Francis Ngannou insists UFC negotiations weren't just about a fatter paycheck

Francis Ngannou has explained that his contractual dispute with the UFC was about more than just better compensation.

In a recent edition of The MMA Hour, the Cameroonian said that higher pay was not his only demand in his negotiations with the UFC. Ngannou alleged that there were other elements at play in the contract negotiations that Dana White chose not to talk about:

"It wasn't all about money. I did some stuff, and they will never talk about that stuff. It's very interesting how they kind of, like, pick what they're gonna talk about. They just talk about the money they could give me that could've made me the biggest paid heavyweight in [UFC] history, which is how much? I can't tell. Bigger than who? Nobody knows. It's all their [UFC's] narrative. They control that narrative which cannot be proven. I wish it could've worked. I really do."

Listen to Ngannou speak on the issue from the 13:00 minute mark below:

Francis Ngannou is now a free agent and is no longer associated with the UFC. On multiple occasions, 'The Predator' has spoken about transitioning into boxing. Hence, there is a possibility that Ngannou's return to combat sports might take place inside the squared circle.

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Following Francis Ngannou's departure, Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane will fight for the heavyweight title

Along with the announcement that Francis Ngannou is no longer part of the UFC, Dana White declared that Ciryl Gane would take on Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285.

The event will take place on March 4 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

Jones has been out of action for nearly three years. In his last outing, 'Bones' defended his light heavyweight belt against Dominick Reyes.

The 35-year-old later relinquished the title and announced that he would be moving up to heavyweight. On March 4, MMA fans will finally get to witness the much-anticipated return of 'Bones'.