MMA legend praises Ngannou for leaving the UFC and hopes other fighters repeat the feat

F. Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After a long contractual dispute, Francis Ngannou his departure from the UFC was confirmed. Former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg.), the Cameroonian did not like the terms offered by Dana White's company and became a 'free agent' to negotiate with other franchises in boxing and MMA.

In an interview with 'MMA fighting', Randy Couture, revealed that he was proud of Ngannou's initiative. The MMA legend has also been involved in something similar, when he also took action in 2007 to free himself from his contract with the promotion. He also indicates that he hopes other fighters repeat Francis' feat.

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“Francis is probably the closest thing to a top tier fighter who was holding the belt in the heavyweight division and put that on the line to demand better terms. I'm proud of him for what he did. I hope more fighters come forward,” said Couture.

Still regarding the imbroglio experienced by the fighter, Randy thinks it's fair that Ngannou demanded other terms, such as health insurance and representatives who take care of their careers. The North American, however, reinforces the idea that Ultimate does not want to give up its power and likes to control its athletes.

“The money they offered Francis was pretty significant, but it was the other things – health insurance, fighter rep, some of those things he asked for that were outside of that, that made them drop him. They don't want to give up that power. They want to be able to control the fighters. They don't like this transparency and keep these numbers closely guarded so they don't have to negotiate with fighters who know what their value is on the market, that's how it happens”, concluded the legend.

Former Ultimate champion and one of the biggest names in heavyweight history, Francis Ngannou He has been through trouble with the organization and is a 'free agent', able to sign with any other company. Recovered from knee surgery and without fighting since January 2022, the fighter has not yet indicated his next steps. He has a record of 17 wins and three losses.