landing some good shots in the first round, it was a one-sided beating handed out by Stipe Miocic. After that loss, a gun shy and less confident Ngannou also lost to Derrick Lewis. Ngannou looked to be lost in his UFC career.
That’s when he took on Curtis Blaydes back in November of 2018. Ngannou stormed through Blaydes in just 45 seconds. He would then go on to knockout Cain Velasquez, Junior Dos Santos, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik all in a combined one minute and 57 seconds.
Despite this impressive run, Ngannou still realizes that there is room for improvement. While his power is unquestionable, his technique has a lot of flaws. This is something he’s working very hard to address. He was recently seen training with Hall of Fame boxing trainer Teddy Atlas.
As suspected, not only big and powerful, but decent and smart. All the combinations to be a Champion. ? @francisngannou @Eric_XCMMA @Marquel_Martin #bang? pic.twitter.com/INTuwzY0QE
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) September 28, 2020
Future UFC champion?
The Predator is absolutely horrifying. However, if he improves his technique to go with his raw power, the UFC‘s heavyweight division is in a world of trouble. Even as is, many believe that Ngannou would be a favorite over Miocic despite the way the first fight went.
Miocic retained his heavyweight title back at UFC 252. He didn’t seem too interested in facing Ngannou in a rematch considering it was way more risk than reward. However, Dana White has continued to say that Francis Ngannou will get the next UFC title shot.
Jon Jones of course is preparing for a move to the heavyweight division. That could always throw a wrinkle into things, but I still believe the promotion will book the rematch between Ngannou and Miocic.