Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou wished extra money to proceed combating contained in the Octagon, particularly when it got here to a headlining showdown in opposition to ex-light heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones. “The Predator” additionally wished a brand new contract that afforded him the chance to compete in outdoors endeavors, like boxing.
One thing promotions like PFL and Bellator MMA already permit.
Sadly for all events concerned, UFC President Dana White was unwilling to budge on both demand, although his official clarification is that Ngannou was on the lookout for much less threat in 2023. Both method, the French Cameroonian is not a part of the energetic UFC roster and is now free to compete wherever his coronary heart — and checking account — want.
Jake Paul, a vocal critic of UFC enterprise practices, was fast to chime in.
“Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet and is a free agent as a result of he selected to be,” Paul wrote on Twitter. “He’s the heavyweight champ in MMA and can be till he loses. They don’t seem to be blissful about this. However it’s actuality and so they need to cope with it. They need to reside with that on a regular basis.”
Not surprisingly, Ngannou is already being courted by rival promotions.
No phrase but on the place Ngannou will land but it surely’s necessary to notice “The Predator” (17-3) turns 37 later this yr, so the clock is unquestionably ticking. Relying on how shortly the previous champ recovers from knee surgical procedure is prone to dictate his return timeline, presently projected for both late spring or early summer season.
Keep tuned.
