Coach Reveals Real Reason Behind Francis Ngannou's UFC Departure And Boxing Ambitions

Photo: Instagram/Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou's free agency status and reported struggle to find an agreement with a different promotion have been making headlines lately.

While his future remains uncertain, a recent post by his coach, Eric Nicksick, sheds light on why the heavyweight powerhouse did not re-sign with the UFC earlier this year.

Ngannou was the UFC heavyweight champion of the world and managed to defend his title once before vacating it and parting ways with the company. He was known for his knockout power and his ability to outwork opponents.

Photo: Instagram/Francis Ngannou successfully defended his Heavyweight Title via unanimous decision against Ciryl Gane on January 23, 2022.

Nicksick's post on social media reveals that the main reason Ngannou did not re-sign with the UFC was the lack of protection in his contract if he lost his proposed fight against Jon Jones.

The coach clarifies that it was not an $8 million per fight deal, as previously reported. The news claimed that Ngannou turned down a lucrative deal with the UFC, but that now seems to be false.

Following his UFC release, Ngannou has expressed interest in fighting in the boxing ring and hopes to face one of the biggest names in the sport before returning to MMA.

However, it remains to be seen which promotion he will fight under. BKFC and ONE Championship have both pulled out of the race for the knockout artist, leaving a few options for him.

Rumors suggest that Ngannou has agreed to a deal with the PFL, but nothing has been made official yet. Fans may have to wait until after his boxing debut to know where the former UFC champion will compete next.

Jones, the new UFC heavyweight champion, has expressed his willingness to fight Ngannou should he re-sign with the UFC.

Read Next: Brazilian UFC Fighter Felipe Colares Dies at 29 After Being Hit By Bus

Source: Sports Keeda 

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