Francis Ngannous reveals why UFC negotiations fell apart

Former UFC heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou had finally broken his silence on why negotiations to extend his contract with the UFC has fallen apart.

In an interview with MMA Fighting's The MMA hour, the 36-year-old mixed martial artist revealed that he negotiated for rights to bring in sponsors, health insurance, and a representative for fighter advocate—none of which the world's premier mixed martial arts organization is willing to bend to.

"I asked for a lot of things, which doesn't mean I was expecting all those things. I was expecting at least one or two of those things. I asked for the right of a sponsorship. We can't have sponsorship. I asked for health insurance. Couldn't have," Ngannou revealed.

"I asked for a fighter advocate, somebody in the board meeting who will advocate for the fighters. I asked for that. I could not have those that I asked for. I just wanted [them] to know that there is something that I do want. I also wanted them to think that, at least in consideration."

Ngannou, 17-3 as a professional mixed martial artist, last saw action against Ciryl Gane in January 2022 where he won by way of unanimous decision. He also teased about crossing over to boxing in the past, but UFC wants nothing to do with that either, according to the former champ.

"In that contract, I'm not free. I'm not an independent contractor. I have no rights. I hand over all the power to you guys. I've seen in the past how you guys can utilize your power against me, and I don't want that," said Ngannou, who was stripped of the UFC title after the failed negotiations.

"They didn't want anything to do with boxing. They were like, if, and only if, and in good faith, and I'm like, I'm not betting on that. It's all their narrative, which is their narrative, and it can't be proven. I wish it could work. I really do. I really wanted, but not at any cost."

Furthermore, Ngannou revealed that he was also offered around $8 million to face former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC 285 in March. Though the huge payday is now gone with the win, Ngannou said he has no regrets whatsoever about his decision to leave.

"I know that I did everything right. I don't have any regrets. I wouldn't do anything differently if I had to do it again," Ngannou said.

"I just wanted them to know it was something I did want and consider it. They said no, they don't do business like that. At this point health insurance for me is not a problem, but how about the guys at the bottom? They can't really afford health insurance. I have been there, so it is something I carry in my heart."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News