UFC Star Francis Ngannou Shows His Frightening Strength By Manhandling NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal

UFC star Francis Ngannou has shown off his frightening strength by becoming the first man to pick up NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.

Ngannou is one of the UFC's most feared heavyweights and is known for having one of the strongest strikes in the promotion.

'The Predator' was keen to show off his power when he met basketball legend 'Shaq' last year and did what many thought would be impossible.

'Shaq' commends the 33-year-old on his physique and points out his lack of body fat.

The Cameroonian fighter the goes on to pick up O'Neal, who weighs over 21 stone, with relative ease.

He joked on Instagram: "Shaq you're not so heavy as I thought. That's probably why you could fly on the court."

Four time NBA champion O'Neal was stunned after he'd been lifted, admitting: "Yeah, that's the first time I've ever been lifted up."

It's been reported that Ngannou puts his insane strength down to working in mines as a child.

Ngannou was scheduled to face off with Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 before the event's cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It hasn't stopped him from training however and he attempted to recruit a new partner last week - Hollywood star and former WWE wrestler The Rock.

The Rock - real name Dwayne Johnson - held a live Q&A on Instagram and Ngannou joined the stream and challenged 'The Great One' to a workout.

He told Johnson he's an 'inspiration' and asked the 47-year-old to join him in the UFC gym.

"Francis Ngannou, let me tell you something, brother - you ain't ready for me," Johnson joked.

"I respect and love this guy so much. He is one of the top heavyweights in MMA, and in the world, and he is a dominant beast of a man. I can't wait to see him fight again.

"I've been following your career, Francis, so thank you for saying that, saying that I was your inspiration," he added.

"I wish you nothing but the best. I hear really cool things about you, and I look forward to seeing you and seeing you fight again."

Topics: UFC News, The Rock, UFC, Francis Ngannou, MMA, UFC News, The Rock, UFC, Francis Ngannou, MMA

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_