ONE Championship withdraws from talks to sign UFC alum Francis Ngannou after ‘Careful reflection’

ONE Championship withdraws from talks to sign Francis Ngannou careful reflectionONE Championship leader, Chatri Sityodtong has confirmed the promotion have ended talks with former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou amid “careful reflection”, further explaining how both partied sre not “fully aligned”.  Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the Dana White-led organization back in January of this year, having […]

ONE Championship withdraws from talks to sign Francis Ngannou careful reflection

ONE Championship leader, Chatri Sityodtong has confirmed the promotion have ended talks with former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou amid “careful reflection”, further explaining how both partied sre not “fully aligned”. 

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the Dana White-led organization back in January of this year, having completed his contractual obligations with the promotion last December.

Sidelined from active competition since he headlined UFC 270 in January of last year, the Batié native had most recently unified the heavyweight titles successfully with a unanimous decision victory over then-interim champion, Ciryl Gane. 

Linked with a transition to professional boxing in the wake of his departure from the UFC, Ngannou had also reportedly received offers from both ONE Championship, and North American-based PFL (Professional Fighters League).

ONE Championship confirm their withdrawal from talks to sign Francis Ngannou

Yet to pen terms with any promotion regarding a comeback to competition, talks have broke down between Francis Ngannou, and ONE Championship, with the aforenoted Sityodtong confirming the Singapore-based promotion’s withdrawal from the race to sign him.

“I met with Francis (Ngannou) yesterday for almost three hours,” Chatri Sityodtong told South China Morning Post. “ONE has decided to withdraw from the process of bidding for Francis Ngannou’s services. After careful reflection, we decided not to submit our final offer. Francis is a good guy and a good champion. I wish him continued success and happiness.”

“At the end of the day, I didn’t feel like Francis and I were fully aligned on non-financial matters,” Sityodtong explained. “It is nothing personal. It is just a lack of alignment.” 

Furthermore, reports late last week emerged detailing how former boxing world champions, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder had been linked with a December clash in Saudi Arabia – with both recently also tied to a potential boxing match against would-be debutant, Ngannou to boot. 

Anthony Joshua confirms December clash with Deontay Wilder amid links to Francis Ngannou fight

Anthony Joshua confirms fight with Deontay Wilder in December links Francis NgannouFormer heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua has confirmed plans to face former WBC titleholder, Deontay Wilder in an end-of-year title-eliminator, appearing to puth the kibosh on a long-rumoured showdown against former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou for the duo. Snapping a two-fight losing skid earlier this month on home soil, British heavyweight veteran, Anthony Joshua […]

Anthony Joshua confirms fight with Deontay Wilder in December links Francis Ngannou

Former heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua has confirmed plans to face former WBC titleholder, Deontay Wilder in an end-of-year title-eliminator, appearing to puth the kibosh on a long-rumoured showdown against former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou for the duo.

Snapping a two-fight losing skid earlier this month on home soil, British heavyweight veteran, Anthony Joshua managed to land a unanimous decision victory over Jermaine Franklin.

As for Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion also returned to the winner’s enclosure for the November 2019, back in October of last year, returning triumphantly from a title loss with a thunderous first round knockout win over Robert Helenius.

Cameroon native, Ngannou on the other hand, has been sidelined from mixed martial arts competition since January of last year, successfully unifying the heavyweight titles under the UFC banner in a unanimous decision win over former interim titleholder, Cyril Gane in Anaheim, California.

Linked with an immediate transition to the squared circle following his departure from the UFC back in January, Ngannou also held important talks with Singapore-based promotion, ONE Championship this weekend.

Francis Ngannou has been linked with fights against both Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder

In recent weeks, talks have suggested Ngannou may be line for a boxing debut against either Joshua or Wilder later this year, however, according to former world champion, Joshua – a clash between Wilder and he looks all but set for December.

“On Instagram with KayPhysical on April 21, when asked if he would beat Wilder, Joshua said, “…That’s what’s happening,” Anthony Joshua said. “Kayphysical asked Joshua if it was happening in Dec., and Joshua laughed and said, ‘…It’s public news; we are getting it done. We are throwing down in Dec.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

News of a potential Joshua – Wilder clash comes hot on the heels of comments made by Matchroom Boxing leader, Eddie Hearn – who skirted a potential fight between Joshua and Ngannou in the immediate future

Francis Ngannou praised for taking stance against the UFC amid exit: ‘He’s a real man with f*cking balls’

Francis Ngannou backed for taking stance against UFC he's a real man with f*cking ballsFormer UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold has heaped praise on former promotional heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou for taking a stance against the organization, claiming “yes men” has landed the Dana White-led outfit into it’s current standing. Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from active competition since […]

Francis Ngannou backed for taking stance against UFC he's a real man with f*cking balls

Former UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold has heaped praise on former promotional heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou for taking a stance against the organization, claiming “yes men” has landed the Dana White-led outfit into it’s current standing.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from active competition since headlining UFC 270 back in January of last year, successfully unifying the heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision victory over then-interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane.

Departing the promotion back in January of this year following the completion of his contractual obligations in December of last year, Francis Ngannou has yet to ink terms with any promotion to make a return to mixed martial arts.

Linked with an immediate transition to professional boxing, the Cameroonian is set for crunch talks with Singapore-based promotion, ONE Championship this weekend, as he continues to find himself tied to a potential move to the Chatri Sityodtong-led mixed martial arts promotion.

Francis Ngannou backed by fellow former UFC champion, Luke Rockhold

Leaving the UFC in unceremonious circumstances, in which the above-mentioned, White insisted Ngannou would never be welcomed back to the promotion, former middleweight titleholder, Rockhold has backed the former heavyweight best in his exit.

“Francis (Ngannou) – he’s a real man with f*cking balls,” Luke Rockhold said during a recent interview with MMA Fighting reporter, Damon Martin. “And he can make a decision. There’s too many ‘yes’ men in the world. The UFC is where it is today because all those motherf*ckers are ‘yes’ men. And they’re just playing their game so the UFC is going to keep playing their game and keep controlling the fighters.”

“If there weren’t as many ‘yes’ men – if there were more Francis Ngannous, and Luke Rockholds, and people that had a f*cking pair of balls, we’d have an even f*cking playing field,” Luke Rockhold explained. “We’d have an even f*cking playing field. But there’s too many b*tches in the world.” 

ONE Championship set to make final offer for ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou: ‘He’s taking his time’

ONE Championship set for final offer for Francis Ngannou he's taking his time UFCONE Championship leader, Chatri Sityodtong has confirmed the Singapore-based promotion are set to hold crunch talks with former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, as the Cameroonian remains firmly within free agency following his January departure.  Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the UFC banner, departed the promotion back in January of this year against […]

ONE Championship set for final offer for Francis Ngannou he's taking his time UFC

ONE Championship leader, Chatri Sityodtong has confirmed the Singapore-based promotion are set to hold crunch talks with former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, as the Cameroonian remains firmly within free agency following his January departure. 

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the UFC banner, departed the promotion back in January of this year against the completion of his contractual obligations in December prior.

Stripped of his status as undisputed heavyweight champion, removed from the rankings officially and seeing his period of exclusive negotiating with the UFC amid his departure, waived by the organization.

Francis Ngannou linked with ONE Championship, PFL MMA moves

Yet to ink terms with a mixed martial arts outfit in order to make a return to active competition since January of last year, Batié native, Francis Ngannou has mainly been linked with both the above-mentioned, ONE Championship, and PFL MMA.

And according to Sityodtong, news of Ngannou’s future can be expected soon, as ONE Championship prepare their final offer for the Cameroonian’s signature.

“He (Francis Ngannou) has a bunch of offers on the table,” Chatri Sityodtong told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “He’s waiting for our final offer. I am going to meet Francis (Ngannou) this Saturday. He and I will sit down and talk and for sure; ONE can give him the biggest offer on the table out of all his bids, but it has to work for him, it has to work for us. I just believe that meeting somebody, you get the energy.”

“I think there’s going to be big news on Francis shortly, and I think he’s taking his time,” Sityodtong explained. “From the few interactions I’ve had with Francis, he’s very thoughtful and methodical and careful. At the same time, he’s a very principled man. That’s one thing I’ve learned about him. He’s very principled. He does things on principle. A dollar here, a dollar there won’t sway him. It’s principles. That’s what’s very admirable about him. At the same time, I do believe the world is his oyster. I do believe he’s a big pay-per-view draw in boxing or in MMA.”

Yet to feature since January of last year, Ngannou most recently headlined UFC 270 back in January of last year against former interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane, securing a unanimous decision victory in the pair’s title unification clash. 

Francis Ngannou edging closer to deal with ONE Championship ahead of MMA comeback: ‘You’re going to hear big news soon’

Francis Ngannou close to ONE Championship move big news coming soonFormer UFC title contender, Chael Sonnen claims Francis Ngannou could be signing a deal very shortly It was some months ago now that Francis Ngannou and the UFC parted ways following an ugly contract dispute. After the two parties were unable to come to an agreement, Ngannou would walk away from the promotion, and his […]

Francis Ngannou close to ONE Championship move big news coming soon

Former UFC title contender, Chael Sonnen claims Francis Ngannou could be signing a deal very shortly

It was some months ago now that Francis Ngannou and the UFC parted ways following an ugly contract dispute. After the two parties were unable to come to an agreement, Ngannou would walk away from the promotion, and his title.

Since his departure, Ngannou has een linked with several other MMA promotions and even professional boxers. However, in a run-in with One Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong Sonnen revealed via his YouTube channel that a deal may be close to being done.

Chael Sonnen reveals Francis Ngannou conversation

Discussing the Ngannou situation, Sonnen revealed that he had run into Sityodtong and that the promoter might have let slip something.

“Chatri [Sityodtong] said to me ‘Chael as you know we’re in talks with Francis’ and he said ‘I predict you’re going to hear some big news of Francis coming very soon.’” Said, Sonnen.

“So I said ‘Did you mean to say that’ and he re-answered it”, Sonnen continued. “He said well, ‘I wasn’t trying to hint that I’ve already done a deal with Francis, as a matter of fact – to be candid with you – where I’m at in the process is I have one final presentation to make to Francis’. So by saying that Chatri is letting us know that I’ve been in talks with him, I’ve made him some offers, we didn’t get it done.”

Whether Ngannou does go to One Championship or not, it has been 14 months since the heavyweight last compete and while rumours fly – he seems no closer to a fight date than he was a few months ago.

Chael Sonnen discussing the Francis Ngannou situation via his YouTube channel

Do you think Chael Sonnen could be right? Or should Francis Ngannou go somewhere else?

Floyd Mayweather claims he would love to work with ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou: ‘He was unbelievable’

Floyd MayweatherBoxing icon Floyd Mayweather would love to work with combat sports’ hottest free agent, Francis Ngannou. After nearly two years of negotiations with the UFC, the former heavyweight champion was ultimately released from the company, free to fight wherever he wants, against whoever he wants. Currently, the Cameroonian is still on the market, though recent […]

Floyd Mayweather

Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather would love to work with combat sports’ hottest free agent, Francis Ngannou.

After nearly two years of negotiations with the UFC, the former heavyweight champion was ultimately released from the company, free to fight wherever he wants, against whoever he wants. Currently, the Cameroonian is still on the market, though recent reports suggest that he is close to signing with Asia-based fight company ONE Championship. Should things fall through between the two parties, ‘Money’ would happily sign ‘The Predator’ to his own organization, Mayweather Promotions.

“I would love to work with him, actually,” Mayweather told BetOnline.ag in a recent interview. “I would love to work with him; I would love to sign him to Mayweather Promotions. Very skilled guy, he was unbelievable from the highlights that I was able to see in MMA. I would like to work with him someday. If he wants to fight one of the top heavyweight guys, he should do it.”

Francis Ngannou is slated to make his professional boxing debut this summer, though no details regarding date, location, or opponent have been revealed. Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn suggested that Anthony Joshua and heavyweight knockout king Deontay Wilder are the current frontrunners hoping to welcome Ngannou into the squared circle.

Floyd Mayweather Would Jump at the Opportunity to Train with Francis Ngannou

Asked if he would be interested in showing ‘The Predator’ a few tools of the trade before making his highly anticipated debut, Floyd Mayweather answered without hesitation.

“Absolutely,” Mayweather answered. “It’s gonna take a while…I mean, I can’t say it’s gonna take a while because in the heavyweight division, it takes just one shot. At any weight class, actually, it takes just one shot. So, with his size and his strength and his power, anything can happen…he’s powerful, and with his power and his toughness, he’s able to make some noise in the heavyweight division.”

After scoring his 50th career win over UFC superstar Conor McGregor in 2017, Floyd Mayweather officially retired from the pro boxing scene. However, ‘Money’ has remained active, competing in exhibition bouts around the globe. His highest-profile post-retirement fight came in the summer of 2021 when he went eight rounds with social media sensation and WWE Superstar Logan Paul. Mayweather has also made multiple appearances for RIZIN, a Japan-based mixed martial arts promotion.

Would you like to see Floyd Mayweather working alongside Francis Ngannou?