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Francis Ngannou Breaks Silence on UFC’s ‘One-Way’ Contract: “You Are the Judge… The Jury and the Prosecution”

Published 02/19/2022, 1:32 AM EST

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UFC’s heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou opened up on the one-sided treatment he received in the promotion and the contract that was the root cause of all of it.

‘The Predator’s innings at the premier promotion was in a jeopardy as soon as he won his first title fight. Right from the creation of an untimely interim title to the controversial fighter pay saga that ensued between the champion and UFC’s President, Dana White; everything seemed to be against Ngannou.

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In a video on his channel, Ngannou has spilled the beans on what the UFC contract forced him to do and the hardships he went through as a contract-bound fighter.

Ngannou said, “There’s a lot of term in that contract that I would like to; I don’t like them… it’s a one-way contract. I have no guarantee. In the past two years, they claim to be provide three fight for their fighter every year. But in the past two years, I fought twice. I could at least fight like five times and, you know, knowing that I am counting on that to make my living.”

“That was kind of like, I felt like that was, I was freeze to get a financial pressure to maybe come to a agreement from what they are saying. To need them. So, that was something I feel and I don’t wanna get in this position again anymore. If I wanna give something to somebody, give me some guarantee in return.”

“I might not be able to fight in one years and have no explanation and can claim anything because at the end of the day the contract says you are the judge… the jury and the prosecution,” the Cameroonian continued.

Francis Ngannou states the UFC contract took away his freedom

Later in the video, Ngannou stated that he had a pretty good look at the contract he signed with the UFC. Not only did he get a good understanding of it, but also affirmed that the contract is in ‘contrast’ to what he wants.

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via Imago

He then also got himself a lawyer and took his advice on the matter and at last, he realized that there was ‘nothing good’ for him in the contract. Further, he stated that being reduced to an ‘independent contractor’ led him to not receive a monthly wage and healthcare. i.e. things that are of utmost importance to him.

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‘The Predator’ also said, “No, I don’t have that freedom, which is something very important for me as well.”

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What do you think about Ngannou’s revelation? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Aashish Kumar

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Aashish Kumar is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Journalism & Mass Communication, this Israel Adesanya fan has interned at reputed media houses and gained valuable reporting experience. Building on that experience, Aashish will look to tap into his love for combat sports and let fans benefit from his passion and journalistic expertise.
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