UFC Fighter Francis Ngannou Joins The Cast Of ‘Fast & Furious 9’

The Fast and Furious franchise has shown no signs of slowing down. Hobbs and Shaw still sits atop top box office, and the long awaited 9th installment with arrive early next summer. Today, Deadline has learned that UFC fighter Francis Ngannou will become the latest addition to Universal’s long running series.

Known in the octagon as Francis “The Predator” Ngannou, the heavyweight fighter is a perfect fit for Vin Diesel’s Furious family. He recently knocked out former heavyweight champion Cain Valesquez in an incredible 26 seconds, and he’ll no doubt be channeling some of that raw MMA talent for his role. It’s unknown who Ngannou will be playing at this time.

Justin Lin will be back in the director’s chair for Fast 9. Joining him will be franchise newcomer John Cena, whose role is being kept under wraps as of now. The Fast and Furious has become Universal’s most successful franchise to date, having grossed over $5 billion worldwide since the first film’s debut in 2001.

Excited for Ngannou’s Fast and Furious debut? Let us know in the comments below!

Fast and Furious 9 stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriquez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, and John Cena. The film hits theaters on May 22, 2020.