UFC Coach Hints at Major Comeback for Francis Ngannou
UFC Coach Hints at Major Comeback for Francis Ngannou originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou left the world's most elite mixed martial arts (MMA) organization on bad terms, however he might be open to a return.
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He won the UFC title in 2021 against Stipe Miocic by knocking him out in the second round, marking the pinnacle in his life journey from homelessness to heavyweight king. Ngannou's reign included a successful title defense over Ciryl Gane, where he showcased his grappling to win.
It was later revealed that Ngannou fought Gane with a Grade 3 MCL tear and ACL damage, making the win even more impressive. About a year later, he was stripped of the title after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. Ngannou advocated for financial freedom and respect but left the promotion for the PFL.
Since leaving the UFC, he's lost boxing matches to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Ngannou returned to MMA last October and defeated Renan Ferreira via ground and pound.
Now, he's assessing all of his options, but staying busy in the gym.
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'He's training, he looks happy to be back in the gym with the team,' MMA coach Eric Nicksick said. 'He's been asking for that Wilder fight, and if that happens, great, but right now the heavyweight division is kind of in shambles. There's no real direction, and that creates an opportunity.'
Ngannou left the UFC to chase prize fights and generational wealth, which he acquired. According to Nicksick, he is open to negotiations to return.
'I think this is more about business than it is about ego. At least it is from Francis's side. He just wants to be treated like an independent contractor, paid fairly and given the freedom to pursue other opportunities. And he did that. He went out, boxed, made a lot of money, and proved himself,' Nicksick added.
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'Where does his motivation come from now? It's not about money anymore. It's about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC.'
The current state of the UFC's heavyweight division with undisputed champion Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall is unknown. Jones is thinking of retirement, while Aspinall just wants a shot at being undisputed. Could Ngannou be the answer the UFC needs?
'Dana's a smart businessman,' Nicksick said. 'I think he's level-headed enough to say: the past is the past. Let's explore the future. Look at the heavyweight division right now, what are we doing? Tom Aspinall is holding an interim belt for nearly 600 days. It's time to get things moving.'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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