Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, attributed his recent defeat to Anthony Joshua to overwhelming tiredness on the day of their bout. In a candid Instagram video, Ngannou shared his personal struggles leading up to the fight, mentioning his inability to stay awake and properly warm up in the locker room. Despite the setback, Ngannou praised both Joshua's team for their execution and his own team for their preparation, acknowledging his failure to perform as planned.
Ngannou’s surprising admission sheds light on his condition during the fight but does not detract from Joshua’s impressive second-round knockout victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout was highly anticipated, especially following Ngannou’s commendable performance against Tyson Fury last October, where he managed to knock down the WBC heavyweight champion before succumbing to a split decision loss.
Looking ahead, Ngannou has expressed a desire to return to MMA, with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) reportedly expecting him to compete before the end of 2024. Nevertheless, Ngannou hasn’t closed the door on boxing, indicating a potential return to the ring after a period of rest and recovery.
Watch Ngannou vs. Joshua highlights: Watch
Joshua’s decisive win over Ngannou, marked by three knockdowns, contrasted sharply with Fury's more challenging encounter, underscoring Joshua's dominance in the heavyweight division.
Image Credit: Sky Sports