Chael Sonnen trolls ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after his 40th birthday message

Francis Ngannou has piqued fan interest with his message posted to social media on the occasion of his 40th birthday.

While some netizens sent their good wishes to the MMA star on his special day, a few others deemed his post unintentionally funny. Fellow former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen seemingly joined the latter group, as he took to trolling Ngannou in response to the birthday message. 

Francis Ngannou's MMA and combat sports future

Francis Ngannou holds the distinction of being a former UFC heavyweight champion as well as the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion. Born in Cameroon on September 5, 1986, the talented athlete endured several hardships in his younger years. 

"The Predator" eventually established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport of MMA, having initially trained for a career as a professional boxer. Well, following his UFC departure in early 2023, Ngannou did finally debut in the sport of pro boxing. 

The Cameroonian-French combatant suffered a razor-thin points defeat against the legendary Tyson Fury in his boxing debut. His second appearance inside the squared circle saw him face another boxing great, Anthony Joshua, and get knocked out. 

As for mixed martial arts, Ngannou last competed in the sport back in May, spectacularly beating Philipe Lins via first-round KO at the inaugural MVP MMA event. It's unclear as to whether he'll compete in boxing or MMA next, under which promotional banner he'd do so, and against which opponent.

Former Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven was named as a possible opponent for him, but that dream matchup has yet to materialize, irrespective of whether it's in boxing, kickboxing, or MMA. 

Francis Ngannou's birthday post elicits trolling from Chael Sonnen

Francis Ngannou turns 40 today, and he took to his official X handle to address the same. He capped off his post with a trio of hashtags -- including one that implied 40 is the new 20, another suggesting he was aging like fine wine, and the third indicating that his best is yet to come. 

Some social media users trolled Ngannou in response, even jibing at his supposedly competing infrequently in MMA despite being regarded as one of the best heavyweights in the sport. Regardless, Ngannou's post read as follows: 

"What if I told you today is my last day in my thirties? Well, well, well... it's been one hell of a decade -- full of emotions, experiences, lessons, challenges, and incredible growth. Happily closing this chapter, grateful for the journey, and genuinely excited for what's next."

He added, "So from now on, please be gentle with me. I've officially earned the right to enjoy my midlife crisis with absolutely no explanation or apology. Fast cars, crazy adventures, random decisions... just mind your own business."

Ngannou continued, "They say 40 is the new 20 -- except now I have experience, better taste, and hopefully enough money to make the bad decisions more comfortable. The thirties were one hell of a ride... but I have a feeling the best is still to come." 

What if I told you today is my last day in my thirties? 😅

Well, well, well… it’s been one hell of a decade — full of emotions, experiences, lessons, challenges, and incredible growth.

Happily closing this chapter, grateful for the journey, and genuinely excited for what’s… pic.twitter.com/L7DPiHyvOi

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 4, 2026

Chael Sonnen got wind of Ngannou's X post and chimed in with a lighthearted jibe at the heavyweight veteran turning a year older. The 49-year-old wrote: 

"If you told me you were a day under 50 I'd be stunned. BTW, arm wrestling, yes or no?" 

If you told me you were a day under 50 i’d be stunned.

BTW, arm wrestling, yes or no? https://t.co/UuCG4EttRQ

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) September 4, 2026