Francis Ngannou’s coach admits he might be a bit too optimistic, but he’s not giving up on the idea of a UFC return.
Ngannou had a tumultuous exit from the top MMA promotion in early 2023. While “The Predator” was the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, he ultimately couldn’t come to terms on a new deal. Ngannou moved on to PFL MMA and had lucrative boxing matches with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Now, Ngannou is no longer on the PFL roster.
UFC CEO Dana White has publicly bashed Ngannou’s character and even accused his former champion of aggressive behavior towards him and chief business officer Hunter Campbell. Appearing on MMA Junkie Radio, Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick said he won’t lose hope of seeing Ngannou back inside the Octagon.
“I’m never really gonna close the door on the UFC thing,” Nicksick said. “Maybe I’m a hopeless romantic and hope they can get that Jon Jones fight and maybe ride off into the sunset. But we’ll see how these guys and whatever ego they’re butting heads with, if they can ever put that to rest.
“I don’t know where Dana is at with the whole situation. I think that’s a question you’d have to ask him. Ultimately I know Francis is a businessman, and to him, it’s not about the ego or ‘I don’t want to fight for the UFC ever again’ or anything like that. I think if the right matchup, the right opponent and the right dollar amount make sense, he’s all for it. It’s truly up to the promotion on what they decide.”
For now, Ngannou will be focused on Philipe Lins. The two will collide on the undercard of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on May 16. The event will be streamed live on Netflix.
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