Francis Ngannou's choice to back himself is encouraged by Demetrious Johnson. Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou left the organisation because he didn't feel comfortable being a member of UFC.
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Francis Ngannou’s choice to gamble on himself is supported by Demetrious Johnson. Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou allegedly left the organization after declining an offer that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in the organization’s history.
Johnson, a former UFC flyweight champion, understands. Johnson, who had been in the UFC for nearly seven years, signed with ONE Championship in 2018 and later won its championship. “Mighty Mouse” cited several UFC competitors who departed and made a lot of money in other promotions, and he believes Ngannou can do the same.
“I think it’s good for Francis,” Johnson said on The MMA Hour. “There’s many homes. I’ve been successful outside the UFC. Look at Sergio Pettis. He’s been very successful outside the UFC. Look at Anthony Pettis. He made, what, $700,000, fighting Roy Jones Jr.? There’s money outside the UFC.”
One of Ngannou’s main concerns about remaining under the UFC banner was his inability to box under contract. Ngannou’s name has been connected to boxing’s most renowned names, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua, despite the fact that he has yet to find a new home or compete after reuniting the UFC heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane in January 2022.
READ MORE: Floyd Mayweather “would love to work” with Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou left the UFC in 2020 after his contract expired. He had been in negotiations to re-sign but ultimately decided to pursue other opportunities in the MMA world. These were the things spread around regarding his UFC exit. But Ngannou on his YouTube channel shared the real truth and spread some light on why he really left UFC.
Francis feared that his UFC contract would again chain him and wouldn’t let him live his life in freedom and he wishes to have his freedom more than anything. Also, there were speculations he feared facing Jon Jones but he denied all those claims.
“Dana also said I’m scared of fighting Jon Jones or somebody else WOOSH! I don’t know where they came from that one. That sounds very ridiculous in my opinion, with all due respect. Because I’ve been calling for this fight for over 2 years. I’ve been waiting for this fight forever. And I’ve been fighting guys with one knee, with injury, and now why do I be scared of them? I feel more confident. NO, I am not scared. The only thing I’m scared of is to be trapped, is to not lose my freedom.”
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