Chael Sonnen highlights difference between Francis Ngannou and Conor McGregor's boxing plans

In light of Francis Ngannou's decision to leave the UFC and pursue a boxing career, Chael Sonnen gave his perspective on the situation. Sonnen drew parallels between Ngannou's situation and MMA superstar Conor McGregor's crossover to boxing to challenge undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The UFC decided to terminate Ngannou's contract after the Cameroonian declined multiple revised contracts. 'The Predator' previously indicated that he wants the option to pursue boxing bouts added to the terms of his UFC contract in order to chase a mega-fight with Tyson Fury.

Chael Sonnen analyzed the two cases in which UFC fighters Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou pursued boxing bouts, drawing differences between the two. From Sonnen's perspective, McGregor's long history of business loyalty and willingness to compete is what earned him the promotion's endorsement and the "golden ticket" to pursue a bout with Mayweather for a substantial financial reward.

He accomplished this by confidently meeting every challenge the promotion threw his way, including becoming the first two-division champion and a major draw at pay-per-view events.

Speaking at length about Francis Ngannou's situation and comparing it to Conor McGregor's trajectory on his YouTube channel, Sonnen stated:

"Conor became the champion of the world and that spurred some surprising interest from Floyd Mayweather and the boxing community... He was a [two-division] simultaneous champion of the world who also won an iterim championship [at UFC 189], a fight that he took on six days notice. All of those things are relevant."

Sonnen added:

"Everything that Conor was ever asked to do, he said yes. They [UFC] could trust him, they liked working with him. He had what we call goodwill. He was owed a favor."

Francis Ngannou and his team will have a challenging time marketing the Cameroonian without Dana White in his corner and the UFC heavyweight title to endorse a prospective 'champion vs champion' crossover bout.

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Conor McGregor offers his advice to Francis Ngannou following UFC exit

Francis Ngannou is the latest fighter to explore free agency following Dana White's announcement that the UFC will no longer pursue the Cameroonian's re-signing.

Consequently, Ngannou was stripped of the heavyweight championship, and Jon Jones will return to action to challenge Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight throne.

Ngannou asserted during a recent interview with The MMA Hour that the UFC failed to honor a number of fundamental requests he made with the understanding that they would not all be fulfilled.

Conor McGregor took to Instagram after the interview to offer Francis Ngannou some advice. The Irishman advised him to seek expert help for these discussions and suggested he consult with McGregor's management team, Paradigm Sports:

"Correct representation is imperative. Seek @paradigmsports!”

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