The Herd with Colin Cowherd The Daniel Cormier Show - Francis Ngannou on Philipe Lins, leaving UFC, Anthony Joshua fight, losing his son
May 14, 2026
Francis Ngannou, Cameroon-born former UFC heavyweight champion turned high-profile boxer, shares his rise from sand mines to global stardom. He recounts a 14-month journey to Europe and finding combat sports in France. He discusses leaving the UFC, big-name boxing matchups, and the impact of losing his son. Short, raw, and intense reflections on purpose, legacy, and one more fight.
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Childhood Labor In Sand Mines
- At around nine to twelve Francis worked at sand mines in his village, initially helping then progressing to heavy labor by age 11–12.
- He described carrying shovels, learning the work, and only gradually being strong enough to handle full tasks.
Being The 'Crazy' One Fueled His Drive
- Francis' ambition felt like a cultural transgression in his village because imagining more than farming was seen as disrespectful.
- That ostracism hardened his resolve: he accepted being "the crazy one" and used stubbornness to fuel change.
Fourteen Month Migration Through The Desert
- Francis' migration from Cameroon to Europe took 14 months, involving buses, arrests, bribed checkpoints, and a treacherous Sahara crossing in pickup trucks.
- He recalled hiding from helicopters, seeing skeletons in the desert, dehydration, and 20+ hour rides packed with people.