Tyson Fury Overcomes Knockdown to Defeat Francis Ngannou in Competitive Fight

Francis Ngannou shocks the world by dropping Tyson Fury.

Tyson Fury has defeated Francis Ngannou by split decision after an incredibly competitive fight. Ngannou stunned spectators by dropping Fury in the third, doing enough in the eyes of one judge to win the fight.

Saudi Arabia spared no expense, the pre-fight ceremony serenaded the celebrity-infested audience with a plethora of flashy performances. After a lengthy promotion, Fury and Ngannou made two gratuitous walkouts, before Michael Buffer introduced them to the ring.

Round-by-round

Round 1

Fury started quickly, disregarding Ngannou's ring presence. The two tied up before being separated by the referee. Ngannou stood strong and withstood some solid shots from Fury, demonstrating an incredible chin. Round one was in the books.

Round 2

Ngannou was more aggressive in round two and showcased some deceptive agility. It was clear Fury was trying to bait Ngannou into a left hand. Ngannou landed a solid short uppercut in the clinch, bloodying the nose of Fury. Round two concluded with Ngannou stalking a bewildered Fury.

Round 3

Round three. Ngannou smacks Fury's mouth with a thudding left hook. Ngannou drops Fury with a left hook as Fury enters with a right hand. Ngannou steals round three with a knockdown.

Round 4

The stakes were high in round four. Fury imposes his size, wrestling Ngannou to the ropes. Ngannou's MMA experience pays dividends as he throws The Gypsy King onto the ropes. Fury stings Ngannou with a hard shot. The fight suddenly became more tactical, but Ngannou's cardio started to come into question.

Round 5

The two trade hard blows in the opening seconds. Fury invests in the jab, tripling it up. Ngannou breathes heavily from the mouth, he lands hard to Fury's body. It's clear Ngannou is slowing down as the fight progresses, but if one thing is for certain, giving up isn't in his DNA. Fury cracks Ngannou with a big shot and lands his jab at will. It's a Fury round five. 

Round 6

Fury plays at range, prodding Ngannou with a long sharp jab. Ngannou invests in the body and barely misses an uppercut up close. Fury is clipping Ngannou, but the Cameroonian is too dogged to crumble. However, it seems like only a matter of time before one of Ngannou's bombs finds the mark.

A replay reveals Fury elbowed Ngannou on the brow.

Round 7

A right-hand gets through for Ngannou. He bullies his British opponent to the body. Fury lands a good straight shot but Ngannou pushes him to his knees as he overextends. The two fighters prodded at each other for the remaining seconds.

Round 8

It's nearly dead even going into round eight according to Compubox. Fury fires a right hand and Ngannou ties him up. A thudding shot from Ngannou stuns Fury. Fury tries his patented uppercut but Ngannou is wise to it, blocking with his forearms. Ngannou doubles the jab and shudders Fury with a right hand to the chin. Fury looks gassed, Ngannou is bullying him with clinch exchanges and collar ties. Who wants it more as we enter round nine?

Round 9

Ngannou immediately cracks Fury with a straight left hand. Fury doubles the jab into a left hand, but Ngannou hits back with a thunderous looping shot. Fury stays patient, but Ngannou is equally as unwavering. Both fighters manage their energy until the end of the round.

Final Round, Round 10

Both fighters come out lively, it's all on the line in this competitive bout. Ngannou's left hook grazes its target. It's tentative from both sides, but the live odds have Ngannou as the favorite. Ngannou chases the finish with a superman punch. The seconds count down. The final bell sounds. Ngannou does the unthinkable by taking Fury to the final bell in an incredibly competitive bout.

Ngannou celebrates as the crowd chants his name, Fury looks dishevelled.

The scorecards are revealed. Fury wins by split decision as Ngannou steals one of the scorecards. Regardless of the outcome, Ngannou flipped the script completely by putting Fury through the gauntlet.

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA.

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.