“It’s a Damn Shame”: Francis Ngannou Gets All the Support From UFC Main Eventer Following Broken Relationship With Dana White

Francis Ngannou made his UFC debut on December 19, 2015, against Brazilian Luis Henrique in Orlando, Florida. Despite two setbacks, no other fighter dominated UFC’s Heavyweight division for the next seven years as the Cameroonian did.

He fought and won the title defense against Frenchman Ciryl Gane on January 22, 2022. However, it would be his last bout under the UFC banner. Yesterday, the promotion’s president, Dana White, confirmed that “The Predator” is out of the UFC. He rejected a contract extension offer and, in turn, gave up the Heavyweight championship he held from 2021. Strictly speaking, Ngannou is now a ‘free agent’ who can work with any other promotion team he chooses.

His name did crop up from one of the most unexpected corners in the recent past. Whether “The Predator” pays heed to those callouts remains to be seen. However, that didn’t prevent one of his former teammates from voicing his perspectives.

Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury – the bout that millions of people would love to watch

Thirty-one-year-old Sean Strickland began his UFC journey a year before Ngannou did. Starting out in the Middleweight division, the North Carolinian made his light heavyweight debut two days ago. He won unanimously against Nassourdine Imavov from France at the UFC Fight Night.

Read More: UFC Legend Accuses Francis Ngannou of Not Carrying the “Lineage” of Great Heavyweight Champions Like Muhammad Ali

He trains with Francis Ngannou at the Xtreme Couture MMA’s facility in Las Vegas. Hence during the press conference post UFC Vegas 67, he shared his views on the Cameroonian’s exit. He said, “It’s a damn shame to see Francis go he’s f*****g iconic in the UFC. I mean, you know, he’s probably one of the greatest heavyweights that we’ve ever had.”

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – MAY 09: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon prepares to fight Jairzinho Rozenstruik of Suriname in their heavyweight fight during the UFC 249 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 09, 2020, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Alluding to a fight, he might possibly share the ring with heavyweight legend Tyson Fury, “Tarzan” hoped that both would make lots of money through their match. Even though, along with many others, he is sad that “The Predator” left, the probability of a Ngannou – Fury fight is something everyone looks up to.

He said, “If if Tyson Fury sacks up, the Gypsy King sacks up and and takes that fight against Tyson or against Francis, I mean, that’s go f**k yourself money. That’s like that’s like I could like f*****g p*p* in a golden toilet seat. I could do whatever the f**k I want, so it su**s he leaves, but if he could get that big money if I would tie suit Tyson like hats off to you, Francis enjoy your go f***k yourself money.”

Francis Ngannou’s loss, possible risks, and the fate of the heavyweight division

Dana White asserted that Ngannou declined a substantial amount of money when offered. He told the reporters present at the press conference, “We offered Francis a deal that would’ve made him the highest-paid heavyweight in the history of the company – more than (Brock) Lesnar, more than anybody – and he turned the deal down.”

The Cameroonian has not commented publicly on his move. As far as the heavyweight division goes, MMA ‘GOAT’ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones will make his heavyweight debut on March 4 at UFC 285 in Las Vegas. He will be pitched against Ciryl Gane to claim the now-vacant title.

But on the other end, there are voices concerned about Ngannou’s boxing stint if that happens. Former cruiserweight world champion, Tony Bellew, has warned Francis Ngannou against the switch-over. He said, “Terrible shame! He will not survive in a boxing ring against anyone of any note. He’s the best MMA heavyweight in the world right now and he needs to stay within his discipline.”

Now that he is free, do you also foresee a fight between Francis Ngannou and Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury? Do let us know in the comments below.

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