Francis Ngannou shocked at being lifted by Zhang Weili ahead of her UFC 281 title bout
In preparation for her fight next weekend, Zhang Weili showcased her incredible strength by lifting Francis Ngannou off of his feet in a video posted on social media.
'The Predator' has fought just once this year, and injuries will keep him out of action until at least early 2023. Despite being the heavyweight champion, the Cameroonian is out of contract with the UFC and has vowed to sign a contract renewal only if the promotion abides by his demands.
Despite weighing almost 300lbs, Francis Ngannou was forced airborne by Zhang Weili. For context, Weili is a 5'4" woman who competes in the strawweight division, close to 185lbs less than the enormous heavyweight currently weighs.
"I can't believe that Zhang Weili just picked me up like I wasn't 293lbs. I didn't want her to do it [because] I was scared of her hurting her back and was trying to explain this to her... Then, found myself suddenly up in the air. Her strength ratio is through the roof."
I can't believe that @zhangweilimma just picked me up like I wasn't 293lbs 😳
I didn't want her to do it I was scared of her hurting her back and was trying to explain this to her....then found myself suddenly up in the air.
Her strength ratio is through the roof 📈 https://t.co/smhsP9H91u
The 33-year-old is in camp preparing to reclaim her strawweight throne when she steps into the octagon against newly crowned champion Carla Esparza later this month.
Alongside the co-main event between the champion and Zhang Weili, UFC 281 will feature a highly-anticipated middleweight title clash when Israel Adesanya defends his strap against long-term foe Alex Pereira.
An elite title eliminator clash between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler also features on the card. Former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar's farewell bout will also be featured.
Francis Ngannou's questionable return to the octagon
Ever since defending his title against Ciryl Gane and displaying some of his grappling skills, Francis Ngannou has been sidelined with an injury. His time in the UFC could potentially be over.
The 36-year-old has demanded that the UFC insert a boxing clause into his contract if they wish to re-sign him, but talks with the promotion have become stale.
Tyson Fury has expressed interest in fighting Ngannou and the feeling between the two heavyweights is mutual. Dana White has previously disregarded the thought of his fighters making the switch over to the boxing ring.
If the knockout artist does return to the octagon, an intriguing clash against Jon Jones or the unification of his title should an interim be put in place will likely be his priority.