Most combat sports enthusiasts are well-familiar with the striking capabilities of the former UFC star Francis Ngannou. This fighter has parted ways with his former parent organization and just recently announced his contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He earned the nickname ‘Predator’ for his ferocious avatar in the cage.
The MMA had surpassed many occasions of adversity in his life. He was born into a poor family and had to work from an early age to support the family. There had been days without food and material comfort that Francis had gone through in his early days but the desire to win against all odds was there hidden in his heart.
So, it is time to dig deeper and find out more about how he got his nickname.
How did Francis Ngannou get his cage name “The Predator”?
The inspiration for the name came from a Hollywood movie called ‘Predator’. It is a 1987 motion picture where the lead role was played by the legendary actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
There is a particular scene where the military personnel are faced with a murderous force. Cloaked with invisibility, some raised the question of how they can handle an enemy that they can’t even see. In response came the iconic line, “If it bleeds. We can kill it.”
Here remains the iconic scene from the movie-
Why Francis Ngannou left UFC?
After UFC 270, the Predator was expected to lock horns with Jon Jones. But the contract that he was handled in the bout seemed to have generated objections on Francis’s part. He found certain terms and conditions to be very restrictive and a threat to his freedom as an athlete and an individual.
And eventually, after UFC did not agree to his terms, he decided to leave the organization and pursue a contract that would honor his demands.
Ever since exiting the UFC, Francis has been in a somewhat long hiatus. Even after signing the PFL contract, recent speculations suggest, we may not see the Cameroonian back inside an arena until 2024.
Should he eventually return, will he be able to live up to his moniker? Or will the ‘Predator’ meet his match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
