Ngannou recently crossed paths with his first promoter,
Stephane Chafourier.
Ngannou (19-3) knocked out Philipe
Lins in the first round of their heavyweight clash at
Most Valuable Promotions “Rousey vs. Carano” card last weekend
in Los Angeles. Chafourier was there to manage his fighter,
Salahdine
Parnasse, who also scored a first-round knockout win over
Kenneth
Cross.
Ngannou came across Chafourier backstage at the Intuit Dome in Los
Angeles. Ngannou revealed that Chafourier was his first promoter.
Ngannou recalls not being paid anything for his first fight, which
was a free tournament. However, “The Predator” was thrilled when he
received 2,000 euros ($2,323) for his second fight. Ngannou recalls
going to a corner and immediately counting his money.
“Mr. Chafourier. This is my first promoter,” Ngannou said while talking to Chafourier. “First fight,
free tournament. Second one, I won 2,000 euros. I was so happy. He
gave me a stack of 20 euros in an envelope. I went in the corner,
was counting my money, was so excited.”
Ngannou won his first professional fight at 100% Fight via an
armbar submission in 2013. However, the future
UFC champion dropped a unanimous decision in his sophomore
outing in the promotion.