Francis Ngannou Reveals How The Rock Helped His Career

Francis Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 260 earlier in the year. After that, a lot of drama ensued as he never got to fight Jon Jones. It seems Ngannou is confident about his chances against Cyril Gane.

The main event of UFC 265 saw Ciryl Gane square off against Derrick Lewis for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Title. Ciryl Gane put on the performance of a lifetime as he defeated Derric Lewis via TKO in the third round to win the interim heavyweight title at UFC 265. He is now 10-0 in the UFC and is set to face off against Francis Ngannou.

It is interesting to note that Ciryl Gane and Francis Ngannou are actually former teammates. It was also recently confirmed that Ngannou will defend his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 on January 22nd.

While speaking to Trevor Noah, Francis Ngannou talked about The Rock and revealed just how he helped Ngannou’s career. Ngannou revealed The Rock motivates him to do better.

“I always look up to somebody like ‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson and recently, he noticed me, and now we even chat. I text, and ‘The Rock’ texts back, and sometimes, he left me a voicemail. And then, when I wake up someday, just listen to it – ‘The Rock’ voice, voice message. You know, I’ll go out there that day. I work double of what I supposed to work.

I am just motivated. I am like, ‘Damn! ‘The Rock’ just left me a message. This is it.’ You know, the enthusiasm, the motivation of that just message, you know. And then I realize how great is it to be in the position that you have that power to, like, maybe just talk to somebody and change his day or his life. And I want to be the same thing for others.”

“Basically, knowing where I came from, that’s what we need. We just need hope.”

It remains to be seen whether Francis Ngannou will be able to defeat Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 as it is certainly one of the most highly anticipated UFC fights in recent memory.