Francis Ngannou was a highly accomplished and respected UFC Heavyweight Champion, widely regarded as one of the best in the sport’s history. He defended his title against Ciryl Gane in a highly acclaimed fight at UFC 270. However, due to disputes over compensation with UFC President Dana White, Ngannou ultimately decided to leave the promotion. More details regarding Ngannou’s UFC exit have come to light. In fact, Ngannou’s UFC exit allegedly was not because of money.
Francis Ngannou later stated that he did not feel respected or valued as a free agent in the UFC and that he had even turned down $7 million in order to negotiate a better contract with the company. He felt that his contribution and achievements were not being acknowledged by the UFC and that led to his decision to leave them.
As previously reported, Francis Ngannou officially parted ways with the UFC. Right after that, Dana White claimed that Ngannou turned down a contract that would have made history in the UFC.
While speaking with The Schmo, sport, Francis Ngannou’s head-coach Eric Nicksick recently revealed that Ngannou’s UFC exit had nothing to do with money but other aspects that could not be agreed upon.
“He knew what he wanted and he didn’t budge on what he wanted, so kudos to him. The money was there and that’s not what moves him. It wasn’t the money that was moving him, it was other things, other terms. Some sticking points that he just couldn’t wave around.”
The CEO of Bellator also previously made it clear he wants to sign Francis Ngannou. We will have to wait and see whether Francis Ngannou will now make his way to Bellator, as he is finally a free agent.
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