Francis Ngannou Put REAL Money On Gaethje’s Crazy UFC Upset
Published June 16, 2026 at 6:40 am
Francis Ngannou is out here living his best high-roller life. The former UFC heavyweight champ just revealed he bet actual cash on Justin Gaethje to pull off one of the most shocking upsets in combat sports history at Freedom 250 — and he was literally one of the ONLY people who saw it coming.
“I knew. I put my money on Gaethje,” Ngannou told TMZ Sports on Monday. When asked if he meant figurative money? Nope. The man went there with his wallet.
Here’s the thing: Ilia Topuria was an absolute MONSTER favorite going into that fight. Everyone and their mom had written Gaethje off. But not Ngannou. He trusted his gut, threw down the cash, and watched his boy shock the world. That’s the kind of confidence you can only get from years inside the octagon.
The Predator clearly still has his fighter’s instincts locked in, even after stepping away from competition. And honestly? His bank account is probably looking a lot healthier right now.
Based on reporting from TMZ.
