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“People Don’t Understand…”: Francis Ngannou Responds Back to Conor McGregor and the Doubters Who Questioned Him Post His UFC Departure

Published 05/17/2023, 6:12 AM EDT

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Francis Ngannou left the UFC and became a free agent back in January 2023, leaving the MMA fans in complete despair. The act garnered quirky reactions from fighters like Conor McGregor. Months after exiting the MMA promotion, the Cameroonian fighter has finally found a new home at PFL. He would return to the world of combat sports with a PFC PPV Super Fight debut in 2024. ‘The Predator’ has proved that his decision was, in fact, one of the best ones he made. 

Ngannou appeared in a recent interview with The DAZN MMA Show. The former UFC heavyweight champion finally sent a reply to every single person who questioned him about becoming a free agent and leaving the UFC. Undoubtedly, the journey was difficult. But, the result has turned out to be as sweet as sugar.

Francis Ngannou responds to the non-believers

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In the recent episode of The DAZN MMA Show, Dan Hardy pointed out that it must have been a difficult decision for Ngannou to leave the UFC. He asked the fighter if he ever felt nervous or felt like he made the wrong decision. Additionally, he remarked how McGregor and some doubters also commented on the decision and questioned the position Ngannou was in during the first few days.

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‘The Predator’ confirmed that the decision was indeed a tough one to take. However, it wasn’t an overnight decision. He claimed to have thought carefully about it for almost three years. Undeniably, the public didn’t understand and kept questioning his move. Nevertheless, Ngannou revealed that he was confident in his decision and struck a great deal with PFL.

Read More: As Francis Ngannou Rumors With PFL Heat Up, Free Agent Nate Diaz Refuses to Entertain Anything Other Than the UFC

Ngannou said, “You have to understand, like when you’re doing stuff that people don’t understand, your vision and where you’re coming from and where you’re going, it’s hard for people. They’re questioning if you are not wrong, which is the right thing, because they don’t have all the ups and downs of the situation. They are not in your shoes. So, unless you explain to them, they would not know. There will be a lot of speculation. There will be a lot of doubt.”

The former UFC heavyweight champion also reiterated that he was confident in the stance he took.

Ngannou was confident in his decision

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‘The Predator’ sent a sneaky reply to all those who doubted him. Thereafter, he continued, “But, I never been nervous about it because I… So, just so you know, that was like a three years process and I finally, like, get there on my own. You know, I thought about it day and night. So, it wasn’t an overnight decision that you, okay, let me get this decision before tomorrow morning. No! That decision been made, and I’ve been thinking of day and night for almost three years.”

via Imago

Finally, he admitted that although it was a tough process but he was confident in himself. He revealed that he was going to do what was best for him. 

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Watch This StoryFrancis Ngannou joins PFL- Take a look at the deadliest finishes by the former UFC champ

What are your thoughts about Ngannou’s deal with PFL? Let us know in the comments down below.

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Written by:

Krushna Prasad Pattnaik

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Krushna Pattnaik is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports, with a deep passion for martial arts and storytelling. His extensive training in BJJ, Tae-Kwon-Do, and Muay Thai has given him a unique perspective on the sport of MMA, and his love for analyzing fights is evident in his exceptional writing. Krushna's personal experience in the ring has given him a deep understanding of the intricacies of a bout, and he brings this knowledge to his writing, providing readers with insightful and engaging content.
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce