Francis Ngannou is a free man. The latest UFC heavyweight champion was sensationally launched from the corporate after he and the promotion refused to agree on a brand new contract.
It wasn’t shocking that Ngannou couldn’t come to phrases with the UFC. For the previous few years he has been extraordinarily vocal about his dissatisfaction over his contract. And, based on the Predator, it wasn’t due to the quantity of {dollars} within the deal, however somewhat the restrictions positioned on what work he might do outdoors of the Octagon.
Ngannou has lengthy said his needs to compete in boxing, alongside MMA, with an enormous cash struggle with Tyson Fury typically being teased.
Beforehand, Ngannou revealed he had turned down millions of dollars and a brand new UFC contract due to the restrictions such a deal would placed on his independence.
What was shocking is that the UFC let Ngannou go with out, seemingly, a lot of a struggle. The promotion is famed for pettiness in the case of exits and has been recognized to dam fighters from leaving the promotion (even when they’re retired from MMA).
Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick appeared on The MMA Hour this week to share some behind-the-scenes data on the scenario.
He instructed Ariel Helwani that issues had been trying good between Ngannou and the UFC after a dinner assembly. Nonetheless, he revealed, his fighter determined he simply couldn’t signal on the dotted line afterwards.
Eric Nicksick On Dana White’s Claims: Francis Ngannou Isn’t Frightened of Anyone | The MMA Hour
“We met with Dana [White], and Hunter [Campbell], after [UFC 270] and had a terrific dinner,” mentioned Nicksick. “Issues had been stepping into the fitting course, I felt. Bought within the automobile and Francis appears to be like over at me and says, ‘If I signal this deal, with out making any change, with out doing the entire issues I mentioned I used to be gonna do, I’m a sellout. And I refuse to try this. I’ve a stance the place I could make a distinction.’”
With Helwani, Nicksick additionally rebuffed White’s suggestion that Ngannou wished out of his deal as a result of he was afraid of the competitors he may face within the Octagon. This can be a pretty standard rejoinder from White.
“He fought the subsequent up-and-coming Ciryl Gane. The phenom, on one fucking leg,” remarked Nicksick, who added that he and his workforce suggested towards that. “You imply to inform me that Francis is scared? He’s not afraid of anyone. He’s doing what he feels was proper for him.”
The place Ngannou lands is anybody’s guess. Although, wherever he fights subsequent it appears he’ll be doing so on his phrases.
In regards to the creator: Tim Bissell is a author, editor and deputy web site supervisor for Bloody Elbow. He has lined fight sports activities since 2015. Tim covers information and occasions and has additionally written longform and investigative items. (full bio)
