Francis Ngannou Replies To Dana And UFC

Francis Ngannou explained himself at length on Tuesday, January 17, about his resounding departure from the UFC. The Cameroonian also confided on his future.

A few days after the end of his contract with the UFC, MMA champion Francis Ngannou aired reasons for his departure and causes.

In a long interview in a specialized podcast tagged ‘the MMA Hour’ by journalist Ariel Helwani, the now ex-UFC heavyweight champion put things straight.

He thus confided that Dana White, boss of the American organization, had offered him a contract of 8 million dollars and three fights with a possible extension.

“I made my decision based on my principles, explained the Cameroonian. If I stick to my principles, I feel good at the end of the day. […] In the UFC, I felt like I had been slapped with money. Like a ‘Take the money and shut up’. It didn’t work with me.”

Indeed, the former resident of the MMA Factory in Paris explained that he wanted three fights, two of which against Jon Jones and another to finish his trilogy with Stipe Miocic. But these are other details that he would have wanted.

He demanded improvements for all fighters by asking to have personal sponsors, life insurance and a lawyer to represent them at all meetings with the organization. But Dana White remained closed and refused.

“They said no, they don’t know this kind of business. […] At this stage, health insurance for me is not a problem, but what about the guys down there,” he pointed out. “They can’t really afford health insurance. And I’ve been at that level, so it’s something that I hold in my heart.”

Far from White’s criticism, Ngannou was much more serene than the American. “I don’t take any of this personally,” said the native of Bastié. I think I’ve come to a point in my life where I’m quiet. I ignore all that. I have already seen so much in my life. And what I also learned is to never say never. Maybe I will have a boxing match, I don’t know. But what I do know is that it has to be on my terms. (…) Dana can’t hurt me. Saying things can’t hurt me. Where I come from, I’ve heard much worse than that and yet I’m still here.”

Ngannou could have his first boxing match next July. He had a word on the fight between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane, who could come out victorious for the heavyweight belt on March 4 at UFC 285 in Las Vegas. “It’s going to be an incredible fight!” he ended.