Famous bodybuilder and social media sensation, David Laid decided to put his strength to the test by attempting to withstand the punching power of former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou.
David Laid, boasting an impressive following of over 4 million on Instagram, is renowned for his jaw-dropping body transformation showcased in his YouTube videos. These videos document Laid’s remarkable journey from a slender young man to a powerhouse of muscle.
In response to Laid’s audacious challenge, Ngannou, who is set to face the boxing kingpin Tyson Fury on October 28 in a showdown titled “Rumble in Riyadh,” had a lighthearted reaction. Ngannou humorously captioned the video of Laid’s attempt, stating, “It was a nice attempt.”
This is not the first time that Ngannou has taken on a body shot challenge. In 2021, he accepted a body shot challenge from the diminutive boxing champion, Ryan Garcia. Ngannou not only endured the powerful assault but also displayed astonishing resilience as he barely flinched, impressing the lightweight contender.
Ngannou’s journey from humble beginnings in his hometown of Batie, to the streets of Paris, and ultimately to the pinnacle of the UFC, is an inspirational story. Before making his MMA debut in 2013, the 34-year-old originally aspired to become a boxer, aiming to emulate his hero, Mike Tyson.
Renowned boxer Ryan Garcia, when asked about Ngannou’s potential in the squared circle, expressed no doubts. He even drew a parallel between the knockout artist and former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, emphasizing Ngannou’s extraordinary punching power.
The highly anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, scheduled for October 28, has garnered significant attention in 2023. The pay-per-view cost for the fight was recently disclosed, with Fury vs. Ngannou priced at $79.99. This exciting event will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view, as well as traditional pay-per-view outlets.
The upcoming clash marks Tyson Fury’s return to action after delivering a TKO victory over Derek Chisora in the 10th round of their December bout. While this fight will be a professional match recorded in both fighters’ records, Fury’s WBC title will not be on the line.
Following the showdown with Ngannou, Fury has already committed to his next bout, slated to face Oleksandr Usyk in late 2023 or early 2024.
On the other hand, this fight marks Ngannou’s professional boxing debut after leaving the UFC as the heavyweight champion. Post his MMA contract’s conclusion, Ngannou signed a multi-fight deal with the PFL for his MMA career but then secured his dream fight against Fury in October.
The venue for the bout between Fury and Ngannou is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the full card and fight order are yet to be determined. The pay-per-view broadcast is scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 28, promising a spectacular showdown between two incredible athletes.