Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou recently shared insights about his challenging journey through 2023…
Highlighting the often harsh and underhanded nature of the MMA promotion industry.
Ngannou’s year was marked by a significant decision to leave the UFC after contract negotiations broke down, a move that drew criticism and skepticism from many in the MMA world.
Despite the backlash, Ngannou remained committed to his decision – eventually signing a deal with the PFL and their new PFL Africa venture, which he described as “the most spendable contract in combat sports”.
And then, he managed to secure the biggest fight of his career – against Tyson Fury in October 2023.
Although he did not emerge victorious (thought many believed he should’ve), Ngannou reflected on the year as a period of outstanding growth:
This year offered me a lot.
A lot more than what I have expected and then I have been gratitude for this year.And for all the supporters or all the fans around the world, all those who stand by my side, all those who believe in me, all those believe in my dream, in my decision.
Ngannou further added a bit of a reflection on just how the MMA business can look like:
I learned this year how this business can be nasty.
You will have people that pretend to be something, wish they are not.
You will have a lot of things.
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