F. Ngannou (photo) criticizes UFC again. Photo: Reproduction/Youtube ufc
One of the most feared men in recent MMA history, Francis Ngannou once again complained about the gap between UFC heavyweight title fights. Without fighting since May and with the promise that he will be the next challenger for the title, the French-Cameroonian continues to await confirmation from the company as to when he will have the new opportunity to act against the leader. Without an answer, the giant does not hide his disappointment.
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“He already has 'a life' (since the last fight). It's still very frustrating when I try to put it out of my head, but I know there's nothing I can do to change it. Even before I fought in May, it was the same story, the same situation and I'm facing it again. I was waiting for the fight between Stipe (Miocic) and DC (Daniel Cormier), which took place in August. I was expecting something in December. So, after they fought, I came back from Cameroon, hoping that maybe in December it would happen, because it would have been four months. Until January, I thought I could have the fight”, said Ngannou, in an interview with 'MMA fighting'.
Still talking about the trilogy between Cormier and Stipe, Ngannou seemed uncomfortable with the rivalry between the athletes. For the French-Cameroonian, the UFC's promotion of athletes ended up minimizing – according to the fighter – the importance of other representatives of the category, who also dream of winning the belt.
“The problem is that the trilogy held the division for too long. There hasn't been a title fight in this category for two years now, except for the fight between Stipe and DC. Other than that, fights are taking place between challengers. (…) I'm sure it's not just me saying this. Other challengers also feel the same way, because they don't have title fights. The challengers are not walking. They are fighting without purpose. (…) When you’re starting out, you struggle to become a challenger. When you are a challenger, you fight to become champion. In heavyweight, challengers don't know what they're fighting for. In my case, I'm not even fighting. I can’t even say I’m struggling,” he said.
Even though he was considered by Dana White himself as a favorite to face Miocic, Ngannou, this year, agreed to take a risk and face Jairzinho Rozenstruik in a challenge that could cost him the position of leader in the ranking. Francis, however, beat his rival with a lightning knockout and confirmed his reputation as 'dangerous'. After another luxurious performance and further establishing himself in the category, the athlete says he is discouraged with the group's performance.
“I just want to be next. It's been seven months since my last fight. I don't know when I'm going to fight. It's hard to find motivation. Even when you are training, there is no motivation. It’s been difficult”, he concluded.
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