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Francis Ngannou Reveals What He Was Actually Trying to Do While UFC Portrayed Him “The Bad Guy”

Published 12/03/2022, 8:05 AM EST

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It’s no secret to the MMA world that UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou and the UFC, don’t look eye to eye; since the time Ngannou became the champion by knocking out Stipe Miocic at UFC 260. The fighter has taken issue with his current contract and the money that he gets. 

‘The Predator’ last competed inside the Octagon at UFC 270. The champion defended his belt against a former teammate and top-ranked UFC heavyweight, Cyril Gane. Moreover, what also came as a shock was that the champion went into the fight with both his knees compromised.

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Although Ngannou had the option to pull out of the fight. However, that would have cost him the title and moreover, his contract was also getting expired. Thus, looking back at his sour relationship with the UFC and the personal heat between the two fighters, ‘The Predator’ went ahead with the fight. However, now the question arises: When did all of this start? Let’s find out.

Francis Ngannou reveals when the issue with the UFC started 

Despite his absence from the Octagon for almost a year, the heavyweight champion has managed to stay in the headlines, thanks to his feud with the UFC. Although many fans believe the friction between the two parties is new, however, it’s been longer than most fans think.

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Ngannou revealed that his relationship with the UFC and Dana White has been rocky since 2018. When he lost his bout against the former champion, Stipe Miocic, in their first meeting at UFC 220. Moreover, Ngannou stated that the company blamed him for losing the bout and said that he had too much of an ego. 

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He said, “This situation with the UFC started a long time ago, way long time than people realized. I was silent and they were trying to control the narrative and then manipulate people’s perspectives, people’s opinions about it. And then I was just a bad guy, a guy who didn’t want to fight.”

via Imago

He further added, “And then you make me look like the bad guy, which I’m not. I just wanted what was best for me. You should understand that because you guys want what’s best for you.” Meanwhile, it’s not known what Ngannou’s next move is going to be. However, his coaches have stated that he might return in March. 

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What do you think of the whole Ngannou-UFC situation? Make sure you let us know.

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Written by:

Afshan Khan

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Afshan Khan is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. After completing his graduation in Mass Communication, Afshan pursued his passion for sports, especially MMA, and transcended it into his profession. He has been following the sport for the past 6 years, and with his nuanced knowledge and his content, wants to attract more fans to the various mixed martial arts promotions around the globe.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana