Fernand Lopez Insists That Francis Ngannou Has More To Offer Than Just Devastating Knockout Power…
Start as you mean to go on. We’re barely into the new year, but already one of the most anticipated fights of 2018 is on the horizon for UFC fans. Champion Stipe Miocic faces off against rising star Francis Ngannou in one of the most exciting Heavyweight title fights in the history of the division.
The Giant Cameroonian announced himself as the real deal when he knocked out perennial contender Alistair Overeem last December. It’s only a slight exaggeration to say that his devastating punch should have resulted in UN sanctions. However, in the build-up to UFC 220, taking place in Boston on January 20th, a small cloud of doubt has started to build around Ngannou’s chances.
Some analysts believe that Ngannou will be found out against Miocic, who is an experienced and proven wrestler. ‘The Predator’s’ head coach, Fernand Lopez, has come out in defence of his fighter, insisting that he is by no means a one-trick horse. He spoke to MMA Factory about Ngannou’s chances.
Best Yet To Come
Ngannou has trained with Lopez since he first started MMA. In an incredible story, the fighter, who was then homeless on the streets of Paris, was given a place to stay and train by Lopez, who is also of Cameroonian extraction.
According to Lopez, viewers have yet to see his fighter unleash his full potential. In his opinion, Ngannou has been so effective in previous fights that he hasn’t needed to show his full range. He said:
“People are far, far away from seeing Francis’ best. There’s so much more that this guy is doing and I’m just like, Jesus if people could see this. Sometimes you’re training a guy and you want to put these movements and these videos on the internet, but you can’t because you don’t want to be selling everything.”
Elbows From Hell
Lopez particularly emphasized Ngannou’s devastating elbows. He continued:
“I was talking about the elbow. When holding the pads, I’ve never felt so much elbow in my life. I’m really afraid we have a problem, we may have a murder, like someone killing someone. It’s very heavy, very powerful.”
His remarkable endorsement of Ngannou’s capabilities would be excessive if it was applied to any other fighter. However, “The Predator” has a highlight reel that would give any potential opponent sleepless nights. Remember as well that the Cameroon native has only been training in MMA since 2013.
Cement A Legacy
Ngannou has finished his opponent in all six of his previous UFC octagon appearances. However, his submission of Anthony Hamilton by kimura may be one of the most important signals for Miocic that he is capable of mixing it up.
“Everyone is chasing the legacy,” Lopez continued. “I mean Francis is going for the legacy. Having the belt and keep the belt the longest possible time. Who don’t want that?”
This is one of the most important fights in the recent history of the UFC. Should Miocic win, he will be regarded as the greatest Heavyweight Champion in the history of the division. However, if Ngannou wins it is likely that the UFC will try to capitalise upon his natural charisma and drawing power, in their search for a new mainstream star. Don’t blink. It could all be over in seconds.
