Francis Ngannou is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents in the world of mixed martial arts. Known as ‘The Predator’, this Cameroonian-born fighter has established himself as one of the most formidable strikers in the UFC. With 12 out of his 18 wins coming via knockout, Ngannou has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
But what many may not know is that Ngannou is not just a one-dimensional fighter. While his striking abilities are undoubtedly his biggest strength, he is also a skilled grappler with a solid ground game. In fact, five of his wins have come via submission, showcasing his well-rounded skills as a mixed martial artist.
Ngannou’s recent victory over Anthony Hamilton in the first round at UFC 215 has further solidified his position as a top contender in the heavyweight division. But what makes this win even more impressive is the fact that Hamilton is a decorated ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) silver medalist in Jiu-Jitsu. This has led many UFC fans to predict that Ngannou’s fate has been sealed in a potential Jiu-Jitsu bout.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, ADCC is a prestigious submission grappling competition held every two years. It features some of the best grapplers from around the world and is considered the ultimate test of a fighter’s grappling skills. Winning a medal at the ADCC World Championship is a huge accomplishment and speaks volumes about a fighter’s abilities on the ground.
Anthony Hamilton, who has competed in the ADCC multiple times, has an impressive record in the competition. He has won the silver medal twice, in 2007 and 2011, in the +99kg division. This makes him one of the top Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the heavyweight division of the UFC.
But despite Hamilton’s impressive credentials, he was no match for Ngannou’s striking prowess at UFC 215. The fight lasted just over a minute before Ngannou landed a devastating uppercut that sent Hamilton to the canvas. This was Ngannou’s 10th knockout victory in the UFC, further solidifying his reputation as a fearsome striker.
But what sets Ngannou apart from other heavyweights in the UFC is his ability to dominate his opponents on the ground as well. With five submission wins under his belt, he has proven that he is not just a one-dimensional fighter. In fact, his submission victory over Anthony Hamilton at UFC 102 is a testament to his grappling skills.
Many UFC fans are now eagerly waiting for a potential Jiu-Jitsu bout between Ngannou and Hamilton. With both fighters possessing such impressive skills on the ground, it would be an exciting match to watch. And while Ngannou’s striking abilities may give him an edge, Hamilton’s experience in the ADCC cannot be ignored.
But regardless of who comes out on top in a potential Jiu-Jitsu bout, one thing is for sure – Francis Ngannou is a well-rounded fighter who is not to be underestimated. His striking may be his biggest weapon, but his solid ground game makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the heavyweight division.
In an interview after his victory at UFC 215, Ngannou stated that he is always looking to improve his skills and is open to facing anyone in the heavyweight division. This shows his determination and drive to become the best in the sport. His dedication to constantly evolve and adapt to different fighting styles is what sets him apart from other fighters.
With his impressive record and well-rounded skills, there is no doubt that Francis Ngannou is a rising star in the UFC. His fate may be sealed against an ADCC silver medalist, but his future in the octagon is certainly looking bright. As UFC fans eagerly wait for his next fight, one thing is for sure – ‘The Predator’ is here to stay and will continue to dominate the heavyweight division with his striking and grappling abilities.
