The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Francis Ngannou Breaks Down Sharing Heartbreaking Story: "I Don't Know The Purpose Of Fighting Anymore", "I Feel Powerless", "I Don't Know How To Deal With This!"

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Aug 8, 2024
Francis Ngannou, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion from Cameroon, shares his extraordinary journey from poverty to success. He reflects on his painful childhood, including working in a sand mine and losing his son. Ngannou discusses the harrowing experiences of migrating through the Sahara Desert and overcoming despair. He candidly explores feelings of powerlessness in fighting and the search for purpose amidst personal tragedy. With vulnerability, he navigates grief and the complexities of pursuing dreams as a fighter.
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ANECDOTE

Impoverished Childhood

  • Francis Ngannou describes his impoverished childhood in Cameroon, where his family lived on less than $1,000 a year.
  • They lacked basic necessities, often went barefoot, and he was sometimes kicked out of school for unpaid fees.
ANECDOTE

Unhappy Childhood

  • Ngannou's unhappy childhood stemmed from lacking basic necessities and facing constant challenges.
  • He emphasizes the value of hard work, even for meager earnings, compared to unearned privilege.
ANECDOTE

Motivation to Fight

  • At 13, Ngannou was expelled from school for unpaid fees, motivating him to become a professional fighter.
  • Despite lacking resources and training facilities, he committed to this dream to change his circumstances.
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