For FloCombat via A.G Fight

Life is good for UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou these days. Five fights and five stoppages into his Octagon career, "The Predator" has set his sights on UFC gold.

The latest high-profile standout in the organization's heavyweight division will meet ex-champion Junior dos Santos on September 9 at UFC 215 in Edmonton, Alberta, but Ngannou recently took some time amid his preparation to recap his journey to the top.

Recently, the 30-year-old moved to Las Vegas from Paris, where he laid the foundation for his career in combat sports one day after his arrival. Having escaped poverty in his native Cameroon, Ngannou knew he had to make it count when he made his way to Europe four years ago.

"Now, it's all or nothing," Ngannou told AG. Fight for FloCombat. "It was very difficult. I didn't have a job. I didn't have [any]where to live. I didn't have [any]thing […]. So, I really focused on training.

"I remember, the first day was a Sunday, and on Monday the first thing that I did […] was I looked for some gym. I found a gym and the first thing that I said at the front desk was that I wanted to see the boxing coach […]. I just explained to them I just moved here, I have no money, nowhere to stay, I ask you nothing but I just want somewhere to keep training because I'm going to be the world champion."

At Paris' MMA Factory, coach Fernand Lopez Owonyebe would eventually let Ngannou try his hand at the noble art and introduce him to MMA soon thereafter, but at first, the sight of the huge man claiming to be a future world champion understandably seemed strange to his future teammates.

"They were like, 'Who is this crazy guy?'" Ngannou recalled. 

They might've been wondering, but they gave the "crazy guy" a chance. Since then, Ngannou went from searching for shelter to chasing gold. Having recorded 10 wins in 11 fights and five stoppages in as many UFC appearances, the heavy-handed striker -- who recently notched his first submission win as well -- is touted as the next big thing in the UFC's notoriously weak heavyweight division.

Aiming to fulfill his potential, Ngannou recently left France behind and packed up one more time, now preparing for things to come in Las Vegas.

"Vegas is the city for combat sports," Ngannou explained. "I like it. It fits me and this is somewhere that I like to be.

"The reason to choose Vegas is very simple. I think there are many teams around […]. Vegas is the best way for me because of training, and we have the UFC [Performance Institute] facility. I took my time and I looked [at] what I want to do or if I want to go to some gym, what gym I [would] want to go to."

Ngannou, who said he is getting good heavyweight sparring in the heat of the Nevada desert, explained why he moved across the pond all by himself, leaving the coaches that brought him to the UFC behind.

"The coaches that I have in Paris, they have their life. And I have my own… I have my dream. It would not be easy for them," Ngannou said. "They don't have maybe the same dream as me to come live in America, someone who has his kids, his wife or someone. It's easier for me."

That hasn't always been the case for Ngannou. Still, all the hardships have paid off for "The Predator," who is now looking to claim gold and become "The baddest man on the planet" by winning the UFC's heavyweight belt.

"It prepared me to be open to the world," Ngannou said of his struggles. "Life prepared me for that. I'm comfortable now."