Cameroonian fighter Francis Ngannou leaves the UFC. He explained the reasons for the divorce and, above all, indicated that he now wanted to participate in boxing matches.
From mixed martial arts (MMA) to boxing, there is only one step, which Cameroonian Francis Ngannou should soon take. It has been several months since the towel was burning between the Cameroonian fighter and his federation, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Admittedly, on March 27, 2021, Francis Ngannou had become the third African athlete to obtain an MMA belt – the first in the heavyweight category. But the UFC had created a bespoke title for Frenchman Cyril Gane. A way to minimize the performance of the Cameroonian? “Yes, I feel like the UFC has disrespected me. They gave me the title of champion and, a few months later, they talk about someone else who I did not face as champion,” Ngannou had lamented.
In the process, Dana White, the boss of the UFC, had threatened not to renew the contract of Francis Ngannou. Before, finally, offering him an extension, the amount of which was, in all likelihood, huge – we are talking about 8 million dollars for three fights. What Ngannou refused. " I did not do anything wrong. I made my decision based on my principles,” explained the MMA champion, who made a point of explaining his choice: “At 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”.
Soon opposed to Tyson Fury?
It was therefore the lack of respect from the federation that prompted him to pack his bags. Because despite the golden bridge offered by the UFC, sportingly, Ngannou did not find himself there. The champion asked for three fights to be organized: two against Jon Jones and the last with Stipe Miocic, whom he has already met twice. The Cameroonian also tried to make the UFC bend on the conditions of the athletes, asking for permission to call on personal sponsors, the signing of health insurance and the possibility of hiring a lawyer. Dana White did not accept Ngannou's claims, which would have set a precedent for all federation fighters.
“At this point, health insurance for me is not an issue, but what about the guys down there? They can't really afford health insurance, Ngannou said. And I've been at that level, so it's something that I keep in my heart. A noble gesture. Especially since the Cameroonian has decided not to tackle the UFC. "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 have also learned is to never say never”.
From now on, MMA is in any case ancient history. Ngannou should now leave the octagon for the rings. Next summer, the champion could fight against Tyson Fury. But also against Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder afterwards. “I want to box. That's what I want to do. I haven't talked to any organization yet. I just need respect, a little more respect at least. I need dignity, freedom. I want to control my destiny,” concluded the champion.