“I Know That You Know”: Francis Ngannou Says He Tricked Stipe Miocic During Their Fight

Francis Ngannou is one of the most vicious strikers in the UFC. He has finished most of his opponents in the very first round of the bout. However, in his first slugfest with the former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 220, ‘The Predator’ came up short.

Interestingly, after bagging some amazing wins under his belt, Ngannou earned a title rematch against Miocic at UFC 260. Even though he dethroned Miocic of his heavyweight crown, many believe it wasn’t the best performance of the Cameroonian.

However, ‘The Predator’ claims he used just the right strategies to trick Miocic during the fight. Recently in an interaction with Daniel Cormier, Ngannou said, “I think people just stuck on the Stipe fight. Because obviously, I didn’t fight that fight well. So they’re stuck, but I have been practicing wrestling and every time I go there my fight is just like a few seconds.”

“I don’t even have time to showcase what I have been doing, what I have been working on. But one thing for the Stipe fight was the Rozenstruik fight. Like I was getting ready for the Stipe fight and I am like Stipe must be watching the Rozenstruik fight and he was like, oh the guy is still the same.”

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“I am like he’s gonna fall in this trap. He’s gonna know that the guy is still the same. I am gonna rush on him. He’s gonna change level and all this stuff. I am like, oh bro, you get it wrong. When we step in the octagon, I was like looking at him, seeing him like waiting for me to do something. I was like oh you don’t know, I know what you know,” added Francis.

Francis Ngannou: First Title Defense

Ever since he became the UFC heavyweight champion in March, ‘The Predator’ hasn’t entered the UFC octagon. Previously, the UFC officials wanted Ngannou to defend his gold strap as soon as possible. However, he needed some time before he could enter the octagon again.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon reacts after his victory over Stipe Miocic in their UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

This led to a few differences between Ngannou’s team and the promotion. Hence, they snubbed the champion and set up an interim heavyweight title bout between Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane.

The Frenchman defeated Lewis with a third-round knockout to become the UFC interim champion. ‘Bon Gamin’ and ‘The Predator’ are former teammates and used to train together. However, now the French fighter will try to unify his interim title in a clash against his former teammate for the heavyweight gold.

The much-anticipated heavyweight title fight will headline the biggest event UFC 270 next year. It will take place inside the Honda Center Arena in Anaheim, United States on 22nd January.

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Considering their history, the fight is already generating much hype among the fight fans. Also, it will excite the UFC fans to see ‘The Predator’ return to action after almost nine months to defend his crown for the first time.

What are your thoughts on Ngannou’s strategies against Miocic? What do you guys think of Ngannou’s first title defense? Let us know in the comments.

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