Rare photos from Francis Ngannou’s childhood, including his mother, family, village & younger self

Francis Ngannou is the first-ever UFC champion to hail from Cameroon, Africa. Although he’s a global star now – life wasn’t always easy for him. Born and raised in a Cameroon village, he was forced to work in local salt mines from a young age to make ends meet. His father was a street fighter who died of illness when Ngannou was young – which is why he had to work from a young age to support his mother.

During his mid 20s, Ngannou decided to leave Cameroon and went to Paris, France. This journey alone was incredibly dangerous, and he has detailed the story of being trafficked across the Algerian desert. According to Ngannou, if the car broke down, he would have died. Once in Paris, Ngannou was homeless for a while before eventually getting into MMA. As they say, the rest is history. Here are some older pictures of Ngannou to show how he lived prior to becoming a UFC champion and MMA fighter.

Francis Ngannou in his home village, Batie – making a meal with his mother.

Ngannou pretending to box with his idol, Mike Tyson.

As seen on the left, a young Ngannou doing hard labor in Cameroon. This acted as strength and conditioning and would have helped shape his body for a career in MMA.

In his younger years, Ngannou worked in a salt mine. He still goes back and does the work whilst home to keep himself grounded.

Ngannou with his parents as a baby. Sadly, his father died during his childhood of an illness.

Pictured with his nephews, aunt, and other relatives.

Another photo of Francis Ngannou and his mother. Notice the facial resemblance between the two.

Another shot with his mom.

Interestingly, Ngannou has a braided hairstyle in the above picture. He used to have this haircut in the earlier days of his career.

Francis Ngannou in traditional African clothing.

A 27 year old Ngannou in Paris. At this point, he’d just arrived in the country and was beginning the start of his MMA journey.

Ngannou aged 24. Here, he wasn’t training MMA and was still living in Cameroon.

Ngannou pictured in his early 20s.

And finally…Ngannou with his UFC belt. This was a massive accomplishment considering what he’d been through.