Cageside footage shows moment Francis Ngannou folded Stipe Miocic in half with monstrous KO to become UFC heavyweight champion
Francis Ngannou’s crowning moment came in typically explosive fashion.
‘The Predator’ got his revenge over Stipe Miocic and became a UFC champion with one devastating punch at UFC 260 in March 2020.
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After working his way back into title contention following a decision defeat to Miocic three years prior, Ngannou showed off his rapidly evolving ground game against the heavyweight king.
The Cameroonian, who is known for possessing 'world record' knockout power, displayed vastly improved wrestling offence and defence in the first round of his second UFC title bout.
In round two, Ngannou dropped Miocic with a leaping jab and went looking for the finish before being caught with a counter shot that momentarily stiffened his legs.
Rather than back off and give the most successful heavyweight champion of all time his due respect, Tyson Fury’s next opponent stood his ground and caught Miocic rushing in.
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A clean left hook instantly put Miocic to sleep and caused his legs to painfully collapse underneath him as he awkwardly fell to the canvas where he ate an unnecessary follow-up strike from Ngannou.
The iconic knockout seemingly started an exciting new reign, but Ngannou only made one defence of his title – against Ciryl Gane - before leaving the UFC following a contract dispute.
After being told by many people, including UFC superstar Conor McGregor, that he’d made the wrong decision, Ngannou inked a lucrative deal to compete in MMA with the Professional Fighters League [PFL].
He’ll make his debut for the UFC’s biggest rival in 2024 after he's crossed over for a boxing bout against Fury who is the WBC heavyweight champion and arguably the best big man in boxing.
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They are set to make millions when they clash in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
Ngannou, who grew up in poverty, is set to earn more for his boxing debut than he did in all 14 of his UFC fights combined, according to MMA manager Marquel Martin.
Meanwhile, Miocic will return from his devastating defeat to Ngannou later this year.
The 41-year-old is booked to face current heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who won the title vacated by Ngannou by submitting Gane, at UFC 295 on November 11.
Jones vs Miocic is the most anticipated MMA fight of the year and tickets for the latest UFC heavyweight title bout are being sold for more than £90,000.
Some fans are feeling priced out of the event and Jared Gordon, who is competing on the card, inadvertently added fuel to the fire by revealing his massive bill for UFC 295 tickets.
UFC CEO Dana White is yet to comment on ticket price backlash.
Whatever happens, most fans will find a way to watch Ngannou’s boxing debut next month before tuning in for Miocic’s comeback fight two weeks later.