Francis Ngannou Goes Deep on UFC Relationship, Fight for ‘Freedom,’ Future After UFC 270 Win
Embed
- Published on Jan 23, 2022
- Francis Ngannou discusses his win at UFC 270, the doctor who said he shouldn’t take the fight, what happened the first two rounds, when he “broke” Ciryl Gane, if he will return to the UFC, a potential boxing fight with Tyson Fury, his turning point with the UFC, and much more on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.
Subscribe to MMA Fighting on TheXvid: goo.gl/dYpsgH
Subscribe to The MMA Hour on iTunes: Apple.co/themmahour
Subscribe to The MMA Hour on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0NUQhyU...
Subscribe to MMA Fighting feed on iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Check out our full video catalog: goo.gl/u8VvLi
Visit our playlists: goo.gl/eFhsvM
Like MMAF on Facebook: goo.gl/uhdg7Z
Follow on Twitter: goo.gl/nOATUI
Read More: www.mmafighting.com
MMA Fighting is your home for exclusive interviews, live shows, and more for one of the world's fastest-growing sports. Get latest news and more here: www.mmafighting.com 
Sports
There is really only one word to describe Francis: Inspirational. The man has done so much and come so far to chase his dream. He is the definition of a champion and it has simply been awe inspiring to witness his journey.
@Power & Glory lol, veeery softly indeed. The body slams were super soft.
@Austyn MoonVery true my man, watershed moment indeed. UFC will need to put their house in order from this point onwards.
@Ron P. bitter little girl
"If i lose I'm Cameroonian, if I win I'm French" is a very powerful statement.
I don't think that's the general statement though. The toxic voices will always come before the positive ones. Don't let this make you think most people are bad
@asdknjakljye He's sneaking French
Didn't he sneak into France?
@Lupara Bianca "France representative" and Cameroonian are two different things lad.
It’s like that mostly in European countries. they will bring up your origins as soon as you lose.
'Freedom doesn't work with money, you give up one for the other' What a line. This man can't be bought.
@rashid maxamed also 7 mil is not much when these guys start buying mansions and cars. They make bad business deals. The UFC is successful cause Dana is a savage businessman. Imagine if he caved in to tito years ago.
@rashid maxamed wheres he gonna get a better deal? Boxing lol. Hes not a boxer. Bellator? If bellator paid so great why do most of the Ex UFC fighters join them when their at the end of their careers and no longer champions. And most bellator champs are trying to get in the UFC.
Though a tad tenuous, this reminds me of a rant the late, great Patrice O'Neal went on re: "golden handcuffs" those who attain a certain level of success in the entertainment industry are bound by.
@rashid maxamed Well said.
@Help Help if it was only about the money Francis would've taken the 7 mill he would've made so far and the millions more he would made just being a Yes man today.
The money is important, but the principle and the terms of a deal are important too.
-Ariel asks Francis why the french media disrespecting him 11:59
-Ariel asks Francis if he was worried Ciryl Gane would find out about his injury before the fight 13:08
-Ariel asks Francis what happened in the first two rounds of the match 16:28
-Francis explains how he managed to win the third round of the fight 18:47
-Ariel asks Francis about the moment with his coach Erick going into the 5th round 20:56
-Ariel asks Francis if he consider his recent victory over Ciryl Gane the best one in his career 22:45
-Ariel asks Francis if he really made 600k after the fight 23:53
-Ariel asks Francis if he wanted to stop fighting for the ufc 24:44
-Ariel asks Francis again if he still wants to fight for the ufc 28:36
-Ariel asks Francis if he's willing to walk away (from the ufc) if necessary 29:07
-Ariel asks Francis if he noticed that it wasn't Dana White who put the belt around his waist 30:47
-Ariel asks Francis if he's going to need surgery 31:41
-Ariel asks Francis if anything happened backstage after the fight was over 33:33
-Ariel asks Francis if he was getting sued by the ufc 36:35
-Ariel asks Francis about a future Fury vs Ngannou Boxing match possibility 40:01
-Ariel asks Francis if he saw Jon Jones's Tweets 44:13
-Ariel asks Francis what he wants to happen next year 46:44
You’re welcome.
World would've been more better place if it had more people like you
Thank you 🔥🙏
This needs to be at the top of the comments. Thanks
You are simply the best, thanks alot and God bless you greatly
thank u thank u
This guy is not just muscles. He is one of the most intelligent fighters in the game right now. The pride of Africa
100% correct. I thought his mental state wasn't all the way there...I was very wrong. I apologize Francis. You are a true Champion
You're totally right
Didn't think I could respect Francis anymore than I already do, but here we are.
@Giannis 4MVP ya francis lost...lost all bargaining power and lost any hope of a boxing career with that boring ,not even sold out show. sry facts hurt you little lady
This dude is a walking billboard for the spirit of humanity. Saying he’s an inspiration is an understatement.
You're right on the button, my man. His Resilience beats imagination.
Ton of respect for Francis....he is extremely smart and comes with a big heart. That fight wasn't for him alone, it is for all those oppressed by tyranny...
@Matthew Neufer so sorry Mr Big Brains LMFAO
@steve paris these kids so overly dramatic man. They’re all part of the “rebellion” smh
Word 💯💯💯
This is probably one of the greatest interviews that Ariel has done. Especially about what’s been going on with a huge organization. Certainly exposes what happens behind the cameras and gives us the opportunity to understand what decisions you choose in life. Francis has shown his priorities and sticks with it. Always believed in himself and stuck through all the circumstances he’s been experiencing. True champion in the octagon and out.
“He looked like me, the first time I fought Stipe” Francis is learning and making adjustments. Humble enough to recognize his mistakes and get better. Truly more than a knockout artist now. And still evolving.
@Rosebed416 lel
*aaaaaaaand STIIIILLLL evolving.
Francis is a legend to speak out like this. One of the greatest MMA interviews of all time. Big FU to the UFC 🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲👑👑👑
@Mont Gon 🤣🤣🤣🤣👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿
@Evans Mugambi na but he's promoted him alot although business is business
@Danny Sibanda lol yeah I’m sure it’s the latter 😂
@Corey UFC confusion at its' best, me thinks 😊😊😊🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hands down, one of the best MMA interviews I've ever seen. Fantastic job, Ariel. Ngannou comes across as a man of conscience, whose demands by any measure sound reasonable. The man is also speaking up for fighters who can't. A true champion inside and outside the octagon. Dana White and the UFC shouldn't be allowed to run away from the very legitimate concerns he has raised in this interview. Much respect for the Champ from India!
@Potomac they literally offered him millions...imagine being loud and wrong
It blows my mind that ufc doesn't offer their fighters health insurance. That's insane and all fighters in the organisation need to rise up.
Francis is so physically scary
He’s a gentle giant for sure but yeah I definitely wouldn’t want to piss him off
Seriously, this is the first Ariel interview I've ever watched front to back. Absolutely captivating. Francis is legendary.
@Aunchient Pistol You're right. He pushes it way too much, but it has a reason. he is pointing out the truth behind the scene. There's some hands which try hard to prevent the truth from getting out. there's a mafia behind ufc. there's a system which operates in a way to oppress the fighters in a controlled way. he is the only guy who points to the stuff. but he can't talk. like other people.
Legendary? Yes the legendary champ that fights once a year 😂
His JRE when he tells his story of how he got from Cameroon to France is out the gate. He's had a crazy life
@Dustin Demuth just look at Brett Okamoto asking all Easy questions at ESPN. No wonder why Dana likes him so much
@Farhang Emamifar okay lol ;D yeah sure
MMA fighters won't realise it now but Francis is a hero for all the fighters. He has the courage to do what 90% of them won't/can't do. Shame they aren't backing him because of UFC/Dana phobia.
If Conor did this during his double champ days, he would be have changed the game forever.
All champions could
@king kappa "..won't or can't.." they don't all fall into the same category. But they are not all in the same category. He made the hard, choice not because it was easy for him. Nothing this important will come easy. That's why realistically fighters will never have a union and the benefits thereof unless the government/courts intervene.
Maybe because none of them are in the position to speak out like Francis is. A champ, has the hype of the sports/attention of the world, and contract running out
Francis is a true example for champion inside and outside the octagon
@Johnny Sack boring? No actually technical chess match if you train and fight you would appreciate.. especially if the dudes acl was blown. 2 years I’ve been battling
@Perhaps he is not respectful at all he diss all my country with his lies
Fight was super boring. Kinda shitty. Hope he doesn’t resign with ufc
Francis just lied and insulted 70 millions of peoples
Maybe when he’s on camera
I get so touched and emotional anytime I listen to Francis talk. He is a living testament of greatness.
@rashid maxamed I guess people don't distinguish between saying no after the contract has finished and saying no before it has finished? Saying no before the contract has finished is a thing, with opposing views on freedom and force. This isn't even a thing. This is just a guy making a life choice.
@rashid maxamed Do those other fighters wait until the contract is over before asking for more money?
@Theme Master his contract has essentially ended, but the UFC still gets 1 year to exclusively negotiate with him.
He's not disrespecting any contract and legally/technically never has.
Francis (and plenty of other fighters) are just asking for better paying contracts, more flexibility and freedom. Especially if the UFC wants to treat them like independent contractors and not employees.
@thehihatchi Why is it a big thing on TheXvid that Francis won't prolong the contract?
@thehihatchi So what's the big fuss over??
''Freedom doesn't work well with money, u give up one, to get the other one''. Now I truly understand why this guy won, he has that true warrior mindset. He understands life philosophy and life is all about fighting and staying true to yourself !
... Fashion World; Movies; Brands Ambassador... the possibilities are massive.
The money will come, trust me. The possibilities for Francis outside UFC/MMA are terrific.
I am so close to being convinced that this could be the moment for the UFC to have a real change. The issue of reasonable compensation is coming up more and more and as the organization grows, it has to get to a point where this topic is approached seriously. Crossing my fingers for all these fighters because if a few of these champions speak out, it'll be hard to ignore.
Hats off to Ariel for using his platform to give the fighter a platform to discuss these matters, because this sport we all love is nothing without the athletes.
@Blue Moon This is a new generation. Fury can also vacate his belts and go after the 💰 fights that he wants on his terms. He's not going to fight many more years anyway
Francis needs to move on UFC to bigger and better things
Doubt it but it’s another sludge hammer to the wall.
I never thought i'd see a Legend come into existence in my lifetime. Francis and his story are truly like something from mythology. He has wholeheartedly earned the title of Champion and for right now, he undoubtedly is the Baddest Man on the Planet.
Legendary fight for him dealing with everything he was dealing with, losing 2 rounds, and then winning the next 3 with a totally different style of fighting.
@Osi O Because Francis didn't do anything during ground control besides in round 3. Gane landed more strikes and went for 3 submission attempts on the ground. Francis didn't even land a punch on Gane's face during the standup...
@Bentle, The Heir Of Bentropolis Gane landed more strikes in every single round besides round 3 where Francis only landed 3 more strikes than him. And Gane went for 3 submission attempts while Francis went for none. Francis took him down 4 times while Gane only once. I had Gane winning round 1 and 2, and a close round 5.
@alcott devalte hahahaha
@alcott devalte why? Because the weasel says so?
Fantastic interview. Francis' poise during fight week, post fight interview, and today stands tall amongst the greats. Professionalism, charisma, and above all else his honesty and candidness. I applaud him and continue to support him.
Great work Ariel.
Francis crushed this interview, highly intelligent and entertaining to watch and listen to. Francis is the man!
Francis is the embodiment of class and grace. What a guy.
I agree... I wrote a long response, then I realized you already said everything i wanted to say in few words lol thanks
Ton of respect for Francis....he is extremely smart and comes with a big heart. That fight wasn't for him alone, it is for all those oppressed by tyranny...
One of Ariel’s best ever interviews. Francis you truly are an inspiration.
@Saad Sandhu dont be sad saad
@aloevv𖤐 lose to a guy that has damaged leg. Lmao
@aloevv𖤐 if gane was a better fighter he would have walked out with the belt dummy put some respect on Francis
Definitely one of his best interviews!
Francis's story is a movie. I can't honestly believe that the UFC doesn't know the potential super star they have. Its crazy.
We need more champs to do what Francis is doing right now. if a few more champs stood up, some real change could happen.
Dana White is treating him like the little African child who should be happy with the crumbs he's dropping at his feet. There are people who have some integrity not to sell their souls, and Francis is one of those.
sometimes power makes people blind, thats what happening with Dana White
It’s legitimately a movie backstory and that just shows you the size of Danas ego. It’s wild to blow this opportunity
Completely agree! Amazing story. There has to be a movie made one day surely
Such a powerful interview man... Francis is such a wonderful man... with so much poise... its really hard to dislike him and his incredible experiences... you just sit back and marvel in awe... a person that has been through so much, yet is still smiling and still able to show so much composure and calmness... truly a Gentle Giant!!!!
Very intelligent person, he just gained alot more fans with this interview. Francis Clearly showed that there is always two side to the story.
It was always Francis vs the evil greedy ufc
This was pure gold. That's the first time I've ever gotten choked up listening to a fighter talk. And props to you Ariel, the master interviewer- you know when to probe, and when to say nothing at all. And yes, that's the most important interview in mma history (not just yours). Just, wow, great interview.
Ariel really knows when to prove!
"We have no health care or insecure which is understandable for an independent contractor, but if we are independent contractors treat as such"
- Francis Ngannou 🔥💯
Uncle Dana using Vince McMahon tactics with the contractor wordplay haha
@Trap Lord So lowkey he thinks that because he’s not a native English speaker…
broooooo i had goosebumps when he said thta. the guy is very intelligent and educated. Dana think Francis was a smooth brain
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get what I want” he’s not lying he literally escaped from Cameroon and became the UFC Heavyweight Champion. He also lives by the motto that “you have to create your own destiny.” He’s one of the most inspirational athletes of all time and I hope that he gets treated fairly in whatever organization he chooses to fight for.
Francis ain't gonna be bullied. He isn't just a beast inside the Octagon but also carries himself with grace outside. He deserves all the respect & kudos!
What happens next is upto UFC but As true Francis Fans I will follow his journey wherever he goes!
The respect I have for this man is immeasurable.
“You choose one, money or freedom” 👏
Jab or no job :P
@Junkee Monkee you’re dense dense. He’s sacrificing money right now for the ability for him to make more based on being free. He’s restricted by contract but wants autonomy over his finances as an independent contractor… this comment will still go over your head though
Yeah look at McGregor, the money has made him sick in the soul. Sad to watch.
I am so proud of Francis for standing up for what he believes in and sticking to his principles. He has gained everyone’s respect.
Francis has made the UFC look like utter fools and he's done it with a big bright smile on his face the entire time.
@Ehianeta Obinyan Dana became the fool at his own game.
Respect and more money@Red R0ver
@Red R0ver not about the money..about the whole contract
@Red R0ver it wasn't just about the money because he was indeed offered way, way more money and he refused. Watch the full video and you will understand how deep it actually gets. I never knew the UFC used such cheap tricks to pressure fighters and now I really feel sorry many of the fighters
Man, I got sooo much respect for this man..his humbleness, competitive drive, professionalism, and pure character as a man. Such integrity and sheer honesty comes from this man's mouth. I feel like he's the same person whether the cameras are on or off. Much Respect Francis !!
Francis is smart and pricipled and highly intelligent. In all his interviews he is always impressive and you can't help admire him!
Now I am really scared of what the UFC could be plotting against Francis. I did not know the UFC can be so creepy
So glad that I clicked on this interview. Francis you’re a role model to many!
Incredible interview, I hope he gets the fighters what they deserve
They Have No Choice Now
Hes Pitting Alot Of Pressure On The UFC Now
This Is What The Fighters Like Diaz And Masvidal ETC Been Waiting For
Massive respect to Francis. And I'll support him no matter where he goes from here. He is a true champion. In life. And a great role model for people to look up to.
Incredible enlightening interview- so much transparency from Francis- he’s a true champ through and through!
Great interview! You did it again Ariel✊🏼 and congrats to Francis Ngannou✊🏿 he is a modern day gladiator and a great human being! What a story - What a fighter!
What an amazing interview, Francis a real dude, Principal over money 💴.
Possibly my 2nd favorite fighter, right after MAX!
It is fantastic to listen to Francis Ngannou's point of view on all these events that took place. Ciryl Gane has a great future, but this is Francis Ngannou's moment.
He said I'm in America, the country of freedom so I should have that. This guy is like the MLK of UFC, bloody inspirational
The best, most honest, most fulfilling sports conversation of all time! Thank you Helwani!! Thank you, most importantly, Francis Ngannou.. Great content guys!
The UFC does not deserve this man, Francis you are the epitome of self belief and greater purpose. No other fighter has battled such adversity and come out shining like the diamond you are. Keep this energy flowing my brother as we are all here behind you no matter what path you decide to take in your extraordinary journey.
@Mark Walmsley You know what .They want boxing money so bad they loose all their pride and principles and rather lose and embarasse themself and the UFC .ITs gonna be an emberassement .Francis can't even outbox Gane and takes it to the ground ,Fury is laughing easy money. .
The ufc doesn't care about being embarrassed. All they care about is the money. Why else would Conor have been next in line for the belt if porier won? Conors been losing but he draws numbers. Just like having CM Punks fight for the ufc, it brought numbers. So if the ufc wants to keep the fighters exclusively to the ufc then offer the guarantee pay and long term health care, otherwise they can't be upset if a fighter wants to make money by other means
@Jason Skillz yep, all because he isn't allowed to box and embarrass the ufc and mma in general. All the top fighters renegotiate their contracts fight on fight so Francis acting like he's being palmed off with bad pay is not telling the whole story. No wonder dana is annoyed by it all. If they say yes to Francis then masvidal, nate and usman will want to box, where does it stop? They didn't want to allow Conor to box but he was saying if he wasn't allowed to fight Floyd he would never fight again so they said yes, then they created a monster plus it was a circus. It's not going to happen again, Francis could been paid more but he wont sign if he isnt allowed to box so he wants to see his contract out.
But the UFC offered him at least 7.5 million and he refused
@Luke Murray I didn't ever say anything about why he should resign. I was replying to what you said about him saying he should be treated as an independent contractor. He wasn't saying that in relation to being out of contract as that makes no sense, he is saying the same thing many ufc fighters have said about them being independent but at the same time being tied to the ufc. I am pointing out you can be independent but if you sign a contract with someone where the terms say you cannot work for anyone else until the contract of fulfilled then you have to see out the contract. He however wants to be able to do others things like box and if he can't do that he won't sign. That is where the problem is.
I have so much respect for Ngannou. Incredibly inspirational interview. Great job Ariel, much love and respect to you both.
I’m happy for Francis, you can really see how much he’s matured! Handling all the media plus drama plus work drama plus injuries, common the man deserves a break!
Francis is one of the best champions ever. True self belief over all the noise. The way he won the last three rounds shows true heart. I hope the ufc smartens up and realizes what they have in Francis. Pay the man, let him box. He will be a true superstar that puts butts in seats.
Massive respect for Francis. This interview really moved and inspired me to fight for what I want.
By the sounds of things, I have a new found respect for Francis and I stand in support for him.
So much love and positivity for you Francis! Keep on doing what you're doing, we're very proud of you. Hopefully I'll get the chance to meet you one day. All the best!
Wow, Ariel this was an amazing interview and Francis is an absolute inspiration to the world 🌎. Ariel, I’ve been listening to you and your interviews for a long time and I have to say that this one particularly compelled me to send this message. I’m another speck in this universe as we all are, but there are specs that inspire as Francis is doing now and I have to say, “You Sir are another speck of Inspiration as well”. Keep up the good work my man.
I am so proud of Francis for standing up for what he believes in and sticking to his principles. He has gained everyone’s respect.
One could argue that getting in a raft to cross 8 miles of water was not smart. One could argue that migration to France with no money was not smart. One could argue that fighting after such a short time of training was not smart. Francis my brother, you are nothing like the people that say those things. You are truly a modern day warrior. Much love and respect….
Beautifully said!
@Robert Sorry mate, you are going to need to explain that a bit better, what you said really does not make much sense to me. That last paragraph, maybe it's just me, but it makes no sense. As far as shouldn't need to take risk, I mean do you think everyone should just be handed everything, and who exactly should be doing the handing over? Saying you shouldn't need to take risks is like saying you shouldn't need to live in the real world. of course, the degree of risk a person is willing to take is their choice, it's always a choice that is why we say great risk comes great reward. It's for the individual to decide what they are willing to risk and if it is worth the reward. Some people risk and lose, some win. If you don't risk anything you definitely don't win anything, it's a universal law. that is all.
@MarkM
That’s not the point. He has no choice.
People who are stuck in poverty has to work longer hours for low wages just to pay the bills. Nowadays, people work harder because living is expensive.
And yet, the amount of profits businesses make and yet can’t afford to pay higher wage is ridiculous
@Scruffy Afro
Clearly, we shouldn’t need to take risks.
Taking risk is a choice but if that’s the only way to LIVE then things need to change.
Because clearly millions of people that are in poverty cannot take risks or else they will work longer hours just to make up for that money you lose.
@RunForPeace 2020 "16th chapel"? 🤣🤣🤣
We all are in awe of Francis Ngannou, the guy is a gem of a person
Respect to Ngannou for dealing with all this bs and still coming out victorious.
"The only moment you loose is the moment you Give-Up" Francis Ngannou
Great interview.
I am so proud of Francis for standing up for what he believes in and sticking to his principles. He has gained everyone’s respect.
I am so proud of Francis for standing up for what he believes in and sticking to his principles. He has gained everyone’s respect.
Such a respectable heavyweight, I really am genuinely happy for ngannou. He has improved so much over the years and I dont think anyone thought they where gonna see him win a fight using grappling over his monstrous power. Humble guy and inspirational for sure. I hope he stays in the ufc. He's gonna keep Jon Jones in hiding
This man deserves every dime pay the man He's really a warrior and he overcame a lot of difficulties
thats insane guys... who could call that injury watching the fight?
huge props to Francis, the victory feels even more impressive. Thats a hell of a champ
UFC and many others always thought he was the big dumb brute. So happy to see Francis prevail and show everyone. One hell of a champ, inspirational and a really intelligent guy
@Lone Wolf I knew he was smart but this interview impressed the hell out of me. It's not even a case of doing well for not speaking his first language and being am immigrant fighter... he's highly intelligent. More than the average university student. The way he thinks every question through and answers deeply from a perspective that the question didn't even consider. He is a wise man. Going to be a great one too.
@Big Dawg He is clearly highly intelligent, based on this interview alone. Not just book smarts, strategy and emotional intelligence combined with integrity.Quite frankly you show your own lack of intelligence by not realising it. He's a dangerous man.
@Big Dawg say something 🤡
What a unique soul Francis is, coupled with the masterclass meaning questions asked..
I’m personally inspired.. Blessings yll💯💪🏽
"This is exactly me when I fought Stipe and I knew he was done." Man that was powerful!
Great interview 👏, Francis is my favorite fighter, he deserves everything he wants, what a journey he is been through, greetings from México
Francis makes a great point, he is an independent contractor but has an iron clad contract that dictates what he can do outside of the #UFC. The ufc is getting over, making all the fighters to my knowledge contractors instead of employees and them not having health insurance is wild.
One of the best MMA interviews from Ariel. Francis Ngannou is a such a warrior. He knew how important it was for him to win his fight against Gane not only for himself but for all MMA fighters. He wasn't going pull out the fight no matter what.
@onelongwordable Hahaha, yeah, that's what it comes off as. Like two completely different people. Like he copied and pasted his first post from somewhere else but was completely unprepared for any retort.
@OctoberOmicron seriously at the forst sign of resistance this guy just calls names and says "you're wrong and it's so obvi" what a terrible argument, he put all his effort in the first comment I guess
@Max Macabrè Wow, after reading your post and then the responses I was really looking forward to your counter arguments. I guess your post just made me assume you had a thicker skin.
@Luke Murray you're crazy
@Max Macabrè yeah, my bad on that. But go ahead and read the rest if you care for that
Amazing interview. Congratulations Francis. You are a champion inside and outside the Octagon
Respect to everyone in the comments section for all the love towards Francis.
Is it just me or does this man have a new ora Around him, like I can literally feel his energy through the screen, very powerful!
Killing it Ariel, thanks for bringing this to us
"Freedom vs. Money, to gain one you give one." Tells me all I need to know about this man. Revolutionary.
@The Laughing Man it's even more amazing how eloquent he is right now in English based on that.
@Ryan Cheong english is his third language. He speaks his native tongue and french and english
@Ashanti Ghana that's probably why they so easily gave the opportunity to Macgregor. He was chasing hard after money and fame at any cost and since Macgregor is a troublemaker by nature, that makes him way easier to control as well.
You might be onto something with everything you said. You can't have a guy who freely speaks his mind out hold both power and money and that's probably why they are making Nganou's life a nightmare atm
He also seems to have the highest emotional intelligence of probably any champ at the moment. Very aware of himself. Those losses to Stipe and Lewis changed him and he came out the other side a better person. Hopefully he can be the arbiter of change here and improve conditions for all fighters. It’s not his responsibility, but it’s the right thing to do and he’s following through. Mad respect.
I could have listened to this for two more hours straight. this man is fascinating. What a genuine Soul . . and the fighter guy was pretty interesting as well
I love how well Francis can express himself now.
Intelligent, articulate and respectful everything you need in a champion. Francis is the man!!
Ngannou is a real leader, he is completely right and his attitude is inspiring
Im honestly just so happy for Francis for how the fight turned out. This man deserves the world.
He's gonna get it too! Dana snubbed him, Francis is going to call his shots. He can retire one fight against Tyson Dosser Fury. He's gonna expose the UFC by his humble actions
@Cool Guy the 5th round the fight took place on the mat. Literally over 4 minutes. Yes Gane got the takedown but had it reversed almost straight away. Yes he went for the leg lock but so was Francis and he got out of it and landed ground and pound. They then controlled the rest of the round. There is literally zero argument for Gane taking that round or the fight. Gane even knew this himself!!!
@Luke Murray the 5th round gane outstruck him, took him down and attempted a submission whereas ngannou just laid on top and didnt do damage. Top control is not scored in the new rules
@Abdul Hadi Mojaddedi Chael opinions are either right on the money or just straight up the worst takes ever. There is no in-between!!
@Cool Guy how anyone can say that fight wasn't scored right is off their head. Not only do you clearly not get MMA but you can't of watched it! First two Gane easy but what round did Gane win after that?? He got controlled for the rest of the fight excluding one little half attempt at a heel hook.
It's really a shame that other fighters are too scared to publicly back him. What he's currently doing is going to benefit every fighter in the long run, and he decided to take the company head on when he's in the position to gain the most. If the fighters don't publicly back Francis RIGHT NOW, I don't want to see any more passive aggressive tweets about fighter pay. This is the chance to band together as an association.
Definitely an important moment for MMA, fighters, and so much respect for Francis Ngannou! Such an inspiration!
Francis is a living legend,this man's story is unreal,so happy he won 💖
One of the best interviews I've seen. So much respect and love for Francis- what a human!
A true strong, respectable and motivational heavy weight champion!!! Go Francis, I will be in Cameroon soon.
What an amazing, radical interview!!!
Big Ups Francis 💗
Really amazing interview. What a great guy Francis is, super honest and willing to sacrifice for what he believes in. If only the world had more people like this. He has called the UFC's bluff and they have no choice now. They need to change and respect their fighters more, everyone is saying this. Not having medical insurance for their fighters is a disgrace. I am a huge Francis fan now. What a great human being.
Not only is he brave and strong (mentally and ofc physically), he stands his grounds against all odds, he seems to be a good person and he's way smarter than most people give him credit for. His answers to Ariel were always precise and mesured (even if he's not speaking in his mother tongue). What an inspiration and what an incredible human being!
Man this guy got Dana by the balls. What a story. He bet on himself against all the odds. Truly inspirational, he really is the baddest man on the planet!!
No one is indispensable, the show will go on. I hope a fighter strike happens.
@The Laughing Man they just fckn did make an IC title they can absolutely strip him any time they want....we seen it with 2 division Champs too....
NOW after watching him on Ariels show, it seems if they strip him that makes him a free agent is Francis interpretation...and wow was he sharp and well spoken...he has really won me over going thru all this and fighting that hurt with all that was on the line...
@Shawn Gilbert nah they cant strip him for medical leave thats related to his fight camp for said UFC title fight. thats a massive lawsuit hes got up to a year per his champion contract expiration. They can not strip him until this time frame ends
Unfortunately he doesn't he needs surgery and Dana will strip him when he does....
He will then be forced to deal with Dana to get a shot at his title back or move on to another probably less lucrative promotion BUT he will get more respect he deserves...im a fan...but no fighter beats Dana...its sad....
He makes me feel weak, and people tell me I am a warrior. Thank you for the inspiration bro'
I am so proud of Francis for standing up for what he believes in and sticking to his principles. He has gained everyone’s respect.
Man, this might be the best interview I’ve ever seen. Much respect for Francis for fighting for himself and others and much respect for Ariel for providing a platform for him to be heard.
18:56 "by the end of 3rd round, i look at him, i saw me, when i fought stipe the first time.. i was like 'this guy's done' yah". -- I love Francis Ngannou. What an incredible soul. Gentle Giant. He will be King ~
Incredible Interview. Every now and then people come along who transcend there sport. Francis is that person for MMA
This is beautiful but I'm afraid this incredible story and stance will be over shadowed soon by media by finding a way to discredit him. He'll still be a hero to us real fans. Much Respect Francis. God blessed you with principle, courage, wisdom and eloquence.
When he said “I’m willing to do anything it takes to get what I want”, I pictured him walking across the desert, cutting himself on razor blade fences, and paddling across the Mediterranean to get into France, for his dream, for his freedom. Money can’t buy this man’s freedom.
Francis comes across as calm and reasonable, and makes extremely valid points regarding the ufc contracts. Will look really bad if the UFC cannot make this right
People forget that ESPN is owned by Disney. If Dana wants to renew this deal he’s gonna have to impress some people
@Tess Jardin are you insane. That’s a bad idea. Imagine if Francis was bound to a 20 year contract for little money. You always want to strive for short contract with the most amount of money. 20 years contract consisting 20 fights worth 10 million is 500k a fight. Now 2 years contract of 2 fight worth 10 million is 5m a fight. See the difference
20 years contract and problem solved
They dont care bro. Like at all. Fighters are still gonna fight and fans are still gonna pay
They don’t care as you’ll still watch and pay
Francis you are a kind of university to my life. The more i heard you talking in this interview the more i was ashamed of myself. You have all my respect bro 🇨🇲🇨🇲