Getty Image / Chris Unger
Dana White had some choice words for Francis Ngannou when an agreement couldn’t be reached on his contract. Now, the former Heavyweight champion responds.
Additionally, it sounds like Ngannou isn’t completely ruling out signing a future deal with the UFC either, as he hints at his potential fight plans.
According to MMA Junkie, Francis Ngannou didn’t appreciate Dana White’s claim that he’s “scared” to face Jon Jones. “They have also said that I’m scared of fighting Jon Jones or somebody else, which I don’t know where they came from with that one. That sounds very ridiculous, in my opinion, with all due respect. Because I’ve been calling for this fight for over two years. I’ve been waiting for this fight forever.”
All of this is true. So, Ngannou takes the opportunity to fire back at the UFC President. “And I’ve been fighting guys even with one knee, with injury. And now, why do I be scared of them? While I feel even more confident? No, I’m not scared. The only thing that I’m scared of is to be trapped. Is not to lose my freedom, which I value very much. You guys know how the UFC contract can be: restrictive. As an independent contractor, you don’t really have a say in that contract. You don’t even have a right, so, I can’t do that.”
It’s hard to argue Francis Ngannou’s point on this one. Especially considering the UFC now controls nearly everything from sponsorships, to what they wear, etc.
Regardless, the former champ does see a world where he potentially returns to the organization, per MMA Junkie.
Francis Ngannou says a world exists where he could return to UFC.
Full story: https://t.co/pRuIroJHHY pic.twitter.com/XyPOMGdfAV
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 19, 2023
So, it’ll be interesting to see what Ngannou’s next move will be. From the sounds of it, he wants to have ultimate freedom and fight whoever he wants to fight. With that said, don’t rule anything out, as there are plenty of routes the former champ can go with his career right now.