Francis Ngannou opens up about his depature from the UFC and his free agency

Francis Ngannou is no longer with the UFC after his contract expired and he was unable to come to terms with the promotion on a new deal. The former UFC heavyweight champion recently discussed his departure and his foray into free agency.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ngannou shared that he signed his last contract in December 2017 and although he knew it wasn't a good deal, he understood he needed to become more valuable to earn more. He added that he didn't complain about his previous contract or try to renegotiate it before stating:

"The only thing that I wanted is the right to deliver that contract, to terminate that contract, as I should, and move on into the next one. I do believe that I have that right, at least. I mean, that's called freedom. To be able to terminate a contract in order to start another one, and if the new one doesn't suit your condition, you're also free not to sign without going into a bad blood."

Ngannou added:

"It's just unfortunate that we didn't come to a term which I wish we could've, but it is what it is. As an independent contract, I have to look up to myself and do what's right for me and everyone out there should do the same for themselves. Now, it's very crucial for my future - I have to take time, decide what's my next move, and I'm gonna speak to some people out there and see what's possible."

Ngannou shared that he would like to participate in a boxing match before making his return to mixed martial arts. He noted that when he returns to mixed martial arts, it will be with a promotion where he feels valued and respected.

Watch Francis Ngannou discuss his UFC departure and mixed martial arts free agency below:

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Francis Ngannou revealed that the UFC did not want him boxing

Francis Ngannou has been vocal about his desire to step into the boxing ring and face WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Ngannou revealed that the UFC was uninterested in allowing him to do so, stating:

"They didn't want anything to do with boxing. They was like, 'if, and only if, in good faith, and this', I'm like, 'I'm not betting on that. Let's get three fights here. I can knock out three fights here in one year if I'm not hurt, if I'm healthy and then after that I can go do my boxing, whatever I want. If during that time you guys find an interesting in doing boxing together then we'll do it.'"

While the UFC has previously allowed Conor McGregor to participate in a high-profile boxing match, it is unclear why they were unwilling to allow Ngannou to do the same. His departure from the promotion will likely expedite his boxing debut as he no longer has contractual obligations preventing him from doing so.

Watch Francis Ngannou discuss the UFC turning down his desire to box below: