UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou leaves the promotion and loses his title
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has left the promotion. This was announced by the head of the organization, Dana White, during a press conference, the recording of which is available on the UFC YouTube channel.
Ngannou refused to renew a two-year deal that would have made him the highest paid heavyweight in UFC history. “I’ve said it before: if you don’t want to be here, then you don’t have to. At the moment, Ngannou does not want to take risks, ”White shared. Thus, the fighter became a free agent and lost his championship title.
Ngannou has previously hinted at a move to the Professional Fighting League (PFL). He posted photos from New Year’s celebrations, several of which show a woman wearing a T-shirt with the promotion’s emblem.
The heavyweight won the championship belt in a duel with American Stipe Miocic in March 2021. In January 2022, he defended his title for the first time, defeating Frenchman Cyril Gan, after which he did not enter the octagon due to knee surgery.
Ngannou has been with the UFC since 2015. In total, he spent 20 fights in his career, 17 of which he won.
Source: Lenta
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