Francis Ngannou guarantees that, after UFC 270, he will only return to fight for Ultimate in the event of a salary increase

F. Ngannou (photo) is the current UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Involved in an intense salary dispute with Ultimate, the heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg) Francis Ngannou gave an ultimatum: he will only fight once again on the basis of the current contract. In a statement given to 'ESPN', the Cameroonian harshly criticized the organization and said that after the UFC 270, scheduled for January 22nd, will only wear the company's gloves again if he receives a salary increase.

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“No, I’m not going to fight for $500, $600 more. He finished. I took this fight for personal reasons because I want to ensure that regardless of whether it is fair, I can make my case that I have completed the fights,” said Ngannou.

Even in dispute with the company, the Cameroonian revealed that he wanted to remain on the squad but asked for a 'loophole' in his contract so he could box.

“One hundred percent (his desire to box). We've been discussing this for years. It seems like they are OK with this. Let's be honest, I believe that whatever you do, regardless of the event, if the UFC is involved it will be bigger. There are no doubts. So yes, if I box, I would like the UFC to be there. Honestly, the only reason we're here is because at some point there wasn't any good faith in this. I don't understand why we couldn't reach an agreement”, concluded the 'Predator'.

The fight with Cyryl Gane, UFC 270, will be the last of the current contract Francis Ngannou with the company. However, every Ultimate fighter has an automatic renewal clause in the event of a title defense. In case of defeat, the 'Predator' will be free on the market and can sign with another organization, if he so wishes.

Heavyweight champion since March 2021, Ngannou will make his first title defense on January 22nd. The opponent will be your former training partner Cyryl Gane, in a fight that 'has already started' with provocations in the press. The 'Predator' has a record of 16 triumphs and three setbacks in professional MMA.