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In a dramatic reveal, Francis Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, shared that the "Predator" was battling a significant rib injury in the lead-up to his recent PFL Heavyweight title win against Renan Ferreira. Nicksick’s comments, made during an exclusive interview with MMAJunkie.com, highlighted the severity of the injury and how it nearly caused Ngannou to withdraw from the fight.
“It was bad enough to where you’ve got to think: He blew out his knee and wasn’t going to pull out of the Ciryl Gane fight, but almost pulled out of this one,” Nicksick explained. “There’s a difference, different stakes, but also it was a different type of pain for him, and obviously we had a grappling-heavy game plan.”
Ngannou’s concern stemmed from the injury’s impact on his grappling ability, particularly when defending from his back. The rib injury raised serious doubts about whether he could handle the physical demands of fighting in the clinch or wrestling with Ferreira, especially since Ngannou’s strategy depended heavily on ground control.
“He was worried if he was on his back, how he would be able to move and try to grapple with an injured rib,” Nicksick said. However, after getting cleared by doctors and undergoing an MRI, Ngannou felt confident enough to push forward. “Once he went to the doctors and they cleared him... I think he realized, ‘I’m going to be OK. I’m going to get through this still,’” Nicksick added.
Francis Ngannou’s Battle Beyond the Cage
Ngannou wasn’t only dealing with physical pain. The fight with Ferreira marked his return to the cage after the tragic loss of his son, Kobe. This emotional burden, combined with the physical injury, created an uphill battle for the former UFC heavyweight champion. Despite these challenges, Ngannou’s resilience shone through, and his victory proved he’s still an indomitable force in MMA.
After securing the title, an emotional Ngannou broke down, along with his team members, as the weight of his personal and professional struggles lifted. Nicksick revealed how much doubt Ngannou had endured leading up to the fight, even questioning whether he could continue his career in light of the tragedy.
Yet, his dominant performance against Ferreira showed that even in the face of personal loss and physical injury, Ngannou remains one of the sport’s most fearsome competitors. His ability to push through immense pain and grief to claim the PFL title demonstrates not only his physical power but also his unmatched mental fortitude.
The Future of the "Predator"
Ngannou’s victory solidifies his standing as a heavyweight to be reckoned with, regardless of the organization. His decision to fight through a rib injury highlights his warrior spirit, while his ability to compartmentalize personal pain and loss in the face of athletic competition is a testament to his strength.
For Ngannou, the win was more than just a title; it was a validation of his journey through one of the most challenging times of his life. As his coach Nicksick said, this victory was not just about overcoming an opponent—it was about overcoming everything that life had thrown his way.
Francis Ngannou is far from finished, and his latest win proves that, injury or not, he remains one of the most formidable athletes in combat sports. Whether fans see him defend the PFL title or pursue other ventures, one thing is certain: the "Predator" is still on the hunt. Fight.TV is here for it!
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