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Sport

27th Nov 2017

The owner of the world’s hardest punch is fighting at UFC 218 this weekend

A terrifying human

Darragh Murphy

When Francis Ngannou touches you, you turn into a different person.

It could be argued that a more intimidating fighter does not exist and the UFC heavyweight’s star power is undeniable.

Having fought five times in the Octagon since making his debut two years ago, Ngannou has yet to see a third round and when he’s not knocking opponents unconscious with his terrifying power, he’s pulling off submission moves that he literally learned in the dressing room just moments before the fight.

UFC President Dana White has predicted that the Frenchman “has the potential to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I also believe he has the potential to hold that title for a very long time.”

Fresh from his brutal first-round TKO of former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, Ngannou will look to add another MMA legend to his list of victims when he meets Alistair Overeem in the co-main event of UFC 218 this weekend.

And while superstar potential might not be all that measurable, power definitely is.

A recent sports science study into Ngannou’s punching power resulted in the 31-year-old smashing the world record as his overhand right delivered a reading of 129,161 units, breaking the previous record which was set by kickboxing champion and another terrifying human Tyrone Spong, who managed 114,000 units.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb5IlFjlNN3/

If that right hand lands on Overeem’s chin on Saturday night, it will be curtains for ‘The Reem’ and, in all likelihood, Ngannou will get the next shot at Stipe Miocic’s heavyweight title.