You are here : World News – Russian opinion» Sports» Francis Ngannou mobbed on return to Cameroon as UFC heavyweight king arms belt to his mother amid wild scenes on streets (VIDEO)
Francis Ngannou mobbed on return to Cameroon as UFC heavyweight king arms belt to his mother amid wild scenes on streets (VIDEO)
Francis Ngannou has acquired a hero’s welcome in his native Cameroon, returning to the nation for the primary time since being topped UFC heavyweight champ after knocking out rival Stipe Miocic in brutal vogue.
In footage that has gone viral on-line, ‘The Predator’ arrives on the airport within the west African nation’s largest metropolis, Doulala and is given a bouquet of flowers earlier than being escorted by way of the group by police as his proud mom holds the heavyweight strap over her shoulder.
The clip then cuts to the streets of the metropolis of three million folks, that are full of punters determined for a glimpse of the brand new champ.
With the one path cleared for a humble Toyota containing Ngannou lifting his prized possession aloft, the crowds battle with safety for an opportunity to draw near their native son, who famously needed to flee to Europe come what may to appreciate his MMA dream.
🇨🇲 @FrancisNgannou will get a hero's reception on his return to Cameroon!
The brand new heavyweight champion put the belt on his mom and toured the streets of Douala!
That is what it's about!@francis_ngannou gifted the belt to his mom and met Cameroon legend Rigobert Tune 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/jOZ86Usuuq
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) April 28, 2021
Jailed for crossing the Morocco and Spain border over sea, Ngannou was homeless on the streets of Paris earlier than lastly winding up on the Manufacturing unit fitness center.
Because the automobile manages to set off, followers chase it whereas chanting, brandishing the official Cameroonian flag and digital camera telephones which take snaps of the brawler.
Additionally gifting the gold championship belt to his mom, Ngannou’s day takes in a go to with soccer legend Rigobert Tune, who represented their shared homeland in 4 World Cups earlier than retiring because the nationwide crew’s most capped participant.
What an unbelievable night time for my brother @usman84kg!! What an enchancment in his hanging recreation! He's often called a wrestler however he's been placing guys in a hanging clinic in such a clear & dominant approach. So if you happen to can't wrestle him and you may’t strike him then what else are you able to do? pic.twitter.com/NB7AN4AjHD
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 25, 2021
But whereas Tune helped The Indomitable Lions raise the African Cup of Nations twice, world success was by no means forthcoming in a glittering profession, and Ngannou has each likelihood to overhaul him because the nation’s greatest sporting treasure.
He might obtain that by placing collectively a formidable run of title defenses within the UFC’s most unpredictable and brutal weight class, though pay disputes imply Ngannou is at present ready to be taught who his subsequent opponent shall be.
With mild heavyweight king Jon Jones accused of pricing himself out of a showdown through calls for of $ 30 million to satisfy Ngannou within the octagon, an opportunity to avenge the opposite loss in his profession – apart from a loss to Miocic at UFC 220 in January 2018 – is almost definitely by taking up Derrick Lewis.
Additionally on rt.com
‘$ 10 million is approach too low’: Jon Jones particulars calls for over Ngannou superfight, says ‘I need my payday’
“We tried to work with Jon and we ultimately have to maneuver on as a result of realistically, and in all honesty, Derrick Lewis is the man who deserves the battle,” mentioned UFC president Dana White, when requested who Ngannou will face subsequent on The Invoice Simmons podcast final week.
“Derrick Lewis is a heavyweight, he beat Francis Ngannou [already in 2018], he’s regarded good in his final couple of fights, he’s ranked within the prime three, I feel, and he deserves the battle.”
Addressing White’s claims about his extravagant asking worth, Jones gave his model of the story.
I by no means mentioned wanting 30 million with you or Hunter @danawhite simply questioning the place you heard that quantity? Is somebody talking with you on my behalf or…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 23, 2021
“I by no means mentioned wanting $ 30 million with you or [Chief Business Officer] Hunter [Campbell],” he informed White on Twitter, tagging the UFC supremo.
“Simply questioning the place you heard that quantity? Is somebody talking on my behalf or…” Jones trailed off.
As his dance companion is being determined, nonetheless, Ngannou has remained lively within the UFC by attending its sell-out occasion in Jacksonsville final weekend previous to heading residence.
I additionally wish to say maintain your head up champ @MmaWeili. You’re on the prime of the highest not solely in your division however in all girls mma however it occurs in sports activities when the very best cross path. You can be again stronger I’ve no doubts. 💪🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/zcf1TlRn3e
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 25, 2021
In fellow African Kamaru Usman’s nook for the welterweight ruler’s second-round destruction of Jorge Masvidal, Ngannou additionally provided help to Zhang Weili – who was relieved of her strawweight crown by way of a shocking kick to the pinnacle by Rose Namajunas.
“You’re on the prime of the highest, not solely in your division, however in all girls’s MMA,” he wrote within the caption of a photograph of the trio.
“However it occurs in sports activities when the very best cross paths. You can be again stronger, I’ve no doubts.”
Additionally on rt.com
‘Francis Ngannou can beat Tyson Fury with a boxing coaching camp’: UFC champ’s hanging coach Dewey Cooper to RT Sport (VIDEO)
