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The relationship between Dana White and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou endured a very public collapse. The two men have been butting heads for the past few years.
According to the UFC president, the Cameroonian power-puncher's ego was spiraling out of control. Ngannou, however, was insulted by White's remarks. Their relationship has only deteriorated since then. The former heavyweight kingpin felt undervalued and disrespected by the promotion.
After Ngannou fought the last fight on his UFC contract at UFC 270 and emerged victorious, he started making use of his status as the heavyweight champion to demand a better contract. Ngannou even lobbied for health insurance and representation in the boardroom for all UFC fighters.
Dana White and the UFC brass regarded 'The Predator's' contractual demands as ludicrous. Thus, upper management elected to release the former heavyweight kingpin. However, the decision has been decried as a "mistake" and this list details five reasons why that accusation holds true.
#5. Francis Ngannou was marketable
While effective trash-talking has supplanted many of the once-desired qualities of fighters from a promotional standpoint, nothing sets spectators abuzz quite like knockouts.
MMA has never seen a power puncher of Francis Ngannou's caliber. The Cameroonian phenom possesses what MMA coach Firas Zahabi will term "the touch of death."
'The Predator's highlight reel is filled with thrilling knockouts against top-tier heavyweight foes. Not only did Ngannou's seismic punching power render him an exciting sight, but being a native of Cameroon meant he could've been crucial to the UFC's plans to expand into Africa.
If the promotion was serious about hosting events on the African continent, a Cameroonian heavyweight champion would have been an inestimable asset. A range of skilled African mixed martial artists would have followed Ngannou's lead by signing with the UFC.
#4. Ciryl Gane beating Jon Jones will reflect poorly on the UFC
Ciryl Gane will cross swords with Jon Jones at UFC 285 to determine the promotion's new heavyweight champion. Francis Ngannou was the former champion, but he relinquished his hold on the 265 lbs throne to test the waters elsewhere. As it stands, the title is currently vacant.
'Bon Gamin' faced 'The Predator' in a previous title fight (at UFC 270) but failed to dethrone his former teammate. Thus, even if he defeats Jon Jones—a man who many hail as the greatest fighter of all time—and claims heavyweight gold, everyone will still remember that the Frenchman lost to Francis Ngannou.
He won't be taken seriously as the best 265'er in the world. Instead, he'll simply be the champion because Ngannou is no longer in the UFC.
#3. The Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones matchup is no longer possible
Francis Ngannou will be turning 37 years old this year. He isn't getting any younger. Now is the time to schedule a blockbuster matchup between 'The Predator' and Jon Jones. However, with the Cameroonian power puncher's exodus from the UFC, it is no longer possible.
The former UFC heavyweight kingpin is yet to sign with a new promotion or secure a boxing match against Tyson Fury. This will be even more difficult as 'The Predator' does not currently have a manager. He will need some time to secure his next bout, even if he eventually returns to the UFC.
By the time he returns, a matchup between him and 'Bones' may no longer be feasible. A matchup between these two men would have likely been one of the biggest fights ever.
#2. Another MMA promotion will be able to claim that it has the best heavyweight in the world
Whether Francis Ngannou signs with the PFL or some other promotion remains to be seen. Regardless, whichever MMA promotion successfully coaxes him into their ranks will make a steal.
The UFC's greatest selling point is that it hosts the world's best fighters. Consequently, 'The Predator' left the UFC as the world's greatest heavyweight fighter when he walked away as its heavyweight champion.
Now, the UFC will not be able to claim that the best heavyweight fights under their banner. It gives their rival promotion, whichever it may be, the chance to claim some sort of superiority over the UFC if they sign the Cameroonian. Even if Jon Jones emerges victorious against Ciryl Gane, the same issue remains.
'Bones' didn't face Ngannou due to allegedly demanding more money than the UFC was willing to pay him. Many even accused 'Bones' of ducking 'The Predator'. If he captures the heavyweight title, many will accuse him of having been too fearful to challenge the Cameroonian phenom while he was still in the UFC.
#1. If Francis Ngannou gets what he wants, others might follow suit
The real danger for the UFC in allowing Francis Ngannou to leave as he has is that it might influence other fighters to do the same. The Cameroonian phenom is at the peak of his career as a mixed martial artist. If another promotion offers him a contract that includes most of his demands, then other fighters might follow suit.
The possibility that other UFC fighters like Paulo Costa and Jorge Masvidal, both of whom have had their issues with the UFC, might try and test their worth elsewhere is alarming. A mass exodus by the promotion's elite fighters would undercut the entire point of being the best promotion in the world.
If other organizations offer a better share of the revenue and better sponsorship deals, among other benefits, it could immensely trouble the UFC.
