Throughout the history of the UFC, the leading promotion in mixed martial arts, many fighters have made a name for themselves. One notable figure is Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion. Typically, Dana White and the promotion show respect for both current and former champions. However, this has not been the case for Ngannou.
Francis Ngannou has earned a remarkable reputation as a KO artist. Despite this, Dana White and the UFC have repeatedly tried to marginalize Ngannou’s legacy within the promotion. Leading up to the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight weekend, Ngannou was once again overlooked as he was not mentioned, despite being one of the prominent names in Miocic’s UFC record.
Miocic’s last UFC fight occurred three years ago against Ngannou, where the American fighter lost his heavyweight title. In the promotional video for Miocic’s upcoming fight, the promotion could have referenced the ‘Predator.’
While they included a brief clip of the Ngannou vs. Miocic fight, they did not mention the Cameroonian-born fighter by name or show his face. Interestingly, this is not the first time this has occurred. Previously, when the UFC promotion tried to downplay Ngannou’s legacy, Israel Adesanya spoke out in discontent.
The former UFC middleweight champion expressed his displeasure with how the promotion treated Ngannou, even leading White to apologize for the incident. This incident highlights the promotion’s perspective on Ngannou. Amidst this situation, Miocic recently reflected on his last fight against the Predator.
Stipe Miocic reveals making several attempts for his trilogy fight against Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou was one of the most exciting heavyweight fighters in UFC history. During his peak time with the promotion, he developed a notable rivalry with former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. However, their rivalry did not receive the closure typically expected from such conflicts. They faced each other twice, with each fighter winning one bout.
Recently, Miocic discussed his intriguing rivalry with Ngannou in an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting. During the conversation, the American fighter revealed that he had made several attempts to secure a trilogy fight against the Cameroonian-born fighter.
I was trying, I was trying to get the rematch. Then he (Francis Ngannou) left and it didn’t happen unfortunately… Listen, I’m a fighter. I don’t work for the UFC internally and (figure) out matchmaking. It’s what they wanted to do and it’s what they did.
Stipe Miocic via MMA Fighting
Miocic stated that Ngannou’s exit from the promotion was a major factor in the trilogy fight not happening. The American fighter also noted that there were certain circumstances beyond his control that he had to come to terms with. Interestingly, Ngannou’s departure was contentious, which has led to ongoing disputes between him and White.
