Randy Couture is one of the most recognized mixed-martial artists in the world. The UFC Hall of Famer is a three-time heavyweight champion and a two-time light heavyweight champion. However, just like Francis Ngannou, Couture also had his fair share of contract disputes with Dana White’s promotion. Couture was one of the biggest stars in UFC during the early 2000s. He is a two-division champion who also found opportunities in acting and broadcasting later in his career. Couture was desperate to fight the then No.1 ranked heavyweight fighter, Fedor Emelianenko, who was not contracted by the UFC. However, he went ahead with his pursuit of getting free from his UFC contract.

It was one of the biggest public feuds between a fighter and the UFC regarding contractual issues. ‘MMA Junkie’ recently interviewed ‘The Natural’ where the former MMA fighter revealed what he told ex-UFC fighter Francis Ngannou regarding contract negotiations.

Francis Ngannou asked Randy Couture for advice

Francis Ngannou’s exit from UFC surprised many people considering his success in the promotion. The Cameroonian-French fighter claimed that Dana White’s promotion didn’t give him enough freedom to pursue his own interests. Meanwhile, Randy Couture revealed that he gave some important advice to Ngannou for his contract negotiations with UFC. He said, “If this is something that he believes for his well-being, his family, his career, he wants to stand up for, then by all means stand up.”

Couture told Ngannou to keep his interests above all else and do what needed to be done. But he also mentioned that not many fighters will back him up and stick up to Dana White. ‘The Natural’ also had to fight for his freedom during his UFC career. He said, “Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of fighters who are going to get in line and support him in that.” Couture added, “I felt the same way when I stood up in 2001 and fought over my athletic rights, and then again in 2006 over being misled about what was going on and where I stood in the sport at that time too.”

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“I’m Not Sure if Anyone Can Afford…”- Former Champion Reveals Why Francis Ngannou Will Return to the UFC

Randy Couture is aware that Francis Ngannou is not the only fighter with issues regarding fighter pay. He understands that MMA revenue is nowhere near boxing revenue. The UFC Hall of Famer believes that fighters who have fought with Jake Paul and other crossover fights are making more money. He also gave the example of Conor McGregor’s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. So, it did not surprise Couture to see Francis Ngannou’s wish to partake in a boxing match. However, Randy Couture hopes that the former UFC champion ends up fighting in the PFL.

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