Francis Ngannou: “Even if I retired today, I would be fine”
Ngannou defends his choice to leave the UFC
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou continues to make headlines. With less than two weeks to go until his big MMA comeback against Brazilian Renan Ferreira, scheduled for October 19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 37-year-old Cameroonian fighter took the opportunity to respond to criticism from UFC President Dana White. White had claimed that Ngannou was not thriving as much as he claims since leaving the organization.
Ongoing tensions with Dana White
Ngannou didn’t mince words in response to Dana White’s recent attacks. Far from being affected, he downplayed the significance of his former boss’ statements. “At this point, I’ve stopped taking Dana White’s words at face value for a long time now. I don’t give him any importance. What he says often doesn’t make sense,” Ngannou said in an interview with MMA Junkie .
Since leaving the UFC, Ngannou says he has gained freedom and a better quality of life, saying he has everything he needs. “I want to say that since I left the UFC, I have everything more. A lot more. And I’m talking about every aspect of my life, ask me, I have.”
The end of financial pressure
Ngannou, who has recently ventured into other fight organizations and signed lucrative contracts, including a recent boxing bout against Tyson Fury, also stressed that his current motivation is no longer financial. “Today, I fight because I love it, not because I need to pay my bills and my credits. It’s not about money anymore,” he added. Far from the financial pressures that accompanied his early years in the sport, Ngannou says he’s ready to quit at any time if he wanted to: “Even if I retired today, I would be fine.”
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou, after leaving the UFC, is now pursuing a career on his own terms, without financial pressure and focusing on his passion for fighting. Despite criticism from Dana White, the Cameroonian remains calm and claims to have found a personal and professional balance. His upcoming fight against Renan Ferreira on October 19 could mark a new step in his career, proving once again that he remains a key player in combat sports.
