Chael Sonnen Says Ngannou Had McGregor ‘Value’ In Boxing Until He Left UFC, Suggests Fury Now Wants Jones Or Gane

"The Bad Guy" doesn't think "The Predator" is still viewed in boxing the same way "The Notorious" did back then following the departure from the UFC.

Chael Sonnen On Francis
Chael Sonnen On Francis - Image via @Chaelsonnen Youtube/ @FrancisNgannou Instagram
  • Chael Sonnen speculates Francis Ngannou is no longer that enticing for Tyson Fury after he left the UFC
  • “The Bad Guy” thinks “The Gypsy King” might be interested in either Jon Jones or Ciryl Gane

Chael Sonnen thinks it’s quite obvious Francis Ngannou is trying to follow the Conor McGregor blueprint in his attempt to fight Tyson Fury in boxing. However, “The Bad Guy” reckoned that his stock dipped after he left the UFC.

Francis made a huge mistake

Weighing in on Ngannou’s recent departure from the UFC on his YouTube channel, Sonnen likened the situation to that of McGregor when the then-UFC double champ managed to get a fight with Floyd Mayweather.

According to “The Bad Guy,” Ngannou already captured Fury’s attention and could’ve also worked his way to super fight with “The Gypsy King.” However, everything has changed as “The Predator” is no longer the heavyweight champion of the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

“[Conor] He did get it because he was the two-time simultaneous UFC champion that had a great, great carnival barker in his corner named Dana White,” Sonnen began. “That is why Conor got that match. It’s really important that you understand that. Because the UFC champion going and doing something with Tyson Fury, had Tyson Fury’s attention. Just like Conor had Floyd’s. But as soon as that title is gone, as soon as that title comes away, we’re not having the same conversation. As soon as your promoter Dana White is not gonna be on the stage with you [on tour]… we’re having a completely different conversation. Because now what do I got? Who am I fighting? What do I put on the poster?”

He continued, “A week ago, I had the undisputed heavyweight champion of the UFC and it’s just a very different position.”

The Gypsy is on to the next one

Moreover, Sonnen reiterated that Fury might still consider fighting a UFC heavyweight but Ngannou won’t be in the conversation anymore. Instead, “The Gypsy King” might pick between Jon Jones or Ciryl Gane.

“Conor had goodwill, opportunity came up. Everybody moved forward,” Sonnen added. “The two-time simultaneous champion of the UFC, with Dana White on stage, had value… The only question for Tyson Fury is, ‘Do I still want to box and if I do, is it going to be against Jones or Ciryl.’”

Ngannou has been gunning for a shot at Fury way before he was officially released by the UFC and has remained optimistic about it coming to fruition.

After constantly having issues with his contract and salary, Ngannou decided to part ways with the UFC while still the heavyweight champion. He successfully defended his title against Gane at UFC 270 and admitted he wanted to fight Jones and Stipe Miocic before leaving the promotion.

Published on January 18, 2023 at 11:20 am
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