Years after he departed from UFC, Francis Ngannou remains one of the biggest names in the world of combat sports. The former heavyweight champion left the UFC to try his luck in boxing. However, the MMA fans have not forgotten about him. Recently, the fighter met UFC color commentator Joe Rogan.
Joe Rogan has always been a fan of Francis Ngannou and used to love calling out his fights. Rogan has also welcomed Ngannou to his podcast multiple times and both have talked about a variety of things in detail. Given their history, it was incredibly wholesome to see both meeting again and clicking a picture together in a treatment center.
Rogan always spoke highly of the French-Cameroonian and his incredible MMA skills. He has frequently mentioned the raw power of Ngannou to shut down anybody in the world with one punch. According to Rogan, Ngannou’s brutal knockout against Alistair Overeem was his favorite.
During his time in the UFC, Ngannou became the heavyweight champion by defeating Stipe Miocic via KO. The fighter defended his title once and was expected to fight Jon Jones in a super fight. The hype behind that fight was incredible as Jones would have returned to UFC after a three-year hiatus. However, that never happened as the ‘Predator’ decided to leave the promotion.
Joe Rogan didn’t like Francis Ngannou leaving UFC in his prime
The main reason behind Francis Ngannou leaving UFC was his dispute regarding the fight purse. The fighter was also unhappy about the way the promotion was treating him as he felt ignored and undervalued. Both parties didn’t come to a mutual agreement resulting in Ngannou joining PFL. In the process, Ngannou got a way better deal and also got the freedom to box.
Joe Rogan talks about Francis Ngannou leaving UFC (via X)
Ngannou’s departure got mixed reactions from fight fans. Some thought it was a wrong decision while others supported the fighter for standing up for himself. Joe Rogan talking about it on his podcast, also wasn’t that pleased with the move.
It’s a big loss in my mind, like, him going over to the PFL. It bums me out. I understand it. I’m happy he’s going to get paid, I’m happy he’s going to get to box, but I loved watching this guy fight in the UFC. He was a f*cking monster. He was so good, and he is so good. It’s going to be interesting. I just don’t know who they’re going to have him fight.
Joe Rogan via JRE #1991
Since then Francis Ngannou has dedicated himself to boxing and has fought the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Although he lost both of them, he gave Fury a tough match-up. On the other hand, he made way more money than he ever got in the UFC. Currently, as the chairman of PFL Africa Ngannou is looking forward to changing the dynamics of African MMA.
!
