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

Published 01/12/2023, 10:56 AM EST

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A UFC legend has recently publicly shared his thoughts on the current UFC Heavyweight champion. In a recent YouTube video, Chael Sonnen ranted about his frustration regarding Francis Ngannou. The ex-fighter mentioned ‘The Predator’s erratic behavior. Sonnen talks openly about how Ngannou has fought only once since he gained the title. In UFC 270, the Cameroonian fighter won against his opponent as an amazing year opener in January 2022. However, the fighter has been inactive since. Although no official callout had been made to him, he himself did not put in an effort either. This behavior of Ngannou has bothered Sonnen a lot.

According to Chael Sonnen, it is beyond his understanding that Ngannou does not want to fight. As the champion of the same belt that several amazing fighters carried, the Cameroonian fighter should not back away. Sonnen does not back away from attacking the fighter verbally. The disappointment in the ex-UFC fighter’s words is pretty visible. He went on to explain his point of view of Ngannou. Reportedly, the Heavyweight champ has not renewed his contract with UFC either. Sonnen even mentioned how the Heavyweight champ is disrespecting Muhammad Ali in certain ways.

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Sonnen’s viewpoint on Francis Ngannou

The UFC legend began by explaining that he thinks the 36-year-old fighter has a legacy to carry on. Sonnen believes that the heavyweight legacy is too big to leave behind. He went on to say, “There is a torch that he’s carrying. There is a lineage if you were the heavyweight champion.” The 45-year-old showed his disapproval of Ngannou’s behavior.

Read More:- UFC HW Champion Francis Ngannou May Already Have Entered Free Agency: Reports

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That’s the same belt Muhammad Ali once had… There’s something that comes with that by the time it gets to you, you should have a little shine of all of those guys,Sonnen added. The legend also mentioned his respect for the heavyweight fighter for his beliefs and stands. However, according to him, it would be disrespectful to the honor of the great American boxer, Muhammad Ali if the Cameroonian fighter continues to stay inactive. Although the now-retired boxer has given his all to the sport, he once faced a similar situation.

Francis Ngannou’s similarity with Muhammad Ali

There is nothing more relatable to boxing than Muhammad Ali. In fact, his image is what comes to our mind along with the word ‘boxing’. The popular fighter was once faced with a dilemma because of his career. Although he never went inactive like Ngannou, he had a similar mentality as the current Heavyweight champion of UFC. The incredible boxer after a title fight was asked to be drafted by the US army. Ali did not believe in the cause of war. Considering his political views, he took a stand to deny the draft. Consequently, he was stripped of his title and his boxing license.

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Even though the situation is not similar, the mentality is. Ngannou is also not fighting for something he believes is right. Sonnen’s concern is understandable. However, Ngannou could have something going on that he can’t publicly explain as of now.

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Written by:

Kaif Ali

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Kaif Ali is a UFC content writer at Essentially Sports. He is a full-time student at Delhi University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in the English language, and a sports enthusiast with a deep passion for MMA. He is always your go-to person when you wish to debate about any UFC champion.
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Edited by:

Yeswanth Praveen