"They are looking at me like I'm worth nothing. But technically, I'm worth more than them, because I'm working. Even though what I have is less than what they have, I deserve what I have, I worked hard for it." That's such a good quote, what an inspiration he is
He couldnt have been more right. He is a better person than they are. Karma, his amazing personality, and very hard work finally paid off and now he can live the life he deserves.
Works in sand mines as a kid, walks six miles to school where he doesn't have friends, risks his life to cross borders for opportunity....even if he doesn't become champion this guy is my hero.
This guy went through all this shit in Cameroon, left at age 26 then was jailed for 2 months for illegally crossing the Spanish border, was homeless and had nothing in France and he is now the UFC heavyweight champ... one of the most insane come up stories I’ve ever witnessed
Absolutely but it's really rare and that kind of succeeding takes enormous risks in life (sometimes it's basically a gamble) you need to have the right mindset and you need to get the oppurtunity to rise. It's possible but really difficult he had a predisposed adventage cause of naturally inherited very strong physical strength he used it very well to hes advantages. He put he's energy to the right place. I'm very sure he'll be motivation for many young Black Africans out there
When you experience nothing. You remember fondly the bonds you had or have with your past self to your current self and vise versa. The smile is really a sign of wisdom and freedom.
@@garrettbischoff3817 Safety nets still dont save you from hardship tho. I know some kids here in Germany dirt-poor, their parents being in said safety net. These kids have to go trough some shit, man. Few of them will ever com to the level of this fella here. I think you also have to be born with a little bit of a warrior spirit, so to say.
I mean but it did make him strong. The human Body can become very strong and resilient. Us first world people are physically soft. That’s why he’s built like a brick shit house.
This is why Tyson Fury could not bully Francis Ngannu. The man worked in sand mines at 10 years old. I think of the scene from “Conan the Barbarian” with Conan working in the mill at about the same age and developed into a warrior. Ngannu’s story is so inspirational.
Thsts what the UFC forgot to do, is to promote this guy’s human side, they just portrayed him as an unstoppable monster. What an inspirational story, good on you Joe.
The ufc isn’t in the business of humanizing people. Lol they are promoting modern day gladiators. Good thing you aren’t running the show lol I could care less about his childhood. Violence is what we want.. violence is what they give us.
@@JBOM-qp8nq lol whats wrong with doing both? If they did that, then he would have been more relatable and probs got higher PPV numbers cause people would want him to succeed. You just a casual talking like you know shit, when you know nothing.
@@JBOM-qp8nq lol shut up. We’ve seen time and time again they bring fighters human side, they did a whole piece on how Conor mcgregor used to be on well fare before he became a star.
@@mrillis9259 alright we get it stipe is a technical bad ass that will make Ngannou look like a amateur but can we praise and respect Ngannou for what he has and for what he’s been through? He’s a great fighter and person in he’s own right.
From a sand miner in Cameroon, making an arduous journey across 1/3 of the length of Africa to Morocco, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to get to Spain on his 7th attempt, finding his way to Paris after spending months in a Spanish prison, living homeless and then stumbling into MMA, training for a few years and then making it into the UFC, and then in another few short years becoming heavyweight champion, and then in another couple more years, actually getting a split decision against the undefeated heavyweight boxing champion. Francis's story is one of the greatest stories of the modern era and should be told around the world.
10 years old working hard labor, being hungry, freezing during wet season, walking 2 hours to go to school, doesn't have a pen or a notebook... and he STILL made it. Mister Ngannou deserves much admiration and respect. S/O from Paris, France.
@@Ridiculizer Nah I wanna see a film to. What they could be able to construct from a cinematic standpoint could be special. I went to art school so I'm getting sappy with it sorry.
@@thomasneedham1224 No they can't. There are 100+ million children under the age of 10 doing physical work in mines, particularly rare earth mines. They are slaves. They are not going to be inspired out of slavery. He had it easy compared to the typical Nigerian cobalt miner minor.
I've been listening to this episode on commutes to and from work and the part where he talks about being ostracized for not having any food share with the group of kids during school break absolutely broke me. It's incredibly humbling to hear this man talk about his journey to where he is now and he doesn't have an ounce of self pity in his body even after everything he has been through. A lot of people can learn a lot from adjusting their attitudes accordingly. What an astonishing and incredible human being.
I was shocked as well that his colleagues didn't share a bit of food. That is strange. Living under communism in eastern europe made everyone come together to make sure everyone eats. And they were just kids, how the hell did they not share food :(
@@siddharthnandi8567 One of my grandfathers had to live through ww2 on eggs, oatmeal and goat's milk as his father died to the bombing of Rotterdam. He had to start working at 12 years old even though he was smart enough to go to university, and that was even in the "rich" Netherlands. If you look at other countries like Poland, there were entire cities living like my grandfather had to and it left a mark on their generation and those that followed; my mother was very successful thanks to the mindset she inherited from the experience of my grandfather so I'd say you should be proud of the struggles your ancestors went trough as it shows grit that you can rely on when things go bad, too.
@@0sba mate i'm not denying the struggles it's just that i hate it when they compare it with ours. My grandfather in-law was a war vet as well and he was a humble man who lived till 80, worked out almost daily and lived like any 30 year old man would do which really became my inspiration
@@SociaIIy that's true also I think maybe they are being extra nice because they know they appear scary, just to put you at ease abit, I had a friend when I was young who's nickname was 'Tiny' but he was 7 ft 1 and easily 300lbs but he was the most gentle speaking man I ever met in my life
American/western privilege... You think these people give a fuck what pro noun people use to refer to them?😂 Western society is quickly going down the toilet when people can liken child labour to a strength and conditioning program and be completely oblivious to the garbage they're talking!!
@@thatsthejobbb8587 People in these countries are sheltered and if they lived in francis world doing all this manual labor at 10 years old, walking to school 2 hours there, 2 hours back..they would quit in 1 day. Such a huge amount of respect if someone can be successful being born in the 3rd world where thats all they know. What a strong vision he had to have at that age. Its remarkable and unfathomable. People never sit down and realize how privileged we are to even have clean running water.
Same, I immediately went to his Instagram and gave him a follow after the video ended. This man deserves all the exposure he can get, he worked vehemently to be where he is today and I have nothing but respect for him because of that.
Yeah I don't like how rogan fetishizes shit. "Oh man, you did brutal child labor, that made you so tough." You can tell he did t fucking enjoy it...who would ? But rogan acts like it's some cool thing. What a weirdo.
Almost in tears. The sadness in his voice is so, so palpable. His eyes reflect a deadness and desolation in them. I think Joe's silence while Francis spoke reflects how Joe too was affected by Francis's heavy sadness.
f*** I was feeling the same way. But the truth is isolation if taken positively is good. There were kids in my high school in Kenya who were super good in class because they were "uncool" -- came from tough conditions in very rural areas, with rural accents etc. Some of them are living very good lives now. Kobe Bryant has also talked about basketball acting as solace for him as a young kid. Isolation is a double-edged sword
I just finished the whole podcast and realized I was visiting Tangiers for fun in the same month he was there trying repeatedly to cross over into Spain. Made me feel awful, the inequality in this world is insane to think about.
“I’m not a fairy tale , I’m not a story that you watch on TV , read in a book , I’m a fact , as long as you have a dream and believe in yourself the success will happen in time “ Francis Ngannou
@@bobwiner5926 Jon Jones is the greatest of all time. I think that he beats Francis as soon as takes him down. But I have a hard time seeing him beating Stipe.
This man is a prime example of hard work. That sandmine indeed gave us a diamond like Francis. Never question the purpose of life, just keep grinding and think outside the box, don't think like others, be a catalyst as only a catalyst can bring a significant change.
@@caedon6543 The more you question your life, the more confusing and perplex it becomes. Just live everyday to your fullest and try your best. Look at Ngannou. He was working in sand mines few years back and now he is a world champ. You never know how your life will turn out to be so be content with whatever life has for you. Try your best and be happy. .
Man when he said that he missed his childhood it hit me in the feels, cause he didn't get to have a normal childhood like most of us. Francis is a great dude.
Yeah it’s crazy when you think about your childhood and it’s like mine might’ve sucked but dude literally didn’t even get the chance to have fun or do anything a child could. Sad stuff man🤧
Africans have it rough but they are way more hard working than Americans definitely I love and admire the drive that he found. Instead of being molded he became the molder
"As long as you believe in something - in a dream - as long as you have a dream and believe in yourself, I think success is just a matter of time." - Francis Ngannou
Im french.... He is not so humble when he talks in french.... He also trash talked a lot in the past...but ok its a game and maybe (I dont know him personnaly) he is cooler in private...
He also never lied about his past... This is true that he lived homeless some months even yrs in the deept North Paris/ (full of gangsters, strangers, Crack addict etc..
He is whispering the whole time, did you catch when he laughed and went into that very deep voice? Was funny, hes like a transexual trying to hide his voice
Now look at you Francis. Just made a BAG and arguably won against the boxing heavyweight world champion. You are such an inspiration! He is the definition of keep on keepin on 💯
Both him and Stipe are great Champions outside the cage. I will be content with either one winning. These are the ideal representatives for UFC. Truly inspiring come up
100% I think about this a lot, kinda feel like I don't deserve all the good that has happened in my life, because of how many others before me and now have it much worse
@@diap727 Francis said he was glad his father was rough and abusive because it gave him the mentality he needed to escape to Europe and chase his dreams. Everything about his past hardened him.
its terrible but would Francis of been in the UFC and now well off because of it? Hardship breeds greatness in all disciplines, but look where great literature, music and art generally comes from. Not saying its good but there can be great consequences that happen
Francis seems like the most Stoic, down-to-earth dude the UFC has ever seen when he's talking about things that would turn lots of people into barely-functioning sociopaths. Unbelievable strength of character and guts that most people could only dream of having. Dude is an inspiration.
Agree with the comment above 💯. But unfortunately with time, fame and money is now going to his head and he is becoming an unlikable character of late.....
other dude said it perfect already, but yeah.. stuff like this never fully heals, you just learn to deal with it and accept it (hopefully) at some point.
Nah "healing" is priviledge or white people stuff, healing would almost mean forgetting want u went through which isn't always good cuz u were using that trauma to get u through any hardships u faced/are facing and this is what most africans do, and i don't think that trauma is all that bad cuz it teaches u to value everything in life, we take alot for granted these days
@@hallow6763 because we don't use "healing" in Africa, bad stuff happens big deal, u use it and move on with life, its mostly americans that overly victimise themselves cuz u had some little traumatic event in your life, most times its not even really traumatic i mean there's a whole bunch of pple there claiming "trauma" cuz someone didn't use their preferred pronoun, that's mental illness
Francis: "At 10 I was digging sand to make some money" Joe: "Mmm, that must have been great strength training" Francis: "I did not eat at school until I got home in the evening" Joe: "So you were already doing intermittent fasting back then, amazing!" Francis: "Sometimes while digging I dreamed about coming to America" Joe: "Yea, sure, you were visualizing...maaan that must be a great workout, Jamie dig that up!"
The best part of this interview are the last few seconds when Francis says: "As long as you believe in something, I think success is just a matter of time"
That quote hit me. I'm working on opening an amphitheater. There were many times I would get down on myself because it has taken a long time to get to the point of the planning that I'm at now. I've been at this for 6 years, and most days I wish it was moving along faster, but I have to keep reminding myself of why I'm doing it and sometimes that's enough to get more work done.
That he is able to speak that eloquently, about such a emotionally loaded subject, in his third language speaks to his intellect. He barely has to search for words, he just pauses to gather his thoughts. I was already a fan of him as a fighter, but this interview really broadened my appreciation of him as a person.
This is one of those interviews that makes me glad I have Spotify now. His journey and life was incredible. He’s trying to continue something positive with the children left in Cameroon. He’s one of the most inspirational people I’ve heard in a while.
I think it’s more of reminder, a pilgrimage almost to the boy he was and how far he came. Accepting who you are and where you come, that was once a point of shame and from there faced with all that money and fame. It must have been so disorientating.
@@patsysadowski1546 Yea. He probably has it in back of his mind that he never wants to end up back in a situation like that or equivalent of that.. but in a way I think it's good to keep that reminder. Keep putting fuel to your fire to keep from going back to that
Francis is a fighter in absolutely every sense of the word. Most of the ppl I know couldn’t have endured even half of what he’s gone through. I just hope he’s found peace
@@MikeBarbarossa In Cameroon, Africa about 15 years ago? Fat asses is an American thing, videogames a Western/Asian thing. In his class most kids probably had decent means for their nations' standards. Incomparable to ours. Cameroon basically has Rural poverty, inadequate infrastructure and a struggling school system that hinders the lives of people across Cameroon. Though what I meant is the concept of hard work and effort because you are able, versus lethargic or complacent attitudes.
Everything about him is impressive, his story, his English, his soft-spoken manner, his punches- wow. Reminds you of how much potential there is in the world, and why we all benefit from giving everyone the tools to success that so many of us take for granted
Agreed. Everyone should have the same opportunities. Who knows if the child dying of hunger or not getting access to proper education opportunities couldn't be some brilliant scientist, physicist or musician that could bring amazing innovation to our world. So much potential out there being wasted just because of greed.
Very true... there’s tons of potential out there but many lack the opportunities while most people take advantage of theirs and throw it away. It’s sad we spend so much money on war and death instead of helping each other out and progressing as a species, imagine the possibilities if we ball got along and advanced instead of constantly fighting with each other?
@@vermili0n if we all got along and there was never war, we would probably still be in the stone age. War and the need to innovate in order to wage war or protect yourself is what brought us where we are. I.e. no advancements in metallurgy, no industrial revolution, no advanced science. Unfortunately that's a historical fact. Maybe humans would have still advanced , idk but I doubt it would've been this far.
Ngannou is such an inspiration, he has a very sound mind. His calm nature, humility is just something else. He's a great role model and not enough is done to celebrate him. His story should make the screens. Such an
You don't get to hear from those that dreamed and believed and didn't make it ......because they didn't make it. There is a strong confirmation bias .....people think all you need is a dream and self belief. That is only part of it
@@saltyspaceman5697 I used to think like that too but all that tends to do is give you a way out. You can put yourself in the box of 'people who didn't make it'. I would say the dream and the belief are the most important part because it keeps you oriented in a single direction and the belief keeps you going no matter what happens or how long it takes. When you listen to people who 'HAD a dream', they usually gave up at some point and declared defeat OR their idea of 'making it' changed and success became about starting a family for example, and fair enough.
Rockhold : "I am a true samurai, you just have to believe to achieve." Bisbing :"Jesus christ mate you're like a self help book, believe, achieve, shut the fuck up"
This man has one of the greatest sports/life stories in all of history. I absolutely love him, look up to him and truly believe he is the GOAT. He is my inspiration whenever I don’t want to put on the wraps…
Francis is probably a very smart dude, English is his third language and he’s doing good for someone who couldn’t understand English for shit like 4 years ago.
For real! Imagine jumping from country to country learning their languages and adapting to the culture on top of trying to be a world champion fighter.
Cameroon is actually like Canada.... bilingual country in both English and French. Francis is from a french speaking region but he's always heard some English in the towns....I'm guessing that eased his learning
Not trying to sound corny but this gave me goosebumps. With all his success, Francis goes back to the sand mines to not only show the younger kids some inspiration/motivation but to also humble himself and remind himself where he comes from and how far he has progressed. Doing this keeps a successful athlete like Francis grounded and remain in reality instead of becoming out of touch with his people 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Man I'm from Gabon, which is the country right below Cameroon, and I didn't have a rough childhood like him, but I'm just so happy for him. The reality of his childhood is one so many people in my country can relate to. More blessings on that man !!!
@@emiliovincent5903 the people in power can fix it, but they won't. Mostly because they are a bunch of corrupted people who never had to experience the life of an average citizen of their country (let alone the life of a poor one), so they have no empathy for them. I mean, their children go to the most expensive schools in Europe/USA. Their country's schools are just for the other citizens. They live in a different reality than that of their citizens. I'm not trying to generalize, but it is true that in that part of Africa, from country to country, politics are very similar.
@Bekhan no, not at all. Not everyone has to. Like in every country you have the rich, the poor, and the "middle class". I was born in a middle class family. Also I grew up in the capital, which are usually the most developed cities in those countries. Unlike Ngannou who grew up in more of a rural area.
I'm from Cameroon and I'm in the similar situation as you, I didn't have a rough childhood like he did and everything he says, is so spot on. I had friends, who I'm still friends with, and they went through the same struggles he had to go through. The mentality his got will get him anywhere. I'm so Damn PROUD that he's on here and actually speaking about it.
Am a Cameroonian, and I can say that it's quite common to see kids working at sand mines and construction jobs. My dad has a very similar life story as Francis, & today he's a well accomplished university professor. I can say where am from there are certain type of guys you don't mess with; those who work in sand mines, construction workers, and especially fishermen. They have herculean strength.
Appreciate you commenting this! That’s interesting… you would say the fishermen are generally are considered more intimidating than the miners then in Cameroon? I’m from an ex-mining town in the north of England and the same goes for anyone of that descent from there, however the mines were closed a few decades ago now so people have moved into other types of work, like construction. Not trying to compare this to where you’re from just there is a shared understanding of sorts there for sure!
@@donquixoteupinhere I'm also from UK and I can say the two toughest types of people I ever came across were farmers and fishermen It's hard, full-body work and it's a fool who thinks he can tango with them
This interview just blew me away. I’m so glad he’s doing well and still loves where he came from. The world is a better place because of people like him. Best wishes to you too Sir.
yeah in our country we dont mess with people at construction jobs thats why i was lucky to assist them one time it was damn exhausting but the physical benefits were worth it
I’m also part Cameroonian. My grandfather had to walk 10 miles to go to school and 10 miles to come back home. He still managed to have university degree in the 60s.
Francis life story is so unbelievable if it were made into a movie I would think it’s ludicrous. He has insane self belief in work ethic, I think that’s his strongest characteristic by far. His athleticism pales in comparison of his mental fortitude, and he’s a phenomenal athlete.
Walked 6 miles to school everyday as a middle schooler so like 12 years old and that's like the most least impressive thing he's done, deserves his own movie. He inspires the underdog in life.
My dad lived in mountains in childhood and his school was 8 miles away from his house ie 16 miles walk in mountains to reach school then head back. He used to wake up at 3am then he used to start walking at 4am and don't forget leopards bears etc.
the part where he said he didnt have friends because people saw him as worthless is really heartbreaking... im really glad to hear things worked out for him
Having been born and partially raised in Africa, I never experienced even 1% of what his talking about, I was privileged asf damn this is inspiring and motivating
For real man, I was born in Kenya 🇰🇪 and never had to do anything close to what he experienced. I know I’m privileged bc the country currently has a 55% unemployment rate w most people living on a literal dollar a day.
WHAT AN EPISODE!!! this felt like watching an oscar winning movie. Worth every single second listening to the full thing. Man Francis is inspiring. I just hope he wins this title so I can feel like theres some good left in this world
Used to be on the fence before this podcast as to who I’d like to win between Stipe and Francis. Happy to say that it’s no longer a problem. Go get the title, Francis!
As an African from Ghana n living in Italy I can relate to his story. Even though I did not travel here through his means but most of us hv passed tru his experience n that is why we are so strong n don't break down easily. Go brother
@@ronjeremy1232 The same control you have to control your country as an individual is what he has, now please tell me what you have done to make your country great?
I have a special kind of respect for people like this dude. Some people here in America think they “come from nothing”. This dude came from nowhere, with nothing, knowing absolutely nothing. Made it to the top of the world and been through everything this world can throw at him. He can teach the world something about prosperity.
And he's obviously a smart dude, even just going off the speed at which he picked up english. In 2 years he's gone from needing a translator to being able to speak on a podcast with zero issues.
@@tigerhood6830 there’s no denying that fact. People don’t realize the opportunities they have just because they’re American. I know family members who used their SSI to retire in another country, and they live like kings.
I appreciate that Ngannou is giving a voice to the humanity of so many voiceless, nameless people. When you see immigrants at the border, any border, think about this man. They aren't there for a handout or a vacation, they are there out of desperation. This story is happening all over Africa, Central America, and Asia. All of them are people with hopes and dreams.
So the entire world can come to Europe and North America then? Idgaf who they are nobodies trekking to China or Japan or Saudi Arabia it's all Europe and USA, funnily they're the two places with a certain majority demographic 🤔🤔 only those areas are the places where the entire world is entitled to come
you cant say everyone at the border is there for desperation. we cant just let anybody into america or else we will crumble from the inside... which we are. alot of people are there for illegal activities aswell but of course a good majority is people that are desperate.
I’m so grateful for this man. The ignorance to what millions of people experience in Africa kills me. I grew up there and my appreciation for “small things” in western culture like running water and a roof that doesn’t leak etc. Wil never go away. Much love!
The ignorance kills you? Really, why? Do you know everything about every hardship in every country? I think the answer is no. I also think you will find that actually the west is pretty aware of people's hardship in various countires, but we don't dwell on it because it's not really relevant to us and also we can't change something in a different country that is controlled by different leaders. Take that big fat chip off your shoulder and just crack on with life
@@superchickensoup Nah, I think it's more about white people being entitled brats and posting weird shit on Twitter with zero context of what the world really is.
His comment gives more perspective to the tribulations of faceless people you’ll never see in 1000 lifetimes. Some people come from such lowly conditions and upbringings that just the thought of being able to eat breakfast before school is foreign because he’ll be so hungry by 2 pm that he will have to leave to find something to eat. And we in the civilized world, complain on social media about our being victims of circumstance, as we type on iPhone that costs 1000$, which is like 2-3 years salary in some places in Africa. Some peoples best days of their lives would be comparable to 99% of the worlds population’s worst days on earth. Some people complain when they eat steak a bit overcooked. Some people eat meat from a rat a few times a year. Perspectives.
Not really instantly, he was scared to fight Derrick Lewis (and Lewis had back problems) that was why that fight sucked so m,uch. Stipe did a number on him but I think he learned enough to have a realistic chance of winning now
People don't give Ngannou enough credit. He NEVER quit in the Stipe fight, despite being absolutely gassed out, barely able to move. The man rocked the shit out of Stipe in the 3rd round with a slow, laboured punch that had Stipe losing his balance and wobbling all over the place. Ngannou got beat up in that fight and he didn't have a scratch on him. He's a different level of tough. I'm just going to say that there's not a single man alive that can survive getting beat up by Stipe for 5 rounds. Not a single man alive.
@@tsoojdleviooh4412 He wasn't scared. He talks about that fight in the full podcast. He said he was disappointed that he didn't conserve energy at all against Stipe so when he fought Lewis he was just telling himself to "calm down calm down" and not blow his wad. He wasn't scared in the least, he was just trying something new. Trying not to be a mega berserker in the first 10 seconds like always.
As a British man I don't want fury to lose. But I want francis to win more. His story is humbling. From a life where survival was the the days goal. To being a world champion he has the most reason to gloat but is so humble it's inspiring in many ways
This guy is a true warrior. He's been through so much hell, but he escaped and made something of his life in a big way. I mean hes a huge, powerful guy who's been through hell and punches people for a living... Yet he's a nice guy.
I work with a lot of Cameroonians, Nigerians and other African ethnicities. I can tell you they are salt of the Earth people. So loyal, hard-working and kind hearted.
It's also like Joe speaks slower here, and more pronounced. Many English speakers have no clue how hard it can be for non-native speakers to understand every nuance of a conversation. Good on him.
*Ngannou* : man I feel like I missed my childhood, walked for miles to reach my school, lived in extreme poverty, I was a child labour. I missed my whole childhood. *Joe* : that’s one hell of a workout, must’ve made you really strong
@@saramshagorkhali101 We don't but it's only human nature. As bad as your situation is, it's almost guaranteed that someone out there has it way worse. Most of us don't realize how lucky we are because we have no point of reference for what's worse. Someone who's been chained in the basement of a POW prison for the last 10 years probably thinks a third world country sounds like heaven on Earth.
