Rockhold criticizes Usman and Adesanya for lack of support for Ngannou in dispute with UFC

F. Ngannou, K.Usman and I.Adesanya at a UFC event Photo: Instagram

The former UFC middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) leader Luke Rockhold defended Francis Ngannou of the 'fridge' imposed by the UFC. The North American criticized the lack of unity among the organization's fighters and accused the other two African champions, Kamaru Usman e Israel adesanya, of not coming to the defense of his 'brother'. The statement was given in an interview with 'MMA Fighting'.

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“You have two Nigerian brothers who are champions, they should have supported you and been men, and maybe that could have changed the atmosphere. But that was it. I saw an opportunity there. Other than that, you need 25 guys (weight). Twenty-five guys are not going to come together. Maybe more, maybe less, I don't know. It was the only thing I saw that could have leveled the playing field and changed things for the better. When you support Francis and have the brotherhood of the “three Nigerian friends”, if these two had stood up, they could have f***ed the UFC hard and deep. But they didn’t stand up”, Rockhold harshly criticized.

The North American insinuated that fighters would not have the courage to rebel against the UFC and complained about the way the organization acts towards those who ask for better wages.

“Nobody has enough courage, nobody has enough balls. This is the problem, there are not enough people to make a difference. There are very few with real courage, but to gather the right amount to do this, it will never happen, not in the near future. The UFC gives enough that everyone comes back asking for more. Then someone starts an argument and takes a refrigerator until they run out of money and have to go back, then they have to accept the salary they give. That’s their game,” Luke declared.

After the UFC created the interim title fight even though Ngannou was healthy and had only had a short reign, the French-Cameroonian started to publicly criticize the company. The heavyweight champion complained about the low salary he received in the organization and stated that he felt discredited in the company.

Without stepping into the Octagon since July 2019, Luke already has a date set for his return. At the UFC 268, scheduled for November 6th, Rockhold will measure forces against Sean Strickland. The former leader of the under-83,9kg division has a record of 16 triumphs and five setbacks.