Coach Eric Nicksick recalls Francis Ngannou bringing trainer to tears with thoughtful gesture: "That's just the type of person Francis is"
Francis Ngannou's head coach, Eric Nicksick, has shared a heartwarming gesture from the heavyweight great that brought a trainer to tears. Nicksick asserted that 'The Predator's' considerate and thoughtful behavior is indicative of the kind of person he is.
Speaking to MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Nicksick recently praised Ngannou for being a "humanitarian" and the "most thoughtful individual" one could find. He alluded to the extensive social welfare work that Ngannou does in his native Cameroon and at their gym in the U.S. as well.
Nicksick trains Ngannou at the Las Vegas-based Xtreme Couture gym. He notably recalled that one of the coaches, Nate Pettit, was moved to tears by Ngannou's gesture a couple of weeks back.
The American trainer explained that they were setting up new cages at the gym when a tearful Pettit came up to him and revealed that Ngannou had handed him a check and thanked him for everything he does. Nicksick explained that the gym is Pettit's life and that the coach is the hardest worker there and constantly helps train others.
Nicksick, who himself has experienced Ngannou's generosity, stated:
"I don't know what the amount was. I didn't even ask. But it was enough to move this man to tears, to an emotion. And I say to Francis later on, I was like, 'Hey, thanks for giving, hooking up Nate.' He's like, 'Of course, bro. I see how hard he works, and I want to pay him for all the time that he's given to others that maybe is not reciprocated back to him.'"
Emphasizing that Pettit played a significant role in helping Ngannou defeat Stipe Miocic in their rematch in 2021, Nicksick said:
"So, you know, just keeping it in the house, keeping it in the family, and the way he takes care of his coaching staff [and] people around him. Nate had a huge role in helping Francis beat Stipe Miocic. Nate ran those wrestling practices along with Dennis Davis. So, paying it forward to Nate, man, that's just the type of person Francis is."
Catch Nicksick's comments below:
Francis Ngannou's noble gesture for Cameroon
Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA, 0-2 boxing) is all set to end his MMA hiatus, which dates back to Jan. 2022. The Cameroonian-French fighter is booked to make his PFL promotional debut next. The former UFC heavyweight champion is scheduled to fight Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fights championship belt on Oct. 19, 2024.
Ngannou established the Francis Ngannou Foundation in Cameroon in 2018, aimed at helping society's economically disadvantaged sections. As indicated by the UFC in June 2019, Ngannou contributed toward social welfare projects in his hometown of Batie, particularly helping children thrive in the formal academic realm as well as in sports and fitness.
In a soul-stirring statement, Ngannou alluded to his journey from financial distress to world champion. He noted that he'd always hoped that someone would return to Cameroon and help him. Considering that he himself has ascended to a position where he can help others, Ngannou asserted:
"I want these kids to know that people care about them and that they count. That's the main goal."