Francis Ngannou reveals that he gave up at least R$38 million to be free from the UFC

F. Ngannou in a post-event press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

Last Saturday (22), Francis Ngannou had the last fight of his UFC contract when he defeated Cyryl Gane in the main fight of UFC 270 and unified the organization's heavyweight belts (up to 120,2 kg). Despite earning the biggest salary of the night, the Cameroonian could have left with a much fuller pocket.

See too

VIDEO: Ultimate Hall of Famer Don Frye punches fan after argument at UFC 270

Francis Ngannou receives more than R$3,2 million for victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270

MMA fans are unforgiving and create memes with 'Ngannou Wrestler' in victory over Gane at UFC 270

During his appearance on “The MMA Hour”, a podcast on the North American website “MMA Fighting”, Ngannou revealed that he refused million-dollar offers from the UFC to get rid of the organization. According to the Cameroonian, he gave up more than US$7 million (approximately R$38 million) for his freedom.

“I've been leaving a lot of money on the table since the fight with Stipe Miocic. By now I must have lost at least US$7 million (approximately R$38 million) that I left on the table. I'm happy with my US$600 (approximately R$3,2 million) because I fought for what I work for. Freedom doesn't work with money. You give up one for the other, or you want freedom, or you want money. You have to give up one to gain the other,” explained Ngannou.

The last months of Francis Ngannou there were intense contractual discussions with the UFC. More than financial appreciation, the heavyweight champion wants a more flexible contract, which would allow him, for example, to hold a boxing match against big names in the noble art, such as Tyson Fury.

“It wasn’t just a fight. I wasn't just fighting in the octagon. I was fighting for everything I believe in. It was beyond fighting, it was for my principles, for things I believe in. That's why I was fighting. Even when they tried to reach an agreement with a good amount of money, I said that at that point it didn't matter anymore. I left everything on the table. I do not care. I’m taking my $600 and doing this and winning it all,” Ngannou said.

The UFC's contract with its champions provides for an automatic extension of three fights or one year in the event of a title defense. The Cameroonian, however, has already made it clear that he doesn't mind not fighting until next year to get rid of the organization.