F. Ngannou with the UFC heavyweight belt Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), Francis Ngannou shows willingness to return to the organization after a turbulent departure in 2023. The central motivation, according to his coach, Eric Nicksick, is the search for the sport's competitive elite, not financial or personal issues.
“Enough time has passed. I would love to see the bridges mended so he can get back in the Octagon… 100% [Francis is open]. It’s more business than ego, at least on his side… His motivation isn’t money, it’s competition. And the best opponents are in the UFC,” Nicksick said in an interview with 'Home of Fight'.
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Ngannou left the organization in January 2023 after contractual impasses. He rejected a proposal that the UFC classified as 'the biggest contract in heavyweight history', but which, according to the fighter, was insufficient. He wanted boxing fights, health insurance and the freedom to negotiate other fights outside the organization. Dana White then became angry and ended the negotiations.
The Cameroonian had a remarkable stint in the organization, between 2015 and 2023, and was champion by knocking out Stipe Miocic, in addition to defending his title against Cyryl Gane.
After leaving the UFC, the fighter had two boxing fights – both losses against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – in which he would have earned US$ 20 million. In 2024, however, Francis made his PFL debut, and knocked out Renan Problem to become linear champion of the company competing with Ultimate.
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