D. White at a press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
The announcement of the UFC interim heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) belt fight between Cyryl Gane e Derrick Lewis It took a lot of people by surprise. Among them, Marquel Martin, the agent of the linear champion of the category, Francis Ngannou.
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Shortly after the news, the representative of Francis Ngannou released a statement stating that he and the entire team were “in shock” by the UFC’s decision to put an interim title on the line. Martin's position generated an almost immediate response from Dana White, president of the organization.
“This guy is messing around. He knows exactly what's going on and isn't 'in shock' at all. We told him several times that this would happen. His work is incompetent. Hope Francis Ngannou Start looking for other people to help you with your career,” wrote Dana White in a post by ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto.
Dana's outburst did not go unanswered. Shortly afterwards, Ngannou's agent had his rejoinder, much longer, in which he spoke about the problems in announcing the interim belt fight even with the champion's availability to fight the following month.
“Completely in shock at his decision after we said September was fine for us. Completely in shock that you made threats after just three months, even though you were warned about it. Completely in shock because you knew Francis needed more time,” Martin wrote. “Incompetent work? I think we did a great job. I think, actually, you don't like the fact that Francis is represented not just by me, but by an entire agency that you don't get to work with.”
Ngannou's agent also invited Dana White to reveal all conversations, emails and calls regarding the champion's future.
“Are we going to open the game for everyone to see? Emails, calls, texts, everything. Combined? Because I'm ready to be boycotted by the UFC. That doesn't define me. What about? From your former employee, Marquel Martin”, concluded the agent.
Francis Ngannou became the holder of the UFC heavyweight belt just three months ago, when he knocked out then-champion Stipe Miocic in the main fight of UFC 260, at the end of March.
Cyryl Gane e Derrick Lewis face each other in UFC 265 for the interim category title. The event is scheduled for August 7th, in Houston, Texas (USA). In the co-main fight, the Brazilian Amanda nunes will put the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg) at stake against Julianna Pena.
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