The recent departure of the UFC heavyweight champion from the company created massive headlines all around. UFC president Dana White took the mic and revealed before the press that the UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, will no more be a part of the promotion. This news left a lot of fans with questions since Ngannou was scheduled to fight the noted, Jon Jones at UFC 285 on March 4. But UFC had also arranged a replacement for the former heavyweight champion. It was also announced that Cyril Gane would be fighting the returning Jones instead of Ngannou.
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A lot of noted MMA personalities, including the former UFC champ-champ, Daniel Cormier, took to social media to discuss this series of changes within the UFC. Cormier appeared in a video on his own YouTube channel where he talked about a lot of issues regarding the changes and their effects.
Cormier revealed how the UFC had tried their level best to keep Ngannou in the company. He also had a bit of advice for his age-old rival, Jones.
Daniel Cormier reiterates Dana White’s efforts to keep Francis Ngannou in the UFC
Previously, UFC president Dana White appeared before the press after the fight at UFC Vegas 67 where he initially announced the news of Ngannou’s departure. White also stated that the UFC had offered the most lucrative heavyweight fighter contract to Ngannou. He also revealed that the amount was more than even what the former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE wrestler Brock Lesnar was receiving. But even that didn’t prove to be enough to keep him in the company.
Cormier affirmed White’s words stating, “I understand from the conversation at the backside that how hard the Francis Ngannou deal was tried to get done”. ‘DC’ also revealed, “I mean options were exhausted.”
Cormier described how everything fell flat, stating, “The Ngannou deal couldn’t get done as Francis Ngannou has an idea of what he wants to do.”
Daniel Cormier advised Jon Jones to develop a thick skin
Moving on to the topic of the Jon Jones vs Cyril Gane fight, Cormier questioned his audience, “Isn’t it a bit ironic that Jon Jones is fighting for a vacant Championship?”. Cormier’s thought behind this was understandable. UFC fans had always seen Jones as a powerful force who dethroned his opponents to claim his crown. But, this time, it was him competing for a vacated title, which Cormier found somewhat unbecoming.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 23: Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones poses on the red carpet prior to the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony at Park Theater at Park MGM on September 23, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
‘The former UFC champ champ’ also gave a piece of advice for his former rival. Cormier stated, “My advice to you, John is if you win the fight, get thick skin. Because people will be unrelenting right now because Francis left”. DC has been at the core of the UFC both as a fighter and a non-fighter. He definitely understands the notion that most UFC fans carry.
Cormier continued, “But trust me, Jones. It’s gonna flip to is he a real World Champion because he didn’t beat Francis Ngannou”.
While a lot of others might also walk in DC’s perceived way. Would you accept ‘Bones’ as a worthy Heavyweight Champion if he beats Gane at UFC 285?
Watch this Story – Freedom or Legacy? Dana White offered a tough choice for Francis Ngannou
