Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has been at the center of controversy regarding his alleged refusal to fight Jon Jones. Ngannou has vehemently denied these claims, stating that he did, in fact, want to fight Jones but that negotiations fell through due to various reasons. Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s assertions that Ngannou was avoiding the fight, Ngannou asserts that it was Jones who ultimately did not want to face him in the Octagon.
Ngannou’s final fight in the UFC was against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, after which he was sidelined due to a knee injury. Talks of a potential superfight with Jon Jones arose, but the two parties could not reach an agreement on a new contract. Ngannou eventually became a free agent and signed a deal with the PFL in May 2023, leaving behind the UFC and the failed negotiations. Despite the setback, Ngannou remains focused on his upcoming fight against Renan Ferreira.
In October 2023, Ngannou ventured into the world of boxing, facing off against Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated match. Though he lost a controversial split decision, Ngannou managed to knock Fury down in the third round, surprising fans and critics alike. His subsequent bout against Anthony Joshua resulted in a knockout loss, but Ngannou expressed interest in continuing to pursue fights in the boxing realm, including a potential rematch with Fury.
While Ngannou remains interested in boxing, his primary focus at the moment is his return to MMA. His debut in the PFL against Renan Ferreira on Oct. 19 signifies a new chapter in Ngannou’s career, one that is free from the negotiations and controversies that plagued his time in the UFC. Despite the challenges he has faced, Ngannou’s determination and skill make him a formidable opponent in whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue.
Leave a Reply