Mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou has explained why there has been no renewal of his contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Ngannou described his deal as private and noted he had no other substantial income while with the UFC. He suggested that the organization tried to frame his stance as a demand for higher pay, but he disputed that interpretation. He spoke candidly on a YouTube channel, attributed to LeBatardShow, outlining his perspective on the negotiations.
In Cameroon and France, Ngannou holds dual citizenship. He has previously engaged in talks with the UFC that did not lead to an agreement, opening the possibility of him becoming the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC history should a deal have been reached.
During his seven-year tenure with the UFC, Ngannou fought 14 bouts and secured 12 victories. He has long expressed dissatisfaction with certain contractual terms offered by the promotion, fueling ongoing discussions about his status with the company.
There has been a notable statement from former UFC president Dana White regarding Ngannou’s future in the sport, indicating that the fighter will not be competing within the UFC under current conditions. This marks a pivotal moment in Ngannou’s career as he navigates negotiation terms and potential career directions beyond the promotion.