What would it be like to roll with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou?
While we might never get that firsthand experience, we can see what happens when BJJ black belt Sam Crook, who’s the head coach of the Francis Ngannou Foundation’s jiu-jitsu program, has a roll with Ngannou on the mats. For reference, Crook says that he’s about 50 kg (or 110 lbs) lighter than Ngannou, adding that he was grateful to the champ for “not actually killing [him].”
Ngannou appears to have gotten a good bit of rolling in during his time in his home country of Cameroon. Earlier this month, he was filmed rolling with a few of Crook’s young students, fending off three formidable opponents at once.
The FNF is currently looking for volunteers to travel to Batié, Cameroon to help teach and train with kids in BJJ. You can learn more about the initiative and the Batié Death Squad here.
Visit the LionHeart Volunteer Batié Project webpage for details on the Initiative’s concept for support and volunteer fundraising for this unique opportunity to travel and teach off the beaten path. Dedicate a fundraiser on Facebook to support LionHeart volunteer travelers, or see other fundraising options at Initiative’s fundraising page to make an immediate and direct impact on this worthwhile endeavor.
Learn more about the Initiative’s vision and programs in Africa and contact them at LionHeart@mmaforafrica.com for serious inquiries. Contact coach Sam Crook directly through WhatsApp +447 889 441 179 or on Instagram @sammichaelcrook.
