Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has again opened up on the events leading up to his shock exit from the promotion. The Cameroonian-French fighter left the UFC after lengthy contract talks with President Dana White failed.
He became one of the few big names in the UFC to walk away from the company on top, to the dismay of many. After his exit, Ngannou made his boxing debut in October 2023, before signing with the PFL. Following his exit, multiple opinions have rolled regarding the main motivation for his exit, from financial gains to fear of defeat. However, Ngannou ultimately blames the UFC for his departure.
Why Francis Ngannou left the MMA’s biggest promotion
Ngannou held the heavyweight title for almost two years before the UFC stripped him of it following his departure. White claims Ngannou left to win more money and avoid tougher fighters. However, Ngannou reiterated during an interview with ESPN’s Daniel Cornier that he left the promotion to protect his ego.
“I think the mistake that the UFC did was they got to the point that hit my ego. I felt like I wasn’t respected, and that was the moment I was like, ‘I’m getting out of this contract.’ When something touches my ego, I don’t care about anything.”
He reportedly asked the UFC to provide health insurance for all its fighters and to allow its athletes to have their own sponsorship deals. However, UFC rejected these terms during contract negotiations, according to reports. While Ngannou openly shares his admiration for the UFC, he prioritizes his freedom over the prestige of fighting in the sport’s biggest promotion.
Now preparing for Saturday’s MVP MMA blockbuster, Ngannou reportedly has big plans to reestablish himself in the game. After a long break from the cage, he will face Philipe Lins in an attempt to record another emphatic knockout.
Ngannou has won a world championship in both the UFC and PFL. He also boasts decent outings in huge heavyweight boxing clashes against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Yet, the 39-year-old understands the nuances of the MMA game, and will do his best to avoid a potential upset.
