Former fighter defends Francis Ngannou and criticizes UFC: 'There is no bigger bully than them'

Francis Ngannou is a former UFC champion. Photo: Instagram PFL

After Dana White shocked the MMA world with shocking revelations about Francis Ngannou 's behavior while in the UFC, another former UFC employee came forward to address the issue and defend the former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg). Brendan Schaub , who competed in the organization between 2009 and 2014, claimed in the latest edition of the podcast 'The Schaub Show' that relationships between athletes and matchmakers tend to be turbulent and even disrespectful.

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Addressing the situation brought up by Dana White, who said he was physically attacked by Ngannou during discussions about payment, Schaub acknowledged the lack of social skills possessed by some fighters, but also stressed that suits can often cross the line in negotiations.

“Dana calling Francis Ngannou a 'bad guy' is the pot calling the kettle black. I don't think Dana is a bad guy. I don't think Francis is a bad guy. I'm not defending assaulting anyone, but I must say that, throughout the entire history of the UFC, since its inception, there are no bigger bullies – depending on your definition of bullying – there are no bigger bullies than the UFC management. The lack of respect behind the scenes, with the managers, with the fighters directly, including me. The messages I received from UFC management after a fight would leave anyone very upset,” stated Brendan, who shared the octagon with legends of the caliber of Rodrigo Minotauro and Mirko Cro Cop.

Minotauro facing off against Brendan Schaub . Photo: Reproduction.

“When the toughest men on the planet, who fight for a living, feel disrespected, their way of communicating is through physical action, and this is a consequence of that. This is the dark side of professional MMA at the highest level,” he concluded.

Just like Ngannou, Schaub and Dana White don't get along.

B. Schaub weighing in for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC on Fox

Signed by the UFC after reaching the final of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, Schaub experienced highs and lows in the world's largest MMA organization. Both while with the company and after his retirement from the sport in 2014, the heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) had public conflicts with Dana White regarding issues such as the adaptation of athletes from other sports to MMA, fighter pay, and anti-doping policies.

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