Francis Ngannou says setting a precedent for UFC fighter care was extra vital to him than incomes a giant payday. Ngannou opened up on Tuesday for the primary time since his UFC cut up was introduced on Saturday.
UFC president Dana White confirmed on the UFC Fight Night post-fight press convention that Ngannou was a free agent, resulting in Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane being booked for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 in March. White claimed UFC was waving its unique negotiating window and there can be no worth matching clause. White accused Ngannou of wanting more cash to battle lesser competitors, one thing Ngannou disputes.
Ngannou advised “The MMA Hour” on Tuesday that cash was not the first sticking level throughout his negotiations with UFC. Ngannou requested to have his personal sponsors, medical insurance and a fighter advocate at UFC board conferences. Ngannou subsequently clarified this was a request he needed to be utilized to all UFC fighters. The UFC, based on Ngannou, shot down all three speaking factors.
“I felt like I used to be slapped within the face with cash,” Ngannou stated. “Like, ‘Take the cash and shut up.’ That did not work for me.
“In that contract, I’m not free, I’m not an impartial contractor… I hand over all energy to [UFC], and I’ve seen prior to now the way you maintain that energy over me. I do not need that once more.”
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Ngannou stated he was provided round $8 million to battle Jones and to signal a three-fight contract with no extension. He had hoped to battle Jones twice and e-book a rubber match towards former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
“It was a multi-fight deal. It was for 3 fights,” Ngannou stated. “They stated they’d give that exception for me. No extension.”
Ngannou stated that “lots of people have reached out” since information of his departure, significantly MMA promotions. Ngannou is hoping to return by July on the newest, almost definitely in an expert boxing match, and battle a second time by 12 months’s finish. Despite his contentious relationship with UFC brass, he thanked the promotion for his or her time and left the door open on a return down the road.
“I’m at peace. I did all the pieces proper,” Ngannou stated. “The solely that basically scares me is remorse. It does not matter what occurred. UFC gave me the platform to showcase and categorical myself. I’m grateful for that.”
