Francis Ngannou talks about knee surgery and sets possible return date

F. Ngannou is recovering from knee surgery (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

Francis Ngannou does not rule out a return to the Octagon in 2022. After undergoing knee surgery in March, the UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) stated that he is recovering well and that there is a chance of returning to action in the end of year.

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“It’s getting better. It's great. It wasn't easy, but we're getting there. It's been three months, so I'm still doing physical therapy. If everything goes well, we will be ready at the end of the year, nine months later. Let’s say the end of December or the beginning of next year”, revealed Ngannou in an interview with the North American website “TMZ Sports”.

the last fight of Francis Ngannou happened in January, when it surpassed Cyryl Gane in the unanimous decision of the judges to unify the linear and interim heavyweight belts in the UFC 270. After the fight, Ngannou's team revealed that the champion fought with injuries to the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments of his knee.

In addition to recovering from knee surgery, Francis Ngannou he has other issues to resolve before a possible return to the octagon. After having the last fight of his contract with the UFC, the champion is “trapped” to the organization by a clause that lasts until the end of the year, when he would be free. To renew, the champion demands that Ultimate release him for a boxing match against the multi-time world champion Tyson Fury.

“You know, for now we're going to fight through this situation and make everything okay. When I get close to returning, we will see what the outlook will be like, because many things can happen,” said Ngannou.