'Absolute scenes': Fans go wild in Cameroon after Francis Ngannou KO
New UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou's story has captivated the world and celebrations in his hometown of Cameroon after his knockout of Stipe Miocic shows the gravitas of his achievement.
Cameroonian Ngannou created history after knocking out Miocic in the second round and becoming the third-active African-born champion in the UFC.
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The victory meant everything for Ngannou, who lost to Miocic in 2018 after being dismantled in the octagon after a wrestling-clinic from the champ.
However, this time was different as Ngannou proved his doubters wrong and showcased his all-round improvements.
But it was what the victory meant to Ngannou, which was worth more than gold.
"It's just a belt," Ngannou said at the press conference, as the championship strap sat in front of him.
"The most important thing is the reason behind it."
History! Africa now has three champions.
🇳🇬 @USMAN84kg @Stylebender | 🇨🇲 @Francis_Ngannou pic.twitter.com/0i6vIxOViP— UFC (@ufc) March 28, 2021
The reason he was alluding to was the hope the first Cameroonian-born champion has on fans back home.
After his victory, video emerged of fans in his hometown of Batie, Cameroon, celebrating wildly as he knocked out Miocic.
Fans stayed up til 5.15am to watch the fight live and went wild after to celebrate the newest 'baddest man on the planet'.
Fellow fighters and fans around the world were also thrilled to see Ngannou get his hand raised.
Francis Ngannou's hometown of Batié, Cameroon when he knocked out Stipe Miocic to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion. Absolute scenes. 🇨🇲 #UFC260
pic.twitter.com/unjUdKPQnx— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) March 28, 2021
Congrats @francis_ngannou! Beautiful story 👊 #UFC260
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) March 28, 2021
Israel Adesanya posted his celebration of @francis_ngannou's win at #UFC260
(via @stylebender) pic.twitter.com/SlcUz9ZSdj— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 28, 2021
Ngannou to showcase UFC belt in Cameroon
Ngannou said after the fight he was looking to showcase his belt in
"I was thinking maybe we will find a public place in Cameroon and put it [the belt] there so the kids can look at it and inspire them," he said.
"They will understand that it is a symbol of dedication, from somebody coming from where they are to get that.
"To show that everything is possible if you stay focused."
#UFC260
"maybe we find a public place in Cameroon and put the title belt soo that it can inspire kids to know that you can come from anywhere and win...." Heavyweight Champ, Francis Ngannou tells the press his plans with the belt! pic.twitter.com/Bx28sxONJk— Anchunda Benly (@anchunda_benly) March 28, 2021
But opponents for Ngannou's next fight have already been tossed around due to the hype surrounding the new champion.
Once such name is Jon Jones, considered by many as the greatest pound-for-pound UFC star of all time, after he signalled his intent to move to the heavyweight division.
Ngannou didn't seem phased after claiming he would take on any rival to retain the gold that is now strapped around his waist.
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