F. Ngannou at a press conference for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
The consecration of Cyryl Gane as interim UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg.) is still a delicate matter for Francis Ngannou. Owner of the group's linear title, the 'giant' once again criticized the organization for the treatment he received, even though he was a legitimate 'king' of the group. In a new outburst, the combatant does not see the Frenchman as the problem in itself, but the way in which the situation was handled.
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“The only question is how it happened, because I know the way they used to promote (the UFC 265, which made Gane interim champion), and it didn't feel right. I found it so embarrassing, it didn't bother me. I thought, what happened? What bothers me is the fact that, to promote the fight, they were trying to take away my credits. Like, 'If you want to take a vacation, do it, and when you want to fight, we'll be here.” No. I wanted to fight and I wasn't on vacation. They used a promotional video to play and try to minimize me, making it look like I was on vacation. (…) If you want to win an interim belt, do it without sabotaging me”, lamented Francis, in an interview with 'The MMA Hour'.
Regarding the fateful 'vacation', which would have taken Ngannou out of action, the linear champion went further. The fighter made a point of stating that there was an agreement signed with Ultimate, explained below.
“They gave me time to go home, present the belt to my people, my country, my family. Why such a rush? In the last two years, I've fought twice and all of a sudden they need to defend my belt in two months? What is the problem? Why can't I have rest time like everyone else? Three or four months”, asked the fighter.
Linear champion since March, Ngannou has a scheduled date to return to the octagon. The clash for the unification of the heavyweight title against Cyryl Gane is scheduled for January 22nd, at UFC 270.
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