“He was not being a diva,” Second highest-paid UFC fighter Israel Adesanya supports Francis Ngannou’s decision to leave promotion
Israel Adesanya publicly talks about Francis Ngannou's rift with UFC and Dana White. Stands by former heavyweight champ's decision.
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Francis Ngannou receives support from Israel Adesanya after split with UFC
Francis Ngannou leaving the UFC has come off as a shocker to many. Not to Israel Adesanya, however. The friend of the former heavyweight champion is more than happy that Ngannou is now looking at bigger opportunities in his career.
Last month, Dana White announced that the UFC and Francis Ngannou were going to split ways. It is not often that the biggest fight promotion fails to convince a reigning champion of their company. Israel Adesanya who has championed Ngannou for a long time for the first time addressed the media on Francis leaving.
“Francis made the right call,” said Adesanya talking to the media at UFC 284. The Last Stylebender who is one of the biggest stars of the company believes Ngannou’s demands should’ve been met. “He’s not being a diva and he’s asking for reasonable demands. I feel like he should’ve got them,” added the fighter.
The former middleweight champ commends Ngannou for using his position to speak out for all the up-and-coming fighters. Ngannou’s demands included alterations in the fight contract, better fighter pay, and health care treatment for fighters.
Francis Ngannou was offered to be managed by Israel Adesanya’s team
The Last Stylebender is now the second highest-paid fighter on the UFC roster. The fighter follows the superstar Conor McGregor on the fighter list. Both McGregor and Adesanya are signed to the same management company, Paradigm Sports.
Reacting to Ngannou leaving the UFC, Conor McGregor, himself reacted to this news by posting a story on his Instagram. The Notorious One hinted Ngannou to switch managements and join Paradigm Sports. The Irishman believed ‘correct representation‘ could’ve prevented Ngannou from getting cut from the UFC roster.
Decisions ? pic.twitter.com/96OSS65rGW
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 6, 2023
The former heavyweight was highly anticipated to make a title defense against Jon Jones. ‘The Predator’ is now free to sign to any promotion he wishes. Boxing still remains to be number one on the Cameroonian’s list. Talks with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder seem to be in the process as Ngannou prepares to make a return to fighting.
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