“My back was against the wall…” Francis Ngannou reveals why Dana White and the UFC made him leave the promotion

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou revealed the reason that made him leave the UFC and Dana White.

“My back was against the wall…” Francis Ngannou reveals why Dana White and the UFC made him leave the promotion

Dana White and Francis Ngannou (image credit- IMAGO)

Francis Ngannou has come a long way from living as a homeless man. Furthermore, Ngannou changed his life after getting into combat sports. Subsequently, his natural athleticism, genetics, and physique greatly helped him excel in the fight game.

Furthermore, during an interview with Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe, Ngannou extensively spoke about his reasons and decision to leave the UFC. Ngannou stated:

They pushed me in the position, that my back was against the wall. I have a contract and I have no leverage in that contract. No power and no one can advocate for me. 
Francis Ngannou via Club Shay Shay
YouTube video

Hence, Ngannou stated that he had never planned on leaving the UFC and had only made certain demands after not being satisfied with his career. Furthermore, Ngannou had asked for health insurance, the right to choose sponsorships, and an advocate for fighters who could negotiate in their favor. However, after his demands were not met, Ngannou had to decide to look after himself.

FS Video

This led to Ngannou becoming the first reigning champion to leave the promotion after 2004. Subsequently, Ngannou stated that if he weren’t pushed to the back of the wall, he would never need to think about such a decision.

Francis Ngannou talks about his fight with Jon Jones  

It’s no secret that Ngannou has made some big changes in his career. Moving from the UFC to the PFL was a huge move for him. However, this year, one of the biggest decisions in the fight game was his switch to boxing.

Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou Dana White
Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou (image credit- IMAGO)

While he lost that fight, his fight against Tyson Fury was a success, which opened several more opportunities for him. In addition, Ngannou would never have gotten the opportunity to make his boxing debut against Fury if he had remained with the UFC. While speaking about his regrets about leaving the promotion, Ngannou mentioned his regrets about not fighting Jon Jones. While the UFC CEO, White stated that Ngannou was scared to fight Jones, Ngannou gave a different narrative.

YouTube video

Hence, Ngannou wanted to fight Jones for three years, but the UFC and White showed no interest. Subsequently, Ngannou stated how they control the decisions about the fights and the narrative given to the media.

In case you missed it!