The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) has long been fascinated with the question: **How do you beat Francis Ngannou?** With his incredible knockout power and explosive athleticism, Ngannou has dismantled some of the toughest fighters in the heavyweight division. However, recently, Jon Jones—arguably one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time—revealed what he believes to be the key to defeating Ngannou: **”Just survive round one.”**
But is it really that simple? Can enduring the first round truly unlock the path to victory against one of the most terrifying strikers in combat sports? In this deep dive, we’ll break down Jon Jones’ theory, analyze Ngannou’s weaknesses, and explore what happens when an opponent **makes it past the first five minutes.**
Francis Ngannou has built a reputation as one of the most devastating knockout artists in UFC history. His sheer power is enough to end a fight in mere seconds, and many of his victories have come in the opening round. Fighters who choose to engage with him early often find themselves on the receiving end of a highlight-reel finish.
Some key statistics that highlight Ngannou’s **first-round dominance** include:
– **12 of his 17 MMA knockouts have come in the first round**
– **Fastest KO in a UFC title fight: 20 seconds against Jairzinho Rozenstruik**
– **Average fight time: 5 minutes and 38 seconds in the UFC**
Clearly, the opening round is where Ngannou is at his most dangerous. His raw explosiveness, combined with his aggressive approach, puts tremendous pressure on opponents. Many fighters crumble under this pressure, either getting caught with a massive shot or gassing themselves out trying to avoid his power.
Jon Jones’ statement—**”Just survive round one”**—isn’t just talk. It’s a tactical observation that has been echoed by many MMA analysts. If we analyze Ngannou’s fights, a pattern emerges: **he is most lethal early but significantly slows down if forced into deeper waters.**
Several fighters have managed to take Ngannou into later rounds, and the results speak for themselves:
1. **Stipe Miocic (UFC 220, 2018)** – Miocic followed a smart game plan by avoiding early exchanges and dragging Ngannou into deep waters. As the fight went on, Ngannou’s energy reserves drained, and Miocic dominated him with superior wrestling and cardio, winning a clear unanimous decision.
2. **Ciryl Gane (UFC 270, 2022)** – Gane showcased a technical striking approach in the early rounds, making Ngannou miss and forcing him to use energy inefficiently. Though Ngannou eventually adjusted with wrestling, it was clear that his explosiveness diminished as the fight progressed.
3. **Derrick Lewis (UFC 226, 2018)** – In one of the most bizarre fights in UFC history, Ngannou was hesitant to engage after suffering a loss to Miocic. The fight showed that when his initial onslaught doesn’t work, Ngannou can become gun-shy.
Jon Jones’ strategy suggests that **fighters who can survive the early storm will have a much greater chance of winning**—but surviving the first round is easier said than done.
Francis Ngannou is an **explosive power-based fighter**, meaning his style heavily relies on fast-twitch muscle fibers. While this gives him incredible knockout power, it also comes with a major drawback: **rapid energy depletion.**
When Ngannou throws his wild, looping punches, he expends a tremendous amount of energy. If these punches don’t land cleanly, he starts to fatigue, and his movements become slower. The key factors behind his conditioning issues include:
– **Fast-twitch muscle fiber dominance:** These muscles generate immense power but burn energy quickly.
– **Inefficient energy management:** Ngannou tends to throw power shots without much setup, wasting energy.
– **Limited wrestling endurance:** While his grappling has improved, he still struggles when forced into prolonged wrestling exchanges.
This is why Jon Jones’ strategy makes sense. If a fighter can **weather the early storm**, Ngannou’s power diminishes, and he becomes much easier to manage.
Surviving the first round requires more than just toughness—it demands a well-executed game plan. Fighters who have been successful against Ngannou have utilized the following strategies:
#### **1. Distance Management and Footwork**
Fighters like Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic used their footwork to stay out of Ngannou’s range, forcing him to miss and expend energy. Constant movement and lateral dodging can make it difficult for Ngannou to land clean shots.
#### **2. Defensive Shell and Clinch Work**
A tight high guard and clinch-heavy approach can neutralize Ngannou’s power. If a fighter can smother him against the cage, it can limit his ability to generate full-force punches.
#### **3. Wrestling and Takedown Threats**
Wrestling is arguably the most effective weapon against Ngannou. Miocic dominated him with takedowns in their first fight, forcing Ngannou to use energy trying to defend. Jon Jones, being an elite wrestler, would likely exploit this weakness.
#### **4. Mental Toughness and Patience**
Many fighters panic when facing Ngannou’s power, which leads them to make mistakes. Staying calm, composed, and sticking to the game plan is crucial to reaching the later rounds.
So, what happens if a fighter actually survives round one? History suggests that **Ngannou becomes significantly less dangerous as the fight goes on.**
– His **punching power decreases**, making his strikes less lethal.
– His **movement slows**, making him an easier target.
– His **defensive weaknesses get exposed**, allowing opponents to capitalize.
Fighters with superior cardio and technical skills can start imposing their will. For example, a fighter like Jon Jones—who has elite wrestling, fight IQ, and endurance—could systematically break Ngannou down in later rounds.
The debate over a potential Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight has captivated MMA fans for years. While Ngannou possesses the **ultimate equalizer in knockout power**, Jones has the skills to execute the **”survive round one”** strategy.
#### **Why Jones Could Win:**
– **Superior wrestling:** If Jones takes Ngannou down, he could control him and drain his energy.
– **Cardio advantage:** Jones has fought in five-round wars multiple times and thrives in deep waters.
– **Adaptability:** Jones is one of the most intelligent fighters in MMA history, capable of adjusting his strategy mid-fight.
#### **Why Ngannou Could Win:**
– **Unmatched knockout power:** Jones has never faced someone with Ngannou’s level of power.
– **Improved grappling:** Ngannou’s wrestling defense has improved, making it harder to take him down.
– **Size and strength:** As a natural heavyweight, Ngannou has a significant size advantage over Jones.
The fight would ultimately come down to **whether Jones could survive the first round.** If he does, the odds shift in his favor.
Jon Jones’ statement—**”Just survive round one”**—is more than just a simple phrase; it’s a legitimate strategy. History has shown that Ngannou is most dangerous in the first round but becomes much more beatable as the fight progresses.
Fighters who want to defeat Ngannou must focus on **defensive movement, clinch work, wrestling, and patience.** If they can endure the initial onslaught, they stand a much better chance of securing victory.
As MMA continues to evolve, one question remains: **Who will be the next fighter to survive round one and dethrone the knockout king?**