There’s a very valid reason why everyone’s pegging Francis Ngannou as one of the rising heavyweights to watch in the UFC.
Anthony Hamilton must have instantly regretted engaging a clinch with the Frenchman in pursuit of the takedown in the first round of their fight at UFC Albany on Friday night. Hamilton locked arms and began driving towards the fence only for Ngannou to counter with a standing kimura attempt.
“The Predator” used the lock to fling his opponent down to the canvas which marked the beginning of the end of the fight. Once on the ground, Ngannou plopped his knee on the belly and began reefing the arm in a direction arms are never meant to go to force the tap at the 1:57 mark of the opening round.
The improved Ngannou’s pristine UFC record to 4-0 and his overall professional record to 9-1. It also earned him a performance of the night bonus along with a cool $50,000 on top of his purse. He outlined his goals in the division during his Octagon interview, putting all the top contenders on alert.
“This is something we drilled a lot because everyone thinks that I am only a striker. I wanted to show my submission game, and I want to fight someone in the top-10 so I can prove that I am ready for a shot at the belt.”
