UFC President Dana White is confident that he can strike a new deal with Francis Ngannou.
Ngannou is the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion. In his last outing back in January, “The Predator” defeated Ciryl Gane in a title unification bout. This was the last fight on his UFC deal but the champion’s clause is now in effect.
With that said, Ngannou has made it clear that he’s willing to let the deal expire if he isn’t satisfied with the promotion’s offer. Ngannou has expressed frustration over fighter pay and not being allowed to box despite being an independent contractor.
New Deal For Francis Ngannou?
During an interview with ESPN following UFC 272, Dana White said he thinks he can sign Francis Ngannou to a new contract (h/t MMAJunkie.com).
“He’s been in Cameroon visiting his family, so he’s supposed to get back here in the next couple of weeks and we’re supposed to get together. Listen, in the history of this company, the only guy that we’ve ever not signed was Fedor (Emelianenko). I mean, it’s the only guy we could never sign. So, you know, I’m hopeful and confident that we can get a deal done with Francis.”
Ngannou tore his MCL and damaged his ACL, which means he’ll need to go under the knife if he hasn’t done so already. He’ll be out of action for a while and will have plenty of time to mull over his fighting future.
“The Predator” has long expressed his desire to box the WBC and The Ring Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury. “The Gypsy King” plans to retire from pro boxing after his April 23 showdown with Dillian Whyte. With that said, Fury plans to do some specialty bouts such as a potential scrap with Ngannou.
