Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou defended his title for the first time in the UFC 270 main event on Saturday, but it doesn’t seem to have improved his position with the fight promotion.
UFC president Dana White usually puts the belt around the waist of the champion following a title bout. On Saturday, he did not. Instead, UFC executive Mick Maynard strapped the belt on Ngannou. White also skipped out on the post-fight press conference altogether.
“I did not have anything to do about that. I think that was their decision. I’m about to ask about that too,” Ngannou said during the event’s post-fight press conference.
Ngannou defeated previously unbeaten interim titleholder Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision. The fight with Gane was Ngannou’s final fight on his current UFC contract, but there is a “championship clause.” Despite holding the heavyweight title, Ngannou isn’t sure what his future is with the fight promotion.
“It’s been a long time that I’ve been wondering about my future in the company, so nothing has changed. I’m still in the same position,” Ngannou said.
Jon Jones reacts to Francis Ngannou’s UFC 270 win: ‘Got some more records to break’
Francis Ngannou and UFC at odds over new contract
Ngannou and the UFC haven’t been able to come to terms on a new deal, and they don’t seem to be close to reaching an agreement.
“It’s not simply money. Obviously, money is a part of it, but it’s also the term of the contract. I don’t agree with it. I don’t feel like it’s fair. I don’t feel like I’m a free man. I don’t feel like I’ve been treated good,” Ngannou said.
“At the end of the day, we put a lot of work into this job. We take a lot in our body to make it happen. At least we can happen a fair and square deal.”
“The Predator” believes that if he waits until the beginning of next year, his UFC contract will expire. And he’s willing to wait it out.
“In the past three years, I’ve fought three times,” he said. “So it wouldn’t be something very strange.”
“The only reason we are here, I think, is because at some point I wasn’t respected. He (White) could have taken way less to get this deal done, but he went to like a power position and kind of get everybody frustrated. Get me frustrated. Get me to lose the feeling, the desire of doing things.”
According to Ngannou, he has spoken to everyone that he could within the UFC to work things out. Talks ultimately failed.
“I’ve been going to the UFC a lot, so I kind of like exhaust all of my options,” Ngannou said.
Francis Ngannou fought injured, believes he’ll need surgery | UFC 270 Video
Will Francis Ngannou leave the UFC behind?
(Subscribe to MMAWeekly.com on YouTube)
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel
$13.99 (as of March 14, 2025 20:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Artnaturals Kojic Acid Soap + African Net Sponge (2 pack X 142g Turmeric bars) Dark spot remover & Scars - Original Japanese Complex Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, retinol, shea butter (Citrus)
$14.97 (as of March 14, 2025 20:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Owala Kids FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports, Travel, and School, BPA-Free Sports Water…
$24.99 (as of March 14, 2025 19:48 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Glucosamine for Dogs Hip and Joint Supplement Chews, Chondroitin Joint Supplement for Dogs, Wuffe Joint Chews for Dogs, Dog Joint Supplement for Pain Relief with MSM, Turmeric - Chicken Flavor- 180 Ct
$23.99 (as of March 14, 2025 19:47 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
