

Cameroonian-French professional mixed martial artist, Francis Ngannou, has long dominated the heavyweight division of the UFC. Moreover, ‘The Predator’ was also the organization’s reigning heavyweight champion whose mere presence instilled fear in the hearts of his opponents. On January 14, 2023, it was revealed that Ngannou has been released from his UFC contract. And that he has become a free agent.
This decision evoked a response from many notable names from the combat sports fraternity. In fact, YouTuber turned-boxer, Jake Paul, recently shared his thoughts on Ngannou’s departure from the organization.

via Getty
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 17: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon celebrates his KO victory over Cain Velasquez in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 17, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
It was recently revealed that the UFC was planning to pit Jon Jones against Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285. This in turn caused a furor among fans about Ngannou’s status as the heavyweight champion.
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Meanwhile, UFC president, Dana White, cleared doubts regarding the same. He said, “We are going to release him from his contract. We are giving up the right to match. He can go wherever he wants and do whatever he wants. We offered Ngannou a deal that would make him the highest-paid Heavyweight of all time.”
White also revealed that Ngannou declined the offer. And in turn, also forfeited his heavyweight title.
Jake Paul opens up about the Francis Ngannou situation
Ngannou’s departure caused a commotion in the combat sports community. Paul, who rarely shies away from talking his mind, took to Twitter to share his thoughts.
Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet & is a free agent bc he chose to be. He’s the heavyweight champ in MMA & will be until he loses.
They are not happy about this. But it’s reality, & they have to deal with it. They have to live with that everyday. @francis_ngannou
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 16, 2023
Paul paid tribute to Ngannou’s MMA prowess by referring to him as ‘the baddest man on the planet’. Moreover, he also mentioned that Ngannou will remain the heavyweight champion until he loses. This statement comes at a time when Professional Fighters League (PFL) released a cryptic message about Ngannou’s departure. And fans suggested Paul, who is currently transitioning into MMA with PFL, as his potential opponent.
Fans share their thoughts on Paul’s statement
Paul’s statements intrigued fans, to say the least. In fact, a lot of fans took to social media to share their opinions about the same.
You’re right until he loses he’s going to be the heavyweight champion of the world
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) January 16, 2023
UFC fighter Renato Moicano nodded in agreement with Paul. And mentioned that Ngannou is the heavyweight champion of the world.
Bring him to the pfl!
— Eric Rajala (@EricRajala) January 16, 2023
Why don’t you fight Francis in the PFL?
— MC (@UtdMicah) January 16, 2023
Meanwhile, a few fans speculated if Paul would fight Ngannou in PFL.
"They have to live with that"
Brother They announced so many new fights already and are literally moving on without him just fine. They have Jon Jones and that's a biggest draw.
— 🥊💀A-A💀🥊 (@AzeemMma2) January 16, 2023
On the other hand, a user mentioned that the UFC has had no issue moving on without Ngannou. And also added that Jones was the main crowd puller.
If Francis didn’t want to fight the best and wants to take safe fights, what’s the point? Forget the money, but fighting @JonnyBones and beating him will put you on the top of the top! But he chose not to. 2 years…. No fighting…. You remain at the top by continuously showing up
— flyrodu (@flyrodu) January 16, 2023
Jon Jones is the baddest man on the planet and Francis is lucky he left before Bones got to him. don’t get it twisted
— DaveLFC (@footballmad432) January 16, 2023
Similarly, some fans called Ngannou out for not fighting Jones.
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Saying ANYONE is better than Ngannou is like saying anyone is better than Khabib. Its unproven speculation. (Say Stipe if you want to, but noone is rewatching that fight)
— Matt Perry (@mperry80387) January 16, 2023
However, a user felt that it was wrong to call any fighter better than Ngannou based on mere speculation.
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What are your thoughts on Paul’s statements? Let us know in the comments below.
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