Francis Ngannou Reveals Demands that Caused Split from UFC: ‘Take the Money & Shut Up’

‘The Predator’ opened up on the terms that the UFC did not want to consider and put an end to the chances of re-signing with them

Francis Ngannou, Dana White, UFC
Credit: Francis Ngannou, UFC (via Instagram & YouTube)

Francis Ngannou revealed the demands that led to his exit from the UFC.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is widely regarded as one of the scariest mixed martial arts in history with lethal finishing power that has seen him knock out the likes of Stipe Miocic, Cain Velasquez, and Alistair Overeem, among many others. He constantly made headlines for his impressive highlight reel consisting of brutal knockouts. However, it was not enough to keep him under the UFC banner.

Francis Ngannou reveals what caused his split from the UFC

In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Francis Ngannou opened up on what went behind the scenes in attempts of negotiating a new deal with the UFC.

“I asked for sponsorship, the right of sponsorship which we have been ripped off of. We can’t have sponsors. I asked for health insurance, couldn’t happen. I asked for a fighter in the board meeting room to advocate for the fighters. I couldn’t have the things I asked for. But I just wanted to let them know this is what I want and take it into consideration.

“No, they said they don’t do business like that. They said I can pay my health insurance and all that. I said, ‘yes, I can pay my health insurance.’ At this point, health insurance for me is not a problem but how about those guys that are at the bottom making 10 + 10? They can’t afford that health insurance. I’ve been there so it’s something I still carry in my heart. I asked that for everyone.”

“They’re kind of like, I felt like I was slapped in the face with money like, ‘okay, take the money and shut up.’ They can match any money but they can’t match what I want.”

Ngannou wanted to stay with the UFC but left on principle

‘The Predator’ expressed his willingness to stay in the most elite mixed martial arts promotion in the world but argued he departed on principle.

“I really hoped for this to work out, that we could find a way for this to work out. I was in the UFC for the last 7 years and always see myself in the UFC. I never really envisioned myself out of the UFC. At first, it was just a matter of principle, it wasn’t an idea of leaving UFC. It was just principle. I need this, we have to do this right.

“I don’t know exactly what it was but with time, I was willing to compromise over and over, but I got to a point where I understood that I did want this but guys give me a break, give me something. I’ve heard them talking about money.

“I just need money and all. Money was a part of it but it wasn’t all about money. I needed some stuff and they will never talk about those stuff. It’s very aggressive how they pick what they want to talk about.”

Francis Ngannou is now a free agent and awaits his next move amidst a storm of potential opportunities in boxing, other MMA organizations, and even bare-knuckle boxing.

Published on January 17, 2023 at 5:51 pm
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