Francis Ngannou has no regrets after opting to leave the UFC.
Ngannou (18-3) exited the UFC as heavyweight champion when he failed to come to terms with the promotion on a new deal in 2023. He asked for several requirements such as the ability to box and health insurance for fighters, which weren’t met.
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He wound up signing with PFL, but only competed once under their banner in October 2024 when he knocked out Renan Ferreira in the first round to win the Super Fights heavyweight title. He parted ways with PFL earlier this month.
Just one fight for Ngannou in MMA ever since, but “The Predator” cashed in on two massive paychecks by boxing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
“That was the best decision I think maybe in my whole career because that was a legacy right there,” Ngannou said on his YouTube channel. “You have to put that down in the books: something nobody had done, and I did it. I went out and made it. It’s been quite good, stepping out, going after the two best boxers out there, then went to another promotion (PFL) and took their super belt. So I’m very satisfied about that.”
Ngannou returns to the cage against Philipe Lins on the May 16 Rousey vs. Carano card on Netflix. He was asked about fans who think he ruined his legacy by leaving the UFC.
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“Those people are more like fanatics. They don’t look at the big picture,” Ngannou said. “I understand the frustration of UFC fans that couldn’t see me fight on the platform anymore, but if you’re a little bit realistic, if you have a little bit of sense, you would approve that that’s the best decision for me, for my career and basically for my legacy.
“I left the UFC as a champion, and leaving the UFC didn’t take out anything that I’ve done in my UFC career. I just keep increasing my accomplishments, I just keep doing stuff moving forward, continue my career. I think I’m in the better position. Let’s point out that one of the biggest issues we a lot of fighters have until this day with the UFC is fighter pay, salary. So I look forward what’s best for me, and I can proudly say I have it done.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Francis Ngannou: I’m in a better position now after leaving UFC
