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LAS VEGAS – The biggest fight of Francis Ngannou’s young career is right around the corner, and it’s not lost on the UFC heavyweight rising star why he’s reached this point so quickly.

Ngannou, who’s fought MMA professionally for just four years, is set to take on Alistair Overeem in what is widely considered a title eliminator Dec. 2 at UFC 218 from Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit. Not only are the stakes the highest they’ve ever been for Ngannou, it’s also his first appearance on pay-per-view – and in the co-main event, no less.

Through five UFC fights, Ngannou’s power and athleticism have overwhelmed opponents, leading to all five victories via stoppage. Take one look at his massive frame, and his ability seems natural. Ngannou, though, says it’s bigger than that.

“I think the main thing is motivation,” Ngannou said Monday following an open workout at the UFC Performance Institute. “My strength, my power, it’s all about my mind. When I look back where I’m from, look at my family, it’s kind of scary. I want to change things back. I don’t want my kids or my son to live the same thing I lived in my life. That is motivation.”

Ngannou’s journey from homelessness to UFC contender has been documented before. He never forgets where he came from. And as he prepares to face Overeem, Ngannou’s mother, who remains in his native Cameroon, continues to weigh on his mind.

“When I look at my family, when I look at my mom, I hope I will be able to help her,” Ngannou said. “I hope she will be proud of me. She gave all of what she had for us. That’s my motivation.”

It’s a big reason Ngannou left Paris and moved to Las Vegas this year in hopes of further advancing his career by taking advantage of all the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institute has to offer.

In Overeem (43-15 MMA, 8-4 UFC), Ngannou  (10-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) faces his biggest challenge to date. For his part, Ngannou said there isn’t one particular skill he’s honing in preparation for the former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion.

“We aren’t working on anything, because I’m an opportunity fighter,” Ngannou said. “I’m not just a striker. I’m not a wrestler or grappler. I’m a fighter, an opportunity fighter. I like to finish my fight and be able to shape my skills and take every opportunity I get in the fight.”

Speaking of opportunity, despite Fabricio Werdum’s belief that he’s deserving of a title shot following his UFC Fight Night 121 victory over the weekend, Ngannou said there’s no way to keep him from a date with champ Stipe Miocic if he beats Overeem.

“Stipe took the belt from Werdum, and that was not a long time ago,” Ngannou said. “Yes, Werdum deserves, but right now I deserve it more. I win this fight, I will be the legit challenger.”

He added, “If I beat the No. 1, there’s no way to avoid it.”

To hear more from Ngannou, check out the video above. And to watch his workout from Monday, click on the video below.

And for more on UFC 218, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

Filed under: Featured, News, UFC, Videos