The fighters under the UFC roster are generally not acknowledged if they think about boxing. The institution has implemented certain contractual restrictions that prevent MMA fighters from participating in boxing matches. However, it was sort of different in the case of Conor McGregor, as he was the only MMA fighter who boxed professionally while also being part of UFC.
Francis Ngannou was one of the fighters who wanted to indulge in the sport of boxing while also being in MMA. However, the UFC had different plans, which ultimately led Ngannou to part ways with the organization in pursuit of his desired freedom. In a recent interaction with Joe Rogan, Ngannou expressed why he doesn’t want to do things the Conor McGregor way.
Francis Ngannou explains his distinct approach to UFC and boxing to Joe Rogan
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‘The Predator’ recently had an interaction with Joe Rogan on his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.” During their conversation, they delved into the topic of boxing. Joe Rogan inquired about Francis Ngannou’s opinion of Conor McGregor’s boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, where he earned around $100 million despite being a part of the UFC. He asked how Ngannou felt about this matter. Rogan added, “ Now what does that feel like to you, knowing that Conor McGregor did it? And fought Floyd Mayweather and made $100 million what is that like for you to be sitting there being told that you can’t box?”
Ngannou was rather quick to answer Rogan’s inquiry. He added “ I’m not used to taking what people tell me for an answer. I used to do my own thing in my own way, and it seems to work pretty well. But I wasn’t going to force them to change everything. I wasn’t expecting to go there and demand this and demand that and just have everything. You know, it’s like it’s a big company; it’s like an institution. So there is a way that they do things, and that can’t change. So, I’m like, okay.”
Ngannou stressed that he doesn’t borrow others’ responses but rather chooses to approach things in his unique manner. He also acknowledged the UFC’s substantial stature and didn’t anticipate getting everything he asked for. Ultimately, he had to find inner peace with his decisions.
Ngannou’s strategy: Seeking freedom through a three-fight UFC contract
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Ngannou further in his conversation added that he took boxing out of his equation and asked UFC for 3 fights in a year contract such that he could achieve his freedom. Ngannou added “Let’s take boxing out. Why? Because give me three-fight. Contract of three fights. I knew I can knock a three-fight contract in a year. Then from that moment, I was free.”
During the conversation, Ngannou explained that he wanted a middle ground. He said “I want a middle ground like an alternative, a way to get out by giving something out to get something at the end, because it is really hard to get into negotiations. ”
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What are your thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s way of handling things? Do tell us in the comments below
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