It surprised fans and pundits when Dana White claimed that Francis Ngannou rejected a new contract worth $8 million. However, ‘The Predator’ has come clean about the failed contract negotiations. He recently addressed the assertions concerning his compensation in the UFC and the strategies employed during his discussions with the promotion.

Francis Ngannou appeared in a recent edition of ‘The MMA Hour’ as he gears up for his first professional boxing match against none other than ‘The Gypsy King’, Tyson Fury. Moreover, he spilled the beans regarding the tactics used by Dana White and his promotion to tie him down to a new contract before his eventual exit.

Francis Ngannou claims the UFC tried to “trick” him

‘The Predator’ was very vocal with his displeasure regarding the contract negotiations he had with the UFC. He mentioned how he was aware of what the people had to say when he rejected the $8 million offer from the UFC. However, Ngannou stated that the contract was inaccurate. He said, “I have heard so many times people say, ‘Oh, they offered him $8 million to fight, they offer him this and that’, which is not exactly what [it was].”

Furthermore, the French-Cameroonian also claimed that there were some shady tactics in play during the negotiations. They just wanted him to just accept the contract. Ngannou added, “There was a trick there, and it was a bit because it was just in order for me to put the pen on the paper.” Also, he said that the amount was not as concrete as Dana White claimed it to be.

Ngannou busts the $8 million myth

Francis Ngannou said that the contract the UFC wanted him to sign had one sizeable amount mentioned on it. Other than that, it was almost a blank piece of paper. He stated, “There was like one big number, and behind it, there was nothing. The paper was blank pretty much.”

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Besides, the $8 million that Dana White mentioned was not an amount that he would have made in every fight he competed in. The UFC employed the strategy they use for any other fighter just to impress them and get them to sign the contract. “I am sure you’re gonna say like $8 million times three for three fights. No, that’s not what it was,” said Ngannou. He added, “It was the same tactic. They pull some numbers up and want to impress you to get you to sign the contract.”

READ MORE: Soon-to-Be Dana White’s Worst Nightmare, Francis Ngannou Reveals Rumors Are True About the Tyson Fury Fight Purse

It will be interesting to observe if more fighters take heed of what Francis Ngannou achieved with his agreements upon exiting the UFC. He is likely to make more money from his upcoming boxing match against Lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury than all of his UFC fights combined. ‘The Predator’ has set a precedent that may entice future athletes.

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