After UFC Fight Night 86 win, Francis Ngannou is dreaming big

ZAGREB, Croatia – Francis Ngannou has stepped into the UFC’s famed octagon twice and has impressed in both efforts. At UFC Fight Night 86, Ngannou battered short-notice replacement opponent Curtis Blaydes for a second-round stoppage.

Blaydes (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) proved to be a tough, durable opponent, not willing to back down from the thudding strikes of Ngannou (7-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC). However, the doctor made the call to stop the fight after the second round when Blaydes’ eye was so badly swollen that he could not see to intelligently defend himself, resulting in a TKO at the 5:00 mark of Round 2.

The heavyweight bout was part of the UFC Fight Night 86 main card at Zagreb Arena in Zagreb, Croatia. It aired on FOX Sports 1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Ngannou said he felt more comfortable in the octagon and has bigger goals after another successful fight.

“What I did tonight made me dream bigger,” Ngannou said. “I feel things were easier than last time. I think I will get better and better with time.”

Ngannou is riding a six-fight winning streak and all seven of his professional victories have come by stoppage.

The heavyweight division is one of the most wide-open in MMA. A 6’4? 29-year-old with Ngannou’s stopping ability can rocket up the ranks quickly.

However, the Frenchman said he is in no hurry to charge to the top of the rankings.

“I don’t mind about going fast or not going fast,” Ngannou said. “I just want to go step-by-step. But if there’s any opportunity to make things go faster, I will take it.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 86, check out the UFC Events section of the site.