Francis Ngannou rejected a record-setting UFC contract to become free agent, reveals Dana White

As per Dana White, the UFC was unable to reach an agreement with Francis Ngannou on a new contract, making it only the second time in his time as UFC president that he failed to convince a fighter.

White spoke to the media after UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov and made a string of announcements, including Ngannou's exit from the promotion and the subsequent vacant heavyweight championship fight.

Dana White revealed further details about the contract negotiations and the massive deal that was offered to the Cameroonian heavyweight. UFC's head honcho claimed that the contract offered to Ngannou would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight fighter in UFC history, even more so than the deal that was offered to Fedor Emelianenko. Both deals did not achieve fruition.

The legendary Russian heavyweight was offered a massive contract in a bid to pit him against Brock Lesnar in a legendary matchup. However, the negotiations fell through and Emelianenko never competed in the UFC.

Ngannou has always maintained that his priorities remained to get free reign to pursue big-money boxing matchups while being signed to the ppromotion,but he was likely denied that clause.

Check out Aaron Bronsteter's tweets detailing White's comments from the press conference:

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Dana White confirms Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards for UFC 286

Dana White also confirmed a rematch between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards for the welterweight title at UFC 286.

The trilogy bout will take place on March 18, 2023, in the champion's home country of England in London. The UFC 286 main card will also feature a cracking lightweight encounter between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev.

Ariel Helwani tweeted the confirmation after White's press conference post UFC Vegas 67. He wrote:

"Leon Edwards x Kamaru Usman 3 for the welterweight title is a done deal for March 18 in London, per Dana White. Co-main event for that card will be Justin Gaethje x Rafael Fiziev."

Check out Helwani's tweet below:

The odds might favor Leon Edwards due to his home advantage, but Kamaru Usman has no intention of languishing as a mere contender in the division and will look to reclaim his championship.

Usman's Dominance MMA teammate Justin Gaethje lost his last bout against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and will aim to reignite his case in contention against the surging Rafael Fiziev. Fiziev is on an impressive six-fight win streak and the outcome of this fight could have direct implications for the lightweight top 5.