Riyadh Season is well and truly underway! In what has turned out to be one of the biggest spectacles of the year, Francis Ngannou is all set for his fight against Tyson Fury. Ahead of the fight, Ngannou made his much anticipated and elaborate ring walk which left many fans breathless.
In an unbelievable turn of events, former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou took on the WBC heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Following Ngannou’s departure from the UFC, there was a time when seemingly nobody wanted to sign him. However, the PFL came through with a mega deal for the Cameroonian, which also allowed him to box.
Now, after only a few months of dedicated boxing training, Ngannou makes the walk against arguably one of the best boxers that ever lived. Notably, Ngannou’s arrival was met with a lot of applause and excitement. Interestingly, Francis was accompanied by his close friends, former UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman. Aside from Ngannou’s coaches Dewey Cooper and Mike Tyson, the two African champions were welcome additions to the group.
Previously, the three of them reigned supreme over their respective divisions in the UFC. Unfortunately, like all good things, their dominant rule also came to an end. Whilst Francis parted ways with the UFC, both Adesanya and Usman ended up losing their titles shortly afterward. However, united, the three kings believe that they can achieve anything.
Fans react to Francis Ngannou making his ring walk
Ahead of the fight, there has been a lot of talk from Tyson Fury. Although he was initially very thankful to Ngannou for stepping up for the fight, it soon turned into trash talk ahead of the fight. Moreover, Tyson has even mouthed off to Mike Tyson and Israel Adesanya, threatening to knock out Ngannou.
Despite all the talk, there are many who are supporting Ngannou all the way through. Following the open workouts, there were many insisting that the former UFC man was nowhere near the level of Fury. Even John Fury, Tyson’s father had some harsh words for the Cameroonian ahead of the fight. All things considered, Ngannou is a big underdog, something that he has been for the majority of his career.
The African King! Francis Ngannou made his walkout with Mike Tyson. What did you think?#FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/t6poROCx1m
— InsideFighting (@InsideFighting_) October 28, 2023
Making his ring walk to “God’s Plan” and “Started From the Bottom” by Drake, it is safe to say that the song accurately reflects Ngannou’s life. From working in mines in Cameroon to running away to France, becoming a UFC champion, and then getting into professional boxing, it has been quite the ride. As ‘The Predator’ made his way to the ring, fans took to social media to share their excitement for the fight.
When all is said and done, Francis will still have the people close to him and his millions of supporters online who have wished him well. Win or lose, Ngannou will be an inspiration for generations to come. Moreover, as he himself has said, it is only the beginning of his new journey.